FW: Green Flash No. 35, July 2012
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Anna Eden
Jul 2, 2012, 3:02:02 PM7/2/12
to anna eden
Environment Action Group –
Green Flash No. 35, July 2012
Some pleasant cycle routes around Oxford
East Oxford's Summer of Cycling route suggestions
As part of the Summer of Cycling campaign to encourage more people to cycle why not try these cycle routes? To help you plan your routes there are several websites that will help too.
Oxfordshire is a wonderful place to explore on your bike with the lovely countryside and pretty villages of the Cotswolds coupled with the striking scenery of the Chiltern Hills proving major draws. The famous university town of Oxford is also a great option with its wonderful architecture and cycle friendly streets. It is also an area where the river Thames is at its most appealing and there are plenty of other water based rides to enjoy in this lovely county.That's the publicity! However, Oxford is in a valley so it isn't too long before here are some hills to climb, but if you take it steadily you will soon get to some new countryside and see things you may miss speeding by in the car. You will also realise that whilst there are lots of cyclists in Oxford the provision for off-road cycling is not always as it should be as separate cycle paths and cycle lanes disappear into nothing. Also some cycle paths are alongside busy roads which is fine for getting from A to B, but sometimes not always pleasant. But wouldn't the world grind to a hold if we stopped doing everything that might be dangerous? Cycling is a great way to explore the countryside and exercise, so get on your bicycle and try some of these routes. They follow quiet roads as much as possible, but do take care and wear your helmet!
The suggested routes
1. Along the Thames going south
Follow the Hanson Way (part of NCN route 5 from Oxford to Didcot via Abingdon. 
The blue National Cycle Route signs are generally well sited to guide you.http://www.sustrans.org.uk/sustrans-near-you/south-east/easy-rides-in-the-south-east/hanson-way
This is a fairly flat route that has plenty of off road sections and a pleasant spell close to the River Thames.
Abingdon is about half way, and the total distance to Didcot is 16 miles (25 km).
For a guide to cycling along the Thames go to http://www.the-river-thames.org.uk/thames-path-walk-cycle.nsf/cycling-on-the-thames
2. Oxford to Woodstock and Blenheim Palace
Follow National Cycle Route 5 from the City centre to then go along the Oxford Canal to join the separate cycle track from Yarnton through to Blenheim Palace and Woodstock. 10 miles (16km) there.
3. West Oxford, Cumnor to the villages west of Oxford
From Osney Mead there are a number of winding options including the lovely Willow Walk to North Hinksey. Follow the service road just beyond the primary school and then turn left up a steep slope following the blue cycling signs. This leads to an underpass under the A34. After Cumnor it is nice cycling west to Appleton and about 8 miles there. You could make it circular (and longer) and come back via Fyfield, Tubney, Gozzard's Ford and Boar's Hill.
3. West Oxford, Cumnor to the villages west of Oxford
From Osney Mead there are a number of winding options including the lovely Willow Walk to North Hinksey. Follow the service road just beyond the primary school and then turn left up a steep slope following the blue cycling signs. This leads to an underpass under the A34. After Cumnor it is nice cycling west to Appleton and about 8 miles there. You could make it circular (and longer) and come back via Fyfield, Tubney, Gozzard's Ford and Boar's Hill.
4. Barracks Lane to Horspath and the villages around the Miltons
This follows National Route 57 along Barracks Lane - maybe, with care, one of the better areas for teaching someone to ride. It then goes to Horspath before climbing up towards the windmill near Littleworth. Now take a circular route to visit the delightful villages of Cuddesdon, the Miltons and the Hazeleys. 12 miles there.
5. Tour of Otmoor
Otmoor is a delightful area to cycle round - with care. Getting to the quiet roads beyond Islip needs care and at weekends an early start. Go through Oddington, Charlton-on-Otmoor, Fencott, Murcott, Horton cum Studley, Stanton St John and Barton. About 35 miles round trip.
Otmoor is a delightful area to cycle round - with care. Getting to the quiet roads beyond Islip needs care and at weekends an early start. Go through Oddington, Charlton-on-Otmoor, Fencott, Murcott, Horton cum Studley, Stanton St John and Barton. About 35 miles round trip.
6. The Phoenix Trail http://www.sustrans.org.uk/sustrans-near-you/south-east/easy-rides-in-the-south-east/phoenix-trail
Whilst this route is from Thame to Princess Risborough, it is entirely off road and ideal for those with young children. or not wanting to have any traffic - apart from bikes and those on foot. The 8 miles, one way, is well surfaced and relatively flat - it is the old railway line. The route is dotted with artworks too. Featured in Britain's Best Bike Rides in 'The Guardian'. Very popular with families.
Useful websites
Sustrans - http://www.sustrans.org.uk
A leading UK charity who have an interactive map to choose your best routes. Go to 'Search our mapping' and put in your location and it shows a map of the National Cycle Routes and then on road and traffic free routes. This is a useful planning tool with the maps based on the OS 1:50 000 scale - Landranger. Those with smart phones can download the smartphone app. http://www.sustrans.org.uk/what-we-do/national-cycle-network/national-cycle-network-app
Transport Direct http://www.transportdirect.info/Web2/JourneyPlanning/FindCycleInput.aspx
This is a route planning website - so it gives you a route, map, directions, and duration. Enter two locations to find cycle directions. You can select, quietest, quickest or most recreational.
Oxford City Council http://www.oxford.gov.uk/PageRender/decTS/Cycling_and_Walking_occw.htm
Good safety and security advice and links useful sites.
Oxfordshire County Council http://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/cms/content/oxford-cycle-map
Cycle map of Oxford including more detail for each Oxford area. Also some suggested rides further afield.
Cycle routes in Oxfordshire http://www.cycle-route.com/routes/Oxfordshire-Routes-97.html
This is a collection of cycling routes posted by cyclist who prefer longer routes, but a good source of ideas.
Happy and safe cycling.
For further information on these routes contact George Wormald via email george...@gmail.com
This is a route planning website - so it gives you a route, map, directions, and duration. Enter two locations to find cycle directions. You can select, quietest, quickest or most recreational.
Oxford City Council http://www.oxford.gov.uk/PageRender/decTS/Cycling_and_Walking_occw.htm
Good safety and security advice and links useful sites.
Oxfordshire County Council http://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/cms/content/oxford-cycle-map
Cycle map of Oxford including more detail for each Oxford area. Also some suggested rides further afield.
Cycle routes in Oxfordshire http://www.cycle-route.com/routes/Oxfordshire-Routes-97.html
This is a collection of cycling routes posted by cyclist who prefer longer routes, but a good source of ideas.
Happy and safe cycling.
For further information on these routes contact George Wormald via email george...@gmail.com
The DRARA Environment Action Group aims to support practical ways of reducing energy use and promote environmentally friendly lifestyles. For further information about the Environment Action Group, please contact:george...@gmail.com
Nicole Lazarus
Jul 2, 2012, 4:44:49 PM7/2/12
to low-carbon-...@googlegroups.com
Hi Anna
I cycle some of these all the time but I didn’t know all of them. Now I can have a bit more variety. That’s really great! Thanks a million!!!
Nicole
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