The best cycling routes around Northampton

There are over 140 touring cycling routes around Northampton, offering a wide range of options for different skill levels and preferences. You'll find everything from easy, traffic-free paths to more challenging loops through the countryside.

Northampton's touring cycling routes feature diverse landscapes, including rolling hills, tranquil waterways, and historic sites. Many routes utilize disused railway lines, offering traffic-free paths through woodlands and open fields. You can also find waterside tracks around reservoirs like Pitsford Water.

Yes, Northampton offers many family-friendly and beginner-suitable routes. There are over 30 easy touring cycling routes. The River Nene Path – Nene Whitewater Centre loop from Billing is a moderate option that follows tranquil waterways, and the paths around Pitsford Water are particularly popular with families due to their scenic views and amenities.

For those seeking longer or more challenging rides, Northampton has over 25 difficult routes. The Brixworth Country Park & Althorp House loop from Northampton is a challenging 29.3-mile route with significant elevation gain, exploring the countryside around the historic Althorp Estate. Another option is the Nene Valley Way – Nene Whitewater Centre loop from Northampton, a difficult 44.9-mile route.

Many routes pass by interesting sites. For example, the Brixworth Country Park & Althorp House loop from Northampton takes you near the historic Althorp Estate. You can also explore areas around Pitsford Water, or cycle past landmarks like The Eleanor Cross, Hardingstone, and St Peter and St Paul’s Church, Hannington.

Yes, many touring cycling routes in Northampton are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the popular Brampton Valley Way – Great Oxendon Tunnel loop from Northampton and the Lock gate on the River Nene – Nene Whitewater Centre loop from Northampton.

The touring cycling routes in Northampton are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 70 reviews. Cyclists often praise the region's varied terrain, from tranquil waterside paths to scenic countryside loops, and the availability of traffic-free sections like the Brampton Valley Way.

Yes, the Brampton Valley Way is a notable traffic-free path built on a disused railway line, connecting Northampton to Market Harborough. It's part of the Sustrans National Cycle Network Route 6 and features the unlit Oxendon and Kelmarsh tunnels. The paths around Pitsford Water also offer a tranquil, traffic-free experience.

Spring and summer generally offer the most pleasant conditions for touring cycling in Northampton, with milder weather and longer daylight hours. Autumn can also be beautiful with changing foliage. While winter cycling is possible, some unpaved sections, particularly on routes like the Brampton Valley Way, can become rough or muddy after rain, so be prepared for varied conditions.

Yes, several routes offer access to amenities. Pitsford Water, for instance, has a café, bike hire, and picnic areas. The Nene Whitewater Centre, which is part of several Nene Valley routes, also provides facilities. Many charming villages along the routes may also offer local cafes and shops.

Northampton has some connectivity for cyclists using public transport. The Brampton Valley Way, for example, is accessible from Northampton, and local bus services might accommodate bikes, though it's always best to check with the specific operator beforehand. The 'Norbital' (Route 539) provides an 18-mile circular route around Northampton, connecting residential areas, which can be a starting point for other tours.