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Biking Route 6 to Ravenshead

Cauldwell Dam Downhill

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Mountain Biking Down Cauldwell Dam

There is nothing like bursting through one of your favourite trails to clear the cobwebs away. Some trails can be exhilarating, some can be challenging but most favourite trails provide a great feeling at the end, be it achievement or pure adrenaline. There are loads of great short bursting trails in and around robin hood country that I use to link rides

One of my favourite short routes is in a little bit of wood between Derby Road and Cauldwell Dam , near Mansfield. It joins a number of local routes between Newstead Abbey, Hucknall, Sherwood Forest, Kirkby and Sherwood Pines.

Here’s one of my favourite videos, capturing the trail in all its glory.

The trail entrance into the wood is from Derby Road at the top end, near West Notts college. As the trail forks, take the left and start the cracking snaking downhill single track between the trees on the edge of the wood. The trail follows the edge of the woods most of the way. It snakes left and right until you reach a slight incline to take you over a little hump and then a straight trail still with the edge of the wood to the left. At the bottom it is a short steep incline going over a rooty hump and then to the steepest downhill of the trail, which is tricky in the wet as it has a slight left hand plain with plenty of roots sticking out. At the bottom the trail swings right before you hit the water and follows the stream on a level bumpy section. Beware as there are two parts of the trail that sloop into the stream and if you don’t keep your focus can take you with it. However, a little push right and you can navigate both easily. The end of this section comes with a sharp right onto a ten-metre sharp incline that takes you away from the stream and into the wood. Once conquered it’s a quick shimmy through the wood to a final short sharp downhill and onto the main firewood which takes you back to the top.

This small route features in a number of articles on the website. Three other articles focus just on Cauldwell dam. One is the short full loop of the wood , the second is a very different video of the full loop of the wood and the third is the straight fast downhill that runs in parallel to this trail. Then this section is captured a lot in the loops around Newstead Abbey , Thieves wood and Harlow wood . My favourite is the article describing the amazing autumn morning ride I had which passed through Thieves wood finishing on this trail.

Over the years the land scape of these woods and the cauldwell dam routes has changed a number of times due to local forestry work, but this section always turns out well. It's fast, winding and rooty. Love it!!!

To be a bit repetitive, as I say, there is nothing like bursting through one of your favourite trails. I have loads of favourite short and long trails I like to add into my routes. Do you? if you do let me know where and I’ll look them up.

The Summer Starts

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 01:00:00 GMT

Blue skies, golden sun and dry land means a faster bike

This is one of my favourite local downhills in the dry summer conditions. It starts just behind St Wilfred’s church and the fastest section is purely straight and downhill. If you take a look around, the views across the landscape are very cool, especially in winter when there is a frost or snow. The trail runs south, from the back of the church, parallel to the B6018. Pass the graveyard on the right and then come out into the open where the trail drops downhill between two fields. At the bottom there is a sharp left and if there has been any rain it collects water and gets slippery, so beware. Then duck right into the wooded area and cross the multitude of paths that cross. Take the path straight opposite into a singletrack between two fences. At the end of the trail, you can swing a right and head toward the Portland Park by crossing over the train line to pass the wild rabbit. Here is the trail in full view:

As you enter the trail you pass the beautiful church of St Wilfrid . The church and the start of the trail stands on a site believed to have been first used for a church in the seventh century AD and an ancient church is mentioned in the Domesday survey of 1086.

The church has survived some disasters, including a lightning strike in the eighteenth century, prompting the spire and tower to be rebuilt in 1866, and a fire which destroyed much of the inner church structure in 1907. But by 1908 the church as it stands today was ready for worship once again.

The money for the rebuild was raised by the people of the parish, and the architect, Louis Ambler, was entrusted to recreate the old church.

The new church was noticeably different, with the north aisle emanating the style of the 12th century, whilst the south aisle reproducing the style of the north aisle. A new porch was added, and a beautiful carved wooden screen was erected in place of a chancel arch.

Over the years various gifts have been made to the church, including the carved oak panels given in 1928 in memory of Miss Hodgkinson.

Before the fire there was always a Lady Chapel in the south aisle. In 1962 the present side chapel was consecrated. This chapel is dedicated to St Hilda, and all cost of furnishing was generously donated by an anonymous parishioner.

The trail is best tackled in the summer. I always start a lot of routes in the summer with this trail. We have had some fantastic summers in the UK over the last couple of years. It made me think why we like summer so much so I had a quick look at some facts about summer on the met office website . Here’s a few I picked out which made me smile:

It's the most thundery time of the year:

More thunderstorms occur during the summer than at any other time of the year. The warmth of summer often provides the perfect conditions of rising air and moisture required for the creation of thunderstorms. In the UK, they are most likely to occur in the East Midlands and the southeast.

Crickets get chirpy:

Next time you hear the sound of crickets chirping on a balmy summer evening, why not try this simple trick to find out the temperature. The frequency of a cricket's chirps is consistent with air temperature, so you simply need to count how many chirps there are over 25 seconds then divide by 3 and add 4 to tell you the temperature in Celsius.

Snow in June:

On 2 June 1975, snow showers forced the abandonment of several cricket matches across the country. The coldest temperature ever recorded in summer in the UK is -5.6 °C recorded on 9 June 1955 in Dalwhinnie, and again on 1 and 3 June 1962 in Santon Downham in Norfolk.

Height of summer :

Did you know that on a hot day in Paris, the Eiffel Tower grows taller? The tower is constructed from iron and when this is warmed it expands, causing the structure to grow by up to 17 cm.

First day of summer :

The astronomical calendar determines the seasons due to the 23.5 degrees of tilt of the Earth's axis, in its orbit around the Sun. The meteorological summer begins on 1 June. The meteorological seasons are split into three months each. They coincide with our Gregorian calendar, making it easier for observing and forecasting to compare seasonal and monthly statistics.

The longest day of the year is in summer:

The summer solstice marks the point when the Sun reaches its highest point in the sky. This is the longest day of the year and after this point, the days slowly begin to get shorter until the winter solstice which occurs around 21 December. At the same time as the Northern Hemisphere experiences the summer solstice, the Southern Hemisphere has a winter solstice marking the shortest day of the year.

So, when you are out riding, sweating through your helmet have a stop and count the cricket’s chirps to know what temperature it is, if your phone doesn’t work that is.

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Trail Series - Episode 6

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 13:11:51 GMT

Episode 6 of the short trail series

The 'Short Trail Mountain Biking Series' is a selection of short videos of some of my favourite trails. The sixth episode of the series takes in the trail on top of the old pit tip down to Penny Emma Way . Don't blink or you could miss it.

Penny Emma Way in Kirkby-in-Ashfield has a surprisingly rich and evolving story—one that blends industrial legacy with modern regeneration.

The name “Penny Emma” is believed to be linked to the area's mining heritage, possibly referencing a local colliery or a nickname derived from the coal industry era. Kirkby-in-Ashfield was once surrounded by pits and railways, and Penny Emma Way follows part of an old railway line that served the Summit Pit Tip area.

In recent years, Penny Emma Way has been transformed into a key part of Ashfield District Council’s Towns Fund initiative. The route between Southwell Lane and Penny Emma Way was widened to 1.8 meters to improve access for cyclists, wheelchair users, and pedestrians. The resurfacing used recycled materials, and the project included new signage and vegetation clearance—making it both eco-conscious and community-friendly.

This path now links several off-road cycling and walking routes, creating a green corridor between Sutton and Kirkby. It’s the final piece in a broader plan to make the Summit Pit Tip area fully accessible, with over £100,000 invested in footpath improvements.

If you’re ever walking or cycling down Penny Emma Way, you’re literally tracing the lines of Kirkby’s industrial past while enjoying the benefits of its modern transformation.

I loved this trail just because you can cruise at speed and relax without thinking about the any corners. Fast and straight.

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Trail Series - Episode 5

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 10:46:53 GMT

Episode 5 of the short trail series

The 'Short Trail Mountain Biking Series' is a selection of short videos of some of my favourite trails. The fifth episode of the series takes in the 'don't look down' Yukon River Trail on the edge of Whitehorse in the Yukon, Canada.

The Yukon River Trail near Whitehorse, Canada, offers a captivating blend of wilderness, history, and accessibility, making it a favourite among locals and visitors alike. This scenic loop stretches roughly 15 to 17 kilometres depending on your chosen route. Starting near the SS Klondike National Historic Site in downtown Whitehorse, the trail quickly immerses you in the natural beauty of the Yukon River corridor.

One of the most striking features along the trail is Miles Canyon, where the river cuts through dramatic basalt cliffs. A suspension bridge spans the canyon, providing breathtaking views and a perfect photo opportunity. As you continue, the trail winds past Schwatka Lake, offering peaceful forested paths and occasional glimpses of wildlife. Interpretive panels are scattered throughout the route, sharing insights into the region’s ecology and its rich Gold Rush history.

The trail includes several interconnected segments, such as the Millennium Trail—a shorter 5-kilometer loop with historical signage—and the Tramway Trail, which hugs the cliffs near Schwatka Lake and features striking white shale terrain. You’ll also pass by the Robert Service Campground, a tranquil riverside spot that’s ideal for a rest or a picnic.

While the trail is generally well-maintained, some sections can be steep or washed out, so caution is recommended. In summer, the long daylight hours make it easy to linger and explore, while winter transforms the trail into a snowy wonderland, occasionally lit by the northern lights. Whether you're planning a full Yukon adventure or just looking for a rewarding days bike, the Yukon River Trail offers a compelling mix of natural beauty and cultural depth.

The history of gold around the Yukon River is inseparable from the legendary Klondike Gold Rush, which transformed the region from remote wilderness into a bustling frontier almost overnight. Although small gold discoveries had occurred in the early 1870s, the pivotal moment came on August 17, 1896, when George Carmack and his Tagish partners, Skookum Jim Mason and Tagish Charlie, found rich deposits in Bonanza Creek—a tributary of the Klondike River near its confluence with the Yukon. News of the discovery reached Seattle and San Francisco by mid-1897, triggering a stampede of nearly 100,000 prospectors, many of whom were ordinary workers chasing dreams of fortune in the harsh northern terrain.

The influx of gold seekers led to the rapid development of towns like Dawson City, which swelled to around 25,000 people at its peak. Infrastructure followed, including the White Pass and Yukon Route railway, which connected the port of Skagway, Alaska, to Whitehorse, easing access to the goldfields. Though the boom was short-lived—many miners left by 1900 as claims dried up—the legacy endured. Large-scale mining operations replaced individual prospecting, and the region’s economy shifted toward other minerals like copper, silver, and lead. The Klondike Gold Rush left a lasting imprint on Canadian history, shaping the Yukon’s identity and drawing continued fascination from historians and adventurers alike.

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Trail Series - Episode 4

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 14:53:51 GMT

Episode 4 of the short trail series

The 'Short Trail Mountain Biking Series' is a selection of short videos of some of my favourite trails. The fourth episode of the series is an awesome fast straight trail at the bottom of Montana Mountain near Carcross in the Yukon, Canada.

Montana Mountain is a deeply eroded Late Cretaceous stratovolcano located south of Carcross, Yukon , Canada. As well as its main peak, the mountain includes many sub-peaks and contains felsic pyroclastics and flows; typically altered and orange-weathering. Montana Mountain was formed when the ancient Kula Plate was subducting under southwestern Yukon during the Late Cretaceous period.

A flurry of quartz mining activity took place on Montana Mountain starting in 1899, peaking in 1905-1906 when American mining promoter John Conrad consolidated claims on Montana Mountain and built three tramways to carry the ore back down, including a 4-mile-long one from Windy Arm on Tagish Lake to the Mountain Hero mine.

Montana Mountain is also an important landmark for the Carcross/Tagish First Nations living in the area. According to legend, Montana Mountain is one of the peaks Game Mother used to hang a swing for her animal creations. On this swing each kind of animal danced and sang a different song. Following this "celebration" Game Mother gave each animal their characteristic attributes of today. In addition to its spiritual importance, the mountain was also an important source of food, medicines, and refuge.

During the early quartz mining period, an extensive network of trails were constructed on the mountain to connect the many silver claims with Carcross and/or Windy Arm. In 2005 the Carcross/Tagish First Nation took back the mountain in its land claim settlement and set out to restore some of the old trails and make them accessible for public use and enjoyment.

Through a programme called " Singletrack to Success " an extensive network of mountain bike trails have been developed on the lower slopes of Montana Mountain. Additionally, these trails have been mapped and the maps are publicly available.

With stunning alpine vistas stretching in every direction, Montana Mountain is the Yukon at its best in the summer: wild, rugged, and yours to explore without line-ups or crowds. Montana Mountain boasts more than 40 kilometres of single-track trails designed for hiking and biking, and more are in the works.

Montana Mountain’s reputation for world-class mountain biking is built on our trail building crew’s goal to progress the sport in the Yukon and put a smile on riders’ faces. Often described as a little slice of “North Shore”, the lower flanks of Montana Mountain feature rugged terrain, pine forests, and rock. You’ll encounter a mix of historic trails, mining-era CAT tracks, and purpose-built singletrack. Warm up on the easier green and blue trails, progress to the technical cross-country classic Goat, and then let loose on Upper Wolverine and Grizzly Bear. The Project challenges you to ride them all!

I loved this trail just because you can cruise at speed and relax without thinking about the next corner. Fast and straight.

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Trail Series - Episode 3

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 13:46:38 GMT

Episode 3 of the short trail series

The 'Short Trail Mountain Biking Series' is a selection of short videos of some of my favourite trails. The third episode of the series takes to the Peak District for a rocky descent to Lanehead Road near to Little Hayfield and Rowarth.

Little Hayfield is a hamlet in the Peak District National Park, in Derbyshire , England. It lies on the A624 between Hayfield and Glossop . At the centre of the hamlet is the Lantern Pike pub , named after the nearby hill of the same name . Fell racing take place in Little Hayfield, and until 2021 an annual country show was held on a local farm, including sheepdog trials .

From Clough Mill, a former water-powered and later steam-powered textile mill converted to apartments in 1989, a footpath leads to the summit of Lantern Pike.

The screenwriter Tony Warren lived in the village, and is said to have conceived the soap opera Coronation Street in the Lantern Pike pub. Actors Pat Phoenix and Kenneth Cope had spells living in the village, as did producer Bill Podmore .

Rowarth is a hamlet about 2.5 miles (4 km) north of New Mills in the High Peak borough of Derbyshire , England. It is on the edge of the Peak District , in the hills between New Mills and Marple Bridge , within the parish boundary of New Mills.

The Little Mill Inn in Rowarth is a pub and restaurant in a former candlewick mill, with a waterwheel in the adjacent stream. Until 2023, it had a retired Brighton Belle Pullman railway coach which was once used as dining and guest accommodation.

