Date
Sun Sep 24th
Organiser
Brian
Cost
Free to members, £10 supplement for attendees from Meetup
Activity
This 20-mile circular ride takes in several picture-postcard Oxfordshire villages via route half on traffic-free Sustrans tracks, and half on quiet lanes. From Didcot we take route 44 south with first stop at East Hagbourne. This village has an impressive medieval church and village green, and was featured in early Doctor Who series. We then pass the former railway at Upton before heading west to a viewpoint over Oxford Plain. After cycling through Harwell science complex (famous for post-war nuclear role) we stop at East Hendred village. This is another scenic village, full of thatched cottages and welcoming inns. We will have lunch there; pub meals plus shop for food. After exploring the village we head north to pass through Milton village. Last stop is at Sutton Courtney which boasts several manors, a village green, abbey residence, and village inns. At the church we can visit the graves of George Orwell, Asquith (PM) and David Astor who headed the Observer newspaper from 1950s to 1970s. Route suitable for all cycles, mostly level with some minor climbs.
Refreshments
Pubs and cafes on route
Travel
ElectroStar GWR stopping service from Paddington (departs 9:38am) takes cycles and arrives at Didcot 10:53am. The faster GWR express services require cycle reservations in advance. Elizabeth line services from West London to change at Slough for ElectroStar train. Free parking in nearby streets.
Start
11:00am prompt outside Didcot Parkway Station, Didcot, OX11 7NR
Finish
Around 5:00pm at start point
Links
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