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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).
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
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
This route is almost completely traffic free. There may be the occasional vehicle on the no through road at Radley Lakes, but these are usually driven slowly by someone looking to park so they can enjoy a walk around the lake. For many reasons, it’s better to cycle there if you can.
Route (1.7 miles each way)
The route starts from Abbey Close Car Park. There is a low traffic link to Abingdon Market Place, and by using the Abingdon Walking and Cycling Map (on Town Council website from Spring 2023) or cycle.travel you can find the best links to other parts of Abingdon. (Inclusive note: sloped keb at end of car park)
Head over the twin bridges at the east end of the car park, towards the swimming pool, public toilets and play park.
Turn immediately left after the bridge, and follow the slightly rubbery track. It is made of a material called ‘Flexipave’ which is made from recycled car tyres, mixed with fine gravel and bonded so that none of the material damages the environment – it is also porous so that instead of forming puddles, water will seep through.
The path is used by many people, so please give priority to people walking, and recognise that they may not always hear you approaching, or be able to move quickly.
Enjoy the riverside and look for ducks, fish and other wildlife in the Abbey Stream.
At the small wood bridge, push your bikes over, and continue on the widest path, marked ‘5’. You will pass one of Sustrans’ celebratory milestones (a large metal post with interesting decorations) and go between a narrow woods and a wildflower meadow.
(Inclusive note: this bridge is near impossible for anyone not able to get off and push. The Town Council is trying to get a more inclusive bridge.)
At a bend there are some seats and interpretation boards, provided by the Radley Lakes Trust and partners, showing the paths and wildlife nearby.
Soon after this, and some bollards, you pass a gap on the left, into Abingdon Science Park (Barton Lane) and a path with 3 posts that goes to the Leisure Centre.
After a barrier, the path becomes rougher, and sometimes fallen leaves collect and make it a bit muddy. Continue riding to another milestone and barrier, and turn left on a narrow road. Follow this road 400m past a gate into Radley Lakes and to the small car park where there are several bike stands.
Refreshments
In warmer weather there is usually an ice cream van in the car park. There is a water tap on the public toilet block to fill your bottles. Or, go to the Market Place, which in early 2023 had ten cafes to choose from, and on some days a market as well.
Things to do
Near start: Large playground in Abbey Meadows.
Along the way: Look for birds and other wildlife.
At Radley Lakes: A one-mile (20 minute) walk around the lake. Look at the water birds. Explore the woods. Have a picnic.
Access
Rail: Radley station and a quiet (but not traffic-free) 1.1 mile cycle brings you to the end of the ride and you can do it in reverse.
Drive: Abbey Close car park in Abingdon
Made in the Cotswolds. Published by Éditions Système D Ltd.
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