Sixfields to Hanslope Circular

The route will start at Sixfields as we head off traffic free along the Grand Union Canal (Northampton Arm) until we hit the Banbury Lane.
Here we will take to the road and head out on a long steady incline to the village of Rothersthorpe.
Turning left we continue with some non physical ups and downs towards Blisworth (Arm) where we once again cross over the Grand Union Canal, cycling past the Marina we turn left once more following Station road to Blisworth.
A right turn and steady incline into Blisworth we ride through the village turning left at the Royal Oak pub we follow Stoke Road where we hit a small but punchy hill over the top of Blisworth Tunnel.
Passing the railway air shaft on the right hand side we take a left onto Knock lane with a nice long flat ride into Roade.
As Knock Lane, turns into the Blisworth Road and once again to Hyde Road, we enter the village of Roade, we turn right onto the A508 for a very short distance, turning left at the next roundabout.
With a fast down hill and equal "up" through High Street we turn right at the Cock Inn pub onto the Hartwell Road then right onto Ashton Road. A nice steady flat over the railway where you will see a water tower on your right hand side, this is where things get fun! Roade Hill!

A steep downhill then sharp uphill will test you have the right gears...... and legs!
In your own time, and walking if you wish we will re-group at the top of the hill in Ashton.

A steady downhill weaving through the small village of Ashton we will pass the Old Crown pub then turning right onto a tarmac single track road called Bozenham Mill Lane.
A nice and relaxing route through some great countryside with very little traffic, take in the views as we travel through some small Hamlets and farms.
Bozenham Mill Lane turns into Higham Cross Road and we rise up to the small Village of Long Street, Close to Hanslope.

Here we turn left with quick right onto Forest Road, You guessed it, Forest Road heads up to Salcey Forest. Running close to parallel with the M1 we will continue on Forest Road, taking a right turn into the Visitors centre, parking up for a will deserved coffee and slice of cake at Grounds Cafe!

Back on the bikes for the last run into Northampton, We continue along Wootton Road until we hit the village of Quinton, turning right onto School Lane we pick up the No6 National Cycle Route through Quinton, Preston Deanery, crossing the B256 and to the Village of Great Houghton.

Another Hill.... in the right direction mind, we will take a fast descent through Great Houghton to the T junction with the A428 Bedford Road.
Turning left at the junction this will be the busiest stretch of road as we continue across the first Roundabout and left on the next (By the Britannia Pub) we pick up the traffic free cycle lane with a long flat finish!
The cycle way passes the Northampton White Water Centre to Radlands Plaza past the floating restaurant, Midsummer Meadow to Beckets Park. We Cycle past Northampton Waterfront crossing the road on Mulliners Island / Bridge Street.
We pick up the cycle way by the Carlesberg Brewery and follow the river past St James Retail Park (B&Q) & KFC, we continue to follow the river along St James Mill Road East and under the Rail Viaduct.
Following the cycle path through Briar Hill Meadow and Sixfields Lake we return back to the start point soon after.