The variety on this walking and cycling tour is wonderful; from the Thames Path and meadows out of Oxford to the dramatic White Horse on the downs and the ancient Ridgeway path. There are pretty Thames hamlets, idyllic villages and Royal Wantage at the foot of the downs, the lone Thames ford and an old railway track to discover on your bike. Take to the hills on foot in between with stunning views, ancient woodlands and the oldest dated chalk figure in England. Enjoy our choice of beautiful villages with delightful accommodation and float back to Oxford aboard a Thames boat. What could be more idyllic?
Holiday details
Price
- Classic
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from £835 per person
Based on two people sharing a room
What’s included?
There are no extras, however you’ll love what’s included as standard
Duration
5 nights
Start & Finish
Starts Sundays and is circular from Oxford
Hotels
- Classic
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Centrally located hand picked hotels and inns and a 16th Century farmhouse
Holiday type
Self-guided
This tour is priced without a guide and you are free to explore on your own. If you would like a guide for part or all of your trip, we are happy to provide a knowledgeable, local guide
Activity level
Not so gentle cycling (2) More info...
Electric bikes
Available
Mileage
Cycling mileage: 2 days with 20 to 24 miles (32 - 38 km) per day. Additional mileages available. Walking mileage: 2 days with 10 - 13 miles (16 - 21 km) per day
Terrain
Flat cycling with a few undulations. Flat walking with a gentle hill one day and a steep climb to the White Horse on the other day
Traffic-free
About half, very low traffic on the rest for cycling
Itinerary day-by-day
Classic
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1. Day one
Arrive Oxford
Arrive in Oxford and check into your hotel located close to the heart of the city. Enjoy the treasures of this beautiful city today. Stroll through the lovely colleges of the University with their magnificent architecture and gardens. Take in the museums, galleries and libraries galore, and perhaps a concert or play. Discover the little tea rooms and fine restaurants, the unique shops and back streets and the river backwaters dotted with punters and rowing eights.
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2. Day two
Oxford to an Oxfordshire village
Today your host will meet you at your hotel and run through the itinerary before the Thames Path leads you through Oxford and for most of the way today. Your walk is through the unspoilt meadows of the Upper Thames, very wild in parts but dotted with cosy pubs, the occasional lock and relaxed boaters. Meadows give way to gentle hills and ancient woodlands as you leave the river path for a while and enjoy great views of Oxford. Your overnight stay is a 16th Century farmhouse nestled in a pretty Oxfordshire village.
13 miles (21 km)
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3. Day three
An Oxfordshire village to Woolstone
Your bicycle will be delivered to the farmhouse for your ride today which takes in the peaceful villages of the Upper Thames and the Vale of The White Horse. Weather permitting, you can cross the Thames using the only ford on the river and then pedal on through unhurried rural Oxfordshire. The downs and the White Horse ahead loom large and dramatic with the pretty villages of Uffington and Woolstone sitting at their foot. The village inn here welcomes you for your overnight stay.
21 miles (34 km)
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4. Day four
Woolstone to Wantage
Today's walk is stunning and begins with a climb up White Horse Hill to this 3,000 year old chalk figure. Adjacent to it is the equally ancient hill fort of Uffington Castle. And on the very top of these chalk downs lies your path for the day - The Ridgeway which travellers have used for 5,000 years. Enjoy the panoramic views and the Iron Age Segsbury Fort before finding your overnight stay in the small market town of Wantage at the foot of the downs.
10 miles (16 km)
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5. Day five
Wantage to Oxford
Your bicycle will be waiting for your ride today which takes you out of the attractive town of Wantage and then gently on along the foot of the downs. Stunning views and beautiful villages mark the route with an old railway track leading you back to the Thames at Abingdon. Float back to Oxford aboard a river boat or ride on if you want to pedal a little further. Your adventure ends with a final night in Oxford and no doubt many tales to tell.
20 or 28 miles (32 or 45 km)
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6. Day six
Depart Oxford
Depart at leisure.