Medium: 43km, a 2 hour ride, which is easily extended in the woods

Everyone goes to Woburn with their mountain bike. Sure why not. But there are interesting routes to get there, which on a gravel bike are really enjoyable to ride. And then when you get to Woburn it turns out the gravel bike is also great fun on the easy trails there.

There is a direct route between Cranfield and Woburn, but also some less direct alternatives to create a loop rather than a simple out and back.

The Route: Starting out, choose a line through the thrift, then via the forest centre take any of the possible routes to the top of the ridge at Millbrook. The gps here follows the road, which is easiest.

Now there is another choice to make, riding CentreParcs clockwise is relaxing and undemanding, heading around the other way, will raise your heart rate.

Gravel becomes road, at the T junction go right through the tunnel but not so far. There is a sandy bridle way, passing through a farm, into fields and then a wonderful bluebell wood. At the next road you will see what looks like a continuation straight on. Now, you can go this way, but there is a catch. Before reaching Eversholt the trail goes along a stream bed – with water in it. Assuming you want a dry bottom bracket, the gpx takes the road, which doesn’t last long. Either way enjoy the coast through the deer park.

There is a cafe, popular with cyclists, at Woburn. 

Heading down the hill we look for a bridleway to the left before reaching the popular woods. This takes us past a deserted ruin and after nice trees a pleasant grassy (gentle) climb.

The treelined road has the gold course on its right whilst on the left the is potential to explore if you want it. Before reaching the centre of the woods, take the gravel that cuts the golf course in two. At the end of this trail is the summit of Bow Brickhill. There are fun rides in all directions for every bike.

Tracing a reasonably uncontroversial line is quite easy. There are so many natural ways through these popular woods, that everyone enjoys. Walkers, dogs, horses, bikes, even nordic skiers (*without skis) all live together respectfully most of the time. It will always be so, despite the many signs and the odd selfish individual.

After leaving the wood, loosing the height gain is enjoyable. Through the tiny hamlet of Hulcot Mill there is a junction with a busy road. Eagle eyes may spot there is a bridleway that avoids completely the road. Yeah it may go if it’s been very dry, but the road is normally my choice. Just take care, there could be  stressed and hurried drivers late for their deliveries, meetings, or trying to get a few km faster than they could on the M1.

At the top of the hill we have to leave the gravel and there is a short section of Bridleway that can be flooded. If there is not a dry line you may find an “unofficial” alternative through the wood which regains the trail after crossing the ditch by the gas pipeline markers.

Finally into Cranfield by Wood End Lane. 

Pros: this is a really flexible ride, explore, go where your mood takes you when you get there, find some places not often visited.

Cons: you might have to do it a few times to try out all those alternatives.