Distance - 26 miles

This circular ride through the open landscape of north-east Bedfordshire, passes through several small settlements, and visits Bushmead Priory, and St Neots with its attractive riverside park.

Leave Bedford on the B660 Kimbolton Road, and after about 1 ½ miles turn right at the roundabout along Wentworth Drive. After about 1 mile turn left at the roundabout, following Hookhams Lane to Salph End. Bear right and follow the road to Wilden. At the T-junction in Wilden, turn right and follow this lane, for 1 mile before turning left up Channel's Ends Road, signposted to Colmworth. Follow this road for 1 ½ miles, until you reach a T-junction.

Turn right at the T-junction and in just over a mile turn left to Honeydon. In Honeydon take a sharp left turn to Staploe. Follow this lane to the T-junction and turn right, and then take the next left at Chestnut Cottage for the hamlets of Staploe and Duloe.

After Duloe the road passes under the A1 and comes up to meet the old Great North Road. Go straight across and drop down to the main road and turn left for St Neots. At the roundabout take the turning on the right into Riverside Park.

For the return journey reverse the route as far as Duloe, but then take the next left to Bushmead. Turn right at the T-junction signposted to Staploe, and keep on this road for 3 miles to Bushmead crossroads.

Bushmead Priory is well worth exploring. To do so, turn right at the crossroads and right again long a track to the priory.

To carry on the journey return to the crossroads and continue straight on to Colmworth and Wilden. At the T-junction turn right and ride through Wilden, following the lane to Ravensden. Carry on through, before an exhilarating descent to Salph End.

Places to Visit

St Neots Riverside Park has a cafe, picnic tables, boating, walks, children's playground etc.

Bushmead Priory is a medieval refectory of an Augustinian priory, with a rare timber-frame roof. Limited opening times