London to Oxford [Thames path]

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Did this over two days and it's about 100 miles I think.

I did it geared on an MTB and stopped over in a B&B in Henley.

Not all of it is cyclable (either inaccessible or prohibited) after you go beyong Windsor, but there is usually a decent road running close. I'd advise getting on of the Geo maps from somewhere like Stamfords or The National Map Centre on Caxton Street

Henley or Maidenhead would make good starting points.

SHould point out that with recent precipitation, some of the allegedly cyclable parts are likely to be a bit squelchy as they are, in fact, bridleways rather than maintained cycleways.

Richmond to Weybridge and back is a nice run at around 35-40 miles but yes it is a bit rough round some parts, as SK said they are bridleways not proper cycle paths, I did it geared and with fatty tyres the last time.

Stick on the path from Henley to Reading. That's a maintained path (IIRC).

Does anyone know if this route is cyclable from Windsor to Hampton/Sunbury? I've searched and searched, but can't find anything definitive. The NCN website (http://www.sustrans.org.uk), and National Trail (http://www.nationaltrail.co.uk/Thamespath/faq.asp?PageId=7&p=2) mention restrictions, but I can't find a map that shows where the restricted sections are if any on this route. Looks like Weybridge to Teddington Lock is an official cycle route, but not sure whether the rest is prohibited or not.

Has anyone ventured this way at all? Even though it would add a fair bit of mileage to my commute from Hampton to Slough & back, it would be a much nicer ride than going through Staines/Heathrow.

Bumping this to ask: I want to do the entire Thames from Deptford up to the source in Kemble, about 180m, with my kid on a tagalong. Insane?! I guess we'd be verrry slow, so 5 days or something, maybe take a tent. An Expotition, if you will. There will be Provisions.

when you pass by oxford I can be there with pies and a garden to camp in. [with fire]

Great idea Skully. Good luck!

Had some really good advice from TSK about actually making this happen...

Turns out the Thames path is not really useable for some long parts of it. Not sure if I want to be on the roads but I guess I'll manage on the byways. No one seems to mind that David Walliams swimming down it so I don't really get why I can't ride it.

Thinking of trying to join up the eastern half of the Thames Path with the western half of the Ridgeway. That could work, since cycling those sections of each is less problematic.

Anybody ridden the ridgeway?

streatley, west to overton hill is a nice mtb ride of forty odd miles.

you could also consider diverting north from oxford along the oxford canal, north to banbury (but requires some roadwork)

or from reading up NCN 5

if you ever make it up near banbury we can offer you comfortable accom.

but whatever you decide to do, bikes, tent, kids and frying pan will always be a great adventure!

Make sure you take some rope. You'll want it if you haven't got it.

why? we don't lynch londoners around these parts any more,

..germans on the other hand..

Just Google the phrase. :)

We rode bits of the Thames Path on our Tandem and spent a lot of time lifting it over gates, barriers etc... Was 6 or 7 years ago...

Good luck with trip though...

Gareth