White Horse and Wayland's Smithy

start: Oxford, St Giles [SP512065]
finish: Oxford, St Giles
distance: 77 km

The White Horse of Uffington is thought to be the oldest hill figure in Britain, dating back more then 3000 years. Cycling there, through the Vale of the White Horse, is very flat until you reach the ridge way. It's a challenging climb but once you're at the top there are, apart from the horse, two more sites worth visiting in close proximity: Uffington Castle with it's banks and ditches surviving, and Wayland's Smithy, a neolithic long barrow. (reproducted photography ; Morris Marples, 'White Horses and other Hill Figures', Alan Sutton, 1981).

Route map:
This route is also published on MapMyRide

West of Oxford

start: Oxford, St Giles [SP512065]
finish: Oxford, St Giles
distance: 54.7 km

Mainly flat cycling route except for a little bump at the end, called Boars Hill. The first 12 km can be unpleasantly busy with cars, but as soon as you leave the B4449 onto the single track road, it's much quieter. Another very nice stretch of single track road between Witney and Stanton Harcourt has long escaped my attention, but is very worthwhile. Even if your bicycle doesn't have any gears this route shouldn't be a problem.

Route map:
This route is also published on MapMyRide