Oxford to Princes Risborough: Saturday Adventure Ride

Overview

This is a train-assisted ride through the peaceful countryside of South Oxfordshire. There is one challenging climb in the first 12km, then we have an easy-going route through country lanes and along traffic-free cycleways or shared paths.

Our lunch stop will be in Thame, after 28km of the ride.

The Ride

From Oxford station, we navigate our way through the south of the city, turn east to cross the Thames at Donnington Bridge, and soon find ourselves on quiet roads and cycleways. We have a challenging climb just after the village of Horspath, then we settle into easy riding on mostly quiet country roads. We have a landscape of open countryside and woodland, with the beginnings of lovely autumnal colours.

We will reach Thame in time for lunch. This is an attractive market town, with several cafes, shops, and benches if you prefer to bring your own food.

Leaving Thame, we ride on the Phoenix Trail, a traffic free cycling & walking trail on the route of a disused railway line. The surface is mostly unsealed but in generally good condition. The Trail takes us to Princes Risborough Station, for train services home.

Travel Arrangements

You can reach Oxford either with Chilterns Railways services, which run from Marylebone via Wembley Stadium, or with GWR services from Paddington.

** Please note that you will have to book a bike reservation to use GWR services **

I will be taking the 09.18 from Wembley Stadium which reaches Oxford at 10.35. This train leaves Marylebone at 09.07.

For our return from Princes Risborough, we use Chilterns Railways services. There are two trains per hour to London Marylebone at 25 and 51 mins past the hour. The 51 mins past train stops at Wembley Stadium and other North West London stations.

On the Chilterns Railways services, Oyster is valid as far as West Ruislip.

Check https://www.chilternrailways.co.uk/ for full details.

Train-assisted ride through South Oxfordshire.

Quieter country roads, shared paths, traffic free Phoenix Trail for the final 12km.

Lunch stop in Thame. Cafes and shops.

Money/card for rail fare and refreshments. Lock for your bike.

First-timers welcome!