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Great Oxendon Tunnel – Brampton Valley Way loop from Market Harborough

Routes

Bike touring routes & trails

Great Oxendon Tunnel – Brampton Valley Way loop from Market Harborough

Moderate

4.8

(15)

219

riders

Great Oxendon Tunnel – Brampton Valley Way loop from Market Harborough

04:10

48.6km

240m

Cycling

Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: April 24, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

5.44 km

Great Oxendon Tunnel

Highlight • Structure

How often do you get to cycle through a disused railway tunnel?

Tip by

9.20 km

The Kelmarsh Tunnels are disused railway tunnels. The original tunnel was single-track, and when the line was doubled a second single-track tunnel was built. Due to the small bore, the tunnels were known as "the rat-holes" by train drivers.

The former "up" line tunnel at Kelmarsh is open as part of the Brampton Valley Way, running along the former railway trackbed.

The tunnel is unlit and the tunnel length is 480 metres (1,570 ft). You will need lights!

Tip by

9.81 km

Johnsons Covert

Forest

20.8 km

Brampton Valley Way

Highlight • Trail

The Brampton Valley Way is a 14-mile (22 km) traffic-free trail between Northampton and Market Harborough, following a disused railway line. It’s popular with cyclists, walkers, and horse riders thanks to its mostly flat, scenic route through countryside and woodland.

Two long, unlit tunnels at Kelmarsh and Oxendon add an adventurous twist – lights are essential. The surface is a mix of gravel and dirt, best suited to hybrid or mountain bikes.

Tip by

21.5 km

Merry Tom Lane and Brampton Valley Way Crossroads

Highlight • Trail

22.7 km

Pitsford and Brampton Old Station

Highlight • Historical Site

Some old trains are stationed on this old train station. the nearby pub is very nice and it's just a short stroll from there...

Tip by

24.3 km

Start of the Brampton Valley Way

Highlight • Cycleway

Park across the road in the small car park (or cycle here!) and set off along this lovely route (Sustrans Route 6) that goes all the way to Market Harborough. Make sure you bring your lights if you plan on going through the Kelmarsh and Oxenden tunnels! And stop for a drink or bite to eat at the Windhover Pub (to the right of the entrance) before setting off or on your return.

Tip by

25.1 km

Brampton Valley Way

Highlight (Segment) • Structure

The Bampton Valley Way is a 14-mile (22.5km) disused railway trail between Northampton and Market Harborough. It's a well surfaced multi-user trail, perfect for easy rides, families or as part of a commute.

The trail follows a section of the old Northampton–Market Harborough railway line. It opened in 1859 and closed in 1981.

Tip by

25.8 km

Brampton Valley Way

Highlight (Segment) • Bridge

The tunnels are very dark and uneven so lights are a good idea, we managed with phone torches.

Tip by

48.6 km

End point

Train Station

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

42.6 km

4.61 km

632 m

525 m

129 m

101 m

Surfaces

35.2 km

8.92 km

4.34 km

< 100 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (140 m)

Lowest point (70 m)

Weather

Today

Friday 8 May

19°C

7°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 16.0 km/h

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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.

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Great Oxendon Tunnel – Brampton Valley Way loop from Market Harborough

Great Oxendon Tunnel

Kelmarsh Tunnels

Brampton Valley Way

Merry Tom Lane and Brampton Valley Way Crossroads

Pitsford and Brampton Old Station

Start of the Brampton Valley Way

Brampton Valley Way

Brampton Valley Way

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