Stanwick Lake to Thrapston Family Cycle Route

Start at the The Woolpack Inn, just outside Thrapston. The Woolpack has a car park or there is parking in the local streets nearby.

The pub is at the end of the historic nine arch bridge between Islip and Thrapston and has moorings where you can morr your canal boat for the night or while you cycle this route.

The trail begins right opposite The Woolpack, heading south on the broad lane that is marked with a green public footpath and bridle way sign.

Follow the footpath with the lake on your left. As you reach the end of the lake, there is a narrow gap in the trees and bushes directly ahead of you and you can see the remains of an old railway bridge. Head through the gap and under the old bridge. Rejoin the main track just 100 yards ahead by turning left (east).

The trail becomes much harder packed and as you follow it takes you underneath the main A road, the A14. Keep following the trail to the right and then to the left and you are on the main cycle track in open countryside and away from the cars and the roads.

If it's summer, you should be surrounded by cornfields at this point. There's no need to worry about any more directions, it's a straight trail to Stanwick Lake and you don't have to tink about what tod onext until you see an enormous playground in front of you.

The route follows and crosses the river many times. Here we have one of the rivers locks.

On the other side of the Lock the broad, slow moving river heads off to Thrapston.

You've arrived at Stanwick Lakes Playground. It costs £3.00 to park your car here, so, your cycle ride from The Woolpack means you can stop and play for free.