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Ride and Stride Routes

Looking for some inspiration?

Welcome Riders & Striders, new and experienced!

Explore our growing library of cycling and walking routes.

These routes come directly from Ride + Stride participants, so they haven’t been tested by event organisers. Please prioritise safety and plan accordingly.

Do you have a cycling or walking route to contribute?Share your favourite routes with Hilary CakebreadHall at [email protected].

Ride + Stride is taking place on 13th September across Oxfordshire. Sign up here.

Why not use our easy listing to explore one of our Suggested Routes for cyclists or walkers?

You can download the chart below to see which churches are included on each route.

We hope to introduce a searchable system soon to make this easier.

Routes from Riders + Striders

Witney, Curbridge, Brize Norton, Swinbrook, Astall, Minster Lovell, Witney

A 21-mile journey, taking around 4-5 hours, this route combines historic churches, picturesque villages, and scenic countryside. Starting at St. Mary’s Church in Cogges, this leisurely cycle tour explores the charming villages of Witney, Curbridge, Brize Norton, Swinbrook, Astall, and Minster Lovell. The terrain is generally easy to moderate, with some gentle hills. Note: While the route is generally straightforward, there are a few road crossings, particularly at the A40. Exercise caution and dismount if necessary for safety.

Please note, this route has been submitted by a Ride + Stride Participant and has not been tested by Ride + Stride organisers.

Witney,Ducklington,Yelford,Cote,Aston,Bampton,Lew,Curbridge, Crawley, Hailey, Witney.

This cycle ride offers two route options: a 20-mile or a 23-mile loop, visiting between 17 and 18 churches. The terrain is mostly easy with a few hills. For the 23-mile route, leave the churches at Newland and Woodgreen until the end, while the 20-mile route follows a different order through the Witney churches. Both routes take you through picturesque countryside, with stops at historic churches in villages like Ducklington, Yelford, and Bampton. Enjoy a relaxed ride, and, if following the longer route, perhaps a break at The Lamb in Crawley before completing the journey.

Please note, this route has been submitted by a Ride + Stride Participant and has not been tested by Ride + Stride organisers.

Witney, N Leigh, Long Hanborough, Church Hanborough, Freeland, Eynsham, S Leigh, Witney

This cycle route covers between 13 and 23 miles, depending on your choice to complete the full loop or return earlier. Starting in Witney at St. Mary’s, Cogges, and passing through a mix of easy terrain and a few hills, the ride takes you through historic churches in Witney, North Leigh, Long Hanborough, Freeland, and Eynsham. If you opt for the shorter route, you’ll cover 13 miles and visit 15 churches before heading back. For the full 23 miles, continue on to South Leigh, finishing with a total of 19 churches. Refreshments can be found in Eynsham, with a pleasant ride back to Witney.

Please note, this route has been submitted by a Ride + Stride Participant and has not been tested by Ride + Stride organisers.

Circular route around the Shrivenham and Ashbury Benefice and beyond!

This scenic circular cycle route through the Shrivenham and Ashbury Benefices links nine historic churches across peaceful villages and rolling countryside. Starting and ending at St Swithun’s in Compton Beauchamp, the route passes through Ashbury, Bourton, Shrivenham, Watchfield, Longcot, Fernham, Baulking, and Uffington, before reaching Woolstone and looping back. Along the way, riders enjoy quiet lanes, charming pubs, and views of open fields

Pyrton, Watlington and Surrounding Villages

This enjoyable circular cycle route starts in the village of Pyrton – though you can join at any of the churches along the way. Riding at a steady pace with only brief pauses to take in each church will take around an hour, but if you prefer a gentler ride, allowing time to appreciate the views and explore the buildings, plan for 1.5 to 2 hours. The route winds mostly along quiet country lanes. The only busier section is the B4007 between Watlington and Lewknor, where you’ll encounter more traffic for a short distance.

Chinnor, Sydenham & Crowell

This flat and leisurely circular walk begins in the large South Oxfordshire village of Chinnor, set beneath the dramatic backdrop of the Chiltern escarpment. Chinnor’s history stretches back centuries as a spring line settlement along the ancient Icknield Way, and today it encompasses the hamlets of Henton, Emmington, Wainhill, and Chinnor Hill.

Covering around 4.5 miles, the route offers gentle walking with wide views of the hills above and the surrounding countryside. The walk begins at the roundabout where Mill Lane meets Estover Way. From here, follow Mill Lane until you reach the Driftway track. Just beyond the Driftway housing estate on your right, take the footpath that runs alongside the estate, leading you out into open landscapes and the start of your journey.

All Day Cycle Route

This ambitious full-day cycling adventure takes in an impressive 39 churches across Oxfordshire, covering around 60 miles in total. Winding through a variety of landscapes – from quiet country lanes to bustling town centres – the route is a true test of both stamina and curiosity, offering a rich tapestry of architectural styles, history, and countryside views along the way.

While designed as a challenging all-day ride, there are several points where the route loops back towards itself, making it easy to shorten if you prefer a more manageable distance. Whether you ride it in full or select a section to enjoy, the experience is as much about the journey between the churches as it is about the stops themselves.

If riding with a group, it’s worth remembering that stopping to explore each church adds significantly to the day. Even a brief 5-minute pause at each site adds up to an hour for every 12 churches visited. Solo riders, aiming for quick 2-minute visits, may find it easier to keep within the day’s schedule – but for many, the extra time spent admiring the buildings is part of the joy of the challenge.

Ride, Stride, Churches and Chats: Churches Circular in South Oxfordshire:

One of the delights of this South Oxfordshire circuit is the way it threads together riverside villages, quiet hills, and bustling market towns, each with churches rich in history and character. Begin in South Stoke, where St Andrew’s 13th-century tower watches over the Thames, then head to Ipsden’s St Mary the Virgin, a tranquil hilltop church with links to St Birinus himself. From there, the route flows on to Dorchester Abbey’s soaring spaces and Wallingford’s varied treasures – from the intimate Quaker Meeting House to the ancient tower of St Leonard’s, witness to centuries of change. Whether you ride the full loop or stroll a section, this is a journey through a thousand years of faith and community, with each stop offering its own story to discover.

Sprigs Alley

This beautiful circular walk around Sprigs Alley offers a mix of mature woodland, open farmland, and sweeping Chiltern views. Starting with oak and beech woods, the route leads you through tranquil valleys, along uneven bridleways, and past carpets of spring bluebells in beech and holly woodland. Look out for Red Kites overhead, ground-nesting birds in the fields, and the striking vista of the Stokenchurch telecoms tower in the distance. At around 5–6 miles with some moderate climbs, this walk is perfect for those seeking a peaceful countryside escape with a touch of challenge.

Oxford City Centre

This easy circular walk through the heart of Oxford takes you past eight historic churches, all within a short distance of each other. Beginning on the High Street, the route includes the University Church of St Mary the Virgin, Christ Church Cathedral, and St Michael at the North Gate – Oxford’s oldest building – alongside other fascinating sites of worship, each with its own story to tell.

At just 1.2 miles, it’s a compact route ideal for individuals, families, or groups looking to explore on foot while discovering Oxford’s rich spiritual and architectural heritage. Allow around 2 hours in total, with extra time if you’d like to stop for lunch, take in the views from the University Church tower, or enjoy exploring inside the churches along the way.

Saftey Tips

Even the most experienced cyclists & walkers should be prepared for anything when participating in Ride + Stride or following our routes.

Download our Safety Tips PDF below for essential guidance.

Ride and Stride Routes

Looking for some inspiration?

Routes from Riders + Striders

Saftey Tips

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