This last week has been nothing but rain, rain, rain. So, when I woke this morning to the sight of a bit of sun, I jumped at the chance to get out on the bike. It was only a local ride I regularly do but having been trapped inside over the weekend it sure felt immense to be filling the lungs with fresh air.

I didn’t want to make the lungs bleed; I just wanted a relaxed ride to take in the scenery. I wasn’t disappointed. As I rode through the trees the sun was blazing through, flickering as I passed. I had to stop to try and capture some of the images…and I got some crackers.

The ride is a 13-mile loop with minimal road riding connecting trails and singletrack Forest routes. That is apart from the road right through the middle of Newstead Abbey. Usually a picturesque building, refurbishments mean it isn’t as stunning in this mornings sun.

The ride starts on the outskirts of Kirkby-in-Ashfield and heads to the grounds of Newstead. It’s a fast road into Newstead with the sun glinting through the over hanging trees.

Take a left at the school and continue downhill to cross the robin hood train line. After scooting right and then left it joins route 6 which passes right through the Newstead Estate. Turn off the road and head to Thieves wood. Cross the B6020 to head into the woods. Enjoy the Forest Trails and singletrack whilst passing straight through the wood to the A611.

Cross the A611 and head down the fast sweeping singletrack to Cauldwell Dam. Enjoy this whilst it lasts and beware of the routes. Once you reach the river head on the road back to Kirkby-in-Ashfield.

I'm sure you'll agree a cracking loop that can be packed into an hours riding...