Highlights
- Tracing the River Thames from near its source all the way to Windsor
- Didcot and its impressive railway heritage
- The impressive Uffington White Horse & Dragon Hill
- Beautiful wooded hills and green landscapes of the Chilterns
- World famous Windsor Castle
- Traditional pubs and award-winning English wines at the home of the Royal Regatta
Itinerary
On arrival you can either make your own way to your first night’s 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 medieval 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 lunch, climb the hill to view the Bronze Age Uffington White Horse Hill and 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 picturesque village of Letcombe Regis.
Show Profile- 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 award-winning English wine at a local vineyard. Leaving Letcombe Regis, you’ll follow off-road countryside cycling routes before arriving in 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 affectionately 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 a 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 of other sights to explore.
Show Profile- Meals: Breakfast
- Ascent: 385 Metres Approx.
Today is all about the Chiltern Hills, a National Landscape. You’ll experience the Chilterns in all it’s 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 have 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.
Show Profile- Meals: Breakfast
- Ascent: 260 Metres Approx.
Your final day is once again chock-full of history, following routes that have been historically used by Kings & Queens. Riding from Henley you’ll end the ride in style in the Royal Borough of Windsor and have the opportunity to visit Windsor Castle, one of the British monarchy’s official residences.
As you leave Henley and navigate the picturesque Hambleden Lock over the River Thames, you’ll head back into the Chilterns for a short time before reaching Marlow. The final notable hills of the day follow, but soon enough you’ll reach Cookham, a great stop for lunch, and from here, you‘re back riding at the water’s edge, along the Jubilee River and past Dorney Lake. Passing through the grounds of exclusive Eton College you can take some time to explore this world-famous academic institution before crossing the Thames into Windsor. The famous castle, which dominates the town 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 you are met by your local representative who will bring your luggage and help with any pre-arranged onward transfers. For those wishing to extend their stay in Windsor we can recommend overnight accommodation so you can relax and enjoy the many eateries and some sightseeing around the town. Well done on completing this fantastic journey!
Show ProfileUnderstanding Profiles
Use these profiles to see:
- Distance in Km (horizontal axis)
- Ascent / Descent in metres (vertical axis)
Click 'see gradient' to see:
- Distance in Km (horizontal axis)
- % Gradient (vertical axis)
Please check the scales on both graphs, and both axes as they both may differ from day to day.
White vertical lines indicate unpaved sections or slightly rougher terrain. Using both graphs, alongside the grading and terrain information provided, will give you a full picture of how flat, bumpy or steep the climbing on your particular tour is going to be. Please keep in mind this is an indicative guide and GPS units and software produce different statistical information.
Gallery
The Cycling
Terrain
This holiday’s riding is on a mix of cycle paths, bridleways, canal paths, and quiet country roads. Overall the route is about 80% paved and 20% unpaved (but non-technical) surfaces. There are a few short sections on busier roads including some of the roads in the market towns including at the overnight stops.
Some canal paths include low bridges overhead and it’s advised that if you‘re in any doubt, or if advised by signage that you get off and push. Some canal and waterway paths can be busy at times with other cyclists, pedestrians, dog-walkers, and those accessing boats and barges. These sections are generally tranquil shared spaces and it’s best to ride slowly and sensibly, be prepared to stop and it’s advisable to use a courteous bell to let people know you‘re passing through.
Though the unpaved terrain is non-technical in nature, canal paths and bridleways can be bumpy or have the occasional tree branch to avoid. On any such section or a narrower stretch, if in doubt getting off and walking is advisable. There is relatively little climbing overall, though there are a few cheeky climbs, notably the climb up to the White Horse, the start of the day from Wallingford, entering the Chilterns after crossing the Thames at Mill End.
Although the route is relatively easy going, opting for an e-bike would make it even more relaxed and allow for more time spent exploring the sights along the way. Given the extra weight of e-bikes you should be comfortable handling the bike, particularly on walked sections of canal paths. For more information about riding an electric bike on our holidays please click here
This holiday uses a part of the National Cycle Network, a route from the charity, Sustrans, who are working to make it easier for everyone to cycle in the UK. Skedaddle will donate to Sustrans for every mile that you and others ride on this route with us. If you fancy donating more to Sustrans, you can choose to make your own donation for the development of the National Cycle Network when you make a booking with us.
Leisure Cycling Grade
Aspects of both our grade 2 and 3 trips
Suitable for those looking for some cycle friendly routes
Some modest climbs
Possibly sections of varying terrain (eg. forest tracks, gravel paths etc)
Our grading guidelines have been carefully created based on our many years of cycling experience, as well as customer feedback from our trips. Of course, if you're still struggling to figure out where you fit on the scale, do feel free to give us a quick call and we'll be more than happy to help!
For more information about our grading system click here.
Is this suitable for you?
Trips that are graded as a 2-3, will have aspects of both our grade 2 and 3 rides. These tours are still suitable for those perhaps who have recently got into cycling, and offer an array of accessible, cycle friendly routes, cycle paths and quiet roads, however there will be some days / sections where you may have to tackle some ups and downs, the occasional steeper climb and perhaps some varying terrain (forest tracks, gravel paths etc). Suitable for those with a decent level of physical fitness, looking for some leisurely rides with occasional (achievable!) challenges along the way.
For more information about the grading of this holiday in particular, please check out the terrain section which will give you some specifics of what to expect on this tour.
Dates & Prices
Daily departures available from April to mid October.
For a group of 4 or more we can offer the reduced rate of $1285.
You can either make a booking online or over the phone. Once we have your details, we’ll be able to check availability.
Secure Your Holiday With A Deposit
Book now with a $375 deposit and nothing more to pay until 30 days before departure. Choose a date to start your booking and see all prices, including bike hire and single room supplements.
Whats Included
A) Accommodation (shared double / twin rooms)
B) Meals as per the itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
C) Access to an App for holiday information and navigation
D) Printed route information
E) Luggage transfer service
F) Local Skedaddle representative
G) Emergency tool kit, pump etc. (if renting your bike from Skedaddle)
H) Transfer from Oxford Train Station to Lechlade-on-Thames on scheduled arrival day
I) Financial Protection through ABTOT
What's not Included
A) Bike and helmet rental (available if required)
B) Travel or flight costs or charges for travelling with your bike (if applicable)
C) Meals not stated in the itinerary
D) Single room (available if required)
E) Travel insurance
F) Personal clothing and equipment
G) Personal expenditure (souvenirs, bar bills, hotel facilities etc)
H) Entrance fees to cultural or historical sites and visitor centres
I) Other optional activities
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