Pedal Power in The National Forest

This weekend, hundreds of people got pedalling along forested trails in Leicestershire to celebrate the opening of the Hicks Lodge National Forest Cycle Centre in the National Forest.

The Hicks Lodge National Forest Cycle Centre is the third of its kind; opened after the success of the other Purple Mountain cycling centres in Dalby Forest, North Yorkshire and Kielder Forest in Northumberland. The centre and surrounding cycling paths have been designed to suit cyclists of all levels, from wide surfaced trails for families to twisting mountain biking tracks for the more advanced. You don't even need your own bike to get involved since there is an extensive collection of bikes to hire on site.

Last weekend marked the start of an action packed summer activity programme at the centre, designed to get everyone involved with family fun days, guided rides, skill learning lessons, BBQs and night rides.

Cycling trails for everyone. Photo: Purple MountainThe centre has been developed through a partnership of the Forestry Commission and National Forest Company, who are using such initiatives to raise awareness and get people enjoying their forest regeneration programmes. Catherine Graham-Harrison, Chair of the National Forest Company hopes that their efforts have helped provide 'novel ways for people to enjoy the new landscapes: though walking, picnicking, listening to birdsong – and indeed, cycling'.

Besides the trails themselves, the centre features a beautiful eco-friendly visitor centre, complete with cafe, bike repair, showers, car park and a snug wood-burning stove, making the heart of The National Forest more accessible and sustainable than ever. The visitor centre is heated by a wood chip boiler, energy generation is by solar panels and the building uses recycled rainwater. The trails are free to use, and there is a small car parking charge: £1 per hour up to a maximum of £3 for the day.

For green places to stay near the Hicks Lodge National Forest Cycle Centre try the cosy cottages at Wheeldon Tress Farm or go glamping at Long Valley Yurts, both in the heart of the Peak District. If you're keen to go on a cycling holiday, check out our Cycling Holiday options.