As part of the UK’s National Cycling Week this week, the Forestry Commission has highlighted several cycling routes for beginners in forests and woodlands around the country, many of which are just a stone’s throw from Club Sites.

• The Lake Loop Trail at Hicks Lodge in Leicestershire is an easy route around a lake, with a bird hide on the way to take a break and watch birdlife.
Nearest Club Site: Conkers – two miles away.
• The Skills Loop at Sherwood Pines in Nottinghamshire is perfect to help develop and master cycling skills.
Nearest Club Site: Teversal – eight miles away.
• A good flat surface close to good facilities is what’s on offer at the All Ability Cycle Track at Alice Holt in Surrey. Nearest Club Site: Graffham – 16 miles away.
• Ladyhill Trail at Cannock Chase in Staffordshire is ideal for beginners with plenty of other entertainment for youngsters, including fairy trees and Gruffalo sculptures. Nearest Club Site: Cannock Chase – two miles away.
• Take in spectacular views on wide, sweeping tracks perfect for beginners at Kielder Water and Forest Park in Northumberland.
Nearest Club Site: Bellingham – 14 miles away.
• Families can test and improve their skills at the Cycling Skills Training Loop at Hamsterley Forest in Durham. Nearest Club Site: Barnard Castle – ten miles away.
• The magnificent woodland setting of Salcey Forest in Northamptonshire also features a firm and flat stone surface throughout. Nearest Club Site: Gullivers Milton Keynes – nine miles away.
• Take to the grass at Beechenhurst in the Forest of Dean and enjoy homemade cakes from the nearby café afterwards. Nearest Camping in the Forest site: Bracelands Camping in the Forest – one mile away.

Over the summer the Forestry Commission will also be hosting exclusive children’s cycling areas at six of its locations – providing safe spaces for youngsters aged three and over to take their skills from balancing through to riding with confidence.