Looking on the ‘All Trails’ website there are a number of quality walking routes that can be done in and around Little Hayfield and Rowarth. The is the ‘ Rowarth and Lantern Pike Circular’ . It’s moderately challenging and 8.0km long. Alternately, there is also a ‘ Hayfield Circular ’ which is 6.0km long and passes through Snake pass. Plenty to have a go at off the bike.

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Pondering Biking in 2018

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 10:27:59 GMT

Reminiscing the best Biking Years gone by - 2018

I was looking back at some old photos and videos with fond memories. I can’t believe how time has flown by so quickly. I thought I’d pull together some of the great biking I managed to get done.

2018 was a great year of mountain biking for me. With one of the hottest and sunniest summers in ages it was hard not to take advantage and go biking. I took loads of amazing film and have put it together in a short montage. Check it out, the first is a video I love to watch.

In total I cycled 1,467 miles according to my Garmin records. That totalled 137 hours and 28 minutes. I know there are people who cycle a lot more than that and people who cycle a lot less. It doesn't really matter, but for me, I'm very impressed with those stats. Day by day you never really realise you are clocking that many miles. It’s a case of just getting out and riding.

January – I remember wanting to plan some regular routes that are a little further than the 10 milers I was doing. I planned a route around Thieves wood , the wood between Mansfield and Notts. It was very muddy at the time but a cracking route to do in the summer and not too far away for a lunch time trip.

I also started the year doing lots of the short sharp loops of 10 miles around Mansfield and the Felly . Turns out these built-up lots of miles overall.

February – Was the month I put together my favourite video, the felly loop video . It took me a number of rides through the felly to get enough footage to put together a diverse winter looking video. Along the way I got some amazing pictures which I still use now. In fact the website header is was taken at this time.

March – I was a good dad in March and did lots of biking with kids. As the Easter holidays encroach into March, I took them on a number of different rides. A favourite of my daughter at this age was Mansfield’s reservoir as it is a loop of about a mile that she can do loads of times and when she is tired it isn’t too far before you are back at the van. Another favourite of my kids is a 5-mile loop near Teversal on the teversal trail. It starts at Skegby and heads in the direction of Hardwick Hall before swinging back towards Silverhill and the Teversal trail.

April – Was a mirror of January as I continued with some route planning. This time I wanted a longer route in the opposite direction going beyond the Felly. So, I had a number of exploration rides to put together the Moorgreen loop . It passed straight through the Felly, skirts the edge of the Moorgreen Reservoir, swings back along the lanes towards Hucknall before cutting through some farms and emerging at the Annesley cutting wood. A lovely 15-mile loop.

May – As I’d planned the Moorgreen loop the next thing was to obviously film it. So, May was the month I did the Moorgreen loop filming. I didn’t stop there as I also squeezed in some filming in and around Newstead. Then the best bit and most memorable part of the Month was a family ride at Monsal trail for my birthday. I love going to do the Monsal trail with the kids, as it’s a perfect ride, a smooth trail, relatively flat, 11 miles in total and the train tunnels to enjoy. It also has a cracking café to enjoy once you’ve completed the ride.

June - Certainly, my biggest trip in 2018 was Route 68 from Berwick to Matlock . A very challenging ride only because we over planned the number of miles we could do in a day, and a couple of wrong turns impacted our ability to do the distance each day. I logged my longest ride in a day ever at 82 miles. Honestly the views were amazing, but we had a lot of pain over 5 days. We planned to ride for the day and then enjoy the evening with a couple of beers and a nice meal, but it didn’t quite work out as some nights we didn’t get in our digs until 10pm. Definitely a lesson learnt, and I now say on a multi-day recreational adventure I will not do more than 50 miles in a day, to give time for enjoying it.

July – After the gruelling trip at the end of June, July was a recovery month, just having one bike ride in the whole month.

August – I got back into the swing of things nice and easily. August contained our holiday in Norfolk so included a day’s biking at Holkham Hall and through to Wells. A light and really enjoyable family day. In August I completed my MIAS 2-day course and the final assessment around Chatsworth. I wanted to be a mountain bike leader for ages, and I achieved the qualification to go off and do it. The rest of 2018 was taken cycling in and around Robin Hood country. There are some really great local routes from 10-mile short loops up to whatever mileage you fancy.

September – Was a busy month for the number of rides completed. Most consisted of short sharp loops from 9.8 miles derby road loop to 12.82 miles Newstead loop. Lots of lunch times out on the bike clocking up the miles.

October – I was back to planning another longer route. I headed in a different direction and put together the Pig Hill loop . So called because of the hill right in the centre of the route that has pigs grazing on the land on both sides as you trudge up and over the hill. It’s a nice challenging route, more for the weekend rather than a nip out on a workday lunch time.

November – Very similar to September, a month consisting of short sharp loops from 9.8 miles derby road loop to 12.82 miles Newstead loop.

December - The most memorable mornings mountain biking for me was a route I did just before Christmas. Around Moorgreen reservoir through Newstead Abbey for lunch and back through Thieves wood. It totalled around 35 miles but was a really chilled out ride. I often do a Christmas ride when I break up from work and this was a perfect one.

Some great memories for me. What did you get up to in 2018? I hope you enjoyed the summer as much as I did…

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Trail Series - Episode 2

Fri, 20 Feb 2026 14:49:48 GMT

Episode 2 of the short trail series

The 'Short Trail Mountain Biking Series' is a selection of short videos of some of my favourite trails. The second episode of the series takes in the quick downhill gravel track of the felly .

To get to the start of this trail head into the Felly from the A608 between the M1 and Kirkby. Go along Weaver’s Lane and then take the first left onto Kennel Lane, a quick downhill before a small climb to the farm. Pass the farm, through the gate and then downhill to a multi junction of paths. Head right under the M1 and follow the lane round the left-hand bend. From here it’s a slight downhill rough track round a sharp left-hand bend and just at the end of the tree line the track gets steeper downhill turning into the 30mph downhill featured in the video. Be careful as the stone under wheel is loose especially at the bottom. This section finishes as you swing right and you will come face to face with a very challenging climb, great to get the lungs cleared.

Before you duck into Weaver’s Lane off the A608 you are likely to pass the fascinating Annesley Hall or Chaworth Lodge as it is now known. It is a Grade II listed country house near Annesley in Nottinghamshire , England and the ancestral home of the Chaworth-Musters family. It is now a freehold detached house spread over 2,519 square feet and is ranked as the most expensive property in NG15. But it is reaped with history. The 13th-century park, 17th-century terraces and 19th-century pleasure gardens and walled gardens of the hall are also Grade II listed on the Register of Historic Parks and Gardens .

The Hall dates from the mid-13th century and was the home of the Annesley family, passing to the Chaworth family when Alice, heiress to the Manor of Annesley, married George Chaworth, third son of Sir Thomas Chaworth of Wiverton, in the 15th century. The Chaworth family owned the estate for the next 350 years. It was significantly enlarged and improved by Patrick Chaworth, 3rd Viscount Chaworth , in the 17th century when damage to his family seat at Wiverton obliged him to move to Annesley.

Mary Chaworth, who lived at the Hall, was the boyhood lover of the poet Lord Byron , who lived at nearby Newstead Abbey . Byron's poem " The Dream " concerns the meeting of two lovers on Diadem Hill, part of the Misk Hills range, which belonged to the Annesley estate. The uncle of the poet Byron had killed William Chaworth in a duel at the Star and Garter tavern in Pall Mall, London after a meeting of the "Nottinghamshire Club" that met there every month. Mary Chaworth eventually married John Musters of Colwick Hall in 1805. Their teenage son, Charles Musters, sailed as a Volunteer 1st Class aboard HMS Beagle with Charles Darwin , but died of malaria in South America on 19 May 1832. The Chaworth-Musters family became one of the most powerful families in Nottinghamshire. John Chaworth-Musters was appointed High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire for 1864–65. Structural alterations to the hall took place in the 18th and 19th centuries, including the addition of a service wing c.1880. Annesley Lodge, the former gatehouse to the hall, is also grade II listed.

It remained in the hands of the Chaworth-Musters family until sold by Major Robert Patricius Chaworth-Musters in 1972. The new purchasers carried out extensive internal alterations and removed many of the 17th century fittings. The hall suffered a fire in 1997 which caused damage to the structure, and it has not been lived in since. The hall is now in private ownership, in very poor condition and not open to the public. English Heritage have listed the building on the 'Buildings at Risk Register' as high vulnerability and deteriorating. Two of the three floors at the hall were severely damaged in a fire on 16 May 2015.

Annesley Old Church , near to the hall, is a grade I listed building and a scheduled ancient monument. It is on the Heritage at Risk register, but the Heritage Lottery Fund has awarded £450,000 towards its conservation. Fingers crossed they can both be returned to their original state at some point.

If you want more information about ‘The Felly’ and its Biking opportunities check out some of my other articles. I have a lovely video of the felly in the article ‘ Be Free Be Happy’ . What about seeing the Felly in the snow . I managed to get out on the bike as the snow fell, it was an amazing ride. The Felly also features in my ‘ Moorgreen Loop ’. On the 16-mile loop you pass through the felly in section four . Or, you can have a look at the route map which I captured during another ride at the start of winter.

Hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

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Trail Series - Episode 1

Fri, 13 Feb 2026 14:15:30 GMT

Episode 1 of the short trail series - Outlaw Trail

The 'Short Trail Mountain Biking Series' is a selection of short videos of some of my favourite trails. The first episode of the series takes in the start of the Kitchener Trail red route at Sherwood Pines . Although I think it is now called the Outlaw trail.

The Outlaw Trail flows through the forest linking broadleaf and pine woodland with Heathland and clear fell sites. The trail is virtually 100% single track, the only time your wheels will hit forest road is when you cross one to hit the next section. My video is the first section, but I do also really like the ‘Tornado Alley’ section just after halfway.

The Outlaw trail is rated a red route although with the flatter terrain of Nottinghamshire it isn't as 'red' as many red routes in Northern England and Wales. What the Outlaw trail may lack in elevation, it keeps you flowing with berms and rollers with a nice mix of rocks and roots that give the trail it's red grading. At 13km long, it is fast and a challenge to ride at differing times of the year and is a great introduction to riding single track for riders who want to develop their skills.

Sherwood Pines is located in the heart of Robin Hood land, Nottinghamshire. As well as the Outlaw Trail there is a Family ‘Maid Marion’ Trail which is labelled green. At 6.4km its a lovely steady route for everyone. If you want something a little trickier there is the ‘Robin Hood Adventure’ Trail. A flowing ‘blue’ route at 11.2 km. I drift onto this trail to pick up the snaking section which is nice to ride. There is also an advanced downhill and dirt jump area as well as a kids skills area. Plenty to have a go at.

Even if biking isn’t for you can still make a day of it. You can visit the café, Segway around the wood, take to the trees on the boardwalks, play disc golf or do one of the three walking trails. The young kids love the Gruffalo sculptures, well mine did when they were little. Sherwood Pines also hold some great events from concerts in the park, yoga in the forest and naturally a park run ever Saturday morning.

If you want more information about Sherwood Pines and its Biking opportunities check out some of my other articles. I talk about Sherwood Pines in the mud , I have a whole series about the Outlaw Trail or take a look at one of my Christmas Rides through Sherwood Pines.

Hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

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Morning around Moorgreen

Fri, 06 Feb 2026 09:08:29 GMT

Final early morning Summer ride

Another fantastic early morning ride to get my mind into gear before carrying on with the day. I was up at 6 am and out riding 20 minutes later, no faffing this morning. The only difference is the temperature. I started out with my arm warmers on to keep the chill off. Is it really getting to the end of the summer ? It seems to have gone so quick. Can’t complain though as the weather has been some of the best I can remember.

I decided to head out of town to the Moorgreen Reservoir. First, I had to get through the farmland between Kirkby and Annesley. I was greeted with an amazing dusty view across the fields with a blue cloudy sky and the sun fighting to break through.

I climbed out to Sherwood Park industrial estate, near to junction 27 of the M1, and had passed through in no time at all. I scooted along the edge of the A608 before dipping into the Felly. The sun was up by now and lovely on my back.

I was riding my new Trek 29inch Xcaliber hardtail. It feels awesome, smooth over the small holes and fast over the harder packed trail. Having only just converted from 26” to the 29” it’s taken a bit of getting used to. Especially when winding through the woods on the single-track, it’s not as responsive, but what you lose in manoeuvrability you certainly gain in speed.

After the steep fast downhill right in the centre of the Felly I ducked through the concealed entrance of the Moorgreen wood which skirts around the edge of the Moorgreen Reservoir . It’s a very undulating flowing track and opens to a long straight packed track with the reservoir to the right and the Felly to the left. I came to an abrupt halt as nearly went head on into a fallen tree fully blocking the path. I thought I was going to have to turn around but after some investigation I found a gap through the tree by jumping over the fence, skirting around the tree in the ferns and then jumping back over the fence onto the trail. A tricky manoeuvre with a bike.

I was soon skirting back along the trail where I came out on the Moorgreen road, the B600, and headed up the hill to the horse and groom pub. Unfortunately, it wasn’t open, so I passed it and took a left back onto the lanes and trails. New Road, as it’s called, goes past the Beauvale priory before sweeping right and then left over a mile. It’s a typical lane, narrow but concrete.

Then it was back onto the rougher lanes heading over the M1 before a nice fast downhill to the back end of a newish housing estate on the outskirts of Hucknall.

The next section was boring road for about a mile to get from one side of Hucknall to the other. It can be tricky as you cross the A611 bypass over quite a busy roundabout. Luckily it wasn’t busy this morning, so the slight downhill let me fly over the road and through the estate quickly. I was soon on the ranges park, an old pit tip which has a very challenging central mound. I didn’t tackle the mound this time and skipped around the base toward Linby. I came out on Wighay Road, over the train crossing and joined route 6 toward Newstead, about 12.5 miles into the ride.

This section of Route 6, or ‘the yellow brick road’ as we call it locally, is a 1.5-mile hard packed trail that on the surface looks very flat. Actually, from Hucknall to Newstead you have to constantly put some power into the ride, indicating a slight uphill gradient. I used to use the trail as part of my commute to and from Nottingham. It was always a draining end on the way home. The final bit of the trail swings right towards the entrance of the Newstead grounds but I took a hairpin left and headed on the lane toward Newstead village with the Newstead recreation ground on the right.

Instead of turning left to cross the railway line and through the old pit village, I carried straight over the road and through the Newstead and Annesley country park car park. The park is a little gem of a place with a little lake come reservoir in the middle. The trail turns to a stony track with loads of potholes and heads uphill towards the wind turbine and the lake. At the top I came out to a beautiful sunny view over the lake. I had a stop to take in the view and grab a few photos.

After the lake is a very exhilarating downhill hill track with a left-hand bend. I loved just letting the brakes go and flying down it, avoiding all the holes in the ground. It wasn’t long before it flattens out and under a bridge, which is normally sodden but today was relatively dry. After about a mile from the lake I came out on the edge of Newstead village with over 15 miles biked.

