Quick ride by bicycle from Northampton to Hardingstone

This ride takes you from the heart of Northampton down to the charming village of Hardingstone, just over 7.7 km to the south. Starting in Northampton, a historic market town famous for its shoe-making heritage, you'll head out through mostly cycleways and quiet roads—perfect for a relaxed spin or a weekday commute.

Along the way, expect a few gentle hills (there’s about 55 meters of ascent, nothing too intense), and you’ll pass through a mix of urban and green spaces. The route is predominantly asphalt, so it’s smooth riding, though around 60% of the surface is “missing” from official records—it likely means there are mixed-use paths or lesser-known lanes, but nothing too adventurous.

Your destination, Hardingstone, is a lovely village known for the Eleanor Cross, one of only three surviving medieval crosses commemorating Queen Eleanor of Castile. It’s a great spot to catch your breath and soak up a bit of local history before heading back or moving on. Enjoy the ride!