A traffic-free route with a railway theme. It runs from Didcot Parkway station (also home to Didcot Railway Centre, a large living museum) to Pendon Museum of model railways. It's an interesting and pleasant route in its own right with refreshments at each end.

Inclusive note: going under the Didcot ring road may be a challenge, the surface is rough, headroom limited, and there is a turn and slope on rough ground at the end. It may be worth checking this out before a full trip.

Route (2.8 miles each way)

From the forecourt of Didcot station, turn left and follow the shared pavement cycle lane to a tunnel under the railway (be cautious at car park entries, even though Highway Code rule H2 gives pedestrians and cyclists priority).

Cross the road at the signals, dismount if appropriate to go through the tunnel (Cow Lane). Cross the road again the other side.

Follow the ‘Ladygrove Loop’ to the left of the sign. (There is a playground 300m to the right of the sign if needed).

Keep following this path as it curves by the railway. You’ll pass pylons carrying electricity from the nearby power station – now gas – the iconic coal power station cooling towers were demolished in 2019. A footbridge over the railway. Then you’ll arrive at a narrow and dark tunnel under the Didcot ring road, the ground is rough, and don’t bump your head, but otherwise it is safe.

From here you are in the countryside, the path continues between fields to barriers at the B4016, cross with care.

Then between more fields on a continuous quiet path bending right and soon reaching bollards at Long Wittenham.

After a mobile home park and three houses, Pendon Museum is on the left.

Things to do

In Didcot: Didcot Railway Centre, events at the Cornerstone Arts Centre, cinema, restaurants and shopping centre.

In Long Wittenham: Pendon Museum and 2 pubs.

Access

Rail: Didcot Parkway station

Car: For long stay, park at the Railway station car park