From here it's an uphill road out of Newstead and then a mixture of road and jitties to get through Annesley and onto the surrounding tracks of Portland Park which was where the route started. After about another mile through the park I was outside the Kirkby-in-Ashfield train station and back to the start. A total of 18.22 miles completed.

A fitting route for the end of a cool summer, going into the Autumn months. I’m still dreaming the actual summer isn’t yet over but let’s see over the next few weeks…

Check out some of my other articles:

Snow Day

Fri, 30 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Riding the Snow

I got up this morning to find a blanket of white snow falling from the sky. It hadn’t settled so I took it as being one of those flurries with no covering that we sometimes get in the East Midlands. However, by 11am I realised that this was staying. What an opportunity, I hadn’t biked in the snow for ages, so I grabbed the chance with both wheels.

The plan wasn’t to go miles or very fast as my snow biking skills hadn’t been tested of late. So, it was a short 10-mile loop through the felly . Plenty of views that potentially could look amazing. I packed my phone (camera), go pro and filled my juice bottle and off I went searching for something different. Here’s the video I came back with:

It was slow going especially first off as I was getting used to the grip, or lack of, and the speed required for cornering. I soon adjusted, but then another problem. I felt I was putting double the amount of effort in than on a wet winter’s day. I thought ‘surely it shouldn’t be this hard’ as my lungs were collapsing. I stopped to discover my back brake had frozen on…of course it was cold and the freezing snow covering it had frozen it. It was a relief as I was only a quarter of the way through, and I thought I was going to be struggling for the full loop. A quick clear of snow and movement with the brakes soon loosened it.

When I got in the felly the light was dim, but the views weren’t disappointing. I focused on making the route enjoyable rather than a race stopping to take in the snow views I’ve not seen here before. I thoroughly enjoyed the different terrain and skills need to ride it.

I got back home only slightly cold. My kit had held up well to say I didn’t have snow specific gear. I wore my long leg bib biking trousers with my shorts over the top, a second skin base layer top followed by a decent fleece and topped with a thin wind and shower proof jacket. I always find the body gets warm quickly but it’s the hands and feet that suffer, so I had my protective winter gloves and overshoes on my feet which always do the job. I’ve invested in a decent pair of winter gloves but no matter what I wear I always tend to get cold numb fingers about a mile in the ride. If this happens to you here’s my top tip. Stop, take your gloves off, and put your hands under your armpits, yes, your armpits. Within minutes, you’ll find your fingers are back too normal.

If you do get the chance to get out in the snow, I recommend it 100%. It adds a new dimension to off-road biking and sharpens skills you didn’t know you had.

Check out the my 'Short Trail' series, my favourite quick snappy trail videos:

Into the Woods

Fri, 23 Jan 2026 01:00:00 GMT

The Trail into Thieves Wood, Notts

One of my favourite trails is the trail into Thieves Wood just off the A60 near Mansfield. It’s a very flat, snaking trail which has a slight downhill to allow you to get some speed before the sharp right-hand bend at the end. It’s literally only a quarter of a mile long and feels quick and flowing.

Here’s one of my favourite videos, where I try and capture the trail in all its glory.

Thieves Wood is a small wood I use to link other woods together to make a decent trail. It’s bordered by the A60, A611 and B6139 just to the south of West Notts College on the outskirts of Mansfield. It’s a great little wood for walking in, but has plenty of hard packed forest roads to bike on. Equally there are some smaller challenging routes linking the Forest roads, enough to pick and choose your way through the wood.

You can park in the car park on the A611 side and spend a morning linking the trails into a couple of decent loops to ride. I use the wood as a pass through to get to the bigger Harlow wood across the A60 which is a conduit to get onto Sherwood Pines, Pig Hill, Route 6 and back round to Newstead Abbey.

This small route features in a number of articles on the website. Autumn is a fantastic time to visit Thieves Wood as the golden leaves cover the woodland floor like a blanket of snow. I tried to capture some of the colour in ‘ Biking on a bed of golden leaves ’. If you want to know which routes to do that include Thieves wood, take a look at the ‘ Newstead Abbey Route ’ which passes through Thieves wood towards the end of the route, or there’s the ‘ Pig Hill Route ’ specifically ‘ section 2 ’ which explains the route through Thieves wood. To see Thieves wood in the summer, take a look at ‘ Harlow in the Sun ’ which features a couple of photos from Thieves wood.

Of course, you can take on the challenge of hitting the section hard and see how you fair against other rides who regularly do the trail. See Strava segment 'Entrance to Thieves Wood' to challenge the leaders.

Check out some of my other articles:

Be Free Be Happy!!

Fri, 16 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Mountain Biking The Felly Nottinghamshire:

When I have a spare hour and no more my go to ride is to ‘The felly’, or Felly Priory as it is shown on the map. 'Be free, Be happy' is a favourite video showing a little snippet of mountain biking in ‘The Felly’. Taken in winter, the mix of cold clear skies and sun made for some amazing pictures. With a bit of winter sun biking really does bring a smile to anyone's face.

The felly sits just between Kirkby, Newstead village, Underwood, Greasley and Hucknall, close to the Nottinghamshire Derbyshire border. The M1 passes right through it from Junction 26 to 27 but you wouldn't know as it is cleverly elevated above or below view, out of the way. The felly is a patch of discrete land with small clumps of woods, fields, and farm tracks. There is a simple loop taking you under the M1 and then over the M1 with an exhilarating downhill and a very challenging climb, no matter which way you ride it. It’s not technical but does get a little bumpy.

The Felly is a civil parish in the Ashfield district. According to the 2001 census, the parish had a population of four. At the 2011 Census the population remained minimal. Prior to 1974 it was part of Basford Rural District. The parish is grouped with the neighbouring parish of Annesley (pop 1,096) to elect a joint parish council.

The name " Felley " means 'Wood/clearing with ploughed land'. Throughout its history the hamlet of Felley has been overshadowed by the Augustinian priory, Felley Priory. Therefore, few records of the secular settlement exist. Felley was an extra-parochial area, it became a civil parish in 1858.

For a bit more information, have a look at the Wikipedia site.

There are a number of articles that focus on ‘The Felly’. Take a look at the second episode of my short trail series which is the downhill toward Moorgreen reservoir. What about seeing the Felly in the snow . I managed to get out on the bike as the snow fell, it was an amazing ride. The Felly also features in my ‘ Moorgreen Loop ’. On the 16-mile loop you pass through the felly in section four . Or, you can have a look at the route map which I captured during another ride at the start of winter.

In between the hustle and bustle of the busy roads the felly provides a lovely tranquil place to bike (or walk) with plenty of little routes and trails, an ideal place for a quick ride.

Dreaming of Summer

Fri, 09 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Favourite Summer Photos

During the cold winter months I always like to reminisce about the summer biking. It’s easy to forget what it was like biking in shorts and T-shirts, in dry sunny conditions. I was looking back at some of the photos I was lucky to take as I was biking in the sun. Here are some of my favourites.

Using my Garmin app I constructed a really good loop across terrain I'd not been on before. This was taken along the Blackwell Trail going towards Alfreton. The sun was beaming through the trees lighting up the trail ahead.

On the same Blackwell Trail I managed to grab a shot if the sun beaming through the bushes to the side of me. The Blackwell Trail not only has enclosed trail scenery but it has lots of open landscape views. Great to capture on a sunny day.

Closer to home is the Bridleway heading west. I caught it on a perfect sunny morning. Just as I came over the brow of the hill I spotted this cracking photo.

This was taken on a Dusk ride. I started in the sun of the day but as I hit the Felly the sun had gone and Dusk had set in showing a different version of the felly.

On the final mile of the clockwise route around the Carsington Water lake you’ll get to see this picture. In the sun its even better.

All I can say is roll on the Summer so I can get out and capture more stunning pictures.

Check out some of my other articles:

Cycling Weekly - The Benefits of Cycling

The Benefits of Biking

Fri, 02 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT

What are the benefits of biking?

After a really decent ride I sat down with a post ride drink and started to contemplate. I wondered ‘why is it that I enjoy biking so much’? I mean I really enjoy biking, specifically through the trees and out in the open away from civilisation, even though my local routes are only ever a mile or two away from people. ‘What is it that I enjoy so much’? and ‘why doesn’t everyone enjoy biking so much’? I’m sure it must be really beneficial to me. I start reading up and found some really interesting facts about the benefits of cycling.

1) Fun

It’s a fun way to get fit. The adventure and buzz you get from coasting down hills and being outdoors means you are more likely to continue to cycle regularly, compared to other physical activities that keep you indoors or require special times or places. Also, it’s as easy to do, unlike some other sports, cycling does not require high levels of physical skill. Most people know how to ride a bike and, once you learn, you don’t forget.

Cycling isn’t just about raising your heart rate and getting you breathless, unless you’re doing it on a turbo trainer. There are technical elements that you can make fun, like climbing, descending and cornering, which all teach you to use your body weight to get the bike to go where you want it to. Gaining the skills to manage these technical elements are generally fun and when you get them can provide a massive confidence boost. Plus, you might just find your abilities to manage that dodgy shopping trolley with the wonky wheels greatly improves.

2) Health and fitness

Cycling is:

Low impact – it causes less strain and injuries than most other forms of exercise.
A good muscle workout – cycling uses all of the major muscle groups as you pedal.
Good for strength and stamina – cycling increases stamina, strength and aerobic fitness.

It only takes two to four hours a week to achieve a general improvement to your health. Cycling is mainly an aerobic activity, which means that your heart, blood vessels and lungs all get a workout. You will breathe deeper, perspire and experience increased body temperature, which will improve your overall fitness level. Regular cycling stimulates and improves your heart, lungs and circulation, reducing your risk of cardiovascular diseases. Cycling strengthens your heart muscles, lowers resting pulse and reduces blood fat levels. Research also shows that people who cycle to work have two to three times less exposure to pollution than car commuters, so their lung function is improved. A Danish study conducted over 14 years with 30,000 people aged 20 to 93 years found that regular cycling protected people from heart disease.

There are so many health benefits of regular cycling which include:

increased cardiovascular fitness
increased muscle strength and flexibility
improved joint mobility
decreased stress levels
improved posture and coordination
strengthened bones
decreased body fat levels
prevention or management of disease

3) Obesity and weight control

Cycling is a good way to control or reduce weight, as it raises your metabolic rate, builds muscle and burns body fat. If you’re trying to lose weight, cycling can really help if combined with a healthy eating plan. Cycling is a comfortable form of exercise and you can change the time and intensity, it can be built up slowly and varied to suit you.

Research suggests you should be burning at least 8,400 kilojoules (about 2,000 calories) a week through exercise. Steady cycling burns about 1,200 kilojoules (about 300 calories) per hour. If you cycle twice a day, the kilojoules burnt soon add up. British research shows that a half-hour bike ride every day will burn nearly five kilograms of fat over a year.

Of course, there are other factors. The make-up of the calories you consume affects the frequency of your refuelling, as does the quality of your sleep and of course the amount of time you spend burning calories will be influenced by how much you enjoy your chosen activity. Assuming you enjoy cycling, you’ll be burning calories. And if you eat well, you should lose weight. If you decide to cycle to work, you’ve got a great excuse to add a couple of guilt free snacks to your day. Since a half hour ride to work should be burning between 200 and 500 calories, you’ve got a license to enjoy a smug second breakfast at your desk.

4) Health Risk Reduction

The rate of type 2 diabetes is increasing and is a serious public health concern. Lack of physical activity is thought to be a major reason why people develop this condition. Large-scale research in Finland found that people who cycled for more than 30 minutes per day had a 40 per cent lower risk of developing diabetes.

Many researchers have studied the relationship between exercise and cancer, especially colon and breast cancer. Research has shown that if you cycle, the chance of bowel cancer is reduced. Some evidence suggests that regular cycling reduces the risk of breast cancer.

Cycling raises your heart rate and gets the blood pumping round your body, and it burns calories, limiting the chance of your being overweight. As a result, it’s among a selection of forms of exercise recommended by the NHS as being healthy ways to cut your risk of developing major illnesses such as heart disease and cancer.

Evidence was presented in the form of a study conducted by the University of Glasgow . Researchers studied over 260,000 individuals over the course of five years and found that cycling to work can cut a riders risk of developing heart disease or cancer in half. The full study can be read here.

Dr. David Nieman and his colleagues at Appalachian State University studied 1000 adults up to the age of 85. They found that exercise had huge benefits on the health of the upper respiratory system thus reducing instances of the common cold. Nieman said: “People can knock down sick days by about 40 percent by exercising aerobically on most days of the week while at the same time receiving many other exercise-related health benefits.”

Cycling to work can reduce the time of your commute, and free you from the confines of germ infused buses and trains. There is a ‘but’. Evidence suggests that immediately after intense exercise, such as an interval training session, your immune system is lowered – but adequate recovery such as eating and sleeping well can help to reverse this .

5) Mental health

Mental health conditions such as depression, stress and anxiety can be reduced by regular bike riding. This is due to the effects of the exercise itself and because of the enjoyment that riding a bike can bring.

A study by the YMCA showed that people who had a physically active lifestyle had a wellbeing score 32 per cent higher than inactive individuals. There are so many ways that exercise can boost your mood: there’s the basic release of adrenalin and endorphins, and the improved confidence that comes from achieving new things (such as completing a sportive or getting closer to that goal).

Cycling combines physical exercise with being outdoors and exploring new views. You can ride solo, giving you time to process worries or concerns, or you can ride with a group which broadens your social circle.

6) Sleep

It probably isn’t rocket science that tiring yourself out on the bike will improve your sleep but now it’s been proven. Researchers at the University of Georgia studied men and women aged 20 to 85 over a period of 35 years, and found that a drop in fitness of 2 per cent for men and 4 per cent for women resulted in sleep problems. Dr Rodney Dishman was one of the lead authors and commented: “The steepest decline in cardiorespiratory fitness happens between ages 40 and 60. This is also when problems of sleep duration and quality are elevated.” Looking for causes behind the link the scientists suggested it could be a reduction in anxiety, brought about by exercise, that elevates the ability to sleep. Exercise also protects against weight gain with age, which is another cause of sleep dysfunction.

7) Brain Power

Exercise has been repeatedly linked to brain health and the reduction of cognitive changes that can leave us vulnerable to dementia later in life. A 2013 study found that during exercise, cyclists’ blood flow in the brain rose by 28 per cent, and up to 70 per cent in specific areas. Not only that, but after exercise, in some areas blood flow remained up by 40 per cent even after exercise. Improved blood flow is good because the red stuff delivers all sorts of goodies that keep us healthy and the study concluded that we should cycle for 45-60 minutes, at 75-85 per cent of max ‘hear rate reserve’ (max heart rate minus resting heart rate) four times a week. Nothing stopping you riding more, of course.

