This roundabout route starts you off in the city centre, then takes you along River Thames paths to Iffley Meadow, up Barracks Lane, and back to the city centre, weaving you through some of Oxford’s colleges. The route follows part of National Cycle Route 5, and most of the route is well-paved and follows only a few main roads for short lengths. You can rent a bike with Bainton Bikes, Brompton Bikes, Byke, or Pony. You can also see Parkopedia to find parking if you have your own bicycle.
Click here to populate this route on Google Maps
Start on Broad Street, make your way past the Martyr’s Cross, and turn right onto Magdalen Street. Turn left onto Beaumont Street to find the Ashmolean Museum on the right. Pass the museum, turn left onto Gloucester Street, continue straight onto George Street, and turn right.
Part 1 of the 13km Roundabout Oxford Cycle
The Ashmolean Museum was Britain’s first public museum and the world’s first university museum in the late 1600s. Here, you will find collections of contemporary art as well as archaeological pieces of interest, such as Egyptian mummies and pieces from various cultures and points in time. Entry is free, and you can take a look at the opening times here.
Ashmolean Museum. Credit: Ashmolean Museum website
Follow the curve of the road left onto Worcester Street. At the end of the street, turn right onto Park End Street. At the roundabout, continue straight to ride parallel to the buildings.
Part 2 of the 13km Roundabout Oxford Cycle
At the next roundabout, turn left onto Botley Road. Just after Osney Bridge, turn left onto Bridge Street.
Part 3 of the 13km Roundabout Oxford Cycle
Turn left onto South Street, then right onto East Street to follow the path along the River Thames. The Punter, just before you turn right, is a great place to eat but be sure to book as it is often quite busy at lunch. Continue following the path that runs close to the River Thames.
Part 4 of the 13km Roundabout Oxford Cycle
After about 1km, continue onto Whitehouse Road, then after 350 meters, turn right onto Marlborough Road.
Part 5 of the 13km Roundabout Oxford Cycle
At the end of the row of houses, turn left onto National Cycle Route 5. Follow the cycle path until you reach the main road and turn right onto Lake Street. Follow the curve of the road to the left to ride along the water.
Part 6 of the 13km Roundabout Oxford Cycle
When you reach the end of the path, turn left, then right onto Wytham Street. Turn left onto Oswestry Road, right onto Abingdon Road, and then left onto Weirs Lane. To your right, you will see Iffley Meadows. It is usually marshy to ride through by bike, but it is worth having a look at in your own time.
Iffley Meadows has numerous beautiful wildlife species, such as the purple and white chequered snake’s head fritillaries in spring, marsh marigold, and great burnet. This meadow has been designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest because of the various species you find here. The best time to visit to see these flowers and wildlife is during the spring. The Meadows do tend to puddle in some areas at times, so ride with caution.
Snake’s Head Fritillaries. Credit: Bug Mad Girl
After crossing Donnington Bridge, turn right onto Meadow Lane. Just after the short bridge, turn left onto the pathway that cuts through the playing field onto Cavell Road. Turn left at Iffley Turn, then right behind the bus stop and through the parking lot. The pathway runs to the right of sports fields and leads to an intersection. Continue straight along the paved pathway, passing Florence Park on your right.
Part 8 of the 13km Roundabout Oxford Cycle
When you approach the main road, turn left, then right onto the pathway that passes several allotments. When you reach the main road, Cowley Road, you can either continue along Marsh Road, then turn left onto the pathway just before the road curves, and left again onto Barracks Lane, past the basketball court on your right. Alternatively, from Cowley Road, you can continue straight through the car park on the pathway, passing the sports fields on your left, then turn left onto Barracks Lane, passing the playground on your left.
Part 9 of the 13km Roundabout Oxford Cycle
When you reach the end of the lane, turn right onto Bartlemas Close.
Part 10 of the 13km Roundabout Oxford Cycle
Bartlemans becomes Southfield Park. Follow the curves of the road to the dead end, then turn right, left, and left again onto Hill Top Road. At the end of the road, turn right onto Divinity Road. At the roundabout, take the first exit left onto Morell Avenue. You will be passing South Park on your right. Turn left at the fourth street, Union Street, then right onto Cowley Road, and immediately left onto James Street. Turn right onto Iffley Road.
Part 11 of the 13km Roundabout Oxford Cycle
South Park has a stunning view of the spires of the city at its peak. This is Oxford’s largest park. Therefore, it hosted a Radiohead concert in 2001, which saw 40,000 visitors. Additionally, an annual fundraising fireworks display is held here. Keep an eye out for the date; that would be something to see.
South Park. Credit: The Oxford Magazine
Iffley Road running track is where Roger Bannister first broke the 4-minute mile in 1954.
Roger Bannister at Iffley Running Track. Credit: The New York Times
At the roundabout, take the second exit onto Magdalen Bridge.
Part 12 of the 13km Roundabout Oxford Cycle
The first mention of Magdalen Bridge dates back to 1004! Since then, it has been rebuilt and restored a couple of times for expansion and to ensure safety. Today, the bridge is a popular spot for the Oxford tradition of punting. Punting is the act of using a large stick on a river bed to push the boat along the river. This can be done by yourself, or you can hire a chauffeur and enjoy the journey. You can find out more here.
Magdalen Bridge. Credit: Insider’s Oxford
Oxford Punting
Pass Longwall Street to turn right onto Queen’s Lane. Follow the curve of the road to the left and right, then turn left onto New College Lane, to go under the Bridge of Sighs. Turn left onto Catte Street to reach Radcliffe Camera.
Part 13 of the 13km Roundabout Oxford Cycle
Your zig-zag to Radcliffe Camera takes you past Queens College, St. Edmund Hall, New College, All Souls College, and Hertford College to ride under the legendary Bridge of Sighs with a view of the Bodleian Library and Sheldonian Theatre. The Sheldonian Theatre hosts Oxford’s graduation ceremonies; you might get lucky and see some students wearing their regalia. To reach Radcliffe Camera, it’s best to stay on the east side to avoid the cobbled street and pathway. There’s a cafe at St. Mary’s Church if you’d like to have a meal or drink, and you can lock your bike easily on the railings.
Bridge of Sighs
Click here to populate this route on Google Maps
Resources:
This route was curated in collaboration with Cycling UK Oxfordshire.
If you enjoyed this route, see our 16km Casual Cycle.
Remember to download our app
Download the GPX File.
Information from various sources including wikipedia.org