Thames Path Bike Tour: Oxford to London

Self-guided cycling tours provide a flexible and independent way to explore the UK on two wheels. You can set your own pace, modify your schedule, and immerse yourself in the journey. Our team handles all logistics, including booking accommodations, providing detailed itineraries, GPS routes, and 24/7 support. This ensures a stress-free experience while giving you the freedom to discover the UK's scenic landscapes and cultural landmarks at your leisure.

To help you choose the most suitable tour, we rate difficulty on a scale of 1 to 5:

• 1/5 – Easy: Daily rides of about 30 km on mostly flat terrain. Ideal for beginners or those with little cycling experience.

• 2/5 – Moderate: Up to 40 km per day with slight elevation gains (up to 200 m). Suitable for anyone in reasonable health.

• 3/5 – Intermediate: Covering around 50 km daily, with elevation gains of up to 500 m. On flatter days, distances may be longer. Best for recreational cyclists with a good fitness level.

• 4/5 – Advanced: Expect daily rides of 60 km or more, with climbs exceeding 500 m. Some stages may include up to 1000 m of elevation. Designed for experienced cyclists accustomed to hills.

• 5/5 – Challenging: Long distances with steep climbs, perfect for highly experienced cyclists seeking a demanding yet rewarding challenge.

Accommodation availability varies based on the season, so we partner with a selection of trusted lodging providers that meet our quality standards. We aim to match accommodations to your preferences and budget, ensuring a comfortable stay. While our itineraries provide examples of accommodation types, specific locations may change depending on availability.

We offer tours for various cycling styles, including road cycling, gravel riding, and mountain biking. Our specialists can recommend the best option based on your experience, terrain preferences, and group needs.

Gravel bikes are the most versatile choice, even for road cycling routes, as they allow for smooth riding on paved roads and scenic backroads that may be less maintained. These bikes also provide extra comfort for long-distance rides.

Since many of our tours feature hilly landscapes, some cyclists opt for e-bikes for added support. However, we recommend having prior experience with e-bikes, as they handle differently from traditional bicycles.

If bringing your bike isn’t an option, we offer rental services. Our range includes road bikes, gravel bikes, mountain bikes, and e-bikes to match the needs of your tour. Simply provide your preferred bike size and any special requests, and we’ll ensure you get the best fit for a comfortable ride.

Bike rentals include delivery before the tour and collection afterward. Each rental comes with a helmet, spare chain, basic repair kit, and pedals if required.

We strive to accommodate dietary needs, though availability varies by region. Vegetarian meals are usually easy to find in larger towns and cities, but vegan options may be more limited in rural areas. Many of our lunch stops are at traditional UK eateries, where dietary choices might be restricted, so we recommend planning.

The best time to cycle in the UK is from late spring to early autumn (May to September). May and June offer long daylight hours and relatively dry conditions, while September provides quieter routes with fewer tourists. However, UK weather is unpredictable, so it’s always wise to be prepared for occasional rain.

Most tours can continue in light rain with the right clothing. Thunderstorms are more common in summer afternoons, so we suggest starting your rides early in the day. If extreme weather is forecasted, we can modify your itinerary. Our support team is available to help with last-minute adjustments.