8) Injury / Recovery

Cycling can be done at very low intensity to begin with, if recovering from injury or illness, but can be built up to a demanding physical workout. Cycling improves strength, balance and coordination. It may also help to prevent falls and fractures. Riding a bike is an ideal form of exercise if you have osteoarthritis, because it is a low-impact exercise that places little stress on joints. However, cycling does not specifically help osteoporosis (bone-thinning disease) because it is not a weight-bearing exercise.

Many of the upshots we discuss when we talk about the benefits of cycling are exercise related. Reckon it might be easier to just go for a run? Well, running is weight bearing and therefore injury rates are higher. Cycling, by contrast to running, is not weight bearing. When scientists compared groups of exercisers, long distance runners and cyclists, they found the runners suffered 133-144 per cent more muscle damage and 256 per cent more inflammation. Whilst cycling is less likely to result in an overuse injury, they can still crop up. A professional bike fit is a good idea skimping here is a false economy if you end up spending more cash on physio.

The lack of weight bearing also means that cycling does not do as much to increase bone density as other sports so it’s a good idea to add a little strength training in to your programme

9) Can save time

As a mode of transport, cycling replaces sedentary (sitting) time spent driving motor vehicles or using trams, trains or buses with healthy exercise.

Compare these three experiences:

Get in the car, sit in traffic, queue to get into the car park, park, pay to park, arrive.
Walk to bus stop, wait for bus, complain about bus being late, get on bus (pay), watch as it takes you round-the-houses, arrive, about half a mile from your destination.
Get on the bike, filter past traffic, lock the bike, arrive.

Short journeys contribute massively to global pollution levels, and often involve a fair amount of stationary staring at the bumper in front. Get on the bike, and you’ll save on petrol or cash on public transport, as well as time.

10) Navigation skills

In the world of car sat navs and Google maps, sometimes there’s just not that much incentive to sharpen your natural sense of direction (however superior or otherwise it may be). Unless you’ve invested in a GPS cycling computer with mapping capabilities such as a Garmin , then getting out and exploring the lanes can provide essential exercise for your internal mapping capabilities, giving you (with practice) a better idea of which way is West.

11) Social

Cycling is an incredibly sociable sport. Grassroots cycling revolves around cycling club culture, which in turn revolves around the Saturday or Sunday club run: several hours of riding at an intensity that enables easy chat, interrupted only by a cafe stop (or the occasional puncture). Joining a cycling club or group is an excellent way to grow your social circle, and if you’re new to riding you’ll probably find all the maintenance and training advice you may have been looking for there, too.

So, there you go, if that hasn’t given you enough reasons to get out on the bike then I don’t know what will. I’m definitely an advocate of the health benefits of cycling. I don’t train, I just get on my bike, admire the scenery as you pass, stop for a coffee and when I get back home I feel amazing and know I can relax easier. I don’t want to jinx it, but I can’t remember the last time I went to the doctors, and some will say I’m lucky but I’m sure it has something to do with biking.

As I was sat having a drink these are the articles I read and used to help put this article together. I highly recommend them.

Healthline - Cycling Benefits

NHS - Cycling for Beginners

Have a look at all the sections of the Pig Hill loop, one of my go to rides in the summer.

Mountain Biking The Pit Tip Kirkby

Christmas Bike Ride

Fri, 26 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT

The annual Christmas bike ride

Every year I break up from work and love planning a special Christmas bike ride, with a nice stop in the middle for some essential Christmas food, well a bacon cob at least. Last year was an amalgamation of a route round Moorgreen reservoir and Newstead Abbey. This year I wanted to add in some exploring into the route. I went for ¾ known trails and ¼ unknown.

I set out before 9am and headed into the foggy, cold morning with my winter gear keeping me from the chill. As I rode to the start, I was wondering whether I should've opted for lights but decided my tango coloured jacket was sufficient. I was sure it shouldn’t have been so dark and dull.

The ride began on penny emma way with the first mile being on the side of the road before reaching Cauldwell Dam. It’s a climb through the trees on a good forest track up to cross over Derby road and into Thieves wood . Then it was a mix of single track, forest trails and Rooty mud tracks through the wood.

After crossing the road, I headed into the grounds of Newstead Abbey , up the steps to pass the back of Newstead Abbey and out toward Papplewick. I swung a left onto Blidworth Waye road back toward Mansfield and then a right after a mile to tackle a muddy trail on the edge of a field and into the woods near Ravenshead . The trail in the woods is a lovely fast section which lasts a few quick minutes before coming out on the A60 (between Mansfield and Nottingham). Crossing the A60 and heading straight on towards Ravenshead I came to a crossroads. Again, heading over the crossroads there is a gap in the fence to the next section I call ‘ Pig Hill ’.

Pig Hill is just short of a mile on a bridleway straight through the middle of farming fields full of pigs. Which ever way you tackle Pig Hill either from the A60 to Blidworth or from Blidworth to the A60 it is a gruelling climb followed by a steep quick downhill. I definitely went over the hill the easiest way and fully enjoyed the downhill coming out near Blidworth.

Instead of riding on the road toward Blidworth I took a left after the gate and did a short quarter of a mile looking for the ‘national route 6’ signs on the right-hand side. Route 6 then climbs gently between the horse fields to come out on very quiet country lanes. The lanes then took me the back way into Blidworth and east out the back way. Still following route 6 mile 15 and 16 are on packed trail towards Sherwood Pines. This is a flat, windless trail that you can easily average 20mph. I nearly missed the turn off into Sherwood Pines as it is a sharp right-hand bend at the end of the trail through a tunnel to enter Sherwood Pines.

Route 6 weaves it’s way through Sherwood Pines but unfortunately doesn’t go directly past the café. I was nearly 19 miles into the ride so was ready for a mid-morning snack. I headed off the route 6 to the café for a well-deserved sausage cob, cappuccino and piece of cake. By this time, it was cold but not horrendous weather. I love being at the café in the week because it is so quiet compared to the weekend. It is at the start of the red route, blue route and green route, with the bike shop just a few meters away…a little mecca for biking.

Before I knew it I was back on the bike heading back along the forest trails to route 6 which takes you north past vicar water lake, the dog and duck pub, through Kings Clipstone and past the Archway way house which reaps in history. After crossing Mansfield road near Edwinstowe and 25 miles into the ride, I entered the heart of Sherwood Forest only a mile or so away from Robin Hoods home, the Major Oak.

Here I swept left on the edge of the wood to head towards Warsop. Unfortunately, I took a wrong turn so had to do a short stint on the road before re-entering the wood at the crossroads between Warsop and Edwinstowe. From here it is a lovely flowing singletrack past the scout camp and out of the woods to the open fields. Only this time it wasn’t as fast as normal and took some effort to get the speed going. Here I made my second mistake. I turned left off the trail and into a field which looked like it had a track along the side. Unfortunately, the track soon disappeared and since I’d committed, I couldn’t turn back so I ploughed on. I could see the ‘lightening tree’, as we used to call it, that was on the track I needed to be on, but it seemed to take an age to get there.

I eventually got back on track. I came out just out of the centre of Warsop and edged around it until I crossed the A60 into the car lane estate to pick up a trail to Sookholme, or so I thought. Miles 30 to 40 were unchartered grounds to me, or should I say uncharted in probably 20 years. I missed the trail to Sookholme and little did I know this would send me off track for the rest of the ride I’d planned. I went through the ‘hills and hollows’ and came out at Warsop Vale. I asked a local friendly fellow the best way to go and he sent me on an old train line through to Shirebrook. He explained how I could get through Shirebrook and back on track. It sounded so simple but after reaching Shirebrook I realised none of the landmarks he mentioned were visible. Intuition set in and after a mile I passed Sports Direct flagship shop and recognised where I was. This wasn’t good as I was 33 miles in and having been here in the car I hadn’t bike this way before. I headed in the general direction to Pleasley but found the trails ran out and had to ride a mile and a half along the B6407 to the busy roundabout with the A617. Disappointingly In the centre of Pleasley I couldn’t find the entrance to the Skegby trail which would’ve take me home. I took the back lanes which are rolling and not ideal after 37 miles of riding. I came out on the A38 where I rode on the wide path for a while and then headed into Sutton-in-Ashfield to finish the ride.

All in all, it was a fantastic ride until the last 12 miles which to be fair was the new section I was exploring. I’ve since reviewed on the map and know exactly where I went wrong. Some point in the future I’ll head to the Skegby Trail and do the last miles backwards to Sookholme so I can cement the route in my head. That is one of the enjoyments of biking, being able to explore routes you can’t see from the car. Whilst it is frustrating during the ride when you get lost, it sure bodes well for future rides as you learn from mistakes and have new ways to link other routes.

Amazing Autumn

Fri, 05 Sep 2025 07:55:14 GMT

Colour fest in local Woods

Autumn really is one of my favourite times of the year. This week has been especially great out on the bike. The colours of the leaves are fantastic, so picturesque. It’s like riding in snow but swapping snow for leaves. The ground is covered, and any little wind causes a trickle of falling leaves.

The first trip out this week was early Sunday morning. I’ve been edging to get a longer ride in for ages but have generally slumped back in bed. Sunday, I made real effort and was out by 07:30 just as sunlight appeared. I aimed to do a longer ride and get back before the family had really got up. I headed through Newstead and passed by the house without too many people in sight. I probably passed two runners; it was very quiet. I headed up route 6 to Sherwood Pines. The colours of autumn were in full view. The floor was covered. I took in Tornado Alley as I passed through the pines and on to Vicars water. On the way to the water, I was greeted by a full-grown black stag. It was bounding along the trail away from me. It stopped looked around to check me out and then darted right into the trees and, I guess, onto the golf course. I can’t say I’ve ever seen a black deer before which made it more amazing.

Vicars water was fairly quiet but by this time all the dog walkers had emerged and were filling the route. The water was still and mirrored tree line on the opposite side. I skirted around the lake and on to the many paths that pass through the parks on the way through Mansfield. I passed the Mansfield Town ground going around the lake and was soon on the edge of Kings Mill reservoir. This section is definitely less picturesque and more built up. Before long I was home with the coffee brewing and the bread toasting. A good 27 miles to get the day started.

The second trip out this week was a lunch time ride where I got the full feel of amazing autumn. I did a lot shorter route of 15 miles which started with the same trip through Newstead abbey. However, I turned off route 6 and headed into Harlow woods before heading through Thieves wood. This is where the spectacular views are. It is endless autumn colours, covered trails and floating leaves. I couldn’t help but stop and get some photos. They never do it justice but great for the memory.

Out of Thieves wood I crossed Derby Road and into Cauldwell woods for the fast single track down hill to Cauldwell damn . It seems wildlife is favouring me this week as I sped around the corner and startled a fox in the middle of the trail near the water’s edge. I was shocked as I thought foxes are nocturnal so to see one in the middle of the day was amazing. It was definitely a fox; the tail gave it away. It had a quick glance at me as I slowed down and then darted into the trees, never to be seen again. I cruised home feeling very fulfilled.

The final ride of the week was a full-on hour’s sprint through the felly . I was hoping to get out at lunch again, but work meant I couldn’t on this occasion. So, after work I had to dash to beat the dark. I have a quick sprint route that takes the felly loop and back, under an hour which is perfect to stay in the light. What I didn’t realise was that I was going to get an amazing sunset over my shoulder as I trekked up the steep Felly hill. I stopped at the top, to get my breath, but mainly to turn around and appreciate the sun going down in the distance. I had gone out with the aim of pushing myself to improve my fitness a little, but the plans changed as I stood and took in the view. Never mind maybe next time. I still put in a full effort either side of the rest.

All in all a great week of biking, not because of different trails or fast times, but because of the autumn colours and nature at it’s best. I think Autumn is becoming my favourite season.

Be Free Be Happy - Mountain Biking the Felly

Summer Biking

Fri, 01 Aug 2025 22:03:30 GMT

Newstead Abbey to Harlow Wood

I woke this morning with the sun blazing through the blinds. Whilst there are plenty of down sides to working from home, there are also plenty of upsides. One is when you fancy a bike out you can just get up and go before work. This was a moment to take advantage. I was up in a flash and ready to set off before 6:45am.

Whilst most other people were getting ready for the next drab day at work I was out soaking in the sun and fresh air.

I thought the best place to head for some sunny views was Newstead Abbey and Thieves wood . I fancied something a bit different, so I merged two of my regular loops and did it backwards. It worked out a treat.

First was the ride through the Newstead estate. The entrance road from the Newstead village side is long, flat, and lined with trees. In the morning, the sun flashes through the trees as you roll along. It’s the kind of the feeling of loads of trees taking pictures of you with their camera’s flash on.

Normally after the Newstead House I make the climb toward the car park and then just after duck left into the trees, but today I followed the road out to the front gate and crossed the main road.

The next section on a map looks boring but is incredibly fun. I followed the route 6 signs through the little suburb of Ravenshead . It’s all road and houses but mostly is downhill, fast and has a cheeky little snake toward the end.

Cross the B6020 and continue to follow the route 6 signs off road and uphill on a singletrack trail between fields. This is obviously better coming the other way as its narrow and fast. Below is the video to prove it. At the top leave the route 6 signs and carry straight on, cross over the lane and start the fast downhill on the other side heading toward Harlow wood. This can be a tricky descent as it’s lovely at the top, but it gets narrower and very sandy. I nearly lost my front wheel a couple of times on the way down. If you get chance have a glance left as the view can be amazing when the sun is blazing.

The bottom of the trail is the start of Harlow wood. I took a left and headed back toward the A60, it’s a straight wood land track and a great place to grab a drink or take a photo. This morning I avoided a couple of horses with their riders to hit a remarkably busy A60. This is the road between Mansfield and Nottingham. As I’d set out so early, I got to cross it in work commuting time, so it took a few minutes.

After crossing I enter Thieves wood . This is a forgotten wood as it has some good short singletrack if you can find it. As I traversed the wood, I always add in a quick flowing singletrack trail on the northeastern edge of the wood. It has some small banks you can flow up and down to make it more exhilarating.

It’s then a left and right to cross the A611, into Cauldwell Forest and down to Cauldwell dam . This time I headed for the fast-straight route through the wood like the video below. No walkers or dogs and you can easily get over 30mph.

From here it’s a mile or so of road home. Time to appreciate the route, the sun and grab a well-earned drink. What an amazing day to ride a bike!!!

Check out some of my other articles:

Mountain Biking Harlow Wood

Fri, 25 Jul 2025 22:19:51 GMT

The entrance to Harlow Wood, Notts

One of my favourite woods to bike in is definitely Harlow Wood. Just situated with access off the A60 between Mansfield and Nottingham, it is captured between the A60 on the west side, the A617 north, Ravenshead to the south and Blidworth and Rainworth to the east. It provides awesome links through to Sherwood Pines, Newstead Abbey and Sherwood Forest and features in loads of my favourite loops.

