Cotswold Line Cycle Route - Kingham to Charlbury

Kingham to Charlbury

There are two choices for this section: the main 11-mile route, a moderate ride on the north side of the Evenlode Valley; or the 16-mile Wychwood Loop, climbing to the ancient forest of Wychwood on the south side. You can combine the two for a perfect afternoon ride starting at either Kingham or Charlbury stations.

The main route leaves Kingham to the south, and after a brief period heading east on a B road, continues on tiny roads past the impressive Sarsden Estate. Crossing the A361 (take care) brings you down to the village of Chadlington in an enjoyable descent. From here you'll head east, passing the turn to Dean - the hamlet where Prime Minister, and local MP, David Cameron lives - and through little Spelsbury and Taston.

After Taston, you come to a crossroads for a traffic-free lane straight on. Follow this to the gates of Ditchley Park, Churchill's occasional retreat in WWII, and turn right there for Charlbury. Road cyclists - at the crossroads, turn right to avoid the bumpy surface on the lane to Ditchley, for a direct ride into Charlbury.

Charlbury town centre has most facilities including a Co-op supermarket, cafe and several pubs.

The Wychwood Loop

We've included a special alternative route taking in two of the little 'halts' along the Cotswold Line, to make an ideal circular route and to give you the chance to experience more of this lovely countryside.

After Kingham, turn west on the B road to pass Kingham station, then left soon afterwards towards Foxholes. The tiny lane becomes a track (passable with care for road bikes, but can be slightly wet in winter). Turning right at the end will take you slowly up to a crossroads by a farm; then turn left along a delightful tree-lined road, reminiscent of rural France, towards Shipton. Skirt the village and continue along the valley floor to attractive Ascott.

Climbing from Ascott (with a slight dogleg on the B road) will give you great views over the valley until you reach Leafield. From here, head north again on one of the finest roads in the area through the Wychwood Forest. This will eventually lead you to the final descent on the B road to Charlbury station and town.

Travelling by train

Kingham station is south of the village, on the Wychwood Loop section. Continue to the B road and turn west.

Charlbury station is just west of the town on the road to Burford.

Shipton station is on the north edge of the village. Please note that Ascott-under-Wychwood and Shipton stations have a very limited service. The main weekday train in each direction is very busy and cycle carriage is not feasible.

More routes

From the Wychwood Loop at Leafield, ride south to Asthall Leigh to join Regional Route 47 along the Windrush Valley, a lovely ride from Witney to pretty Burford and Northleach. (At Northleach it connects with another route to Cirencester and the railway station at Kemble.)

See the Cotswolds AONB website for suggested cycle routes near Kingham.