Rugby & the Fosse Way Loop

Route

A cracking loop out of Rugby that stays largely off the big roads — built around a handful of brilliant back-road sections and the fast, classic Fosse Way (B4455). It’s a proper “go ride it” route with a few easy-to-miss turns that make all the difference.

Quick Stats

  • Distance: 71 miles

  • Allow: 2 hrs 5 mins (plus stops)

  • Start/Finish (fuel): Sainsbury’s, 385 Dunchurch Road, Rugby CV22 6HU

Highlights

  • Don’t miss the right turn for the back road to Grandborough (key to keeping it quiet).

  • A proper little narrow-lane section (fun, but needs a tidy pace).

  • A361 run with a double mini-roundabout you need to get right to stay on track.

  • A423 bypass of Southam keeps you moving without getting dragged into town.

  • The Fosse Way (B4455) stretch is the backbone — flowing and quick when it’s clear.

Rider notes

  • Best ridden early / mid-week — traffic builds fast around Rugby, and the A-roads near Banbury/Southam can clog up at busy times.

  • Easy-to-miss turns (from the map):

    • Right turn for Grandborough (easy to drift past).

    • Right at the double mini-roundabout to stay on the A361.

    • M40 roundabout: cross two roundabouts and at the third, turn right onto the A423.

    • After the garage: turn right, then immediately left onto the B4455 (Fosse Way).

    • Near the end: turn right on the village green to stay on the B4112 back to Rugby.

  • Narrow roads: expect tight lanes and limited visibility in places — watch for tractors, horses, and oncoming traffic.

  • Fosse Way bit: keep going straight through villages as the road becomes the B4455 again, and carry straight across the A45 (easy to second-guess if you’re not watching the signs).

  • Surfaces: occasional mud/grit on lane entrances and shaded sections — especially after rain.

  • Fuel/coffee: easy at the start/end (Sainsbury’s). If you want a quick stop, Banbury is the obvious “services nearby” point, but it can be busy.