One of the loops is Pig Hill . This is part of the series of videos from my ' Pig Hill ‘ loop , labelled so due to the climb halfway round. The video is a cracking mountain bike trail from the entrance of Harlow Wood through to Route 6 which heads into Ravenshead. It’s a slick way to get from one side of the wood through to the other side. Entering from the A60 the trail swings right to a narrow fast single track and then swings back left to a wider undulating trail with plenty of small lumps and bumps to keep it interesting. It passes a lake on the right-hand side where you swing right out of the wood and up the sandy climb to join Route 6 .

Harlow wood produces some amazing photos . The sun streaks through the trees in the summer to provide dazzling razor like rays that flicker as you ride. In the winter the frost covers the wildflower floor to provide an amazing glistening effect, which often doesn’t melt until lunch. The trails are made up of forest trails passing through the wood that have worn in places to give them an interesting effect, to plenty of singletrack between the trees that you can ride for hours. There is also a touch of tough sand covered trails on the east side which are hard to ride, zapping your energy as you go. A great place to spend a couple of hours exploring.

If you want to see more of Harlow wood have a look at my ‘ Summer Biking ’ article where I approach Harlow Wood from the other side and head through the centre from Route 6 towards the A60. It’s part of a loop I do regular that passes through the amazing Newstead Abbey , Harlow Wood and onto Thieves Wood.

Check out the next section of the Pig hill loop ‘ Route 6 to Ravenshead ’, A fast narrow straight downhill section that gets the wind blowing through your hair. Alternatively, If you missed the previous section, take a look at ‘ Thieves Wood ’, another cracking local wood for biking.

Have a look at all the sections of the Pig Hill loop, one of my go to rides in the summer.

Moorgreen Reservoir Loop

Thu, 02 May 2024 14:42:40 GMT

Off-road Biking Moorgreen Reservoir

One of my favourite local loops is a 16 mile off road circuit that passes by the picturesque Moorgreen Reservoir . When the sun is shining the Reservoir reflects perfectly like mirror.

I have broken down the loop section by section. For those of you interested in the full loop here are a couple of videos showcasing the whole route. If you missed the section-by-section information all the links are provided below.

This is a short video mix of the sections of the loop. A quick summary that showcases it in four minutes.

If you are specifically interested in a section, check out the individual videos via the links below.

If you have more time, check out the full video below. All sections in 36 minutes.

Finally, here is the whole route mapped out.

Information:

Thanks to wikipedia there is lots of information about Moorgreen.

Moorgreen is a hamlet in the Broxtowe district of Nottinghamshire , England. It is 115 miles (185 km) north west of London , 7 miles (11 km) north west of the city of Nottingham , and 1+ ¹ ⁄ ₄ miles (2 km) north east of the nearest town Eastwood . It is a linear settlement within the civil parish of Greasley .

Geography:

Moorgreen is surrounded by the following local areas:

Felley and Underwood to the north
Newthorpe and Beauvale to the south
Greasley and Bogend to the east
Eastwood to the west.

This area lies to the centre west of the parish, and its core is located where the lane named Moorgreen meets Church Road. It is a suburb of the town of Eastwood, and while primarily residential, is surrounded by farms and greenfield land. It extends to Moorgreen Reservoir north of the area and Moorgreen Industrial Park, which is a site for light and medium industry.

Around the built-up area, the land is approximately 88–112 metres (289–367 ft) with a nearby high point of 152 metres (499 ft) to the northwest of the village.

History:

The placename was formerly known as Greasley-Moor-Green and was possibly singularly known as The Moor or The Green interchangeably, prior to the present combined spelling.

In medieval times Moorgreen was part of the Greasley Castle estate, and possibly contained the home farm for it, with some probable villein tenements and a few labourers’ abodes, and it therefore was not mentioned separately in Domesday. In present times there is a “Manor House” which possibly was built on the site. The village was likely and invariably named the Moor, and the Green before the two were combined. In the 14th century at Kimberley Hugh de Cressy and his wife Cecilia, rented properties to the priory of nearby Beauvale, and in default of payment they would be entitled to seize the priory lands (among other places) at the Moorhouses, which probably by then was the name for Moorgreen.

The first instance of the name Moorgreen is in 1411, within borough records. The entry recorded that the lords of the manor of Greasley had set up a gate at Moorgreen, as a man who is described as “William of the Gate of Moorgreen” was sued at Nottingham for a breach of contract with the people of Cossall. The Moorhouses were therefore held by the de Cantilupe family. and there will have been a few cottars or bordars , in the local lord's employment. The Greasley manor eventually descended to the Earls of Essex, and from them into the Sutton family, eventually being sold to the House of Melbourne , with Sir Matthew Lamb purchasing the Greasley estate from the Sutton family in 1753. Lambclose, south of the reservoir, was at the time a farmhouse, and after some alterations and improvements was used as a hunting lodge . It forms part of the present Lambclose House, which the Barber family built, with Thomas Barber enlarging the house substantially.

In the middle 1600s nonconformists worshipped at Moorgreen in an old barn, with the site later hosting a chapel, with a prior vicar of Greasley, Robert Smalley, helping to establish it in 1662. The building is now a private residence. The area by the turn of the 20th century, was in the ownership mainly of Earl Cowper , with the exception of two farms. The Earl was by this time, the lord of the manor at Greasley. Moorgreen colliery was some 1 km south of the house, and was opened in 1865, by the Barber Walker company, a shared business by the Barbers and the Walker family of nearby Eastwood Hall. The mine operated for 120 years until 1985. The Barber family eventually after the death of the Earl, purchased much of the locality, and continue to own land and farm locally, with holdings including the Moorgreen reservoir. Moorgreen Reservoir is a carp fishery and built originally to feed the Nottingham Canal.

Check out all the sections of the Moorgreen Loop below:

Moorgreen Reservoir – Final Section

Fri, 26 Apr 2024 09:34:54 GMT

Mountain Biking Annesley Cutting

One of my favourite local loops is a 16 mile off road circuit that passes by the picturesque Moorgreen Reservoir. When the sun is shining the Reservoir reflects perfectly like mirror.

This is the final video of my Moorgreen Reservoir playlist. It is my favourite local singletrack trail. A nice fast flowing trail to end the ride.

The trail is contained in the small ‘Newstead cutting’ wood situated between Hucknall and Kirkby. Coming from the Annesley bypass and section seven you enter the wood on to a wide forest trail. After about 300 metres there is a right-hand bend. When on the bend look left for a track that goes right into the trees. The entrance changes over time depending on the season. It can be secluded by low hanging trees and shrubs as you come to the bend.

Once on the trail head straight on getting faster on the slight decline, the best part of the trail really begins when you sweep right and hit the edge of the wood. Going in parallel with the field the trail becomes singletrack with roots, tree ruts, hollows, and a couple of fast sections to negotiate. After the first few hundred metres ducking and diving you head round a tree to hit a fast-wider section that takes you right to the end of the section. Exit the woods onto the Annesley cutting road to finish the section and the Moorgreen Loop .

Check out the full 'Moorgreen Reservoir Loop' video which links all sections of the healthy 16-mile loop in Nottinghamshire.

Check out all the sections of the Moorgreen Loop below:

Moorgreen Reservoir - Section Seven

Fri, 19 Apr 2024 09:55:33 GMT

Mountain Biking Westville and Whyburn Lane

One of my favourite local loops is a 16 mile off road circuit that passes by the picturesque Moorgreen Reservoir . When the sun is shining the Reservoir reflects perfectly like mirror.

This is the seventh video of my 'Moorgreen Reservoir loop' playlist. It starts with the short sharp climb near Westville to join Whyburn Lane and through the horse fields to the Newstead bypass.

From section six you appear on Stainsborough road near Hucknall. Continue to Common Lane and take a left immediately toward Misk Farm. You will soon be riding between the fields again, keep an eye out on the right for a Bridleway which looks like it passes straight through a field up and over a steep hill. Well, it does. It’s a tough short climb and my lungs are always burning at the top, but as you pass through the gate and head down the hill the view is cracking. The downhill is amazingly fast parallel to the fence. Make sure you stop in time for the gate at the bottom. Once through the gate its left on Whyburn Lane and then straight right in front of the house onto a rough track.

Continue along the track for half a mile until it looks like you are at a dead end and entering a farm. It’s deceiving as the bridleway is the furthest point to the right sort of around the back of the bait shed. The path opens out onto fields, continue straight on until you come to a junction of rough tracks. Take the route at 10 o’clock which goes into the trees. It stops at a gate and as you go through it you will find horses either side of you. Stick to the track between the electric fence for a hundred yards to reach another gate. Through the gate, along the track and you will find yourself reaching the busy A611 Annesley Rd.

Follow the path along the A611 before crossing the road after the traffic lights. This will take you into the central island of wood where the road splits. In winter this section can be a bog so beware it could be a struggle. It’s then a nice singletrack bringing you to a very steep hill…I challenge anyone to climb it on the bike. I push my bike up and over the top to find a Forest track. Go left and speed through the island wood, keeping right, to come out on the other side of the A611. It’s a nice relaxing track to finish the section. Section 8 then begins back in the Newstead cutting woods on the other side of the road.

Check out the full 'Moorgreen Reservoir Loop' video which links all sections of the healthy 16-mile loop in Nottinghamshire.

Check out all the sections of the Moorgreen Loop below:

Moorgreen Reservoir - Section Six

Fri, 05 Apr 2024 16:05:03 GMT

Mountain Biking New Road

One of my favourite local loops is a 16 mile off road circuit that passes by the picturesque Moorgreen Reservoir. When the sun is shining the Reservoir reflects perfectly like mirror.

This is the sixth video of my 'Moorgreen Reservoir loop' playlist. This section goes past the Horse and Groom pub, takes in the scenic view from New Road across the fields before crossing the motorway back towards Hucknall.

To enter this section, you leave Moorgreen reservoir behind and head up the B600 until reaching the Horse and Groom pub. Just after the pub the route takes a left onto New Road which is a smooth lane heading to Hucknall. The lane climbs to reveal a cracking view over the fields on the left. Just before the woods and a right-hand bend at the top, the incline steepens so make sure you save a bit.

After the right hand bend it’s a smooth fast road where you can get up some speed but be careful as cars and horses do use the lane. Don’t make the mistake I made at the next left-hand bend where I sped around the corner to come face to face with two horses. Only good reactions saved me. After the left hand is a sharp right with a house on the left. Just after the house take a left onto a rough farm track. This is a cool descent to cross over the M1, with a second cool descent to take you to the back of a new housing estate where the section finishes.

Whilst I’ve called this ‘Mountain Biking New Road’ there isn’t much ‘Mountain’ involved. Its more appropriate title would probably be ‘Smooth off-road biking of New Road’, but to keep in sync with the rest of the loop articles I’ve stuck with ‘Mountain Biking’.

Check out the full 'Moorgreen Reservoir Loop' video which links all sections of the healthy 16-mile loop in Nottinghamshire.

Check out all the sections of the Moorgreen Loop below:

Moorgreen Reservoir - Section Five

Fri, 15 Mar 2024 16:23:01 GMT

Mountain Biking Moorgreen Reservoir

One of my favourite local loops is a 16 mile off road circuit that passes by the picturesque Moorgreen Reservoir . When the sun is shining the Reservoir reflects perfectly like mirror.

Here is the fifth video of my 'Moorgreen Reservoir loop' playlist. This section is the lovely trail at the side of Moorgreen Reservoir. It's fast and flowing, and amazing in the Sun.

As you enter the trail from the bottom of the weaver’s lane downhill, you are faced with the edge of the reservoir protected by a thin line of trees. Shoot left straight away and start the fast-flowing trail at the edge of the east side of the reservoir. It’s an undulating trail with a downhill feel no matter which way you go along the trail. In this section you are heading toward the small village of Moorgreen.

As you flow beware of walkers and bikers coming the other way. Often, I have been surprised when entering a corner, only to have to slam my brakes on when exiting. Make sure you look right to take in the flat smooth reflective reservoir which glistens through the trees.

At the end of the trail you enter a track which comes out on the A600 taking you into Moorgreen . From here you can continue with the loop or take a right into Colliers wood and on to a different trail.

Check out the full 'Moorgreen Reservoir Loop' video which links all sections of the healthy 16-mile loop in Nottinghamshire.

Check out all the sections of the Moorgreen Loop below:

Moorgreen Reservoir - Section Four

Fri, 01 Mar 2024 14:57:08 GMT

Mountain Biking Weavers Lane

One of my favourite local loops is a 16 mile off road circuit that passes by the picturesque Moorgreen Reservoir. When the sun is shining the Reservoir reflects perfectly like mirror.

Here is the fourth video of my 'Moorgreen Reservoir loop' playlist. This section is the loop around Weavers Lane and the fast descent down to the start of Moorgreen reservoir. The Weavers Lane section is a nice loop on its own right. If I just need a quick 10 mile spin out as I only have an hour to spare, or it’s tipping it down with rain, this is the go-to ride. With its farm track it never seems to get to muddy so is great in the winter.

The start of this section is from the A608 between the M1 and Kirkby. Head along Weaver’s Lane and then take the first left onto Kennel Lane, a quick downhill before a small climb to the farm. Pass the farm, through the gate and then downhill to a multi junction of paths. Head right under the M1 and follow the lane round the left-hand bend. From here it’s a slight downhill rough track round a sharp left-hand bend and just at the end of the tree line the track gets steeper downhill turning into a 30mph downhill. Be careful as the stone under wheel is loose especially at the bottom. Head straight on until you see a discreet gap on the left into the woods where you will reach the Moorgreen reservoir.

Look out for the full 'Moorgreen Reservoir Loop' video in a few weeks which links all sections of the healthy 16-mile loop in Nottinghamshire.

Check out all the sections of the Moorgreen Loop below:

Moorgreen Reservoir - Section Three

Fri, 16 Feb 2024 12:13:23 GMT

Mountain Biking Portland Park to the Felly

One of my favourite local loops is a 16 mile off road circuit that passes by the picturesque Moorgreen Reservoir. When the sun is shining the Reservoir reflects perfectly like mirror.

Here is the third video of my 'Moorgreen Reservoir loop' playlist. This is the link section between Portland Park and The Felly. Unfortunately, not all routes can be off road, but this has a nice downhill path through the Sherwood Business Park .

From the centre of Portland Park and the wild rabbit café head up towards Kirkby. When reaching a fork in the track take a right around and past the farmhouses before passing through the gate and then right to traverse the side of the field. You will come out at the Cricketers Arms and then its right onto Nuncargate road. After about 500 meters there is an alley that goes up toward Sherwood Business Park. It’s a three-section hill through the houses and gets steep at the end. Once you make the top, follow the road (Wesley Street) until you come out onto Forest Road. Take a right and then a left to enter the back end of the Sherwood Business Park . The path goes right through the park at speed but be careful of the workers taking a walk on their break, they appear from nowhere sometimes. Once through the park go through the garden of the Mour hotel and cross the busy A608. From here its into the Felly and section four.

As a former employee of one of the businesses located at the business park I was interested in the history of the park. I spent a good few years biking to work within the park and never really realised how it was built and expanded.

