Trails, Walks & Bike Rides - Destination Milton Keynes

Trails, Walks & Bike Rides

Trails, Walks & Bike Rides

One of the most inspiring ways to explore Milton Keynes is by leaving the roads behind in favour of pedal (or pedestrian) power. And the city couldn’t be better arranged for an off-road adventure. A network of trails and paths connect shops and attractions, culture and sport, heritage and transport hubs - so you can do it all on foot, or on your bike.

Heritage Trails

You’ll find four Heritage Cycle Trails ready and waiting, offering a totally different view of the city. They take advantage of Milton Keynes’ network of Redways, dedicated cycle and footpaths that stretch for 300km around the city’s parks, lakes and rivers – all without crossing major road junctions.

You can head out from Willen Lake, or join at any point on the route. On the way, you’ll find pretty villages, striking sculptures, historic buildings and all the sights and sounds that make Milton Keynes such a unique place.

Trail A
Milton Keynes Circular

Length: Approx. 15 miles
Duration: 4-5 hours

This trail takes you to some of the most historical sites within Milton Keynes including Bradwell Abbey and the Roman Villa site at Bancroft Park. You also get to meet Milton Keynes' most famous residents -The Concrete Cows. There are plenty of opportunities to stop for some refreshments at some of the many traditional pubs along the way.

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Trail B
Newport Pagnell & North East
Milton Keynes Circular

Length: Full 22 miles / Short 12 miles
Duration: Full 5-6 hours / Short 3-4 hours

This trail takes you to the market town of Newport Pagnell where you will see the Aston Martin factory and cross over the oldest iron bridge in the UK. You can stop and do some shopping in the small traditional shops in Tickford Arcade, then have a bite to eat in one of the many pubs in the town. On the way back you can visit the Peace Pagoda at Willen Lake or explore the Circle of Hearts Medicine Wheel.

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Trail C
Ouzel Valley Circular

Length: Full 12.6 miles / Short 4.5 miles
Duration: Full 3-4 hours / Short 1 hour

This trail takes you out of Willen Lake through the original Milton Keynes Village and then to the River Ouzel. You then cycle along the river bank through the medieval village of Woughton-on-the-Green and on to the picturesque Caldecotte Lake. Dobbies Garden World is on this route for a spot of retail therapy or just a quick cup of tea, before moving onto Fenny Lock.

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Trail D
Milton Keynes North West

Length: Full 21 miles / Short 8 miles
Duration: Full 4-5 hours / Short 1.5-2 hours

This trail takes you from Furzton Lake through the traditional village of Loughton. You then cycle on to Bradwell Abbey, site of a 12th century Benedictine Priory, and you get to visit Milton Keynes' most famous residents 'The Concerete Cows'. On past a Roman Villa and Milton Keynes Museum through to the market town of Wolverton. Then back down Watling Street through the Shenleys to return to Furzton Lake.

MK_Heritage_Trail_DDownload

Cultural Routes

For those looking to discover Milton Keynes’ cultural highlights, there are now five brand new culture trails.

Each of the routes are approximately 10 miles long, with a 5-mile shortcut and they all connect to one another across the borough’s Redway network.  The five routes and themes are;

  • Yellow – Cars, boats and trains
  • Blue – Ancient and modern Milton Keynes
  • Green – Rivers, lakes and dinosaurs
  • Iron – Romans, rivers, trams and trains
  • Cornflower – Woods, frogs and a toot

For more information and to download interactive maps of MK’s cultural routes CLICK HERE