Wilstead to Sandy

[AncientWyvern]

Hello All,

I dont know whether to put this in commuting or mountain biking but I think i'll have more luck here. Does anyone know of a good off road way to get to Sandy from Elstow / Wilstead? I know there is the route 51, but just wondered if anyone may know if there are byways that go that way or something.

I gave cycling on the road with my mtb a try and the roads are crazy at rush hour.

TIA.

 

[dand_uk]

Hi. I tried looking on Cyclestreets.net and it recommends taking minor roads into Bedford then following NCN 51. I'm not local so dunno what NCN 51 is like...

A slighty more direct route would be
- Wilstead - cycle to east end Wilstead Road.
- Straight on at T junction onto Bridleway in field
- At track carry on straight over on bridleway
- Exit onto Southill Road heading southeast (turn right)
- turn left off road into Greensand Ridge Walk bridleway here
- Half way along bridleway go Northeast to Bedford Road/Northhill Road
- I would either then take minor roads to Moggerhanger->Chalton-> cycle route to Sandy here

Looked at another route to south bit of Sandy via Beeston but crossing the A1 here does not look fun or indeed safe!

Recommend doing the route on a weekend in no rush to check out the off road sections. have fun!

 

[akb]

I regularly use Route 51 from (Potton) Sandy to Bedford. I sometime visit my Dad in Cotton End and take the route 51 from Sandy to Willington Dovecote, and then take the road route through Cople and Cardington; this diversion takes the rural route and tends to bypass the traffic in rush hour. You could continue on this route via the A600 to Wilstead, but it is quite a fast road.

Im also pretty sure that Old Harrowden Road is quite a good trail; this may be an alternative solution from the Shortstown / New Cardington area to get to Wilstead.

Hth! Good luck.

 

[akb]

I wouldnt advise crossing the A1 at Beeston! Horrible crossing in a car! Take the cycle track under the A1 via route 51. Much safer option.

 

[AncientWyvern]

Dude, your a legend.