Nottingham Origami Ride 2026

Notts CTC (a part of Cycling UK), in conjunction with and help from Nottingham Pedals and the Veteran Cycle Club Folding and Small Wheel special interest Group

NOTTINGHAM ORIGAMI RIDE

(Folding & Small Wheeled Cycles)

SATURDAY 18TH APRIL 2026

(approximately 25 miles out and back with a lunch stop at roughly halfway point)

Nine riders all on small wheeled cycles, largely Brompton's of various descriptions, met up at Nottingham Railway Station on Saturday 18th April for the first Nottingham 'Origami' ride organised by Notts CTC, in conjunction with the help from Nottingham Pedals and the Veteran Cycle Club. 

Most riders were from the East Midlands with the majority from Nottingham. Lead organisers Ian Prince from Cycling UK East Midlands Region and Susan Young from Notts CTC and Pedals gave a briefing on the 25 mile route out of the city to the village of West Leake for lunch and a return. Susan explained that this event was intended as a 'social' ride with time to chat and sightsee. Susan herself, sadly, was not able to ride with the group having sustained an injury but would meet up with the group at the lunch stop.

We were fortunate with the weather and were soon heading south out of the city alongside the tramway towards the mighty River Trent in bright sunshine. Good to see a number of rowers out on the water.

Climbing up through Fairham, with a steeper section between Barton-in Fabis and Thrumpton proving a test of the gears, the route followed the bridleway alongside Remembrance Way giving excellent views of the Ratcliffe-on-Soar Power Station. Skirting Gotham Hill, we'd head along increasingly rural lanes to West Leake. The Star Public House provided welcome refreshment with plenty of seating indoors and outside. A chance for a chat and catchup over a meal and a drink. Thanks to Susan for booking the tables.

West Leake is a pretty village, dating back to at least Domesday being recorded as 'Leche' although the name derives from Old Norse 'Laeke' (brook or stream). 

Our return had us heading west on undulating lanes to Kingston on Soar, passing through the grand Kingston Park with fine views of St Winifred's Church, nestled on the edge of the 'Nottinghamshire Wolds'. From here a return to Remembrance Way and up the hill to Clifton before heading back down to the Ricer Trent. 

Arrived back at Nottingham Railway Station about 3.30 pm having enjoyed the approximately 25 mile ride.