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Discover the charm of Great Leighs through its picturesque routes, with the Essex Horseshoe as a must-ride.


Cycling routes from Great Leighs

Great Leighs, located in the Essex region of the United Kingdom, offers varied cycling opportunities for road and gravel cyclists. The locality provides access to quiet country lanes, picturesque villages, and scenic countryside routes. Great Leighs is known for its rolling landscapes, offering a mix of challenging climbs and gentle descents. Cyclists can enjoy exploring the charming English countryside while experiencing the thrill of riding on different terrains. One of the famous cycling spots nearby is the Essex Horseshoe, a challenging circular route that showcases the area's natural beauty.

Embark on an epic road trip to Leighs' Hill, encountering iconic landmarks and challenging climbs along the way.

road
122 km
789 m
Savage

The Leighs' Hill Epic Road Trip is a legendary 122km route that will test even the most experienced cyclists. With a grueling ascent of 789m, this challenging ride takes you through breathtaking scenery, historic villages, and renowned landmarks. Begin your adventure in Great Waltham before passing through the picturesque villages of Good Easter and Matching Tye. Prepare for some intense climbing as you tackle the infamous King's Hill, offering stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Cherry Green provides a peaceful break with its idyllic surroundings, and you won't want to miss the impressive Great Leighs racecourse, the final highlight of this epic cycling journey.


Discover the picturesque and serene countryside of Great Leighs on this distinctively scenic cycling route.

road
82 km
498 m
Tough

Embark on a delightful journey through the stunning landscape surrounding Great Leighs. This moderate difficulty route offers a perfect blend of smooth roads and gravel paths, allowing you to explore the idyllic villages and charming towns along the way. With a total ascent of 498 meters over a distance of 82 kilometers, this route provides a fulfilling cycling experience for both road and gravel bike enthusiasts. The highlight of the journey is the beautiful town of Thaxted, known for its historic architecture and traditional English charm.


Discover the idyllic Flitch Green and its surrounding countryside in this enjoyable gravel ride.

gravel
55 km
268 m
Chill

The Flitch Green Nature Trail offers a scenic 55km wind-through picturesque villages, tranquil countryside, and charming woodland paths. With a moderate ascent of 268m, this route provides a perfect balance of challenging climbs and rewarding descents. Highlights include Great Dunmow, a market town with a rich history and impressive architecture, Takeley, famous for its enduring beauty and idyllic landscapes, and the enchanting Flitch Way Nature Reserve located in Flitch Green. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty as you meander along quiet lanes and past bustling meadows before returning to Great Leighs.


Embark on a rural adventure through the charming towns of Howe Street and Leaden Roding.

gravel
38 km
154 m
Chill

Get a taste of rural life as you explore the charming towns of Howe Street and Leaden Roding. This gravel route offers a delightful cycling experience, with scenic countryside views and quaint villages along the way. The relatively flat terrain makes it accessible for cyclists of all levels. Highlights of this route include the majestic Howe Street Windmill and the historical town of Leaden Roding. Immerse yourself in the local culture and enjoy the serenity of Onslow Green.


Experience the beauty of the scenic countryside along Great Waltham and Sawbridgeworth.

road
126 km
769 m
Tough

Embark on a scenic cycling journey through the beautiful countryside of Great Waltham and Sawbridgeworth. With picturesque landscapes and stunning views, this route offers a truly immersive experience in nature. The road, although challenging at times due to hilly terrain, makes it a thrilling adventure for well-trained amateur cyclists. Highlights along the route include the charming village of Puckeridge and the majestic Cambridgeshire County Top. Prepare to be captivated by the beauty of Heydon and Howlett End, two hidden gems along the way.


Embark on an exciting gravel adventure to explore historic villages and scenic countryside near Great Leighs.

gravel
69 km
408 m
Tough

Experience the natural beauty of Essex with the Elsenham Gravel Adventure. This 69km route offers a mix of gravel tracks and quiet country lanes, perfect for riders seeking a peaceful and scenic ride. With a total ascent of 408m, this moderately challenging route promises exhilarating climbs and rewarding descents. Highlights along the way include Littley Green, a quaint village with a vibrant community, and Elsenham, known for its fascinating history and charming architecture. Don't miss the opportunity to explore the hidden gems of Takeley Street and admire the peaceful surroundings of Little Dunmow before completing the loop back to Great Leighs.


Venture off the beaten path and explore the gravel paths of Great Leighs and Terling.

gravel
44 km
215 m
Chill

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city as you cycle along the peaceful gravel paths of Great Leighs and Terling. This gravel route offers a unique cycling experience, showcasing the beauty of Essex's countryside. With a relatively flat terrain and scenic views, it is suitable for cyclists of all levels. The highlights of this route include the charming Silver End village and the picturesque village of Messing. Take a moment to immerse yourself in the tranquility of Endway, a hidden gem along the way.


Experience the stunning countryside of Essex in this challenging road loop with scenic landscapes and historic villages.

road
90 km
592 m
Tough

The Essex Countryside Road Loop takes you on a scenic 90km adventure showcasing the natural beauty and rich history of Essex. With a challenging ascent of 592m, this route demands determination and strength. Highlights along the way include the ancient market town of Great Dunmow, perched atop a gentle hill and offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Lovecotes Hill provides an exhilarating climb with rewarding vistas, and Ashdon boasts traditional cottages and idyllic countryside landscapes. As you near the end of your ride, don't miss the picturesque Finchingfield Guildhall, an iconic landmark in Finchingfield. This route boasts a mix of scenery, making it one to remember.


Explore the charming countryside around Great Leighs on this scenic gravel loop.

gravel
75 km
406 m
Tough

The Great Saling Gravel Loop takes you on a 75km adventure through rolling hills and picturesque villages. With 406m of ascent, this moderate-level route offers a balanced challenge for gravel enthusiasts. Enjoy panoramic views as you pass through Little Dunmow and Duton Hill before reaching the highlight of the route, Sewards End Hill, at 40km. Continuing on, you'll ride through pretty hamlets like Great Bardfield and Great Saling, and end your journey in Great Notley. This route offers a taste of classic English countryside and is perfect for a day of exploration.


Explore the picturesque villages of Black Notley and Silver End.

road
60 km
291 m
Tough

This route takes you through the charming villages of Black Notley and Silver End, offering a glimpse into the traditional English countryside. As you cycle through the rolling hills, you will be surrounded by stunning landscapes and peaceful surroundings. The road is well-maintained, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable ride. With a moderate difficulty level, this route is suitable for amateur cyclists who want to experience the beauty of Essex. The highlights of this route include the historic Moot Hall in Tolleshunt Major and the quaint village of Fuller Street.


Cycling routes nearby:

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Black Notley

Cycling paradise in Essex, United Kingdom.

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Little Dunmow

Cycling in the picturesque countryside of Little Dunmow

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Boreham

Enjoyable cycling in Boreham, Essex

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Silver End

Scenic cycling in Silver End, Essex

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Witham

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Chelmsford

Serene countryside paths and thrilling off-road trails make Chelmsford ideal for cyclists.

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Great Dunmow

Explore Great Dunmow: A Cycling Haven

Nearby regions:

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Inner London — West

Urban Cycling Adventure in London

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Experience the vibrant energy of Inner London — East on a road or gravel bike.

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Outer London — East and North East

Mix of urban and rural cycling opportunities

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Discovering the cycling gems of Outer London — South

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Outer London — West and North West

Scenic rides on the outskirts of London with some challenging climbs.

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Surrey, East and West Sussex

Discover the charm of English countryside and coastal beauty in Surrey, East and West Sussex, United Kingdom.