Tour de Reservoir - Pitsford & Ravensthorpe loop from Northampton

Embark on the Tour de Reservoir – Pitsford & Ravensthorpe loop from Northampton for a varied road cycling experience. This moderate route covers 24.6 miles (39.5 km) with an elevation gain of 1217 feet (371 metres), typically taking around 1 hour and 51 minutes to complete. You will enjoy expansive open water views at Pitsford Water and picturesque scenes, including an avenue of birches, around Ravensthorpe Reservoir, all connected by quiet country lanes and rolling hills.

Planning your visit is straightforward, especially around Pitsford Reservoir. Here, you will find excellent facilities at Brixworth Country Park, including a cycle shop, bike hire, public toilets, and cafes. Picnic areas are also available, making it easy to refuel and relax during your ride. The terrain is mostly paved, but be aware that some parts of the broader area might include unpaved or gravel sections, which could be challenging for road bikes without suitable tires.

This loop offers a unique combination of two distinct reservoir experiences. While Pitsford Water provides largely traffic-free paths, the Ravensthorpe section introduces more undulating terrain and historical elements, such as its Victorian-era weir and old pumping station. The route effectively merges the popular Pitsford Water circuit with the more challenging Ravensthorpe area, giving you a longer and more diverse ride through the Northamptonshire countryside.