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Hi folks,
I'm planning a long-distance charity ride for a group of 25 riders in August and am looking for advice on cycling along the Banbury canal from north of Banbury going south.
On Day 4 we're going from Daventry to Tring via Banbury, Blenheim Palace and Oxford - my draft route has us joining the Oxford canal just to the east of the village of Claydon and following it all the way through Cropredy and Banbury to just north of Aynho (and east of Adderbury). We'd then come off for a coffee stop at 7th Heaven and take minor roads to Blenheim via Deddington, Over Worton, Middle Barton and Wooton.
From Google maps there looks to be a towpath all the way but does anyone know if this is the case? I'm based in West Yorkshire and will be recce-ing the route in April but a heads up from anyone who knows the area would really be appreciated!
Thanks in advance,
John
I live in Banbury and know most of that bit of towpath - its a proper towpath if that makes sense? Its literally a muddy path next to the canal, rather than flat gravel/multi-use type route.
It's rideable but it'd be slow, not much space for passing fishermen or joggers with headphones in. depends on what bikes you're on and ground conditions. Loads of thorns for punctures if the hedge has been trimmed too.
I'd be tempted to use the roads into Banbury and out the other side through the Barfords on the NCN route to Blenheim.
I've done it. Its bumpy and little used, but OK on a FS mountain bike. Its OK on a HT, just bumpy and slow. Goes all the way, so you will be fine.
Quiet and pleasant, so long as the ground is dry.
The cafe at Adderbury, 7th Heaven is nice. (Just did a FTP test there on the weekend)
I live in one of those villages you mention. From Middle Barton if you ride to Steeple Barton, then go into the Abbey. From there you will see a bridleway that turns into a cycle path all the way to Woodstock and Blenheim Palace. It's a good route and worth doing.