OXFORDSHIRE CHURCHES

CYCLING ROUTES

 CUMNOR, STANDLAKE and BABLOCKHYTHE


11 Churchs;  16.4 miles

Generally flat and quiet roads.
Steep descent in the first mile and moderate climb from Bablockhythe towards the end.
Busiest section B4044 Farmoor to Eynsham.  Country lanes around Sutton, Northmoor and Eaton.

1. Start at car park behind the “old school” in Cumnor High Street, entrance about 100 yards below the main path into CUMNOR ST MICHAEL map ref 446500,204500

2. From the car park continue down High Street.  Go forward at mini-roundabout signed Farmoor B4017, then take first left (signed) for CUMNOR URC. (0.3 MILES)

3. Continue B4017. Test brakes before steep descent of Tumbledown Hill, enjoying view over Farmoor reservoirs ahead. Shortly before T junction (mini-roundabout) with B4044 Botley to Eynsham Road go left into Church Close for FARMOOR ST MARY (1.7)

4. At junction go left for Eynsham, crossing Thames at elegant Swinford toll-bridge (no charge for bicycles) after 1.4 miles.  Go forward at roundabout, continuing to EYNSHAM ST LEONARD on left in the Square.(2.1).

5 and 6. Follow side of Church into Church Street for 100 yds to crossroads.  BAPTIST CHURCH is “at one o’clock” over the crossing.   ST PETER IS ALONG Abbey Street to the left, beyond the “restricted access” signs.  (0.2)

7. Return to crossroads and continue line of Church Street into Swan Street.  At T-junction go left into Station Road, signed B4449 Stanton Harcourt.  Continue for 2.4 miles until left turn for Sutton Village.  Follow Sutton Lane round to the right into New Road (easily missed) for SUTTON METHODIST Church (2.8)

8. Continue New Road to junction at Fox Inn.  Go left for STANTON HARCOURT ST            
MICHAEL, approaching Church along graveled drive opposite “The Harcourt Arms”. (0.7)

9.    Continue through village for Standlake.  At the junction follow Rack End into Church
    Street for STANDLAKE METHODIST Church on left at junction with Chapel Lane (2.8)

10. Continue Church Street for ST GILES (0.2)

11. Return towards Stanton Harcourt for 0.9 miles.  Where main road swings to left (Cow Lane) continue ahead for NORTHMOOR and ST DENYS Church (1.8)

Continue road until right turn for Bablockhythe, Ferryman Inn and Ferry (1.3)

After ferry crossing follow road up hill (much less steep than Tumbledown) into Eaton.  At T-junction go left for Cumnor and mini-roundabout just below car park (2.5)

SHORT EXTRAS

8a    From Stanton Harcourt Church go back towards Fox Inn and go left into Blackditch, signed Hardwick.  Follow signs for B4449 and continue until junction with A415.  Go right onto A415 for 0.25 miles and where road bends take footpath (signed and opposite house) across playing field for DUCKLINGTON ST MARY (Cokethorpe School Chapel).  Return along A415, continuing for a further 0.75 miles beyond Hardwick Turn until left turn signed Hardwick Leisure Park.  Continue into Standlake for St Giles and Methodist Church.  Adds 1.3 miles and involves 1.25 miles on busy A415.

11 A and B    At T-Junction after Eaton village go right for APPLETON, going left into Church Road, signed Church and School, for ST LAURENCE and right into Badswell Lane, almost opposite, for MISSION Church.  Return to Eaton turn and continue to Cumnor.  Adds 1.25 miles each way.