A quiet and flat off-road route in a motor dominated town. The track is quite pleasant, although it is an ‘out-and-back’ without very much to do on the way. It can be muddy in places after wet weather.

Route (2.1 miles each way)

From the car park cross the road and turn right.

Go round the corner and you will find the Salt Way sign. Follow this.

Keep going to the A361 where there is a Toucan crossing, slightly to the left. Cross here, go a bit further left and the traffic free path continues.

Follow this to Broughton Road (B4035). This is as far as the trail goes and you’ll need to turn round and head back.

Things to do

At the start and end: There is a large playing field with a small children’s playground.

Cotefield Nurseries, about 1 mile from the start is a good option for food and drink, the cycling route is mostly quiet if you can find the alley that links from Molyneux Drive to Cotefield Drive.

Access

By rail: Banbury has a railway station, and this is a further 1.7 mile cycle ride, but has only painted lanes and a climb to the start. Only advisable if you are more confident cyclists, and then you would probably choose a different route.

By car: Start on the west end of the route at Blackwell Drive car park in Bodicote ‘gifted to the community by David Wilson Homes’.