Medium: 62km A nice ride for a whole morning or afternoon

One of the nicest things about starting your ride in Cranfield is that it’s possible to head out in any direction and find a route that avoids the busy roads and heavy traffic. This ride leads out to the north and west. It is a ride with lots of potential for variation and if you want to extend it look to go on to Stoke Bruerne or even further out towards Towcester for more good riding.

The Route: Go out to Astwood and cross over the A422 and the picturesque country lane to the prettily named Newton Blossomville. Then follow the undulations into Olney. There’s a cycle lane on the last stretch, but the more appropriate speed limit has tamed the traffic somewhat, and it is downhill into town.

Turn west and towards Weston Underwood, where everything is built from the distinctive yellow Northamptonshire limestone. In particular look out for the pretty old post office on the right with it’s its in character props.

Ravenstone is another idilic village with lots of thatched roofs. The narrow lane to Stoke Goldington has recently been surfaced and is now very enjoyable. A short main road heads to the Salcey forest lined avenue, and a potential cafe stop.

Just beyond Hartwell, we head onto more gorgeous narrow lanes around Bozenham Mill, with the possible short diversion to Stoke Bruerne, its canal museum and ice cream.

The hedge lined roads loop around to Hanslope were we being a long gradual downhill towards home. When the wind is from the North you will REALLY enjoy this but take care as there are sharp bends to negotiate and the descent ends at at tricky junction.

It’s now a rolling course back to Newport Pagnell with the final (most gentle) climb through North Crawley to the end.

Pros: This ride has everything

Cons: Might be quite tiring if you are not used to doing 50k+

In Reverse: definitely if there is a strong wind from the west, the fun descent becomes a steady climb and sections like the Stoke Goldington Rd will be fun.