Cottesbrooke Circuit from Kingsthorpe (don't let the distance put you off as there are shorter options!)

This ride will start out from the "Keep on Two Wheels Cycling Festival" - see http://www.northamptonshire.gov.uk/en/news/Latestnews/Pages/summer-of-cycling.aspx for details. It will take us along the Norbital onto National Cycle Route 6 where we will use the new underpass under the railway recently upgraded by Sustrans (no longer a mud bath for those who know it). We will take the Brampton Valley Way and then a bridleway and very quiet country lanes to make a loop around the pretty village of Cottesbrooke, with lovely views of Cottesbrooke Hall and its estate. We will return to the Brampton Valley Way with a short detour off it for a cafe stop at Brampton Stables. This is a total ride length of about 27 miles but there are options to do shorter versions of it by not doing the full country lanes section (20 miles in total) or by not leaving the Brampton Valley Way (between 8 and 12 miles in total depending what riders would like). We may have a Sustrans volunteer to help us on the day so we are hoping to be able to offer three versions of the ride. If you would like to join us but are not sure about the full distance, book on anyway and we should have an option that will suit you. Most of the ride is on well-surfaced disused railway line plus some tarmac lanes and a short stony farm track. It is suitable for hybrid bikes, road bikes with wider tyres or mountain bikes with thinner tyres. It would be good to bring a drink and snacks to eat along the way and some money for the cafe. Wearing a helmet is advisable; if you don’t have one, please do not to worry as you can still take part.  If you enjoy the bike ride and would like to come again, perhaps you could look to buy one then.  We really welcome newcomers to our rides; we will always ride at the pace of the slowest rider so no one is left behind.  If you have any questions, please contact me on 07957 251824. Look forward to seeing you!