Loughborough Loop Cycle Ride

Inspired by this route, Lewis and I set out on a sunny Saturday afternoon for a modest cycle tour of the countryside south of Loughborough. Despite the town being somewhat industrial, the surrounding area is quite pretty.


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Highlights include the marvellous Navigation Inn in Barrow-upon-Soar, the pretty Swithland Reservoir, passing the Great Central Railway, the "undulating" (!) Woodhouse Eaves to Nanpatan stretch, and of course the canal itself. Lowlights was mostly the terribly muddy condition of the stretch of towpath approaching Barrow (from the north).

Distance: 17 miles.


Passing by the weir as we cross the canal


Abbot at the Navigation

In other exciting news, MapMyRide.com seems to have the ability to work out altitude, and will draw route profiles etc for you. Clever stuff. Oh and I've come across Audax UK, the organisation for serious long-distance cycling in the UK. These guys are the real deal - London to Edinburgh return cycle rides done in 60 hours etc. I have been sorely humbled!