4.8
(124)
370
riders
74
rides
Mountain biking around Kelmarsh offers a network of trails through the rolling hills and valleys of Northamptonshire. The region is characterized by its agricultural landscapes, interspersed with woodlands and quiet country lanes, providing varied terrain for mountain bikers. Riders can expect a mix of gentle gradients and more challenging ascents, often following historical routes or paths alongside reservoirs. These features make Kelmarsh a suitable destination for exploring the English countryside on two wheels.
Last updated: June 22, 2026
4.0
(1)
4
riders
63.1km
04:08
490m
490m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
4.0
(2)
30
riders
29.7km
02:25
100m
100m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

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5.0
(2)
15
riders
51.3km
03:54
370m
370m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(5)
10
riders
19.8km
01:23
140m
140m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(7)
4
riders
25.7km
02:02
310m
310m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
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Going West from the main road the bridleway crosses a Motocross track. This is best avoided at weekends when the motocross crowd is zipping about. Also, the route is badly rutted and can be difficult to negotiate. The last part of the route through the park is badly overgrown but you can avoid that by going to the right of the path and rejoining it just before it goes through the hedge - the fence has been removed there. This section is also pretty bad when wet; it gets pretty boggy and rutted. 24/4/26 - someone has dumped a load of stuff at the exit to the track and the path is still completely overgrown. The only way to get past is to lift your bike over the obstruction. Really needs two people to do it - see photo.
0
0
Nice start/end point for the Brampton Valley Way, Great ride with a pint to finish 😁
0
0
There are not steps in the bridge so you can't walk up to the top unfortunately.
0
0
Can be wet, slippy and very dark! Make sure that you have your lights! If you're on road tyres I would advise walking. Mountain and Gravel bikes are suitable to ride through.
2
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There are over 75 mountain bike trails available around Kelmarsh, offering a wide range of options for different skill levels and preferences.
The trails around Kelmarsh primarily feature easy and moderate difficulty levels. You'll find approximately 39 easy routes and 37 moderate routes, with a few more challenging options available for experienced riders.
Yes, Kelmarsh offers many beginner-friendly mountain bike trails. For an easy ride, consider the Kelmarsh Station – Great Oxendon Tunnel loop from Great Oxendon, which is just under 20 km long and features relatively flat terrain.
Trail lengths vary significantly. You can find shorter routes like the Ornate Iron Footbridge – Brampton Valley Way loop from Draughton at about 29.7 km, or longer excursions such as the Kelmarsh to Goadby and Market Harborough loop, which covers over 63 km.
Yes, many of the mountain bike routes around Kelmarsh are designed as loops. Examples include the View from Haselbech Hill – View of Pitsford Water loop from Arthingworth and the View from Honey Hill – Honey Hill Trig Point loop from Naseby, allowing you to start and finish at the same point.
Many trails offer scenic views of the Northamptonshire countryside, including rolling hills and agricultural landscapes. Some routes pass by notable water bodies like Pitsford Water or follow disused railway lines, providing unique perspectives of the region.
Yes, the area features several points of interest. You might encounter historical sites like Kelmarsh Tunnels or the impressive Foxton Locks. The trails also often provide views of local churches, such as St Peter and St Paul’s Church, Hannington.
The mountain bike trails in Kelmarsh are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars from over 110 reviews. Riders often praise the varied terrain, the quiet country lanes, and the scenic beauty of the routes through woodlands and agricultural landscapes.
Yes, with a significant number of easy-rated trails, Kelmarsh is suitable for family-friendly mountain biking. Routes that follow disused railway lines, such as sections of the Brampton Valley Way, offer flatter, traffic-free paths ideal for families.
Spring and autumn are generally excellent for mountain biking in Kelmarsh, offering pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery. Summer provides longer daylight hours, while winter rides are possible but may involve muddier conditions, especially on unpaved sections.
Many trails in the Kelmarsh area are suitable for riding with dogs, especially those that traverse open countryside or quiet lanes. However, always keep dogs under control, particularly near livestock or on shared paths, and check local signage for any restrictions.
Parking is typically available in or near the villages that serve as starting points for many routes, such as Kelmarsh, Draughton, Arthingworth, or Great Oxendon. Look for designated car parks or consider roadside parking where permitted and safe, being mindful of local residents.
Accessing some of the more rural trailheads directly by public transport can be challenging. However, larger nearby towns like Market Harborough or Northampton have better public transport links, from which you might be able to cycle to the starting points of some routes.


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