Oakham and Wymondham Circular Ride

This shortish route, starting and finishing in Oakham, will take you through some very scenic parts of Rutland, the UK’s smallest county*.  Whilst this is a relatively short ride, it’s still quite testing as it climbs to the highest point in Rutland toward the end of the ride.

Along the way, there are plenty of places to eat and sights to see. So, make sure you keep some time back to explore the sights and take in the views.

This route also connects with our Rutland water ride here and the two can be easily combined to create a more challenging ride. 

Route Description

Starting from the railway station, the route heads East along Station Road for a short stretch before turning North onto Ashwell Road. After approximately half a mile the route crosses the busy A606. At this junction is a busy roundabout, but there are foot crossings for the more cautious rider.

The route now travels along the Ashwell Road (which turns in to the Oakham Road) for just under 2.5 miles until it hits the village of Ashwell. At Ashwell there’s a ‘dog-leg’ in the route as it passes the Ancient Well. From here it continues northerly on to the Teigh Road.

Once on the Teigh Road for the next  1.5 miles it’s a meandering and generally flat run in to the small hamlet of Teigh. Upon entering Teigh the route takes the left-hand fork of the Teigh Road and then carries its northerly aspect through Edmonthorpe and in to the small town of Wymondham.

Upon entering Wymondham the route turns left on to Main Street and then quickly turns right on to Butt Lane to head north again. After approximately half a mile, at the staggered junction, take the 1st left hand turning on to ‘The Mere’.

Once on The Mere it’s a pleasant two-mile downhill stretch until you reach a T-junction with the B676. After turning left at the junction, it’s a quick left-hand turn again into Stapleford Road. Follow Stapleford Road for about 1.5 miles before turning right in to Cuckoo Hill where, from here on in, the ride now takes a tougher slant with virtually all the hills in the remaining 14 miles of the ride.

After climbing and descending Cuckoo Hill the route takes a right hand turn at the junction with Whissendine Road. At the bottom you’ll find the Dairy Barn Cafe, and we’d recommend a refuelling stop here because all the major hills are about to start.

After crossing the main Oakham Road, continue to follow Whissendine Road as it climbs and weaves its way past Little Dalby. After Little Dalby, a quick left and right brings you onto the Burrough Road. Follow Burrough Road and Melton Lane and then continue the climb on to Burrough-on-the-hill, skirting the Iron Age hill fort. After Burrough-on-the-hill continue along Main Street and Somerby Road past the highest point of the ride. 

Now that you’ve reached the highest point of the ride it’s a gentle downhill through Somerby and along the Oakham Road and Somerby Road. After a couple of miles, just past the garden centre, take a right turn into The Glebe. At the end of The Glebe turn left on to Cold Overton Road and the last climb of the ride. Once over the crest of the hill it’s time to enjoy the last 1.5 miles downhill back in to the start point in Oakham.

 

Route Summary

Start Point – Oakham Railway Station

Distance – 26.3 miles /42.3 km

Elevation Gain – 1248ft / 380 metres

Places of Interest

• Oakham Castle – approx 0.25 miles from the start / finish point.
• Wymondham Windmill – On the route at the 7.4 mile point.
• Stapleford Miniature Railway  – just off the route at the 10.7 mile point.
• Borough Hill Iron Age Fort – just off the route at the 19.2 mile point.

Refreshment Stops

• Oakham has a large choice of cafes – at the start / end point.
• Wymondham Windmill Tea Room – on the route at the 7.4 mile point.
• The Dairy Barn Cafe – on the route at the 13.2 mile point.

Local Bike Shops

• Sigma Sports – The Old Mill Yard, South St, Oakham, LE15 6HY. 0333 0068833
• Oakham Cycles – 2 Barleythorpe Road, Oakham, LE15 6NR. 01572 757058
• Windmill Wheels – Wymondham Windmill, Butt Ln, Wymondham, LE14 2BU, 01572 787720

Closest Railway Stations

• Oakham – at the start / finish

Ride With GPS Link – https://ridewithgps.com/routes/39112005

GPX file direct download – Click Here

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