Market Harborough Backroads Loop

Route

A cracking little loop out of Market Harborough that mixes quiet lanes with a couple of faster A-road stretches to keep things flowing. It’s built to dodge the worst of the stop-start bits, with a tidy run through Naseby, a fun section around Long Buckby / Watford, then back via Swinford / Kilworth.

Quick Stats

  • Distance: 52 miles

  • Allow: 1 hr 25 mins (plus stops)

  • Start/Finish (meet): Co-op, Coventry Road, Market Harborough LE16 9BZ

Highlights

  • Stay on the main road through Naseby (easy, flowing section).

  • Turn left for Church Brampton / Althorp (brown sign) — key turn.

  • Don’t miss the left for the B5385 towards Long Buckby.

  • Watford village: turn right on the market square to stay on the B5385.

  • A5 section: keep crossing the roundabouts to stay on the A5.

  • Back road next to the garage (narrow/bumpy) — take it steady.

Rider notes

  • Best ridden early / mid-week — lanes and villages feel much calmer.

  • 50 limits: this area is packed with them; ride tidy through the villages.

  • Narrow/bumpy lane warning (by the garage) — watch for potholes, gravel and oncoming traffic.

  • A5 roundabouts: stay sharp for lane choice and faster traffic joining/exiting.

  • Surfaces: expect occasional mud/grit near farm entrances, especially after rain.

  • Stops: easy “quick stop” options around Long Buckby / Watford Gap area, then it’s a simple run back to Harborough.