Almost completely traffic-free route with a play park and family-friendly pub at the end. It runs from Didcot Parkway station (also home to Didcot Railway Centre, a large living museum) to Upton village. The central section on the disused railway bed is wonderfully flat and away from the traffic, and raised so you get great views.

This is mostly on National Cycle Route 544. There is an optional extension to Harwell campus, although requires going up a big hill, and you can even get to Wantage with some quiet roads following the Icknield Greenway.

Route (3.2 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 (Cow Lane) and keep going, following the cycle track marked on the pavement past a shopping centre on the opposite side of the road to a roundabout.

Use Toucan signal crossings to cross Broadway and Jubilee Way.

Then cycle up a ramp with a cycle sign marked to Upton and Wantage. From here you will be following route 544 all the way to Upton.

Follow the cycle path past houses to a wiggle and a right turn to cross Hagbourne Road. You then turn left up a quiet close for about 50 metres before going left up a dropped kerb and back onto the traffic-free route. Turn right at the fork shortly after this.

At a crossing of paths, turn right.

Then after 200m you will turn left and climb up to the rail trail.

Keep following the rail trail for about 1 mile until it goes down to a rougher section just as it arrives in Upton.

Take care as you emerge and turn right on Fieldside, a quiet road in the village, but it does have some traffic. Cycle about 300m until the village hall and park are on your right, and Prospect Road is on your left.

Here you have 3 choices before making your return:

1. Play in the park, which includes an adventure playground and a cycling ‘pump track’

2. You could ride up Prospect Road and go to The George and Dragon pub. (Take care when crossing the main road).

3. You could ride up Station Road, cross the main road at signals, and ride up Chilton Road hill to Hagbourne Hill, and on to Harwell science campus. This is easy to find as it just continues route 544. There is no longer through motor traffic on the hill, so while it is still a big hill, you are not pressured by traffic. (Coming down requires good braking.) Closer to Harwell, the track becomes rough.

Things to do

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

Along the way: Take in the views. Some interesting seats along the rail trail.

At Upton: The park, with playground and pump track. The pub also has play equipment including a dragon slide for the young ones!

Access

Rail: Didcot Parkway station

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