The best road cycling routes around Ashwell

Ashwell offers a wide selection of road cycling routes, with over 320 options available on komoot. These routes cater to various fitness levels, including over 130 easy routes, 180 moderate routes, and a few challenging options.

The road cycling routes around Ashwell are characterized by quiet country roads and a varied, rolling countryside terrain. The area sits on Middle Chalk, providing wide views across an intensively farmed landscape with expansive skies. You'll find mostly well-paved surfaces ideal for road bikes, with some routes featuring notable climbs like the one found on the Croydon Hill 10% Climb – View of the Countryside loop.

Yes, Ashwell has over 130 easy road cycling routes. A great option for an accessible ride is the RAF Steeple Morden Memorial – Steeple Morden village centre loop from Ashwell Springs, which is 22.5 km (14.0 miles) long with minimal elevation gain, passing through local villages and near the Ashwell Springs.

The routes often offer wide views across the intensively farmed landscape and expansive skies. You can also pass by significant natural features like the Ashwell Springs, a biological Site of Special Scientific Interest and source of the River Cam. Other points of interest include the Steeple Morden Airfield Memorial, or the historic Cromer Windmill.

Yes, for experienced riders seeking a challenge, there are several moderate and a few difficult routes. The Ashwell Village and Springs – Therfield Village Green loop, for example, is a moderate 49.0 km (30.4 miles) route with over 420 meters of elevation gain, offering a good workout and varied landscapes.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 200 reviews. Cyclists often praise the quiet country roads, the varied rolling countryside, and the wide-open views. The network of routes caters to different ability levels, making it enjoyable for many.

Yes, many of the road cycling routes around Ashwell are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. Examples include the The Cowshed Café – View of Cardington Sheds loop, which is a longer 71.3 km (44.3 miles) ride, or the shorter Eyeworth Trig Point – Croydon Hill 10% Climb loop.

The rolling countryside and open skies of Ashwell are enjoyable throughout much of the year. Spring and summer offer pleasant weather for cycling, with wildflowers blooming along roadsides. Autumn can also be beautiful with changing foliage. Winter cycling is possible, but be mindful of road conditions.

Ashwell is a village with various parking options. Depending on your chosen starting point, you can often find street parking or designated car parks within or near the village. It's advisable to check local signage for any restrictions.

Ashwell is served by Ashwell & Morden railway station, which provides connections to larger towns. While train services generally allow bikes, it's always recommended to check the specific train operator's policy and peak hour restrictions before traveling to ensure a smooth journey with your bicycle.

Yes, many routes pass through charming villages like Steeple Morden, Bassingbourne, and Guilden Morden, which often have local pubs or cafes where you can stop for refreshments. The The Cowshed Café – View of Cardington Sheds loop even mentions a cafe in its name, indicating potential stops.

Ashwell has a rich history, with evidence of Roman settlements and medieval architecture. You might encounter sites like the impressive St. Mary's Church in Ashwell village, or the ancient Ashwell Street Byway, an important Roman route. The remains of an Iron Age hillfort, Arbury Banks, are also southwest of the village.