Apparently, Kodak were the originators of a business park at the location in the early 1990s. Planning was resisted initially but plans were agreed with sites in the Nottinghamshire coalfield being sought for Enterprise Zone status and £11m funding for infrastructure being allocated by the Urban Development Agency and English Partnerships. The site was to be a high-quality development with building designs closely monitored. Landscaping was extensive with wildlife areas and a sustainable surface water drainage system comprising five ponds.

The Urban Regeneration Agency (URA) entered a joint venture agreement with Kodak in 1994 where the proceeds from the sales and costs of infrastructure and maintenance were shared 50/50. That agreement was then inherited by East Midlands Development Agency (emda) in 1999.

The final sites of the original URA/ emda element of the site were developed in 2005. The redevelopment of the Kodak site took place from 2006 onwards.

Sherwood Business Park Enterprise Zone has been an extremely successful project of industrial and office development and was a flagship project for emda. All developable land has been sold with receipts totalling £32m, job forecasts of 4500 have probably been exceeded by some margin.

The emda exit strategy for moving away from the park involved forming a new management company made up of the head leaseholders. They would in turn appoint a managing agent to take over all of emda's remaining responsibilities with the costs recovered through a service charge. Before this could take place, the complicated drainage system and road network had to be adopted and maintained at public expense to avoid the management company picking up these expensive liabilities. This took over five years with the drains adopted in 2006 and the roads being adopted in 2007.

Emda was abolished in 2011, all responsibilities transferred to the Homes and Communities Agency. The transfer to the new Sherwood Business Park Estate Limited (SBPE Ltd) was completed in 2012. The site is now run by Directors nominated by leaseholders and occupiers.

As an off-road biker, I’m always moaning about the green land being developed for industrial estates that sit unused or housing developments, reducing the number of routes that can be ridden. The Sherwood Business Park does boast about it’s Ecology.

The Business Park, whilst a high technology enterprise zone, and set amongst ancient park and farmland, is complemented by many species of trees, plants, flowers, birds, and mammals all thriving amongst its green living lungs.

Amongst the many trees are Italian, Black and Speckled Alders; English Oak, Ash, Elm, and Holly; plus 3 differing kinds of willow and Quaking aspen trees, and many flowers of both ancient woodland and meadow carpet the undergrowth.

On the water’s edge are Marsh Marigold, Hoary Willow Herb, Amphibious Bistort, water mint, with Mallard, Snipe, Water Hen, and Coot joining in with the songs of Bluetits, Coal tits, Jays, the occasional White Throat to name but a few of the 60+ birds which call this home. Whilst under the surface live frogs, toads and newts with various fishes including, importantly, sticklebacks which are being researched by a local University to understand the process of “osteoporosis” and how it may hopefully be reversed, whilst on top of the water amongst the pond skaters may glide Grass snakes. The park and surrounding land are a very important resource for these creatures.

I can actually say whilst biking through the park I have seen the ponds, green areas, and paths where these plants and trees can thrive, but it is still a small area of the park which I’m sure nowhere near compensates for the green land it was built on. I guess all we can do is enjoy the area’s that are left for green space.

Look out for the full 'Moorgreen Reservoir Loop' video in a few weeks which links all sections of the healthy 16-mile loop in Nottinghamshire.

Check out all the sections of the Moorgreen Loop below:

Moorgreen Reservoir - Section Two

Fri, 02 Feb 2024 15:25:06 GMT

Mountain Biking through Portland Park

One of my favourite local loops is a 16 mile off road circuit that passes by the picturesque Moorgreen Reservoir. When the sun is shining the Reservoir reflects perfectly like mirror.

Here is the second video of my 'Moorgreen Reservoir loop' playlist. This section is the route through the Portland Park including crossing the Robin Hood train-line before heading past the Dog and Rabbit. It's a lovely track in Spring and Summer, but mud mud mud in Winter.

Kirkby-in-Ashfield was once an important centre of coal mining and railways in west Nottinghamshire, with three active coal mines and several railway junctions. The former Mansfield and Pinxton Railway from the Erewash Valley Line was joined here by the later Midland Railway line from Nottingham. The Great Central Railway main line passed to the south-west side of the town and had a double junction with the Great Northern Railway Leen Valley Extension line to Langwith Junction and the Mansfield Railway to Clipstone.

The town rapidly expanded during the Victorian era. However, the closure of the coal mines in the 1980s and early 1990s led to a major slump in the local economy, and the area then suffered a high level of socio-economic depression.

The railways were closed during the Beeching era of the early 1960s when branch-line passenger services suffered widespread disruption, leaving the town without a link to central Nottingham and nearby Mansfield. The railway tracks were re-opened to passengers in the 1990s as part of the Robin Hood Line, providing links to other North Nottinghamshire towns and to Nottingham where a transport interchange allows transfer to the trams of Nottingham Express Transit system.

This section crosses one of those links of the Robin hood line in the middle of Portland Park. Coming out of the field in section one takes a left and dip down the side of the field on a fast rattly track which straightens out with great views to the left. Continue for about 300 metres where the track opens out. You’ll see a little gap through the fence on the left that enters a open area. Nip through the gap and head into the trees. As soon as you come to the edge of the field take a left switch back and head back the opposite direction following the other side of the field. The track eventually joins the side of the Ronin hood line on the right-hand side and you’ll be presented with a gate. Here cross the Robin hood line and head straight up the hill on the other side where you will pass the ‘Wild Rabbit’ café. Then it’s straight sailing along the lane to the end of the section.

Look out for the full 'Moorgreen Reservoir Loop' video in a few weeks which links all sections of the healthy 16-mile loop in Nottinghamshire.

Check out all the sections of the Moorgreen Loop below:

Moorgre en Loop Section On e

Moorgreen Reservoir - Section One

Fri, 19 Jan 2024 15:14:22 GMT

Mountain Biking to River Erewash

One of my favourite local loops is a 16 mile off road circuit that passes by the picturesque Moorgreen Reservoir . When the sun is shining the Reservoir reflects perfectly like mirror, It’s amazing.

Here is the first video of my 'Moorgreen Reservoir loop' playlist. This first section is a quick sprint through the fields before crossing the river Erewash in Kirkby. It's a lovely track in Spring and Summer, but good grip is required in Winter.

As I cross the river I always wonder where it goes…well…The Erewash River rises in Kirkby-in-Ashfield but is partly culverted as it flows south-westward from town. It surfaces definitively to the north of Kirkby Woodhouse and flows roughly westward, under the M1 motorway, and between Pinxton and Selston. I probably pass it again in some of the Felly rides I do which also go under the M1.

Apparently, the Erewash River then becomes the approximate county boundary between Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire, flowing roughly south, between Langley Mill and Eastwood, skirting the east of Ilkeston, where it also becomes the boundary of the Borough of Erewash. The river continues south between Sandiacre and Stapleford until, at Toton, it turns east and flows into the River Trent, at the Attenborough Nature Reserve, near Long Eaton. At least when I pass next time I know where it finishes.

Kirkby-in-Ashfield, where the Moorgreen loop starts, lies on the eastern edge of the Erewash Valley which separates Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire. I never knew that Kirkby, as it is locally known, was originally a Danish settlement (Kirk-by translates as 'Church Town' in Danish). There is a collection of small villages making up Kirkby-in-Ashfield including Old Kirkby, The Folly (East Kirkby), Nuncargate and Kirkby Woodhouse. It is mentioned in the Domesday Book as having two main churches: St Wilfrid's, a Norman church, which was gutted by fire on 6 January 1907 but quickly re-built to its former glory; and St Thomas's, built in the early 1910s in neo-gothic style. I guess that’s why it was given the Danish ‘Church town’ name.

There’s a bit about the start of the Moorgreen loop. Next section (two) is the railway crossing and through Portland Park. Feel free to watch the full 'Moorgreen Reservoir Loop' video which links all sections of the healthy 16-mile loop in Nottinghamshire.

Check out all the sections of the Moorgreen Loop below:

Pig Hill Loop

Fri, 29 Sep 2023 10:03:44 GMT

Information for the Pig Hill Loop

One of my favourite local loops is a 20 mile off road circuit that includes a local climb known as Pig Hill and passes through the picturesque Newstead Abbey Estate.

Over seven articles, I have broken down the loop section by section. For those of you interested in the full loop here are a couple of videos showcasing the route. If you missed the section-by-section information all the links are provided below.

This is one of my favourite videos of the loop, through Thieves wood near Mansfield. It’s a small wood that has numerous fire roads and tracks linking loads of local routes. I have a good 20-mile loop that is mostly made up of just Thieves Wood.

This video is the section through Harlow Wood before making the climb towards Ravenshead .

This video is the hub of the route’s name, Pig Hill . The climb is only short and not actually to steep, but it doesn’t matter which direction you come from it always seems to be a tough climb to get the lungs pumping. It’s worth it though as the downhill is fast and smooth.

Finally, here is the map of the loop. If you pick a dry sunny day, I am sure you will enjoy!!

If you are specifically interested in a section, check out the other individual videos via the links below.

Here is a list of all the sections of the Pig Hill loop.

Newstead Abbey

Fri, 22 Sep 2023 14:46:31 GMT

Mountain Biking through Newstead Abbey

A lovely flat easy route through the scenic Newstead Abbey. Ideal for a Sunday ride or a family trip to Newstead Abbey. This is part of the 20-mile loop I call ' Pig Hill ' due to the climb halfway round. Check out the video capturing the route through Newstead.

Starting near Linby Cricket club the route heads North along an idyllic wide grass track through a tunnel of trees. At the end you reach the gates of Newstead Abbey. On your own there is a trick to lift your bike and get through the swivel gate. More than one and it's easy to lift and collect your bike.

Having passed through the gates it's another half a mile along a flat tarmac track. Enjoy the view of the Abbey to your left. If you fancy a quick snack and refreshments turn left when you reach the road and head down to the Abbeys lovely café. I recommend this if you are riding with a young family as the next section gets trickier.

If you want to carry on, take a right at the road and head up hill on the road. The road passes directly through the whole of the Newstead Abbey grounds. Keep your eyes peeled on the left for a gap in the tree's. When you see it head into the woods and you'll be confronted with more uphill in the form of singletrack.

Keep those pedals turning until the track levels out and a green fence appears from nowhere on the left-hand side. This is the fun section. Move up through the gears and take the momentum of the alleyway like route between the fences. Beware of the steps at the bottom, totally rideable but beware none the less.

The track takes a quick turn up hill after the steps and through some metal gates. If you haven't selected the right gear it could take you by surprise and you won't get over the small rocks rutting out the ground. You then appear out in the open on the side of a field. If the sun is blazing this is a great spot for a photo or a break on the bench.

Follow the edge of the field and dip down to the edge where once again the trail turns up hill. This can be a low gear section if you have just hammered the last mile. Pass through a gate and bear left to the end of the trail where you will hit 'Kirkby Road' (B6020).

You have passed through Newstead Abbey .....

Newstead Abbey is a fascinating place reaped in history. It was formerly an Augustinian priory, converted to a domestic home following the Dissolution of the Monasteries, it is now best known as the ancestral home of Lord Byron.

The priory of St. Mary of Newstead, a house of Augustinian Canons, was founded by King Henry II of England about the year 1170, as one of many penances he paid following the murder of Thomas Becket. Contrary to its current name, Newstead was never an abbey: it was a priory.

In the late 13th century, the priory was rebuilt and extended. It was extended again in the 15th century, when the Dorter, Great Hall and Prior's Lodgings were added. The priory was designed to be home to at least 13 monks, although there appear to have been only 12 (including the Prior) at the time of the dissolution.

The surrender of the house was accomplished on 21 July 1539. Sir John Byron of Colwick in Nottinghamshire was granted Newstead Abbey by Henry VIII of England on 26 May 1540 and started its conversion into a country house. He was succeeded by his son Sir John Byron of Clayton Hall. Many additions were made to the original building. The 13th century ecclesiastical buildings were largely ruined during the dissolution of the monasteries. It then passed to John Byron, an MP and Royalist commander, who was created a baron in 1643. He died childless in France and ownership transferred to his brother Richard Byron. Richard's son William was a minor poet and was succeeded in 1695 by his son William Byron, 4th Baron Byron. Early in the 18th century, the 4th Lord Byron landscaped the gardens extensively, and amassed a hugely admired collection of artistic masterpieces.

During the ownership of William, 5th Baron Byron, the Abbey suffered a downturn in fortunes. As a young man, William lavished money on the estate, building picturesque Gothic follies and staging glamorous mock navy battles on the lake. Continuing to take out loans and pursue his pleasures of horse-racing, gambling, and going to the theatre, he found himself financially reliant on a scheme of marrying off his only surviving son and heir to a wealthy heiress. The plan fell apart when his heir eloped with his cousin Juliana Byron, daughter of William's brother John Byron.

Though late 18th-century gossip attested that he ruined the estate, felled trees, and killed deer while hellbent on revenge, this is not the case – he simply had no money to pay his debts, and stripped the Abbey and estate of its artistic treasures, furniture, and even its trees, to quickly raise cash. Though he made thousands of pounds it was not enough to pay back the loans he had been taking out since his thirties, and there was no hope of restoring the Abbey to its former glory.

As well as outliving all four of his children William also outlived his only grandson, who was killed by cannon fire in 1794 while fighting in Corsica at the age of 22. The 5th Lord died on 21 May 1798, at the age of 75. Later, 19th-century myths attest that on his death, the great numbers of crickets he kept at Newstead left the estate in swarms. The title and Newstead Abbey were then left to his great-nephew, George Gordon Byron, then aged 10, who became the 6th Baron Byron and later the famous and notorious poet.

The young Lord Byron soon arrived at Newstead and was greatly impressed by the estate. The scale of the estate contributed to Byron's extravagant taste and sense of his own importance. However, yearly income had fallen to just £800 and many repairs were needed. He and his mother soon moved to the nearby town of Southwell and neither lived permanently at Newstead for any extended period. His view of the decayed Newstead became one of the romantic ruin, a metaphor for his family's fall.

The estate was leased to the 23-year-old Henry Edward Yelverton, 19th Baron Grey de Ruthyn, from January 1803. The lease was for £50 a year for the Abbey and Park for five years, until Byron came of age. Byron stayed for some time in 1803 with Lord Grey, before they fell out badly.

In 1808, Lord Grey left at the end of his lease and Byron returned to live at Newstead and began extensive and expensive renovations. His works were mainly decorative, however, rather than structural, so that rain and damp obscured his changes within just a few years.

Byron was determined to stay at Newstead—"Newstead and I stand or fall together"—and he hoped to raise a mortgage on the property, but his advisor John Hanson urged a sale. This would be a preoccupation for many years and was certainly not resolved when Byron left for his Mediterranean travels in 1809. Upon his return to England in 1811, Byron stayed in London, not returning to see his mother who had been living in Newstead. She died, leaving him distraught at his own negligence of her. He lived again at the Abbey for a time but was soon drawn to life in London.

