オートンロングヴィルでののおすすめツーリングルート

Just remember its a country park, chill out and relax, ride slowly, - even though you may be on a highly geared all terrain bike, or you're slicked up ready for a world class time trial - its still just a country park. No Strava sections here, just other people on bikes, little kids on bikes, older people on bikes, people with dogs ...on bikes... you get me...

Good stopping point on this route, shaded by trees , time to cool down, take a sip from your drink bottle, munch a bar, and contemplate the meaning of John Clare's words. Meditate upon his greatest wish to be at home with family and friends as he anticipates his death but note his optimism when, though linking death to winter, he draws on the symbolism of the evergreen laurel and plays with the word "leaves". And so by now it is time for you to leave and hope you are not to be further occupied waiting for a train at the Helpston crossing. Happy Cycling - its lovely country.

A better alternative to Norman Cross when getting from Pboro' to Stilton

Very nice area for walking, cycling and all sorts of outdoor activities, but it might get flooded in the winter and sometimes spring as well so check the water levels, I would avoid it when 2.00 or more. check-for-flooding.service.gov.uk/station/6286

Good long section of bridleway. Some quite large gravel so bit slippy in places so slow and cautious is the approach for olds like me. Excellent section to include in your ride though.

Note that Rutland Cycles outlet in Ham Lane is now closed. Nearest bike shop is Bristows, Church Drive, PE2 5HE

watch turnings off thorpe road, confused me

Elton is a ridiculously pretty village and it has a great pub as well, just to put the 🍒 on the 🧁.

A very popular country park with lots of wide well surfaced paths and a couple of cafes but it can be busy at any time. Very popular with dog walkers and families with young children. Caution recommended on all the many blind bends.

Take a short walk down beautiful Duck Street to reach this historic thatched country-inn pub in the heart of Elton. Enjoy award-winning food and a great selection of beers and wine.

Standing tall above the serene River Nene sits the ruins of this fascinating historic site, Fotheringay Castle. Explore medieval history and enjoy beautiful landscape views as you wander around.

Dry and dusty or slippery and gritty

It easy to plot a route to this historic village, riding miles and miles of traffic-free quiet lanes. Well worth a visit.

A few highlights in Helpston village. Phone box library, buttercross (folk would lay wares for sale on the steps), and the birthplace of and memorial to John Clare, Poet (13 July 1793 – 20 May 1864). (Wikipedia) The son of a farm labourer, he became known for his celebrations of the English countryside and sorrows at its disruption.[1] His poetry underwent major re-evaluation in the late 20th century: he is now often seen as a major 19th-century poet.[2] His biographer Jonathan Bate called Clare "the greatest labouring-class poet that England has ever produced. No one has ever written more powerfully of nature, of a rural childhood, and of the alienated and unstable self."

you might be lucky and see a steam train

Started in 1411, Completed in 1434 at a cost of £300

Not much left of the castle now just a mound of earth. Its where Mary Queen of Scots was imprisoned before she was beheaded. Nice views over the Nene.