Where to Ride: East Midlands

Wild and rugged in the north, with flatter going in the south, the East Midlands has every kind of riding on the menu and is close to many of the UK's major population centres, making it an ideal escape for many. The Peak District in the north has well developed traffic free trails, such as the famous Tissington Trail, as well as a massive bridleway network and many quiet roads. While in the south of the region, the ancient, legendary Sherwood Forest has trails for every kind of rider.

Derbyshire's Peak District is a true one-stop-shop for cycling, whether you're after an easy ride with the family or a challenging road or mountain bike ride with your mates. Derbyshire's Tissington Trail and High Peak Trail are amongst the finest and most scenic traffic-free routes in the country, while the rocky terrain of the hills and the extensive bridleway network make the Peaks a real mountain biking honeypot. Check out www.mountainbikerides.co.uk for an extensive selection of off road options. There's also some superb road riding in the Peak District, with the Goyt Valley area being particularly challenging, scenic and lightly trafficked.

Nottinghamshire has Sherwood Forest at its cycling heart, with a wealth of trails for all abilities. The county is also intersected by two long distance National Cycle Network routes, Route 6 and Route 64. For more details go here.

Leicestershire is blessed with no fewer than four National Cycle Network routes, Brampton Valley Way being perhaps its most well known family cycling trail. The city of Leicester itself is well-served by a comprehensive network of signposted routes too. Click here for more details. Despite its relative flatness, Leicester has some great mountain biking options. Check out www.mountainbikerides.co.uk for more details.

Lincolnshire is awash with cycling opportunity - either flat of gently rolling in the Wolds, the county has a quiet network of tracks, lanes, bridleways and canal towpaths which are a cyclist's delight. For more details and links to route maps go here. Or for a ride with a difference, try the Water Rail Way, a scenic 40km traffic free route across the fens, complete with a stunning selection of original art installations along the way.

Featured Ride: MTB: Jacob's Ladder - a 14 mile Peak District bridleway classic taking in Roych Clough, Rushup Edge and the monster climb of Jacob's Ladder near Edale. Full ride report and online mapping.

 More Ride Ideas

LEISURE: Sherwood Forest Off-Road Leisure Rides: Two 20 mile off road rides in the vast outdoor playground of Sherwood Forest.
LEISURE: Carsington Water: Watersports centre in the Peak District with a great traffic-free path around the reservoir and lots of other things to see and do.
LEISURE: Tissington Trail: Clearly signposted routes for cyclists take the visitor on a scenic trip along the old Buxton to Ashbourne railway line, making a flat route suitable for riders of all abilities.
LEISURE: Clumber Park: Explore the National Trust property's 3800 acres of parkland by bike.
MTB: Sherwood Pines: Sherwood Pines Forest Park is the largest (and definitely the most famous) woodland open to the public in the East Midlands.
LEISURE: Shipley Country Park: Over 18 miles of mostly flat footpaths and bridleways, mostly flat and plenty of facilities and links to other traffic free trails from Long Eaton and Heanor make this a great family ride.
LEISURE: The Cloud Trail: This is a pleasant route along the disused Derby, Melbourne, Ashby Branch Railway into the heart of Derby along the bank of the River Derwent.
LEISURE: Conkers - National Forest: Suitable for a day out anytime of the year, fun, entertainment and discovery are all rolled into one. Route is on forest paths with various options around the National Forest.
LEISURE: Brampton Valley Way: This former Northampton to Market Harborough Railway is now a car free ‘linear' park surrounded by beautiful scenery and rich in natural and historical heritage.
LEISURE: Derwent and Ladybower Reservoirs: A breathtaking 16 mile circular route on quiet roads and fireroads, encircling the Peak's largest expanse of water. Flora and fauna abound in this unique setting.
MTB: Ashover: Classic Peak District trails in the less well-trodden southern edge of the peaks.
MTB: Belvoir: Very good loop taking you up and down the escarpment looking out over the Vale of Belvoir. Includes some great downhills (by Leicestershire standards!).
MTB: Borrough Hill: A great introduction to mountain biking in Leicestershire. If more encouragement is needed, nearby Melton Mowbray is the home of 'Ye Olde Pork Pie Shoppe'.
MTB: Buxton - Goyt Valley: Though classed here as an MTB route, this route takes place in the heart of 'God's County' on quiet roads, forest tracks and rough bridleways, so an MTB is advised.
MTB: Eyam and Bakewell: A varied 17.7 mile loop starting at the delightful market town of Eyam. It includes some of the best descents to be found in the Peaks.
MTB: Hope Valley to Win Hill:  A great day out with fantastic views of the Edale and Ashop Valleys and Ladybower Reservoir.
MTB: Ladybower Reservoir - Doctor's Gate - Cut Gate Path: A 36 mile Peak District epic. Technically challenging and totally absorbing natural trails take you over exposed moorland and into 'secret' valleys.
MTB: Stanage: An epic all day 27 mile route taking in Stanage Edge and other classic Dark Peak trails.