For the next few years, Byron made several attempts to sell the Abbey. It was put up at auction in 1812 but failed to reach a satisfactory price. A buyer was found, however, who offered £140,000, which was accepted. By spring 1813, though, the buyer, Thomas Claughton, had only paid £5,000 of the agreed down-payment. Byron was in debt and had continued to spend money on the expectation that the house would be sold. Negotiations began to degenerate, and Byron accused Claughton of robbing the wine cellar. By August 1814, it was clear that the sale had fallen through, and Claughton forfeited what he had paid of the deposit. Byron was now without settled financial means and proposed marriage to the heiress Anne Isabella Milbanke. Claughton did return with new proposals involving a reduced price and further delays. Byron turned him down.

After a number of other owners including Thomas Wildman (1815-1861) and William Fredrick Webb’s family (1861-1931), the Abbey is owned by Nottingham City Council and houses a museum containing Byron memorabilia. It plays host to weddings and other events, including the Tour of Britain passing its grounds a couple of times. I often pass through the grounds on the long road all the way through the estate.

A fascinating history I’m sure you’ll agree. The biking through the grounds excellent and as this is about my ‘Pig Hill’ loop you may be interested in the information page about the loop. It will point you at all the pages dedicated to the ‘ Pig Hill ’ Loop. Alternatively, if you missed the previous section, take a look at the ‘ Blidworth Waye ’ section, the penultimate section of the loop.

This is the final section of my Pig Hill loop, one of my go to rides in the summer. Check out the other sections in the series.

Blidworth Waye

Fri, 15 Sep 2023 22:00:17 GMT

Mountain Biking to the Blidworth Waye Papplewick

A cracking route from the A60 near Ravenshead through to Blidworth Waye road near Papplewick. The start is a singletrack trail between the dirt track, going down to the farm, and one of the farms fields. It soon takes a sharp right into the small groups of trees and back left to a lovely steep downhill.

After crossing the dirt track you enter another larger wood, through a gate and a small slight climb before looping right and hitting the fast section. The track takes you straight and fast between the trees. time to enjoy the speed.

The track soon slows as it starts sloping up. Through another gate, left and onto the edge of the field, reverting back downhill on the edge of the field for a short time. Having reached the hedge bear right and the final long section is a hard slog along the edge of the field to the road, the B683 or Blidworth Waye as its known locally.

This is part of a loop I to ride, labelled ' Pig Hill ' due to the climb halfway round. Its a great 20 mile loop through Thieves Wood, along route 6, up and over Pig Hill , through Newstead Abbey and back to Thieves Wood .

The Blidworth Waye road passes by Papplewick Hall. The next section of the Pig Hill loop takes the trail through to Newstead and right past the Hall, which was built by Frederick Montagu MP between 1781-86, following his retirement from public life in London. He demolished a much older house on the site, formerly occupied by his parents, inherited by him in his twenties. The stables and cellar survived to this day.

Frederick Montagu was a bachelor and built Papplewick Hall for himself. This explains its relatively modest size, and the compact number of rooms. Although its architect is not known precisely, it incorporates many popular design features of the day - a cantilevered staircase, a fine drawing room ceiling in the 'Adam' style, and classical proportions throughout.

The house that previously occupied the site of Papplewick Hall was probably built in 1520. It is thought that, before that building, an Inn stood on the site, next to the old road that ran from Nottingham to the south, through Papplewick village, up what is now a bridle way past Newstead Abbey , and then on to Mansfield. Blidworth Waye, which now connects the village to the Mansfield Road, was created after the Hall was built. When the Inn was taken down, its cellars were left behind, and these survive to this day. For more information take a look at this site .

Check out the next section of the Pig hill loop ‘ Mountain biking Through Newstead Abbey ’. A lovely narrow straight section that takes you into the grounds of Newstead Abbey past Papplewick Hall. Alternatively, if you missed the previous section, take a look at the ‘ Pig Hill ‘ section, the centre piece of the loop.

Have a look at all the sections of the Pig Hill loop, one of my go to rides in the summer.

Mountain Biking the Pit Tip Kirkby

Pig Hill

Fri, 08 Sep 2023 14:29:37 GMT

Mountain Biking up Pig Hill

If you want a cracking trail through the scenic Nottinghamshire countryside. This is ideal for a Sunday ride with a little bit of spice. The trail is part of the 20-mile loop I call ' Pig Hill ' due to the climb halfway round.

Pig Hill is one of the challenging local climbs. Aptly named as it goes right through the middle of a pig farm, and you are often grunted at as you pass. Starting at Main Road (B6020) near Ravenshead in Notts the climb is about a mile long ending at Longdale Lane. Check out the video which was taken on a sunny cool day and shows the trail in all its glory.

The trail is an excellent link from Thieves wood and Harlow Wood near Mansfield to Newstead Abbey and back. I don’t just use it in the Pig Hill loop, it’s one of those sections linking in lots of rides.

It starts on the corner of Main Road (B6020) between Ravenshead and Blidworth. Enter the trail through a gate at the bottom of the Hill splitting two fields. It’s then straight onto the first short sharp climb with Ravenshead visible to the right.

Ravenshead is a village in the Gedling district of Nottinghamshire. It borders Papplewick , Newstead Abbey and Blidworth , and is part of Nottinghamshire's Hidden Valleys area. According to the 2001 census it had a population of 5,636, reducing marginally to 5,629 at the 2011 census.

In days gone by, after the death of Thomas Becket, King Henry II supposedly to make up for this terrible deed, gave the Canons of the Order of St Augustine the land at Ravenshead where they set up a priory, the walls of which can still be seen today. In the Middle Ages the priory was a stopping place for pilgrims. However, in 1349 the prior died of plague. The soil in the area is very sandy and unsuitable for growing crops. so, there is no evidence of a settlement in the area until the 15th century when there was a hunting lodge called Langton Arbor, near present-day Blidworth Dale.

The legend of Robin Hood centres on the area of Sherwood Forest in which Ravenshead is located. Legend states it is possible that one of Robin Hood's followers, Friar Tuck, was inspired by the priory.

Ravenshead is now a very affluent area of the East Midlands with much higher-than-average property prices and a diverse population of professional people, elderly people and skilled workers. It also serves as a commuter village to Nottingham. Farming was the main occupation in the area until the arrival of the local shops and schools. The only other industry in Ravenshead was sand quarrying. The first quarry was opened in 1919 to provide building sand for Nottingham and Hucknall.

Once you have reached the top of the climb you can freewheel and enjoy the descent that takes you between the fields, where you will start seeing the local residents, the pigs. This part of the trail is often very muddy or very sandy depending on the recent weather. Continue straight on and you will pass a small station on the left with Pig hill directly in front of you. Again, it’s a short sharp climb but can be deceiving.

Pick your way up the climb negotiating the little route filled section. There is a big stand out tree on the left-hand side. If you fancy a stop this is a great place as looking back over your shoulder, you have an amazing view with Blidworth to the right.

Blidworth is a village and civil parish approximately five miles east of Mansfield . Its history can be traced back to the 10th century, although many of the current houses were built in the first half of the 20th century to provide housing for workers at Blidworth Colliery (1926–1989).

According to Robin Hood legend, Will Scarlet is buried in the churchyard of the Church of St. Mary of the Purification. An unmarked grave stand near the iron gates of the churchyard, formed from the original apex of the church tower and other assorted stones, and is generally attributed to the outlaw. As outlaws were not generally buried in churchyards, though, it is more likely that, if he existed, Will Scarlet was buried in one of the much older graves to be found on the same hillside within the boundaries of Sherwood Forest. Other local legends suggest that Blidworth was the birthplace of Maid Marian, although there is little or no evidence to support these claims.

Continue up Pig Hill through the narrower section in the trees to reach a single-track path. From here it’s downhill all the way to the road of Longdale lane. It’s a great section to get some speed up, as long as there are no walkers. Exiting the trail onto Longdale Lane needs some caution as it is the edge of a four-way junction with plenty of traffic passing through, so keep your wits about you.

The trail can be used to link Blidworth and Route 6 with Linby and Newstead. It is part of the longer circular Robin Hood walking trail which loops through the Nottinghamshire countryside.

A cracking trail for those wanting a little challenge. Check out the next section of the Pig hill loop ‘ Mountain Biking Blidworth Waye ‘. An amazing wood to link biking routes together. Alternatively, if you missed the previous section, take a look at the section ‘ Mountain Biking Route 6 to Ravenshead ‘, a fast short sharp section.

This is the middle section of my Pig Hill loop, one of my go to rides in the summer. Check out the other sections in the series.

Mountain Biking the Pit Tip Kirkby

Ravenshead Route 6

Fri, 01 Sep 2023 14:24:40 GMT

Mountain Biking Route 6 to Ravenshead

If you want a short, fast, narrow, non-technical trail to have a blast on this is the trail for you. It’s a fantastic link trail between Harlow Wood, Blidworth, Newstead Abbey and Nottingham. The trail is part of the 20-mile loop I call ' Pig Hill ' due to the climb halfway round.

Take a look at how quick this section is in the video below. It is part of the Route 6 cycle track in the heart of Nottinghamshire close to Mansfield.

When following the ‘ Pig Hill ‘ loop, you will approach the descent from the heart of Harlow wood . Pass a pond on your right and then hit a tricky sandy incline between fields which seems to sap energy and take an age. Finally, you reach 'Ricket Lane', which you will cross straight over into the wooded section to start the cracking downhill trail. There's a slight incline and then the speed increases as you roll onto the descent. Let the brakes go and free wheel all the way but be careful of walkers coming the other way. Out of the wooded section will be the fastest speed as the track heads between fields in a straight line. The trail slightly narrows toward the end and can sometimes sting with over growing nettles and brambles. Take care as it levels out because you will come face to face with a gate. Through the gate and you appear on 'Sandy Lane' to finally reach the B6020. To continue along the ‘Pig Hill’ loop take a left along the road until you reach the sharp left-hand bend. On the right-hand side over the road the 'Robin Hood Trail' continues through the gate where you climb ' Pig 'Hill' .

If you take a right onto the B6020 you will continue to follow Route 6 through Ravenshead and into Newstead Abbey .

Ravenshead is a lovely little village between Mansfield and Nottingham. It borders Papplewick , Newstead Abbey and Blidworth , and is part of Nottinghamshire's Hidden Valleys area. In days gone by, after the death of Thomas Becket, King Henry II supposedly to make up for this terrible deed, gave the Canons of the Order of St Augustine the land at Ravenshead where they set up a priory, the walls of which can still be seen today. In the Middle Ages the priory was a stopping place for pilgrims. However, in 1349 the prior died of plague. The soil in the area is very sandy and unsuitable for growing crops, also making it hard to bike on. So, there is no evidence of a settlement in the area until the 15th century when there was a hunting lodge called Langton Arbor, near present-day Blidworth Dale. The legend of Robin Hood centres on the area of Sherwood Forest in which Ravenshead is located. Legend states it is possible that one of Robin Hood's followers, Friar Tuck, was inspired by the priory.

In 1966 a hoard of gold coins and jewellery was discovered by workmen on a building site near present-day Cambourne Gardens. The coins were probably buried by someone fleeing south after the Battle of Hexham in May 1464. The "Fishpool Hoard", as it is known, is on display at The British Museum, London. Fishpool, Notts is the name of the area where they were found as the building site did not have the name Ravenshead then. 100 years ago, Ravenshead was centred on an area called Fishpool, this name appeared on a 15th-century map. Ravenshead is now a very affluent area of the East Midlands with much higher-than-average property prices and a diverse population of professional people, elderly people, and skilled workers. It also serves as a commuter village to Nottingham.

You will also ride this trail if you come from the Sherwood Pines and Blidworth village direction along the official route 6. As you leave Blidworth following route 6 there is about a mile of tarmac B roads to ride. You will travel along 'New Lane' which joins 'Cross Lane'. You'll pass a single wind turbine and take a right on to 'Ricket Lane' heading west. Keep your eyes peeled for the route 6 sign though as you will need to dart left into a wooded section at the start of this fast trail to Ravenshead.

This very small part of Route 6 is a lovely short sharp fast track to enjoy!! Check out the next section of the Pig hill loop, ‘ Mountain Biking Pig Hill ’. The centre piece trail of the 20-mile loop. Alternatively, if you missed the previous section, take a look at the section ’ Mountain Biking Harlow Wood ‘, a lovely wooded section.

This is the middle section of my Pig Hill loop, one of my go to rides in the summer. Check out the other sections in the series.

Thieves Wood

Fri, 18 Aug 2023 07:23:05 GMT

Mountain Biking Thieves Wood

A cracking mountain bike trail from the entrance of Thieves Wood through to the A60 halfway between Mansfield and Nottingham. This is part of the 20-mile loop I call ' Pig Hill ' due to the climb halfway round. Check out the video capturing the trail.

Thieves Wood is situated just south of Mansfield and is part of the old Royal Wood of Lyndhurst. It is now managed by the Forestry Commission and is part of the Royal Forest of Sherwood. although mainly Forestry Commission plantations. Thieves Wood consists of 200 Hectares of mainly Pine forests. Hundreds of years ago, trees from these woods provided timber for the construction of Nottingham Castle. Since that time, they have virtually remained untouched until 1976 when violent storms destroyed thousands of mature trees. A large-scale replanting followed this disaster in subsequent years and acres of woodlands have gradually been replenished. The wood extends past Fountain Dale, with its Friar Tuck legends, along Rainworth Water to the lakes at Rainworth, where eccentric local ornithologist Joseph Whitaker lived at Rainworth Lodge.

It is a popular place for quiet walks and cycling. With, its many tracks and trails it makes a great place to formulate a good mountain bike ride. If you extend the ride to Harlow Wood or Newstead Abbey , you can be biking for miles.

If the biking has left you feeling peckish, it’s a decent place to stop and refuel. There are many picnic benches dotted around to take a well-earned rest particularly by the car park. Forgot to pack food? You’re in luck: there’s also a refreshment cabin where you can grab some snacks.

This beautiful forest just south of Mansfield is the ideal place to surround yourself with beautiful nature and learn all about England’s epic mythology. My favourite time to pass through Thieves Wood is on an autumn adventure. There’s nothing quite like discovering Thieves Wood during autumn, surrounded by the beautiful fiery trees and leaves crunching beneath your rolling tyres. But no matter the time of year, it's a spectacular place to come and admire gorgeous scenery and the epic stories it has to tell.

You might know Nottingham as the stomping ground of Robin Hood, the famous thief who stole from the rich and gave to the poor. In days gone by Thieves Wood was once part of the Royal Wood of Lyndhurst owned by the King. The main route north from Nottingham, called Kings Great Way, was a road that linked London to Nottingham and beyond, and used to run through Thieves Wood. It is thought that the fate of the unfortunate travellers upon it gave the wood its name.

