Trip Highlights

  • Cycle the Thames Valley from London to the historic university city of Oxford. Along the way you will encounter iconic historical landmarks such as Windsor Castle and Hampton Court.

    This is an easy-going ride perfect for first time explorers and those looking for a more relaxed break.

    Enjoy this adventure on one of our awesome e-Bikes and we can drop it off and collect it for you. We'll also send you route guides and downloadable GPX files to map your route for you.

  • Duration
    4 day itinerary | 3 days riding

    Grade
    Moderate

    Start | Finish
    Putney, UK | Oxford, UK

    Distance
    160km Approx

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Suggested Itinerary

Day 1 | Arrival

Arrive in Putney, a busy little district in the southwest of London, with numerous pubs and restaurants. It’s only a short 15 minute Tube ride from central London via the District Line and is easily accessible from London's major airports and transport hubs. Add on an extra night here to explore more that London has to offer.

Day 2 | Putney to Windsor (56km approx)

Start your day at Putney Bridge over the River Thames. From here you join the Thames Path and head towards London Wetland Centre. Exit the path here following Queen Elizabeth Walk through Barnes and Roehampton and into Richmond Park. This expansive deer park is well worth spending time before you head off again towards Ham where you rejoin the Thames Path on towards Hampton Court Palace.

Continue along the river to Staines which will be followed by a gentle climb towards Coopers Hill and Windsor, through woodland and past the lakes. 

Windsor will be your stop for the evening where you can visit the historic Windsor castle.

Day 3 | Windsor to Wallingford (63km approx)

Departing Windsor you will first pass the famous school of Eton and cycle across Dorney Common. The route then heads to Maidenhead and Twyford before you rejoin the Thames River to Reading. From here you will turn north to the Chiltern Hills, Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Rolling hills and rural lanes will lead you through the English countryside towards the Saxon town of Wallingford where you will spend the night.

Day 4 | Wallingford to Oxford (37km approx)

Today will lead you further into Oxfordshire. Once beyond Didcot you will join a traffic free section along a series of lakes, formerly a railway line. This will take you to the historic market town of Abingdon with Iron Age, Roman and Saxon history. The final section of the adventure will give you your final views of the Thames River as you approach Oxford, one of the world’s most famous university cities with the oldest colleges dating back to 1300. Explore the city’s narrow cobbled streets and many museums, pubs and restaurants.

Suggested Accommodation

Check out our recommended accommodation options. All vetted by ourselves and our customers.

Battersea, London

Rafayel Spa Hotel

Although not quite in Putney, the Rafayel Spa Hotel is a great first night location. Whilst the price is on the high side it's well worth a stay if your budget allows. A 5km cycle along the Thames brings you to Putney and the starting point of the ride.

Windsor, Berkshire

Royal Adelaide Hotel

The Royal Adelaide Hotel is located in Windsor in the Berkshire region, less than 1 km from Windsor Castle. With a garden, the 4-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a private bathroom.

Oxford

Voco Oxford Spires

Voco Oxford Spires features accommodation with a garden, private parking, a shared lounge and a terrace. Featuring a restaurant, the property also has a fitness centre, as well as an indoor pool and a sauna. The accommodation offers room service and free WiFi throughout the property.

Some more useful info

Biking Info

Bike Type
In general all bikes are suitable to complete this route. We recommend a mountain or gravel/hybrid bike due to some off-road sections, but we can always provide alternatives for those using road bikes. 

Bike Hire
We have an excellent range of bikes available to hire for this adventure. Check out the range here.

Packing

Clothing
We recommend padded cycling shorts and a comfortable top for all of our rides. Remember light waterproofs may be needed at any time of year, and a warm fleece or jacket is recommended for cooler days/evenings. Other items you may find useful are cycle gloves and a gel seat cover. Bike helmets are required at all times on our biking adventures. 

Out partners at Layer offer a great range of sports and casual apparel. Check them out here.

Footwear
If you do not use cleated cycle shoes we recommend you try to bring stiff-soled shoes as they provide better support for cycling. Comfortable footwear is useful when not on the bike. 

Equipment
A daypack or panniers are recommended. We also advise you to bring a reusable water bottle or alternative water delivery pack (Camelback etc.), cycle glasses, puncture repair kits and spare inner tubes. Sun cream may also be required. 

Nutrition and Hydration
It is important to stay well hydrated. Tap water is fine to drink but there won't be many places to refill on the rides. We also encourage you to travel with sufficient food and snacks. A lot of the rides are in remote areas meaning shops will be few and far between.

Travel and Transfers

Getting to Putney
Our tour starts from Putney which is easily accessible by public transport. All of London's major airports and transport hubs connect to the Putney area. Driving is possible but we cannot guarantee parking options.  

Onward travel from Oxford
Frequent train travel is available back to London or the surrounding areas. Oxford is also well connected to the rest of the country whether travelling by road, rail or air.

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Thames Valley Path (London to Oxford)

Thames Valley Path (London to Oxford)

£320.00
£320.00
Sale Sold out
Taxes included.
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