Market Harborough is a bustling market town in Leicestershire that serves as the perfect launching point for the Rutland TT. Known for its historic buildings like the Old Grammar School that you'll see just after the start point. An iconic timber-framed building dating back to 1614. The building was designed on stilts to allow local farmers’ wives to use the covered area for their weekly butter market. The town encapsulates a quintessential English charm that sets the tone for the ride ahead.
The first destination is March House Farm Shop, a gem tucked away in the countryside. A short, 20 mile scenic ride north leads us to this family-run establishment, famed for its farm-fresh produce.
The shop offers a hearty breakfast that’s ideal for bikers. Choose from freshly cooked sausages, bacon, and free-range eggs, all sourced directly from the farm. It’s not just a pit stop; it’s an immersion into the agricultural heritage of the region. A quick chat with the friendly staff reveals the farm's commitment to sustainability, adding an extra layer of appreciation to the meal.
Melton Mowbray is just a couple of miles north from here, a town synonymous with culinary heritage. Known as the "Rural Capital of Food," it’s most famous for two British delicacies: Stilton cheese and Melton Mowbray pork pies both of which can be bought here. Melton Mowbray has been known for its pork pies since the 1700s — a by-product of the local cheesemaking industry (stilton is produced nearby), whose surplus whey proved ideal for fattening pigs. The resulting pies were an easy packed lunch for labourers, and became more widely popular thanks to Melton’s position in prime fox-hunting country. Wealthy huntsmen took their taste for this handy horseback snack away with them, and bakers began to sell to London by stagecoach in 1831.
Continuing northeast, we arrive at Woolsthorpe Manor, the birthplace of Sir Isaac Newton.
The ride here offers an exhilarating mix of sweeping bends and open straights, giving bikers a chance to embrace the freedom of the road.
Woolsthorpe Manor is steeped in scientific history. It was here, under the shade of his famous apple tree, that Newton formulated his theory of gravity. The apple tree still stands, a living testament to a moment that changed the world. A photograph of your bike against this historic backdrop is a must-have souvenir.
Inside the manor, visitors can explore exhibits that delve into Newton’s ground-breaking discoveries in physics and mathematics. It’s a humbling experience to stand where one of humanity’s greatest minds once walked.
From Woolsthorpe Manor, the journey heads north on a section of the old roman road known as Ermine Street to Old Somerby, a quaint village that feels untouched by time. Here, we join the B1176, a motorcyclist’s dream. This stretch of road offers a perfect blend of challenging twists, gentle curves, and long straights, all set against a backdrop of rolling hills and lush farmland.
The B1176 leads us into Stamford, a historic town often hailed as one of England’s finest stone towns. With its cobbled streets and well-preserved Georgian architecture, Stamford is a delight for the eyes. It has been a filming location for period dramas, including the 2005 adaptation of Pride and Prejudice. Like Woolsthorpe Manor, Stamford did not form part of the Rutland TT but I thought that both are too near and too nice not to be included.
Leaving Stamford, the route takes us toward and past Rutland Water, one of Europe’s largest man-made reservoirs. This expansive body of water is a haven for wildlife and a stunning backdrop for our ride.
Rutland Water is a hub for outdoor enthusiasts, offering activities such as birdwatching, fishing, and sailing. While motorbikes aren’t allowed on the walking trails, the roads around the reservoir provide spectacular views, especially at sunset when the water reflects the fiery hues of the sky.
Heading south, we pass an historic house set beside the church of the picturesque ironstone village of Lyddington. Lyddington Bede House originated as the medieval wing of a palace belonging to the Bishops of Lincoln. By 1600 it had passed to Sir Thomas Cecil, son of Queen Elizabeth’s chief minister, who converted it into an almshouse for 12 poor ‘bedesmen’ over 30 years old (a bedesman was a person paid or endowed to pray for the soul of another person) and two women (over 45), all free of lunacy, leprosy or the French pox! Wasn't life jolly back then!
A short ride from here takes us to Uppingham, home to the prestigious Uppingham School. Established in 1584, the school boasts a long history of academic excellence and beautiful architecture. Stephen Fry, Rowan Atkinson, Hugh Jackman and Boris Karloff are just some of the famous Old Uppinghamians that once schooled here along with holders of the World land and World water speed records Sir Malcolm Campbell and later his son Donald Campbell.
The final leg of the Rutland TT brings us full circle, returning to Market Harborough. Along the way, the route offers more scenic countryside and a chance to reflect on the day’s adventures
The Rutland TT isn’t just a motorbike route; it’s an experience that blends the thrill of the ride with the richness of English history, culture, and cuisine. From the hearty breakfast at March House Farm Shop to the scientific legacy of Woolsthorpe Manor, and from the culinary delights of Melton Mowbray to the serene beauty of Rutland Water, every stop along the way adds a new dimension to the journey.
Whether you’re a seasoned biker or a weekend rider, the Rutland TT offers something special. So, gear up, hit the road, and discover the magic for yourself.