4.6
(230)
1,937
riders
177
rides
Touring cycling around Walgrave, a village in rural Northamptonshire, offers routes through picturesque landscapes and diverse natural features. The region is characterized by rolling countryside with elevations generally ranging from 84 to 137 meters above sea level. Key features include the tranquil Pitsford Water and the traffic-free Brampton Valley Way, a former railway line that forms part of National Cycle Network Route 6. The area's varied geological elements, including Boulder Clay and Northampton Sand, contribute to its varied terrain.
Last updated: May 8, 2026
4.7
(21)
264
riders
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
45
riders
36.5km
02:43
310m
310m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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5.0
(4)
23
riders
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(2)
16
riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
16
riders
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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I stopped at Windmill Farm just past the Oxendon tunnel. Cafe serves full breakfast, cakes and snacks.
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The Brampton Valley Way is a 14-mile (22 km) traffic-free trail between Northampton and Market Harborough, following a disused railway line. Itβs popular with cyclists, walkers, and horse riders thanks to its mostly flat, scenic route through countryside and woodland. Two long, unlit tunnels at Kelmarsh and Oxendon add an adventurous twist β lights are essential. The surface is a mix of gravel and dirt, best suited to hybrid or mountain bikes.
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Nice little cafe. Outside ok for bikes and nice toilets. Egg and bacon baguette recommended
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Really pretty countryside and villages. some hills but worth it
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The Bampton Valley Way is a 14-mile (22.5km) disused railway trail between Northampton and Market Harborough. It's a well surfaced multi-user trail, perfect for easy rides, families or as part of a commute. The trail follows a section of the old NorthamptonβMarket Harborough railway line. It opened in 1859 and closed in 1981.
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There are nearly 200 touring cycling routes around Walgrave, offering a wide variety of options for different skill levels and preferences. These routes are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars.
Yes, Walgrave offers several easy touring cycling routes. A popular choice is the View of Pitsford Reservoir β View of Pitsford Water loop from Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains, an 8.5-mile (13.8 km) trail that follows a tranquil, hard-surfaced waterside track around Pitsford Water. Another easy option is the Pitsford Water Woodland Trail loop from Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains, which is just over 9 km.
The Brampton Valley Way, a traffic-free rail trail, is a highlight for touring cyclists. You can explore sections of it on routes like the Great Oxendon Tunnel β Kelmarsh Tunnels loop from Old, a moderate 22.7-mile (36.5 km) path that includes the unique unlit tunnels. Another excellent option is the Brampton Valley Way β Brampton Valley Way loop from Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains, a 12.1-mile (19.4 km) trail that takes you through varied countryside.
Many of the touring cycling routes around Walgrave are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the popular View of Pitsford Reservoir β View of Pitsford Water loop and the Brampton Valley Way β Brampton Valley Way loop, both offering convenient circular journeys.
The terrain around Walgrave is characterized by rolling countryside, with elevations generally ranging from 84 to 137 meters above sea level. You'll find dedicated traffic-free paths, such as the Brampton Valley Way, which has sections of tarmac and some gravel. Routes around Pitsford Water are typically hard-surfaced. The varied geological elements, including Boulder Clay and Northampton Sand, contribute to the diverse landscape.
Along your touring cycling routes, you can encounter several interesting landmarks and natural features. Highlights include the tranquil Pitsford Water, the adventurous Kelmarsh Tunnels on the Brampton Valley Way, and the scenic Harlestone Firs. The area also features historical sites like St Peter and St Paulβs Church, Hannington.
Yes, Pitsford Water offers amenities for cyclists, including a cafe and public toilets, making it a convenient stop. The Brixworth Country Park, connected to Pitsford Water, also provides facilities. Additionally, Harlestone Firs has a nearby garden centre with cafe facilities. For more information on Pitsford Water's amenities, you can visit visitnorthamptonshire.co.uk.
The Brampton Valley Way features two unlit tunnels, Kelmarsh and Oxendon, which add an adventurous element to your ride. It is essential to bring bike lights when planning to cycle through these sections for safety and visibility.
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 200 reviews. Reviewers often praise the picturesque landscapes, the tranquility of Pitsford Water, and the traffic-free nature of the Brampton Valley Way, which provides a safe and enjoyable cycling experience through varied countryside.
Yes, Walgrave benefits from its proximity to broader cycling networks. The Brampton Valley Way forms a crucial part of National Cycle Network Route 6, and the region also connects to NCN50. These connections allow for longer and more varied touring options beyond the immediate Walgrave area.
Yes, for routes around Pitsford Water and the Brampton Valley Way, parking is generally available. Brixworth Country Park, which is connected to Pitsford Water, is designed with accessibility in mind and offers parking facilities for visitors looking to cycle the waterside track.
Walgrave's rolling countryside and dedicated paths are enjoyable throughout much of the year. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery, while summer provides longer daylight hours. Even in winter, the hard-surfaced paths around Pitsford Water can be accessible, though some gravel sections of the Brampton Valley Way might be more challenging in wet conditions. Always check local weather conditions before heading out.


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