An Introduction to Oxford cycle routes

Due to the city's fairly level geography, large amounts of road traffic and general prettiness, many visitors wisely choose to explore Oxford by bike. There are beautiful buildings and unexpected points of interest to be discovered around every corner. As a result, Oxford has one of the highest levels of cycling in the city, with a variety of pathways weaving through the well-kept city.

If you are planning a trip to an Oxfordshire campsite this year, get that bike rack out of storage! Use the following guide to make the most of your trip along some of the best Oxford cycle routes.

Routes

There are two distinctive types of trails in Oxford, busy networks which follow the standard traffic corridors and quieter ambles that cut through green spaces and along side roads. Take care on any trails off the beaten track as they are not always signposted clearly.

One of the most popular routes in Oxfordshire is the 7-mile Phoenix Trail from Thame in the west to Princes Risborough. Away from the bustle of the city, this safe, scenic path has a low difficulty rating and is a great starting route for all ages. The trail cuts right across the Oxfordshire countryside with Thame Park to the south and has little in the way of obstacles apart from the occasional railway bridge and the market town of Princes Risborough.

In terms of the city, where you go is pretty much up to you! Many locals like to follow routes along the Isis, a part of the River Thames which flows through Oxford, to connect up to different parts of the city. For a range of sightseeing, cyclists prefer to follow along the Thames Path National Trail along the river. The Isis then connects to the Oxford canal, following along the water and offering quiet stop off points. One of the best meeting points along the trail is the Trout Inn at Wolvercote slightly north of the city. Known locally as simply ‘the Trout,’ this seventeenth century inn is well known for its high-quality menu and wine lists.

The Oxford Canal is a main link for cyclists and stretches right up to Coventry through villages and little beauty spots. As the railway follows along the same route, cyclists can simply hop on the train with a bike, cycle a different section and then ride the train back.

Other popular routes include the 87-mile Ridgeway National Trail, which is one of the oldest roads in Britain, and along the bridal path to the west across lush countryside.

Staying safe

Unfortunately due to the sheer number of bicycles in the city and a lack of proper parking spaces, Oxford has one of the highest rates of bikes thefts in the UK. Although the council and several organisations are working to improve the streets of Oxford for cyclists, you should be vigilant at all times with a robust D-lock in your rucksack.

Cyclists, cars and pedestrians populate Oxford’s streets in equal numbers. As a result, cyclists should be wary while out and about, making sure they have the right safety equipment. Always stick to designated cycle routes when possible and cycle in straight lines close to the pavement to avoid collisions.

With so much to see and do, many cyclists can often be caught out unexpectedly by fading daylight. Always be prepared for changing light with a high visibility jacket and lights on the front and rear of your bike. While it may be tempting to leave your bike locked up in the city overnight, you should always try to take your bike back to the campsite in order to avoid possible theft.

Tours and bike hire

Rather than ferrying your bike from one place to the next, you can hire out a bike in the city from a number of outlets, including Oxford Cycles and Bainton Bikes. As the nearest campsites are located quite far away from the city centre, hiring a bike may be a more sensible option for families with young children.

Those who are new to Oxford can feel a little intimidated by the city’s maze of pathways and the large amounts of traffic. To avoid any mishaps, you can use a premium tour guide, such as Cycle Tours Oxford or Capital Sport Cycling and Walking Holidays, which have been set up to help novice Oxford cyclists navigate their way through the city.

Whether you choose to stick to Oxford’s main roads or venture away from the hub of the city into the Oxfordshire countryside, you are bound to unearth some hidden gems from the seat of your bike. Due to Oxford’s vast network of cycle routes, we simply couldn’t fit everything into this guide, but hopefully we have given you a taste of what to expect on your travels.