On arrival you can either make your own way to your first nights’ accommodation in Lechlade-on-Thames, on the edge of the Cotswolds, or we can assist you with a transfer from Oxford. Lechlade is very close to the source of the River Thames and the highest town to which the river is navigable. The town dates back to 2500BC and is now a bustling market town boasting historic monuments, some quaint shops and a few great places to eat and drink. There are parks and nature reserves nearby, along the Thames and adjacent to the many small lakes and ponds surrounding the town. A welcome pack will be waiting for you at your accommodation prior to your meet & greet the next morning before setting off on your ride.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Ascent: 450 Metres Approx.

From Lechlade-on-Thames you’ll head through the peaceful countryside on a ride steeped in history. Your first stop is the mediaeval barn at Great Coxwell before continuing to ride through some beautiful rural villages. Stop in the quaint village of Woolstone for a fantastic lunch if you wish, with a selection of local game and produce at the aptly named White Horse pub.

After a hearty lunch, climb the hill to view the Bronze Age Uffington White Horse Hill & visit the spot where legend has it, St. George slayed the Dragon. From here you’ll join the Ridgeway, Britain’s oldest road used since prehistoric times by travellers, herdsmen and soldiers alike. You’ll soon visit the Neolithic tombs of Wayland’s Smithy and the legendary Blowing Stone used by King Alfred whilst traveling through the villages in the ancient kingdom of Wessex. It’s mostly downhill to your accommodation, located in the historic market town of Wantage, notable for being the birthplace of King Alfred the Great in 849AD. Take your pick of the many shops, museums and monuments, cafes and pubs and celebrate your first day in the saddle.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Ascent: 200 Metres Approx.

Today you’ll explore more rural villages and get to know England’s industrial railway, some haunted countryside and sample some award-winning English wine at a local vineyard. Leaving Wantage you’ll follow off-road countryside cycling routes before arriving into the busy industrial town of Didcot. Didcot is famous for the great age of steam and the railway centre is well worth a visit to learn more about the fascinating history including items from Brunel’s illustrious career.

Leaving behind the bustle of the town you’ll continue your journey riding past the picturesque Wittenham Clumps, once described by Artist Paul Nash as “a beautiful legendary country haunted by old Gods long forgotten”. The Clumps as they are affectionally known are home to England’s oldest beech trees and the site marks some of the earliest settlements in England. A good place for lunch is the charming Roman village of Dorchester-on-Thames. Dorchester is famous for its grand Abbey which is built on the site of a Saxon Cathedral. It’s a typical quaint English village boasting fantastic traditional and modern pubs, a farm shop and the tea room at the Abbey.

From here, ride on through countryside and villages until reaching an award-winning English vineyard. The vines are grown on the chalky soil and produce wines of excellent quality well worth sampling before heading into the market town of Wallingford, your overnight stop, with Wallingford Castle and plenty other sights to explore.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Ascent: 400 Metres Approx.

Today is all about the Chiltern Hills, a National Landscape. You’ll experience the Chilterns in all her natural beauty and end the day in historic Henley-on-Thames. In the morning you’ll get the bulk of the climbing out of the way in the first few miles as you venture up into the Chilterns, an area known for its history and unspoilt landscape boasting ancient trees and an abundance of wildlife. The climbing into the hills affords you fantastic views across many counties.

Visit the Maharajah’s Well, one of the Victorians’ quirkier additions to our countryside. The Chilterns hosts a fantastic selection of pubs and cafes to choose from when you‘re feeling peckish. After coasting through a number of quintessentially English villages you’ll pass Greys Court, now a National Trust site. The country house and gardens has a rich history and has been used as a filming location for Downton Abbey, Poirot and Midsomer Murders, among others.

Before long you descend to the 12th century town of Henley-on-Thames. Henley is a world-renowned centre for rowing, each summer hosting the Henley Royal Regatta attracting rowers and visitors from across the globe. Expect good food, good views and plenty of activity at the riverside before a comfortable night’s rest.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Ascent: 300 Metres Approx.

Today is once again chalk full of history, following routes that have been historically used by Kings & Queens. Riding from Henley you’ll end up in the Royal Borough of Winsdsor and have the opportunity to visit Windsor Castle, one of the British monarchy’s official residences. As you leave, navigate the picturesque Hambleden Lock over the River Thames and head back into the Chilterns for a short time.

For lunch why not stop in the lively town of Marlow, with a great selection of options. The final notable hills of the day follow, but soon enough you‘re riding at the water’s edge, along the Jubilee River, Dorney Lake and reuniting with the Thames at the end of the ride after passing through the grounds of the exclusive Eton College. You can take some time to explore this world-famous academic institution before crossing the Thames into Windsor to visit the famous castle which dominates the town. It was built in 1070 by William the Conqueror and the site consists of many historic buildings and monuments, extensive gardens, and its famous Long Walk and deer park. Windsor remains home to Britain’s royal family and can be explored on arrival before tucking into dinner at one of many fine local eateries.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Ascent: 250 Metres Approx.

While your final riding day is a bit longer in length, it’s mostly flat save for some climbing soon after departing Windsor. Not to worry though as those climbs are well worth it, providing tremendous views of the Windsor monuments and Long Walk and excellent photo opportunities.

After passing through Old Windsor, you’ll pass the location where the Magna Carta was signed, as well as several other monuments and landmarks nearby. Sticking to the Thames for a while, you’ll get some easy miles in before reaching Hampton Court Palace, another recommended place to visit.

Passing by Kingston upon Thames and upon reaching Teddington Lock, you’ll leave the Thames one last time to head up and through Richmond Park, for some nature and tranquility before making your way back to the Thames across the river from Fulham Football Club’s Craven Cottage, and following the Putney Towpath for a short stretch to finish this historic ride at Putney Bridge.

Here you’ll be met by your local representative with your luggage, who will either assist with your onward journey or transfer you back to Lechlade or Oxford. Well done on completing this fantastic journey!