On Your Bike - Thames Valley: 20 Circular Cycle Routes from the Upper Thames to Maidenhead - Softcover

Ellen Lee; John Broughton

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1846742153 ISBN 13: 9781846742156

Publisher: Countryside Books, 2010

Synopsis

This handy guide contains 20 of the best cycle routes in the Thames Valley, including rides around Lechlade, Witney, Oxford, Wallingford and Marlow. Features maps and photographs throughout.

These cycle routes are designed for all levels of ability and dedication - from leisure cyclists to family groups and even the seasoned cyclist. The upper Thames between Kemble and Wallingford offers rides that are flat or gently undulating making them ideal for beginners. On the other hand, the more varied scenery between Goring and Maidenhead offers the opportunity for some more challenging rides in the hills on either side of the river valley.

THE ROUTES

• 1. The Stripling Thames 
• 2. William Morris Country 
• 3. Lechlade & the Coln & Leach Valleys 
• 4. Bampton - In the Footsteps of Mammoths 
• 5. The Windrush & the Evenlode 
• 6. Circumnavigating Port Meadow 
• 7. Exploring the Isis 
• 8. Woodstock & the Northern Tributaries 
• 9. The Only Ford on the Thames 
• 10. The Iron Age Thames: Dorchester & Wittenham Clumps 
• 11. Didcot - Feel the Power! 
• 12. The Iron Age & the Steam Age! 
• 13. William the Conqueror & Watercress 
• 14. Around the Goring Gap 
• 15. Wheeling through the Woods 
• 16. Kenneth Grahame's Thames 
• 17. Henley, Russell's Water & Nettlebed: Red Kite Country 
• 18. Henley, Fingest & Hambleden 
• 19. Marlow, Lane End & Turville 
• 20. Egypt, but where are the Pyramids? 

The 20 rides in this book introduce the cyclist to a working woollen mill; a 700-year-old stone manor house and farm museum; the haunted ruins of a Benedictine nunnery; a large scale model village depicting 1930s and 1940s Britain; a reconstructed rainforest in three large glasshouses. 

Among other places visited are the Cotswold Water Park, home to 40 different species of wildfowl; Kelmscott Manor, once lived in by William Morris, the founder of the Arts and Crafts movement; Blenheim Palace; Mapledurham House, thought to be the inspiration for Kenneth Grahame's Toad Hall; and Cliveden whose extensive grounds offer spectacular views down to the river.

WHY YOU'LL LOVE IT:

• SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE - There are 20 Thames Valley cycle routes here, ranging from 8 to 30 miles, and all linked through their proximity to the River Thames 
• THE THAMES VALLEY AT ITS BEST - Covers renowned beauty spots, famous historic sites & everything else that makes the Thames Valley a great place to explore on two wheels   
• GO AT YOUR OWN PACE - Many routes designed to be enjoyed at a more sedate pace, so you can visit places of interest, take in views or stop for refreshments along the way
• ALL THE INFO YOU'LL NEED - All routes include info on how to get there, points of interest along the way, where to stop for refreshments & other places to visit nearby 
• EASY TO FOLLOW - Full maps & pictures throughout, with clear written instructions making it easy to find your way

Edition details

• Publisher: Countryside Books
• Publication date: 2010
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1846742153
• ISBN 13: 9781846742156
• Binding: Spiral-bound
• Number of pages: 96