East Midlands · Lincolnshire
CADWELL PARK
Motorcycle Track Day Guide 2026
At a Glance
| Location | Lincolnshire, LN11 9SE |
| Circuit length | 2.25 mi (Full Circuit) |
| Noise limit | 105 dB(A) |
| Skill level | Intermediate – Advanced |
| Licence required | Full motorcycle licence |
| Facilities | Café, Toilets, Pit garages (limited), Medical centre, Grass paddock areas |
| Nearest motorway | A16, approximately 8 miles from A1(M) |
| Paddock type | Mixed grass and tarmac paddock |
Track Overview
Tucked into a small valley in the rolling Lincolnshire Wolds, Cadwell Park is unlike any other circuit in the UK. While other circuits were designed on flat farmland or converted airfields, Cadwell grew organically from the natural landscape — and every corner, crest and gradient reflects that. Riders call it the 'mini Nürburgring' of British motorcycling, and the comparison is justified. Few circuits demand as much from a rider in terms of feel, instinct and trust in the machine.
Opened in 1934, Cadwell has hosted major BSB rounds and is one of the few circuits where bikes routinely become airborne at speed — the famous Mountain section sees bikes launch skyward in a way that has been watched by fans for generations. That alone tells you what kind of circuit this is.
For track day riders, Cadwell is a circuit that rewards experience. The narrow, undulating layout means that mistakes have consequences — the armco and grass verges are close, and the run-off areas are limited in places. This is not a criticism; it is part of what makes Cadwell feel so alive. Every lap you do here teaches you something.
It is often described as a rider's circuit rather than a manufacturer's showcase — technical, physical, and deeply satisfying when it all comes together. Many riders say Cadwell is their favourite track in the UK. Once you have ridden it, you will understand why.
Circuit Layout & Key Corners
The Mountain
The most famous section of any UK circuit. A steep, blind left-right combination that crests the hill and launches riders airborne at speed. On a track day you will approach this cautiously on your first few laps — that is absolutely correct. The mountain rewards commitment but punishes overconfidence. The landing can be unsettled if the bike is not balanced, so have the front wheel straight and the throttle smooth as you crest. Watching faster riders fly over the mountain from the nearby bank is one of the great motorsport spectacles.
Coppice
A fast, sweeping right-hander at the end of the back straight that tests both courage and chassis confidence. Taken at high speed in third or fourth gear, it demands a smooth, progressive line. The entry is slightly cambered in your favour, but the exit opens up and requires care — resist the urge to run to the very edge of the track unless you have scrubbed in your tyres and are confident in the surface.
Hall Bends
A chicane-like sequence after the pits that catches many riders out on their first visit. The approach looks straightforward but the second part of the sequence has a decreasing radius. Stay off the kerbs here until you know the track — the kerbs are aggressive and the track narrows significantly.
Mansfield Corner
A tight hairpin at the end of the long straight that is the best overtaking opportunity on the circuit. Hard braking, late apex, patient throttle — this is the corner where you can make up the most time on a track day lap with good technique rather than outright speed.
The Gooseneck
A slow right-hander that feeds onto the start-finish straight. This corner is all about drive — getting on the power early here carries you all the way past the pits and into the lap. Look for a late apex and get the bike upright as quickly as possible on the exit.
Who Is This Track Good For?
Novice
Cadwell Park is not recommended as a first track day venue. The narrow, undulating layout, close barriers and limited run-off areas make it demanding even for experienced riders. If you are a first-timer, consider Donington Park or Silverstone National for your first event, then return to Cadwell once you have your track day basics in place.
Intermediate
Cadwell is exactly the right level of challenge for developing riders. There are no hard-braking chicanes or slow hairpins to cruise — every corner here requires commitment and reading of the circuit. Focus on building your pace through the mountain section progressively over multiple sessions.
Advanced
At pace, Cadwell is one of the most physically demanding circuits in the UK. Flying through the mountain section, nailing the drive out of Mansfield and threading through Hall Bends on a fast lap is immensely rewarding. Lap records here are set by some of the most skilled motorcycle racers in the country.
Practical Information
Getting There
Cadwell Park is located on the A153 between Louth and Horncastle in Lincolnshire. Postcode: LN11 9SE. From the A1, take the A17 east then pick up the A153 towards Louth. The circuit is signposted. Nearest large town is Louth (6 miles north).
Parking & Paddock
The main paddock is a mix of grass and tarmac. Arrive early if you have a large trailer — the pit lane garages are limited and allocated by the organiser. Paddock areas can become soft in wet conditions; boards or carpet strips are useful underfoot.
Fuel
No on-site fuel. Nearest petrol stations are in Louth (approx. 6 miles) and Horncastle (approx. 7 miles). Fill up on the way in.
Catering
On-site café serves hot food and drinks. The Splash pub is a short drive from the circuit. Louth town centre has numerous restaurants and cafés if you are staying overnight.
Accommodation
The Kenwick Park Hotel, Louth (4 miles). Premier Inn Grimsby and Travelodge Boston are further options. Many riders camp in the paddock — check with your organiser.
What to Bring
- Motorcycle and full riding gear
- Spare tyres or tyre warmers (strongly recommended)
- Tools including tyre pressure gauge
- Paddock stand and chain lube
- Extra food and water — no supermarkets nearby
- Cash (café is cash-only at some events)
- Wet weather gear — Lincolnshire weather is unpredictable
Noise Limits at Cadwell Park
Cadwell Park's standard limit is 105 dB(A) static. Noise checks are performed at the start of the day and may be repeated during the event if a specific bike is flagged by circuit marshals.
Cadwell's location in a rural valley means that sound carries, and the circuit has historically been sensitive to noise complaints from nearby properties. This makes compliance particularly important here — organisers take it seriously. If your bike runs an aftermarket exhaust, fit a baffle before the event and check the noise reading before you go on track.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cadwell Park suitable for beginners?
Cadwell Park is generally not recommended for first-time track day riders. The narrow layout, undulating terrain, close barriers, and the famous Mountain section make it a demanding circuit. Most riders benefit from completing two or three track days at more forgiving venues before tackling Cadwell.
What is the noise limit at Cadwell Park?
The standard noise limit at Cadwell Park is 105 dB(A) static. Given the circuit's rural location, compliance is strictly enforced. Always check your event confirmation as some independent organisers may specify their own limit.
Do bikes really fly at Cadwell Park?
Yes. The Mountain section features a steep crest where motorcycles become airborne at race pace. On track days, riders approach this section progressively — the jump occurs at higher speeds than most track day riders reach in their first few visits. It is best experienced by building up speed gradually over multiple sessions.
What is the circuit length at Cadwell Park?
The full circuit is 2.25 miles (3.63 km). Some events may use a shorter national layout — check with your organiser when booking.
Can I take a passenger on a motorcycle track day at Cadwell Park?
Passengers are not permitted on any motorcycle track day at Cadwell Park or any UK circuit. Track days are for solo riders only.
What should I know about the Mountain at Cadwell Park?
The Mountain is a steep, crested left-right combination where bikes get airborne at speed. On your first visits, take it very cautiously — the launch point is initially alarming. Build your speed progressively over many sessions. Keep the bike balanced on the crest and avoid any sudden inputs at the jump point.