Tough: 55km, a mix of gravel, boulder clay and scenic lanes

In the summer the field edges set rock hard, in winter they can be gloopy with mud. Bridleways are everywhere and we have a lot of keen horse riders out on them. So in the summer months rides can get pretty bumpy on account of the fossilised hoof prints. But there are several reasons not to be put off. Firstly, there are many nice gravel sections that can only be reached by a field edge. Second, you would be missing out on some very nice scenic riding. But most of all this ride comes with a sense of adventure and a feeling that you are far from home, when in reality you are not. 

Give it a go, you may lose a few fillings, but I promise it’s a really great ride. 

Route: To start enjoy a bit of Cranfield’s first rate gravel and from Lidlington crossing go all the way along the vale in an almost straight line. The first bumps are short lived, cutting through the trees in Berry wood.

After Wootton warehouse world, the smoother gravel takes us via Kempston west end to a road climb and right onto the ridge, where there are really nice views across to Bedford. Trails used to run thru the wood, but now seem to be overgrown after many fallen trees. 

The bypass is skirted using the underpass and the road climb on the other side of Stagsden in pleasant. At the top take the farm road left and soon into the “fielderness”. There are many trails here, after climbing some grassy edges it is down again on good weed covered gravel. But there is price, and to get back to the road just persevere, the bumpy bit feels longer that it really is. 

After a short respite you can turn left at the road junction for a shorter ride but the loop is good. It is scenic, has been in part a gravel surface and includes a bit of a hill. The dead end road out is very enjoyable, before the road return through Blossomville leads along to Hardmead. Not many roadies go this way as the pretty country lane brings you out onto a busy A-road. But on a gravel bike it is only a few hundred meters of fast downhill to escape. Look out for the old barn on the left.

The track here is grassy, but you will still be weaving about hoping to find something more cushioned, and relief doesn’t come until Pound Lane a secret entry to North Crawley is gained. Pat yourself on the back for a short ride that felt pretty big! To finish go smoothly on Folly Lane and by the airport cycle path. 

Footnote: It’s one of those routes where a gravel bike or mountain bike both make equal sense.