This holiday’s riding is on a mix of cycle paths, bridleways, canal paths, and quiet country roads. Overall the route is about 80% paved and 20% unpaved (but non-technical) surfaces. There are a few short sections on busier roads including some of the roads in the market towns including at the overnight stops.
Some canal paths include low bridges overhead and it’s advised that if you‘re in any doubt, or if advised by signage that you get off and push. Some canal and waterway paths can be busy at times with other cyclists, pedestrians, dog walkers, and those accessing boats and barges. These sections are generally tranquil shared spaces and it’s best to ride slowly and sensibly, be prepared to stop and it’s advisable to use a courteous bell to let people know you‘re passing through.
Though the unpaved terrain is non-technical in nature, canal paths and bridleways can be bumpy or have the occasional tree branch to avoid. On any such section or a narrower stretch, if in doubt getting off and walking is advisable. There is relatively little climbing overall, though there are a few cheeky climbs, notably the climb up to the White Horse, the start of the day from Wallingford, entering the Chilterns after crossing the Thames at Mill End.
Although the route is relatively easygoing, opting for an e-bike would make it even more relaxed and allow for more time spent exploring the sights along the way. Given the extra weight of e-bikes, you should be comfortable handling the bike, particularly on walked sections of canal paths.
This holiday uses a part of the National Cycle Network, a route from the charity, Sustrans, who are working to make it easier for everyone to cycle in the UK. The operator will donate to Sustrans for every mile that you and others ride on this route with us.
Grade 2-3: Gentle/Moderate
- Suitable for those looking for some cycle friendly routes
- Features some modest climbs
- Possibly sections of varying terrain (eg. forest tracks, gravel paths etc).
Is this suitable for you?
These tours are still suitable for those perhaps who have recently got into cycling, and offer an array of accessible, cycle-friendly routes, cycle paths and quiet roads, however, there will be some days/sections where you may have to tackle some ups and downs, the occasional steeper climb and perhaps some varying terrain (forest tracks, gravel paths etc). Suitable for those with a decent level of physical fitness, looking for some leisurely rides with occasional (achievable!) challenges along the way.
We loved our self guided bicycle tour down the Thames. Kevin and Darren were very helpful when we needed them.
The GPS route was easy to follow and we were impressed with the large variety of trails and scenery along the route. We went during a time when the Thames…
We loved our self guided bicycle tour down the Thames. Kevin and Darren were very helpful when we needed them.
The GPS route was easy to follow and we were impressed with the large variety of trails and scenery along the route. We went during a time when the Thames had some flooding, but we liked the adventure and extra challenge it added to our tour. We enjoyed our trip immensely and would do a similar one again with this company!
All days were excellent in their own way . Further up the Thames was more rural and country but as we progressed down towards the Chilterns this was also beautiful and to witness all the activity on a sunny weekend day was fun to see with all the locals on…
All days were excellent in their own way . Further up the Thames was more rural and country but as we progressed down towards the Chilterns this was also beautiful and to witness all the activity on a sunny weekend day was fun to see with all the locals on the river , boatiing , SUPing , fishing , running etc . To see the residents of the Thames out and about was a true pleasure