Wagtail Way - The Scenic Route

This 42km cycle route takes in the very best of what South Derbyshire and North West Leicestershire have to offer.

The route map below is courtesy of Wagtail Bike Hire and has you starting at their base in Diseworth, North West Leicestershire – but as a circular route, you can start wherever you please and the details below will be from the perspective of starting at Staunton Harold!

Leaving Staunton Harold, you’ll be taken further along the route to Calke Abbey, with a short loop through the grounds if you wish, before cycling through some scenic views of the National Forest following the northern side of Staunton Harold Reservoir.

Next you’ll arrive at the beautiful Georgian market town of Melbourne, before cycling through the pretty villages of Wilson and Breedon-on-the-Hill. Continuing on through Belton and Osgathorpe, you’ll eventually make your way past Grace Dieu Priory and through Grace Dieu wood. Following the route, you’ll head by the Jaguar Lount and Bignall’s Woods before finally returning to Staunton Harold.

This mostly on-road route takes in some some off-road trails at Calke Abbey, and gives you easy access to pubs and coffee shops galore, as well as great independent shops in Melbourne and at Staunton Harold, and world class culture and heritage.