If you would like to try something a little more fun, or add an extra loop onto our Sustrans Route 15 ride, then this may be the one for you. We would suggest that it is not much more than a beginners/intermediate route, however, there are a few challenges, so this is not really suitable for young children, or anyone that is not used to riding a bike.
Whilst following the Canal Path on Route 15, when heading towards the Dirty Duck, you will pass a small wooden footbridge over the Canal. Go past this, and at the next bridge (Brick Bridge) over the Canal, go underneath it, and turn immediately right, weaving through the traffic barrier. Take a quick U-Turn and go over the bridge. Ride slightly uphill through the trees and look for a demolished railway bridge, immediately after this, there is a well marked path on the left, join this path.
Follow this path up hill for a few miles, until you reach a road bridge over the path, keep going under the bridge and continue until you come to a farm track. The nettle stings are good for the soul if the path has not been cut back! Join the farm track and continue in the same direction until you reach the end of this track. When you join the track/road at the end, turn immediately right, if you reach the houses, you have gone too far. Follow this track, heading away from the houses. This first section on your return can be very cut up and have some deep and muddy ruts, please ride this with caution unless you are experienced. This track leads you to the top gates at Belvoir Castle, they will appear on the left hand side as you reach the road at the end.
Join the road going left, and turn immediately right by the cottage, following the well signposted Bridle Path. Follow this track. This track can be overgrown and wet, but on the whole it should be OK. Follow the track until it starts to go downhill, unless you know the route, don’t go too fast, this off road downhill can have some hidden surprises. You will pass the path that you took earlier on the right, just carry on over the brick bridge to where you started.
Remember to always wear a helmet, this is an off road route.