This route starts runs from the science campus at Harwell to the country village of Ardington where there are refreshment choices. At each end there is an outdoor space exhibit to enjoy, and a picnic spot. Harwell is home to over 100 space organisations, both scientific and research.
The route follows the Icknield Greenway, a new cycling, walking and equestrian route opened in 2021. It is traffic free up to Ardington, and then there is under half a mile in typically light village traffic.
Route (4 miles each way)
We recommend starting the route at the ‘Eighth Street car park’, at the end of Curie Avenue on the left. On the way down you will pass a few shops on your right, including a newsagents where you can pick up last minute supplies.
From the carpark, you might first like to explore the ‘Spacescapes’ exhibit. Ride south down Eighth street (away from the marked cycle track) and you will see eight columns with images from our solar system and of space probes that you can walk around. Then return to the car park.
Take the pavement cycletrack past the barrier and continue onto a Bridleway.
After a short distance, turn left you will be on National Cycle Route 544 and the Icknield Greenway. Keep following this in a roughly straight line for about 2 miles.
Cross the quiet Newbury Road above East Hendred (2 pubs and a village shop) where route 544 turns left, but keep straight on.
Continue to cross Ginge Road above West Hendred. Here the track slopes down to a bridge across the Ginge Brook. It’s a bit steep and you should be careful with children who don’t have full control of brakes or steering.
For a completely traffic-free route, we suggest enjoying the stream, exploring the woods, and turning back here.
Otherwise, there’s a short, sharp climb on the other side, but we are not looking if you push. Turn right, following the Icknield Greenway.
At some farm buildings, turn left.
You’ll pass a gate and join a road, bending right and crossing a bridge. There is occasional traffic here and the road is potholed with loose stones, so be alert. A short climb will bring you in the village and a junction with a grassy triangle.
From here we suggest three options.
1. The ‘space’ themed option is to continue 700 metres along the road to the edge of the village where you will see a stone plinth on the grass to your right and a gap in the trees leading up the hill. This is the way to the Ardington Millennium Stones – a scale model of the solar system, and a great place for a picnic.
2. Just 100 metres from the green triangle, on the right, is The Grocer Chef, a tea room and shop open 9am to 3pm Monday to Saturday (at time of writing).
3. For more substantial fare, there is The Boar’s Head, take the first left just before The Grocer Chef, and you will find this traditional pub serving seasonal foods.
Things to do
At the start: Harwell Spacespaces exhibit, Picnic tables (one covered).
On the way: countryside with birdlife (almost sure to see a Red Kite), the Ginge Brook and the woods around it. Pubs and shop at East Hendred (just off route).
At the end: The Ardington Millennium Stones and sundial, and places to eat.
Access
By rail: no easy access, unless you go to Didcot Parkway, and then use the ‘Didcot to Upton Rial Trail route and extend it to Harwell to start this route, for a longer journey.
By car: Drive to Harwell Campus (not Harwell village) and down Curie Avenue. Eighth Street car park is just past some tennis courts on the left.
On the way: countryside with birdlife (almost sure to see a Red Kite), the Ginge Brook and the woods around it. Pubs and shop at East Hendred (just off route).
