The National Forest Explorer

We return to The National Forest Explorer again to end the 2026 season and because the route is so good, it remains unchanged. The 2024 event was pivotal for Gravelton Events. A big turnout that day was the catalyst for making 2025 the best season yet for rider numbers. Leicestershire is littered with interconnecting trails, byways and disused railway lines, all brought together by routemaster Chris. Throw in a decent cafe at the start/finish and the route has everything a gravel ride needs. Hands down one of my favourite places to ride my gravel bike.

Read my 2025 ride report.

Gravelton Events are not official or sanctioned. They are self-supported group rides. Same route, same day. It’s just you, your bike and your mates having fun.

All riders who wish to join me on a ride agree to adhere to my code of conduct. Have fun and share your ride with everyone else in the community afterwards.

How to Enter

Entry is FREE. Just turn up but I do recommend you subscribe to my newsletter to receive the latest route and event info.

The Route

No short course for this one as it’s a manageble distance and not too technical

The route leaves Hicks Lodge and warms riders up with a scoot around it’s MTB trails before crossing the A42 and picking up Spring Lane, Packington for your first big byway test. You’ll get some rest as you drop into Ravenstone but it’s quickly back offroad on the Bosworth Trail to Snibston Country Park to test your cornering skills climbing its super-tight hairpins. After a quick loop of it#s trails, it’s back via the Bosworth Trail again via Ravenstone out towards Heather to drop into the fantastic Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Wood. A gravel riders dream.

From here it’s a rest on more black top into Heather then the trails climb in Sence Valley Country Park to Ibstock. Grange Wood beckons and is one of the best sectors on the route with the higlhlight for me being it’s short but super steep climb adjacent to steps. Will you walk or ride? If you’re tired here, the quiet lanes through Nailstone and Barton-in-the-Beans will allow you to kick back and soak up the views before a short section of the Ashby canal.

At Shackerstone you’ll jump off and trace your way to Snarestone where, just beyond the village, you’ll pickup the first part of a lengthy but superb section of disused railway. This will skirt Conkers, traverse the lake before a final push up Moira Rd to pick up the beautiful Gorse Lane. A final foray through Conkers offroad will see you follow the canal into Moira itself before the last sector that climbs into the back of Hicks Lodge and takes you back to the Cafe for a well earned coffee.

You can download GPS files from the Gravelton GPS Folder any format you want or use the Komoot link below

Need to Know

1. Invite your mates. Tell everyone about the ride.
2. Remind yourself of my code of conduct
3. Park considerately on the day.
4. Always take your litter home.
5. Be self-sufficient. Make sure you have the route, your phone, spares, food, drink, money.
6. Shut any gates.
7. Ride within your capabilities and the rules of the road.
8. Be courteous to other trail users and share your space nicely. A bell is highly recommended.
9. Remember it’s a ride not a race.
10. Share your ride afterwards.

Parking

The car park at Hicks Lodge can get busy on weekends and is pay and display.

Refreshments

Pre and post-ride refreshments are available at the Grounds Cafe on-site at Hicks Lodge. En-route there are options in Coalville town centre

Gallery