Towpath Wander
A flat, traffic-free introduction along the canal network. We stop often, keep the pace gentle and there is no expectation of speed.
- Around 12 km
- Relaxed, conversational pace
- Roughly 1.5 hours with stops
Formats are sorted by pace and distance, never by ability labels.
Find your format
Four rides, each with its own character
Whether you want a short, flat introduction or a longer loop through the lanes, there is a format described in plain terms. Read the notes, picture your pace and choose what sounds enjoyable.
The four formats
Pick the morning that fits the day you want
Distances are approximate. Each ride is described below with its surface, pace and how long it tends to take.
Sunday Social
A steady half-day loop through quiet lanes with a café pause in the middle. Sociable and unhurried, with regular regroups.
- Around 35 km
- Steady, sociable pace
- Roughly 3 hours including the café
Rolling Country
A longer route with gentle climbs for riders comfortable spending a few hours in the saddle. We still regroup at the top of every hill.
- Around 60 km
- Moderate, with planned regroups
- Roughly half a day
Lantern Loop
A short, well-lit evening ride during the lighter months. Front and rear lights are essential and the route stays on familiar roads.
- Around 15 km
- Relaxed evening pace
- Roughly 1 hour
What a route note holds
Everything you need before you arrive
We publish the same details for every ride so there are no surprises. Here is the kind of note you would receive for a Sunday Social.
- Meeting point. The exact spot and a backup in case of poor weather.
- Surface. Where the route is paved, gravel or shared path.
- Stops. Planned pauses and the café we tend to use.
- Watch points. Any busy junctions or narrow sections.
Sample note · Sunday Social
Meet
Moor Street, 08:45
Gather by the station forecourt; we leave at 09:00 sharp.
Out
Canal then lanes
Flat start, then quiet hedge-lined roads heading south.
Stop
Village café
A relaxed pause around the halfway mark.
Back
Return by 12:00
Same finish point; route notes shared for next time.
Come prepared
A short list of what to bring
Nothing specialist. These few items make any of our rides more comfortable.
Water
Enough for the distance and the weather on the day.
Spare tube
A tube and pump, or the know-how to ask for a hand.
Layers
Something to add or remove as the morning warms.
Lights
Essential for the Lantern Loop and sensible year-round.
How joining works
Send a message
Tell us which format interests you through the contact page.
Read the notes
We reply with the route note and meeting point for the next date.
Turn up and ride
Arrive a little early for the brief and the bike check.
No pressure, no fee
Open meet-ups, simply organised
Community rides are free to join and there is no membership to sign. We keep things informal so you can come along when it suits you and step back whenever you like.
Everything described here is general informational content about how our rides are organised. It does not claim any particular result and is not a substitute for advice tailored to your own situation.
Ask about the next date