The best gravel rides around Northampton

Northampton offers a wide selection of gravel biking routes, with over 28 trails documented on komoot. These range from easy, family-friendly rides to more challenging adventures, ensuring there's something for every skill level.

Yes, Northampton has several easy gravel bike trails perfect for beginners or families. One excellent option is the Brampton Valley Way – Brampton Valley Way loop from Kingsthorpe Meadow Nature Reserve, which is 17.6 miles (28.3 km) long and takes about 1 hour 35 minutes to complete. This route follows a former railway line, offering a relatively flat and accessible ride.

For those seeking a more demanding ride, Northampton offers routes with greater distance and elevation. A challenging option is the View of Pitsford Reservoir – View of Pitsford Water loop from Northampton, which spans 42.2 miles (67.8 km) and features significant elevation changes.

Many of the gravel bike routes around Northampton are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the popular View of Pitsford Reservoir – View of Pitsford Water loop from Boughton and the Brampton Valley Way – Great Oxendon Tunnel loop from Northampton.

The gravel bike trails in Northampton feature a mix of terrain. You'll primarily encounter compacted gravel paths, bridleways, and quiet country lanes. The region's landscape includes rolling countryside, disused railway lines like the Brampton Valley Way, and scenic routes around Pitsford Reservoir, offering both flat, fast sections and gentle climbs.

Gravel cycling routes in Northampton vary in duration. Shorter, easier loops like the View of Pitsford Reservoir – View of Pitsford Water loop from Boughton can be completed in under 1.5 hours. Longer, moderate routes such as the Olney Market Square – Old Railway Bridge loop from Hackleton might take around 2.5 hours, while more challenging tours can extend to several hours.

Many routes pass by interesting points. For instance, the Brampton Valley Way routes go through the historic Great Oxendon Tunnel. You can also explore nearby attractions like Delapré Abbey or the Eleanor Cross at Hardingstone, which are accessible from various starting points around Northampton.

Absolutely. The region is well-suited for family-friendly gravel biking, particularly along the disused railway lines which offer flat and safe paths. The Brampton Valley Way – Brampton Valley Way loop from Kingsthorpe Meadow Nature Reserve is an excellent choice for families due to its easy difficulty and scenic environment.

The komoot community highly rates gravel biking in Northampton, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 15 reviews. Riders often praise the varied terrain, the scenic views around Pitsford Reservoir, and the well-maintained paths of the former railway lines, which offer a great mix of natural beauty and accessible riding.

Gravel biking in Northampton is enjoyable throughout much of the year. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery. While routes are generally accessible in winter, be prepared for potentially muddy sections on bridleways and country lanes, especially after heavy rain. Summer provides longer daylight hours, but some exposed sections can be warm.

Many of the popular gravel bike routes around Northampton start from locations with available parking. For example, routes beginning from Boughton, Duston, Kingsthorpe Meadow Nature Reserve, or Northampton itself typically have nearby parking facilities, making it convenient to access the trails.

While popular routes like the Brampton Valley Way and Pitsford Reservoir can see more traffic, exploring some of the lesser-known loops or starting your ride from smaller villages can offer a quieter experience. Consider routes that venture further into the open countryside away from the main attractions, such as the Brampton Valley Way – View of Pitsford Arm loop from Abington Meadows Nature Reserve, which can provide a more secluded ride.