The best cycling routes around Kempstone

There are over 35 touring cycling routes available around Kempston. These routes cater to various skill levels, with 10 easy, 25 moderate, and 2 difficult options to explore.

Touring cycling around Kempston is characterized by gentle landscapes and riverside paths, primarily along the River Great Ouse. The terrain features minimal elevation changes, making most routes accessible for various fitness levels. You'll find open green spaces and small woodlands, providing a peaceful setting.

Yes, Kempston offers several family-friendly cycling options. The Bedford and Kempston Cycle Network includes routes designed to connect residential areas to town destinations and the countryside, often on off-road paths or quiet roads. The Kempston River Circular Ride is also an easy, four-mile route primarily on cycle tracks and paths, suitable for families.

Many routes follow the picturesque River Great Ouse, offering scenic riverside views. You can also explore green spaces like Addison Howard Park and Kempston Riverside Park. Further afield, you might encounter historical sites such as Castle Acre Castle and Bailey Gate or Castle Acre Priory, depending on the route you choose.

Yes, Kempston offers several circular routes. The Kempston River Circular Ride is a local favorite, taking in the attractive riverside. For longer options, you can find routes like the Final Ascent – Deer Sighting loop from Necton, which is a moderate 40.9 km (25.4 miles) ride, or the Castle Acre Castle Ruins – Castle Acre Ford loop from Newton by Castle Acre, a moderate 26.3 km (16.3 miles) route.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars from over 20 reviews. Cyclists often praise the peaceful atmosphere, the accessibility of routes along the River Great Ouse, and the variety of options from easy riverside loops to more challenging road cycling adventures.

Absolutely. Kempston is well-integrated into wider cycling networks. The Kempston River Circular Ride links to other routes via Queen's Bridge, and National Cycle Network Route 51 passes through Kempston, connecting to Bedford and other key areas like St John's Walk and Addison Howard Park.

Beyond cycling, Kempston is home to the Kempston Outdoor Centre, which offers a range of adventure activities like rock climbing, abseiling, archery, and canoeing on the River Great Ouse. There are also numerous riverside walks and nearby countryside parks such as Marston Vale Country Park, which features an 8km circular off-road ride.

For detailed information on cycle lanes and routes, including maps and network details for Bedford and Kempston, you can refer to the official Bedford Borough Council website.

Yes, the region boasts several historical sites. You can visit Godwick Church Tower and Lost Medieval Village or explore the ruins of Mileham Castle. Many routes also pass through charming villages with their own unique history.

For those seeking longer road cycling loops, several options are accessible from Kempston. These include a 30.4-mile loop passing through Turvey Village and Newport Pagnell, a 46.1-mile loop to Great Doddington Mill, and a 42.9-mile gravel loop from Bedford to Grafham Water which features traffic-free paths around the reservoir.