Easy (but quite long): 48km – to shorten the route just check a map.

If you’ve been interned at Center Parcs and you happen to have a bike with you, then plan your escape, there are good local rides to be had.

This circuit builds on the trail orbiting the security fence, which might keep you happy for one or maybe two short laps but there is so much more to be had, breaking out north into Marston Vale.

This ride will be most fun on a mountain bike, but is fine on a gravel bike too, maybe a bit hairy if you try to go too fast in a couple of places.

The Ride:

Start by riding the circular route around the holiday camp. Along the northern edge there is a check back right and a road crossing so you now skirt Millbrook golf course. A fun descent and a road section leads to the Marston Vale country park but turn right here on a permissive path through the re-wilding railway yards that served the historic brickworks.

Cross the tracks at the first Liddlington crossing then back again until just before the busy road a gap in the fence heads towards and past the gas storage.

Up the hill then across the bridges to Hulcote woods and then route 51 with another fun descent. Climb the windy gravel to the top of the hill and then after the village head through fields to farm tracks with a fast (and sometimes loose) long shallow descent.

A wriggle through an underpass leads back to Marston country park, and a bit of road to Liddlington hill. The route here goes up past the cemetery to a difficult climb, but for an easier option just follow the road further until a bridleway at the top of the hill goes left.

Now head back to Center Parcs and complete the rest of the circular route around the camp. There are often fun single track options as well as the sandy lane.

For other ride ideas: also check out the lost lanes ride and this much shorter ride

If you need a more challenging MTB experience, then search out Aspley woods and the Woburn trails, only 30-40 minutes by bike from the front gate. Try this easy route to get there and back.