10 mile, Stanwick lakes- Ringstead - Raunds loop

This is a ride I am doing as part of the Cycle Fest event taking part at Stanwick Lakes : https://www.stanwicklakes.org.uk/whats-on/cycle-fest/ . It is open to al members of the public, aimed at families and friends and will be a slow/steady pace , so ideal for beginners. Please note however that about half the route is on roads and some of the cycles path/tracks can sometimes get a bit crowded with walkers/buggies/dogs/cyclists, etc, hence the ride may not be suitable for under 10s..

This morning ride goes from in front of the Stanwick Lakes visitor centre , heading out out on the old railway line cycle track towards Thrapston, before turning towards Ringstead , along some quiet roads to Raunds , before rejoining the Stanwick Lakes cycle tracks back to the start. This 10 mile ride is about 50% on gravel cycle paths/tracks and 50% on roads, so bikes must be either mountain bikes or hybrid bikes with off-road tyres. There are a couple of hills to negotiate, but they're not too long. When we get back there is the option of coffee/snacks at the visitor centre, or outside at the snack bar if it is open

In the afternoon I am also doing an 8 mile ride from Stanwick lakes leaving at 2pm . You are more than welcome to sign up to this as well, or just do this ride instead of the morning one. The 2pm ride goes along the old railway line towards Irthlingborough, picking up 'The Greenway' to Higham Ferrers and onto Rushden , before going over the new foot/cycle bridge to the new Rushden Lakes Retail Park. We will then return through the newly-built cycle track along the valley through the lakes (it should be finished by the 17th Sept), picking up the old railway line back to Stanwick lakes. All of this ride is on gravel cycle track or pathways (but with some crossing of roads) I have put full details of the afternoon route on a separate ride posting, so please go to this to sign-up :-)

Cycle hire (mountain bikes) is available from AJ Cycles Hire at Stanwick Lakes, but it might be wise to book/reserve before the day . For more info on this go to : https://www.stanwicklakes.org.uk/things-to-do/cycling/