A short distance away is Fountaindale, it is said that Robin Hood met Friar Tuck at Fountain Dale on the east side of the wood, a legendary place.

Later legends tell that Robin Hood and his men drove a particularly nasty band of robbers from these woods who were harassing the people of the Ravenshead area. Friar Tuck sent for Robin's help after they kidnapped a young girl from Mansfield and robbed her father. The girl was eventually rescued of course, and her father's money returned.

The longer trail here will take you along the same path that Robin Hood himself would have walked while he searched for well-about folks to rob. Despite its name, thieves and highwaymen seem to have abandoned this forest since the days of Richard the Lionheart.

Yet you never know who might be lurking in the undergrowth, so if you consider yourself rich and you have an expensive bike, be on the lookout for outlaws in the bushes!

The other notable item in Thieves wood, although not so legendary, is the 'Bird Stone'. It is inscribed:

'This stone was placed here by J. Whitaker of Rainworth Lodge [Nottinghamshire], to mark the spot where the first British specimen of an Egyptian nightjar was spotted by A. Spink’s on 23 June 1883. It is only the second occurrence of the bird in Europe.'

Albert Spink’s was a gamekeeper who lived opposite the Bessie Sheppard stone on the edge of Harlow Wood. He was firing at a rabbit and the sound caused the bird to fly out, so Spink’s shot it. It was only by chance that he mentioned this to Whitaker - a naturalist and writer of sorts - before disposing of it. The very grateful Whitaker salvaged the bird and had it stuffed.

Joseph Whitaker was the elder son of Joseph Whitaker of Ramsdale, where the younger man was born. He was educated at Uppingham School and inherited a love of the outdoors from his father, who was one of the backers of the local boxer Bendigo. Whitaker lived most of his life at Rainworth Lodge, where his house resembled a museum, containing cases of stuffed birds and other natural history exhibits. Whitaker was a keen sportsman, botanist, fisherman and collector of curios. He published a book on medieval dovecotes in Nottinghamshire, although not all the examples were medieval and not all were even in the county. He also had his own deer park and collected deer horns.

The original Bird Stone that Whitaker put in Thieves Wood was vandalized in the 1980s, and the replacement erected to remind passers-by of the event. At the same time, it keeps alive the memory of one of Nottinghamshire's eccentric characters who furthered our knowledge of birds, dovecotes, and other topics. Mansfield Museum and Art Gallery holds the Whitaker Collection of exhibits in its archive, which include the Egyptian nightjar.

You can take a waymarked route between the two sites, ‘the bird stone’ and Fountain dale. I use Thieves wood for many connected rides. See some of the amazing photos of Thieves wood in my article ‘ Friday morning in the sun’ . Then there is the video I made of the fast entrance trail from the A611 on the west side of the wood, ‘ into the Woods ’. What about when the wood is at its best in Autumn. A fantastic time with all the leaves golden brown and falling like snow, check out ‘ biking on a bed of golden leaves ’.

As you may agree a great wood for biking in. Check out the next section of the Pig hill loop ‘ Mountain Biking in Harlow Wood ’. Another amazing wood to link biking routes together. Alternatively, if you missed the previous section, take a look at the section ‘ Mountain biking the Pitt tip Kirkby ’, a bit of industrial history.

Have a look at all the sections of the Pig Hill loop, one of my go to rides in the summer.

Mountain Biking the Pit Tip Kirkby

The Pit Tip Kirkby

Fri, 11 Aug 2023 07:36:53 GMT

Mountain Biking over the pit tip Kirkby

A lovely little up and down mountain bike trail over the old Kirkby ‘Summit’ Pit Tip. This is part of the series from a new loop called ' Pig Hill ' due to the climb halfway round.

This part of the route starts at the mini roundabout on Lindrick Road, about half a mile from the centre of Kirkby-in-Ashfield, and goes up and over the hill to Penny Emma Way. A short sharp climb with an equally short sharp descent.

Pit tips, sometimes termed ‘dirt hills’ or ‘dot hills’ (locally in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire) are today, typically designated as nature conservation areas, as is the one at Kirkby. These features give the impression that Nottinghamshire is naturally hilly. The landscaped tip at Teversal is so tall that it stands as the highest point in the county and is also popular with cyclists and walkers. However, only a few years ago, the local landscape was characterised by sprawling grey mountains made from pit ‘slurry’. Tipping methods in the past involved dumping waste from pit-tubs onto a single location which created conical tips. The Kirkby Colliery was no exception, and they were often referred to as the ‘Pyramids of Kirkby’. Luckily nowadays it can be used by us bikers.

What about a bit of history with help from an article published on the mining heritage website.

The Kirkby ‘Summit’ Colliery closed over fifty years ago, the last production shifts being on 12th July 1968. The colliery was sunk by the Butterley Company in 1888 – 1890, with a third shaft being sunk to the Blackshale seam in 1912. Locally the colliery was known as Summit, being situated at the highest point of the railway from Pinxton to Mansfield. The Lowmoor pit was run as a separate colliery until it was merged with Kirkby Summit in 1939.

The closure sent shock waves through the local region as the colliery had been planned to be a Super Pit with an annual output of 1.5 million tons of coal for the then new Trent Valley Power Stations. A considerable amount of capital had been spent on the colliery (£4 million), linking it up underground with Langton and Brookhill Collieries at Pinxton, an additional surface drift was driven and a brand new Coal Preparation Plant installed. All production was planned to surface at Kirkby which was adjacent to the railway sidings and Kirkby-in-Ashfield loco sheds. It was planned to become one of the biggest producing collieries in Europe.

However, the colliery was hit by a double whammy; firstly, it started experiencing geological problems and this was followed by the loss of a planning application for a new pit tip and slurry pond extension near to Sutton Junction and closure followed. Output for the last full financial year was 1,088, 264 tons of coal with a manpower of 2,258 men. It was one of the biggest collieries in the Nottinghamshire Coalfield.

It was one of a number of colliery closures in 1968 that affected the East Midlands Coalfield, turning many miners into ‘industrial gypsies’. 1968 was destined to become the worst ever year for colliery closures in Britain, the Labour Government closing an average of one colliery a week nationally! Along with the Bestwood Colliery closure the year before, the Summit closure was to leave a lasting legacy of mistrust of the NCB and to a certain extent, the Labour Party, in the Ashfield region.

So, even though it’s a small section of riding, the area of this trail is reaped in industrial history. In fact, many of my rides go up and over, or around old pit tips.

Have a look at all the sections of the Pig Hill loop, one of my go to rides in the summer.

Riding in the September Sun

Summer Sun 2020

Fri, 02 Jun 2023 14:34:43 GMT

Riding with the Sun blazing

As much as I needed and would have liked to have been working in 2020, I did enjoy having the morning to be out on the bike for a couple of hours, especially when the sun was blazing through the trees like it was very often this summer.

I had some amazing rides. Not amazing because they were gnarly, or epic, or new but because they felt fantastic. For me there is nothing better than being in the forest with the sun blazing through the trees, flashing at you as you pick your route through on the bike. The trails just seemed to be faster and flowing like they were pushing me along rather than resisting the bike. The up hills weren’t a struggle and I found myself scouting the scenery more instead of busting a lung. A great summer to be out on bike!

I captured loads of amazing photos and sunny videos to share. The next project is to pick out the best short videos, small snapshots of great scenery. Even though they probably don’t trigger positive emotions for you they are great memories and every time I look at them, I get the good feelings come flooding back. I hope they inspire you to get out in 2021 when the summer arrives.

Here are some of the articles from the summer:

Summer Biking

The Kitchener Trail

Summer bike to Thoresby

Summer biking in 2020

Mountain Bike to Notts

Fri, 03 Mar 2023 00:00:00 GMT

Daily Commute

Now the world has shifted in terms of work location for a lot of people, including myself, I was reminiscing about my commute to work every day. I miss it! 16 miles there and 16 miles home. Along route 6 and into the centre of Nottingham. Five days a week getting into work fresh and being able to eat what I want knowing I’ll burn it off.

I found one of my old videos pre-covid times where I captured a particularly wet commute, which I don’t miss. It brings back some fond memories.

The commute is a mixture of national cycle route, paths, quiet and busy roads, parks, and woods. Everything you could want really, a multitude of surfaces in one ride. The only thing missing is an amazing downhill, which I guess isn’t so bad as that would mean an up hill on the way home.

The Route :

Starting on the edge of Kingsway Park in the centre of town, the first half a mile is a path along the edge of Kingsway Park coming out on Hornbeam way and then onto Grives Lane. Go right at the traffic lights and onto Kingsway (B6021). Follow the road left and up the steep sharp mutton hill to the traffic lights heading right onto Derby Road (A611). Fly down the hill, past the garage and through the traffic lights until you reach the left turning to Newstead. Take the turn and then enjoy the ride down into Newstead along Annesley Cutting Road and onto Hucknall road sweeping right around the bend. Take the left turn towards Newstead village with Newstead Primary school on your right as you past it. Fly round the right-hand bend and down the hill crossing the train line. Then swing right before ‘the Pitt’ pub so the cricket ground is on your left and the train station is on the right. Follow this round the left-hand bend under the bridge and then look out for National cycle route 6 on the right. Switch back right onto the trail, before reaching the Newstead Abbey gates. A little climb and then left onto a couple of miles of straight track we call ‘the yellow brick road’ but is officially route 6.

Exit the ‘yellow brick’ road at the mini roundabout in Linby and take the road straight opposite, Waterloo Road. Go on the pavement on the left for a few yards until you see a path on the left. Take the path, which is traffic free, it crosses back over Waterloo Road and continues until you reach a road. Go right on the road and duck left down Bishop’s way. Enter the path again at the end of the road and around the grassed area. Enter Buckingham Avenue and swing right and into the cul-de-sac. Carry on straight to the end which looks like a dead end. However, between the houses is another path. This takes you right toward the train line, but just before reaching the train line switchback left and pop out onto a housing street with a short distance to Papplewick Road a busier road. Turn right onto Papplewick Road for a few hundred meters. This is a busy area of Hucknall with the train station and Tesco nearby. When you reach a roundabout go straight over to Wigwam Lane. Then enjoy the fast ride along the industrial estate road.

After half a mile or so you reach a gap leading into Bestwood Country park. Go through the gap and then swing right on to the path. You will come out with the lakes on your left. The path takes you around a long sweeping left until the lakes turn to a stream which you cross. The path then narrows, and you carry straight on. You’ll be aware of the roads re-appearing around you even though you can’t see them. Cross a couple of bridges and ignore any paths taking you down to the road. Eventually you will come out on the busy Moor Bridge Hucknall road which goes toward Nottingham. Carefully cross over to the quieter Bestwood Road opposite which runs parallel to Bulwell Recreation ground for a short time. After reaching St Albans Rd you will see the train line crossing on your right. Head straight over to the path which takes you into the estate. The first road you ride is Colston Rd which swings left and comes to a T-junction. Go right onto Austin Street. Ride for a couple of 100 meters and take the second right, just before the road swings left, onto Belmont Avenue. At the end of the Avenue go between the garages coming out on to church lane which takes you to the very busy B682 heading into Bulwell centre.

Turn right onto the B682. Be traffic aware and head straight through the traffic lights. Don’t go full throttle down the hill as the road takes a sharp left bend. The centre of Bulwell is on the right with the train station on the left. Go past the bus station on the right but stay on the left. After the last building on the left take the path on the left that goes toward the park. It swings onto the river path with the River Leen on your left. Enjoy the next couple of miles off road following the river away from the traffic.

Eventually the path opens out and swings left with the Basford Football ground on the right. Take the left fork just after the ground to continue to follow the river side. After 100 yards there are two exits off the path to the right taking you into a housing estate. Take the second exit to Swallow Close, which leads to Firecrest Way, going left follow the road left until you reach a busier road and a set of traffic lights. Cross the road onto the path opposite to head into the estate. You are now heading into the built-up outskirts of Nottingham. The trails are now behind and you need your whit’s about you. Carry straight on around the left corner of Bramble Close, through the cut through to Coriander drive and then another cut through to Arkers close. Turn right onto Lindum Road and up to the busier road of Percy Street. Turn left onto Percy Street and then right to the traffic lights. At the traffic lights go right onto Bar lane. Go past Ellis Guilford School on the right and head straight on. this is a long straight section of road. At the lights cross over the A610 onto Melbourne Road which is a really wide road with plenty of room, sometimes splitting into two distinct roads. After half a mile or so, crossing two large quiet roundabouts, you reach the busier Aspley Road (A690). Turn left, and when possible cross over the road to the wide path on the right. Head right onto Trentham drive for a short while and then there is a little chicane of roads. Go left and then right onto Redbourne drive. Cross over the traffic lights down towards the path taking you from the housing estate to an industrial road, Peppercorn gardens and Radford Bridge Road. Head straight on until you realise you are about to hit the extremely busy Nottingham bypass Western Boulevard. Look for a path on the right just before the bypass. This takes you onto the under pass missing all the busy traffic. Appear out of the underpass onto the path at the left side of the bypass. Travel a short distance and then turn left on the quiet Orston drive with the bypass behind you.

The next section has a good feeling as you travel through the medical school before reaching the business park. Follow Orston Drive first swinging right and then crossing a quiet roundabout. At the T-junction turn left which looks like a dead end. It’s not a dead end, take the path that goes right lined with trees, and busy with students. The path exits to a set of pedestrian traffic lights. Cross over the road onto Hill side heading between the buildings and the river. The road changes to a path and goes up to Lean Gate Road and chicanes across the road. Continue to follow the river path until you head up to the A6005. Turn left off the path along the A6005 for a few metres, cross over the pedestrian traffic lights and right down priory street. This is a back road going left to join Old Church Street and meeting Lenton Lane with the tram line in the middle of the road. Turn right onto Lenton lane. Cross over the river on the bridge and if you wish to go on a bigger loop (not to work) look out for the path back down to the canal which heads out to Beeston, Long Eaton and after miles of riding back towards Kimberley and then Hucknall, a great day ride. I head to work though, so pass Warhammer world on the right and just after the right-hand bend cross over the road to go left onto the path into Kings Meadow Nature reserve. After a hundred yards head right and right again. This brings you out at the back of the Queens Drive industrial estate onto Rennie Hogg Road. From here it’s a short scoot into work for a well-earned shower and breakfast.

I said at the start that I miss the commute, which I do, but being at home and planning my time does allow me to get out on the bike at lunch and before work. One of the pros of the new world is I can pick and choose the best times to go when the weather is the most bikeable. That is one benefit as commuting doesn’t allow you to have a day off when the weather isn’t the best. However, you could look at it another way, if the weather is bad or work is piling up for a length of time you aren’t forced to bike, so you may put it off and off until you realise you haven’t been biking for a week or so impacting all the health benefits and fitness you have built up. All swings and roundabouts, but none the less, the commute has great memories for me. Who knows I may decide to do the ride again one day and head straight past work to Beeston and Long Eaton.

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