4.5
(307)
2,261
riders
249
rides
Touring cycling around Kempston offers accessible routes through scenic riverine landscapes. The region is characterized by the meandering River Great Ouse, which flows through river meadows, providing a serene backdrop for cycling. These routes often connect to a wider network, avoiding busy roads and linking residential areas to the countryside. The terrain is generally flat, with minimal elevation gain on many routes, making it suitable for various cycling abilities.
Last updated: May 17, 2026
4.6
(5)
20
riders
69.0km
04:16
320m
320m
Cycle a moderate 42.9-mile gravel loop from Bedford to Grafham Water, enjoying scenic views and traffic-free paths around the reservoir.
2
riders
75.6km
04:49
540m
540m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.

Sign up for free
5.0
(4)
90
riders
40.2km
02:26
190m
190m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
43
riders
59.3km
03:36
340m
340m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(3)
13
riders
79.1km
04:57
250m
250m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Really cycling-friendly cafe: good food and coffee, drinking water tap, bike racks with plenty of space. Only thing I'd say is that the portions are a little small for the price.
0
0
Perfect cyclists' (and walkers') cafe. Great coffee. Even better sausage rolls. Good local roads.
1
0
Stevington Winmill is a historic post mill. It is a Grade II listed building and is one of the few remaining post mills in the United Kingdom. The mill was built in the early 19th century and was used to grind corn. It was powered by a sails that turned a vertical shaft, which in turn drove the millstones. The mill ceased operation in the early 20th century, but it was later restored and is now open to the public. To get inside the windmill it is possible to borrow a key from one of the two village pubs but they were closed on my visit on a Tuesday
0
0
Don't follow Komoot strictly (like I did) 😉 - obey the signs from farmer/landowner & NCN signs - small mistakes can be forgiven, I suppose, when we new to the area.
0
0
The cycle path along the top of the dam is wide and flat and gives great views across the reservoir. Reach it from the Visitor Centre at the northern end although access at the southern end is trickier as you have to squeeze through a narrow gap next to a locked gate by the main road.
0
0
Kempston offers a wide selection of touring cycling routes, with over 260 different paths to explore. These routes cater to various preferences, from leisurely rides along the river to more challenging long-distance loops.
Yes, Kempston is well-suited for beginners and those seeking easy rides. There are over 120 easy routes, many of which follow the flat, meandering River Great Ouse through picturesque river meadows, offering minimal elevation gain.
The primary landscape feature is the serene River Great Ouse, which meanders through picturesque river meadows. You'll encounter rich wildlife, including various fish and bird species like kingfishers, and often ride alongside willow-lined riverbanks. The routes also connect to wider countryside views, avoiding busy roads.
Yes, many touring cycling routes around Kempston are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Grafham Water gravel loop from Bedford and the River Great Ouse in Bedford – Priory Lake loop from Bedford, which offer diverse scenery and distances.
Cyclists can discover several interesting landmarks and natural attractions. You might pass by historical sites like Stevington Windmill or the historic Kempston Mill. Natural highlights include Priory Lake, Stewartby Lake, and the tranquil Kempston Riverside Park.
Absolutely. Many routes along the River Great Ouse are suitable for families due to their flat terrain and scenic, traffic-free sections. These paths often feature minimal elevation gain, making them enjoyable for all ages and skill levels.
The komoot community highly rates the touring cycling experience in Kempston, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 280 reviews. Cyclists often praise the region's accessible routes, the serene riverine landscapes, and the opportunity to explore historical landmarks and natural beauty away from busy roads.
Yes, a key characteristic of cycling around Kempston is its focus on routes that avoid busy main roads. The network is designed to connect residential areas to the countryside, utilizing dedicated paths and quieter lanes, especially along the River Great Ouse.
For detailed cycling maps and information on the wider Bedford Cycle Network, including routes that connect Kempston to other areas, you can refer to resources provided by the local council. The Bedford and Kempston Cycling and Walking map details various routes. You can find more information on the official Bedford Borough Council website: bedford.gov.uk.
Yes, for more experienced cyclists seeking longer rides, Kempston offers several options. Routes like the River Ouse loop from Bedford – Sywell Country Park (over 75 km) or the River Great Ouse in Bedford – Grafham Water loop from Bedford (over 78 km) provide challenging distances and diverse scenery.
The routes around Kempston feature a mix of surface types. Many paths are well-paved, especially those connecting urban areas or popular river sections. However, some longer or more rural loops, such as the Grafham Water gravel loop from Bedford, may include unpaved sections, offering a varied touring experience.


Browse the best Cycling routes in other regions.