Cotswold Line Cycle Route - Charlbury to Hanborough

Charlbury to Hanborough

An eight-mile ride with only one sharp climb, this includes an unmissable road along the valley side. Note though that the exit from Charlbury can be tricky.

From Charlbury, head to the east of the town centre to the Five Ways road junction. In summer, cyclists with hybrid or mountain bikes can follow the road to Woodstock for 200 yards, then turn right along Stonesfield Lane. This becomes a tree-lined bridleway. After the tree-covered section ends, turn right at a bridleway crossroads and descend onto the track into Fawler, then turn left.

Road cyclists (and all cyclists in wet weather) - take the B road towards Witney from Charlbury. This is a busy road: please take care. Turn left at the first turning towards Fawler.

After Fawler, follow the lovely road (signposted North Leigh) along the north side of the valley. This is one of the finest roads in the area and has excellent views over the valley and railway line. At the end, descend into the valley crossing the River Evenlode and railway, then turn left at a crossroads for a long haul to the top of the valley again. You'll pass the entrance to North Leigh Roman Villa - worth a look.

Turn left then left again at the end of the road to join the cycle path along the A4095 through Hanborough. This leads you to the railway station.

Travelling by train

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

Hanborough station is on the route, at the eastern end of Long Hanborough. Note that a few trains do not stop at Hanborough (mostly only peak time trains).

There are additional halts along this section at Combe and Finstock, but these have a very limited service (one weekday peak train in each direction).