The East Midlands holds a very special place in the heart of UK motorcycling. This is the region that brought us Donington Park, the historic heart of British motorcycle racing, and it boasts some of the most vibrant, active biker communities in the country.
While it might not have the extreme mountain passes of Scotland or the Lake District, the East Midlands offers a phenomenal mix of undulating countryside, fast sweeping A-roads, and dense forest routes. Whether you are hunting for a Sunday morning bacon cob surrounded by hundreds of other bikers, or a quiet, twisting lane through a hidden valley, this region delivers. Here at WeBuyAnyBike247.com, we’ve mapped out the top five East Midlands motorcycle routes you need to ride this summer.
1. The Matlock Bath Mecca (A6 Derwent Valley)
Vibe: Huge biker gatherings, stunning gorge views, fish and chips
You cannot talk about biking in the East Midlands without starting in Matlock Bath. On a sunny Sunday, this landlocked Derbyshire village transforms into what feels like a bustling seaside resort, with the main street lined edge-to-edge with thousands of motorcycles.
The ride up the A6 from Belper or Ambergate, winding through the Derwent Valley alongside the river and towering limestone cliffs, is beautiful. After grabbing fish and chips and admiring the chrome and carbon fiber on display in Matlock Bath, continue north on the A6 through the Peak District National Park towards Buxton. The road climbs out of the valley, offering faster, sweeping bends and fantastic vistas.
2. The B6047 Rollercoaster (Melton Mowbray to Market Harborough)
Vibe: Non-stop corners, elevation changes, pure riding rhythm
Hidden away in the rolling countryside of Leicestershire is a road that local bikers whisper about in hushed, reverent tones: the B6047. Stretching from the pork pie capital of Melton Mowbray down to Market Harborough, this road is an absolute thrill ride.
It is effectively 18 miles of non-stop crests, dips, and sweeping corners. It constantly rises and falls over the Leicestershire hills, giving you a wonderful sense of rhythm as you transition from bend to bend. Because of the frequent blind crests and hidden dips, it demands your full attention and smooth riding inputs. It’s the perfect road for a nimble middleweight naked bike.
3. The Lincolnshire Wolds & Willingham Woods (A153 / A157)
Vibe: Fast sweepers, racing heritage, iconic woodland cafe
Lincolnshire is often dismissed as being entirely flat, but the Lincolnshire Wolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is a glorious exception. This area offers some of the best, most flowing tarmac in the East Midlands.
Start in Horncastle and take the A153 towards Louth. This road features fast, open, and incredibly satisfying sweepers. You'll pass right by the legendary Cadwell Park racing circuit—often dubbed the "Mini Nürburgring." After your ride, head just east of Market Rasen on the A156 to Willingham Woods. The cafe hidden in the pine trees here is another legendary East Midlands biker hangout, perfect for a brew and a chat.
4. The Rutland Water Loop (A6003 & Surrounding Lanes)
Vibe: Relaxed cruising, waterside views, picturesque villages
If you're in the mood for a more relaxed, scenic cruise rather than dragging your knee, head to the UK’s smallest county. Rutland Water is a massive, beautiful reservoir surrounded by fantastic, quiet riding roads.
The A6003 offers a great approach from Oakham, but the real joy is found taking the smaller B-roads and unclassified lanes that orbit the water. You'll ride through impossibly pretty villages built from golden stone, under dense canopies of trees, and past marinas full of sailboats. Stop off at Normanton Church, which appears to float on the water, before finding a country pub for a classic Sunday roast.
5. Sherwood Forest and The Dukeries (B6034 & A614)
Vibe: Ancient woodlands, historic estates, fast straights
Deep in Nottinghamshire, this route takes you through the legendary home of Robin Hood. The roads cutting through Sherwood Forest and the surrounding "Dukeries" (a region historically containing several ducal estates) offer a brilliant mix of scenery and road types.
The B6034 running past the Major Oak and through the quaint village of Edwinstowe is lovely and shaded by ancient trees. For a faster pace, jump onto the A614 heading north towards Clumber Park and Worksop. The roads here open up into long, heavily wooded straights followed by fast, predictable roundabouts. It’s a great area for a morning blast followed by a quiet walk in the forest.