Cycling at Calke Abbey

Images shows a family cycling away from the camera along a double track beneath a canopy of autumn leaves at Calke Abbey, with a child in the foreground and other cyclists further ahead — Cycling the Tramway Trail at Calke Abbey | © National Trust Images/Chris Lacey

Get wonderful views from your saddle as you explore the ancient parkland at Calke Abbey on a leisurely bike ride along the Tramway Trail. Discover Calke's cycle-friendly trail, code of conduct and cycle hire information here.

Riding the Tramway Trail

Venture into the wider parkland on two wheels with a bike ride along the Tramway Trail, Calke Abbey’s circular multi-use trail. With a relatively flat terrain and minimal road crossings, it’s the perfect route for a family bike ride.

The figure-of-eight route takes you through woodland, farmland and pasture, as well as along part of the route of the historic horse-drawn tramway. Cycle around both loops to experience the full 10km trail, or a single loop for a shorter 6km ride.

The easiest way to access the Tramway Trail is by parking at Calke Explore, which has direct access to the route. You can also park in the main car park, where you’ll find a map outside the ticket office – the team will also be happy to point you in the direction of the trail.

Cycle hire at Calke Explore

From Saturday 2 March – Sunday 3 November, cycle hire will be available at Calke Explore every weekend, bank holiday and school holiday, from 10am to 4.30pm (last hire 2.30pm).

The cycle hire facility is within close pedalling distance of the Tramway Trail, so you can hit the track with no fuss.

Prices: £10 per adult bike, £7 per child bike (under 18s), £7 per trailer (including dog trailers). Bikes are available to hire for two hours. Balance bikes are free of charge.

All bikes and trailers are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Cycle hire small print

Helmets are included in your hire, but feel free to bring your own.  
Please return your bike to the cycle hire hut before 4.30pm. You can hire a bike after 2.30pm, but please be aware that it will still need to be returned by 4.30pm and you'll be charged the full price of a two hour hire.
Bikes are available to hire on a first-come, first-served basis (pre-booking not available at the moment). 
Card payments are preferred.

Image shows a child adjusting their bike. — There's plenty of bikes for all ages | © National Trust/John Millar

1-2-1 lessons

Are you new to cycling or haven’t been on a bike for a while? Book a private lesson to help you build your confidence or learn to ride from scratch.

The cycle hire team will tailor the session to you, helping you gain the knowledge and skills you need to ride independently.

We have a range of different bikes available to suit your needs, from small balance bikes and children’s bikes, to step-through bikes and mountain bikes in various sizes.

Booking is essential.

Find out more

Bike racks at the café

Don't stop at cycling – refresh and refuel while you're here. The restaurant is open from 9.30am every day, and the kiosk at Calke Explore is open at weekends and peak times.

There are some bike racks available at Calke Explore and in the Stableyards where you can safely leave bikes while you enjoy your refreshments.

Calke's cycle code

We ask that cyclists behave responsibly and respect other people enjoying the Calke Abbey estate, and the livestock in the parkland. Get the most out of your cycling adventure by following Calke's cycling code:

Be courteous and patient with other path users, letting walkers know you're there and giving way to slower users.
Control your speed according to the surface conditions, ensuring you can stop in time, and be wary of loose stones and tree roots, which can be slippery when wet.
Be particularly careful at road junctions and crossings, and look out for bends or other 'blind spots' where people could appear in front of you without warning.
Remember to stick to the designated cycle routes – for more information please ask a member of the cycle hire or welcome team.
Dismount when approaching the stableyard buildings, Tramway tunnels and gateways, and please close the gates behind you.

Looking after Calke Abbey

You can help us care for Calke by taking all litter home with you and presenting any National Trust membership cards to a member of the team.

Please note that all non-members arriving by car, bike or on foot are required to pay an admission fee for entry into the parkland. This supports vital conservation work in the outdoors at Calke Abbey, so that we can protect this special place for everyone, for ever.