35km Oxford Cycle Route With Map

This route is for an intermediate rider as it has some unpaved parts and busy road sections. Take your time along this route as you begin at New Marston Meadows, pit stop at Iffley Lock, wonder around Abingdon, freewheel through a bit of countryside to Cumnor Hill, and end at University Parks.

You can rent a bike with Bainton Bikes, Brompton Bikes, Byke, or Pony. If you have your own bicycle, you can use Parkopedia to find parking.

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Start the route on Ferry Road from New Marston Meadows, turn right onto Marston Road, and then left onto Headington Road. Turn right onto Cheney Lane. You can cut through South Park but you will need to walk your bike. Otherwise, you can continue a little more along Cheney Lane, then turn right onto Warneford Lane towards the roundabout.

At the roundabout, take the second exit onto Morell Avenue, then turn left onto East Avenue. Turn right onto Cowley Road, then left onto Bullingdon Road which becomes Jackdaw Lane, to turn left onto Meadow Lane.

Continue along Meadow Lane to turn right onto and over Donnington Bridge. Just after crossing the bridge, turn left onto the cycle ramp that takes you to the path along the River Thames and turn right to reach Iffley Lock.

Iffley Lock was one of the oldest locks in the Thames and was established in 1632. The village of Iffley is home to a 12th-century Norman architecture church, St. Mary the Virgin. You may notice some locals partaking in boating or rowing and others taking leisurely walks. The Lock and Village encapsulate a part of Oxford’s history. To commemorate the rebuilding of the lock in 1924, a large bronze bull’s head and coat of arms. This is now the “starting ring” presented to the Oxford University Boat Club.

Continue past Iffley Lock, going under two bridges along National Cycle Route 5 for about 2.3km. After the second bridge, follow the paved path as it runs parallel to the railway on your right. When the road ends, turn right to go under the short tunnel onto Sandford Lane, following National Cycle Route 5. After the bend, turn left onto Kennington Road and continue for 1.8km. Turn left onto Church Road to stay on National Cycle Route 5. Follow the bend, then continue onto Radley Road. At the roundabout, take the second exit onto Audlett Drive.

Follow the curves of the road for about 1.7km, then turn left onto Crabtree Place, following NCR 5 towards Abbey Meadows. As you reach The River Thames, turn right past Abbey Meadows. You’ll find public toilets here. Continue through the parking lot; just before the road bends to the right, turn left to go under one of the three arches and continue straight on High Street and find Abingdon County Hall Museum on your left. Just after the road becomes Ock Street, turn right onto Stratton Way, then left onto the B4017, which becomes Wootton Road after the roundabout. Continue on Wootton Road after the second roundabout. Just after the bridge, turn right onto Sunningwell Road.

Abingdon is allegedly the oldest continuously inhabited town in Britain because there has been some evidence of living during the Iron Age and Roman periods. Abingdon Abbey dates back to the 7th century and proved significant in England until its dissolution in 1538. The town is known for its architecture and 17th-century County Hall, with the Abingdon County Hall Museum within. An interesting, but some might say odd, ancient tradition celebrating significant royal events is Bun Throwing, where local dignitaries throw buns from the County Hall roof to the crowds below. Abingdon is also a popular spot for boating and riverside activities; thus, it is ideal to visit for a blend of relaxation and admiration of the local architecture.

Continue along Sunningwell Road for about 2.1km until it becomes Quarry Road. Continue slightly left onto Brumbcombe Lane, then sharp left to stay on Brumbcombe Lane. Follow the curves of the road, then turn left onto Foxcombe Road, which becomes Fox Lane. After 300 metres, turn right to cut through the field. If it is too muddy or flooded, after turning left onto Foxcombe Road, turn right onto Berkeley Road, left onto Jarn Way, straight, then left onto Old Boars Hill. Continue on Old Boars Hill following its curves, then turn right onto Wootton Village. When the road splits onto three, keep left to stay on Wootton Village towards the open field.

Continue in the straight direction, then turn right when you reach the next few houses. Continue straight, if you want to ride through CUmnor Hurst, turn left on Chiswell Lane; otherwise, continue straight onto Harcourt Hill.

Cumnor Hurst, or Hurst Hill, is a popular spot for relaxing country views and fresh air. Cumnor is most well-known for the mysterious tragedy of Amy Robsart in the 1500s. She was the wife of Robert Dudley, the first Early of Leicester. She died mysteriously in 1560, inspiring literary works such as Sir Walter Scott’s novel Kenilworth. It is said that her ghost still lingers on the grounds and surrounding woods under the moonlight. Another tale is that of a supposed hidden treasure somewhere on the hill. It is said the treasure was left by monks who tried to flee the Dissolution of the Monasteries. However, no treasure has been found… yet? It’s easy then, to see why Cumnor Hill has so much appeal with its mystique and ancient woodland.

Follow the bend of the road to the left as it becomes Westminster Way. to your right, follow the gated pathway that goes under the Southern By-Pass Road. You will need to walk your bike here. At the end of the tunnel, turn left and follow the slight curves of the road. Follow the cycling sign pointing to your right along the paved pathway between two houses towards North Hinksey Lane. Turn right onto North Hinksey Lane, then left onto Willow Walk and over the bridge.

Just before the next bridge, turn left and follow the path along the stream. Turn right over the next bridge and continue straight to the right of the rows of houses on your left, passing Oatlands Road Recreation Ground on your right. Turn left onto Ferry Hinksey Road, then right onto Botley Road. Ride over Osney Bridge, at the roundabout, take the first exit, continuing straight past The Ox sculpture on your right, down the ramp, then left onto Stable Close, and left again onto Rewley Road.

Just after the bridge, turn right, cross another bridge over Castle Mill Stream, and then turn left to follow the stream on your right. Turn right onto Walton Well Road over the bridge. At the roundabout, continue straight onto St. Bernard’s Road, then Bevington Road. Turn right onto Banbury Road to find the entrance to University Parks on your left.

University Parks was originally owned by Merton College, then bought over by the University of Oxford in the 1850s. For the avid sports person, there’s lots to do, including cricket, lacrosse, tennis, and rugby. If you happen to be in the right place at the right time, you might even catch a game of Quidditch. The park is open is all year round from dawn to dusk except Christmas Eve. The parks are worth having a walk around, especially along the Mesopotamia Walk, when you have a chance.

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Resources:

If you enjoyed this route, see our Casual Oxford Cycle Route here.

Remember to download our app here.

Download the GPX File here.