Expedition to Pitsford Reservoir

We travel from Harborough to Brixworth along the Brampton Valley way, part of the national cycle network on a disused railway line. This is nearly the whole length of the Way but we turn off before Northampton and journey a couple of kilometers along another traffic free lane that brings us to the outskirts of Brixworth. Then there's just a short stretch of road to get to the reservoir itself. The outward journey is about 23km.
Along the way there are two tunnels to negotiate
You could cycle a further 11km around the reservoir if you wish before tackling lunch or you could just enjoy a leisurely lunch watching the sun on the water.
We reverse the route for the ride home.

Largely following the Brampton Valley Way(an old railway line), this delightful journey ends up at Pitsford reservoir where you can picnic or get lunch from the cafe. There will be the opportunity to cycle around the reservoir if you wish.

The Brampton Valley Way is traffic free. There's a short section of public road at the end of the Way to take us to the reservoir itself. Brampton Valley Way is pretty well flat but it's a rough surface not tarmac. It's not really a suitable for a narrow tyred road bike. There's just one hill to negotiate once we come off the Brampton Valley Way to get us to the reservoir. Don't let the "route elevation" diagram put you off, the vertical scale is very misleading and the tunnels chop off the hills!

There are plenty of benches along the way so that we can stop for a breather and a drink. We'll stop for lunch and a rest at Pitsford reservoir before returning home the way we came.

You must wear a helmet on this ride and you should bring a front light for the tunnels. It's a good idea to bring a drink, some money and the means to repair a puncture, just in case. Don't worry, if you do puncture we'll all help you to fix it and make sure you get home with us.

The largely flat route makes this a great ride for novice cyclists and lunch at the reservoir gives you the chance for a rest before heading back home. We cycle at a gently pace, chatting as we ride and we never leave anyone behind.