The Grand Return, 41km, not a difficult ride, but will test the legs after the ride to Northampton.
Prelude: From Northampton to Cranfield avoiding roads all together is a bit of a challenge. There are plenty of good segments but they are not always easy to link. Temptingly there’s a bridleway connects the comfortable gravel fire roads of Salcey to the village of Gayhurst and from there a short road section leads to back door off road trails right into the centre of Newport Pagnell. These might not the best trails (as in smooth and fast) in the world but they are well worth an excursion once in a while.
The route back: Think of it as a series of mini challenges.
Navigating Brackmills. There are various ways to do this. The route on this day is going through Delapre park, past the MTB trails, then in and out the industrial estate as quickly as possible. There might be a nice way via “Brackmills country park” but on previous rides I’ve found it to be not so bike friendly.
Climbing to Salcey Forrest. From Gt Houghton following roads, the least busy roads. There is a dead end lane to Piddington, except it becomes a gravel trail right into the forrest. This is all uphill, but gradual. With 50-60kms in your legs already it is steep enough.
The Forrest. Pleasant trails, a loop that can be ridden either way, but if you are only doing half of it, includes a cafe stop.
The bridleways. That first field is always the worst. It’s a long and straight run along field edges. The horse traffic will make it slithery when wet and bumpy when dry. The long summer grass is slow going but it smooths it out a bit. Once again it’s all about the continuous line and not the racing you came for.
Reaching Newport Pagnell.
After Gayhurst turn right, then left into the gravel road entrance for “Mill Farm”. Go fast, it’s fun down to the fields. At the bottom here is prone to flooding. Take either way to left or right of the lake and from there find the amenable bridleway into town.
Pros: A direct(ish) line that avoids most of the roads.
Cons: The forrest trails are busy at weekends.
Cranfield Cycling 
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