Cycling UK Wantage | Programme of Rides and Events

Past Ride

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Thu May 8th 2025

Daytime 1* Thursday Ride	1*

Leader: Steve Swanton	Start Time: 10:00 am	Start Location: Old Mill Hall
Description: Please pre-book for this ride by contacting the ride leader. Easy sociable ride of 24-32 km (15-20 miles) at a pace of 14-17km/h (9-11 mph). A loop around Wantage with refreshments at the Vale and Downland Museum. We'll head out through Denchworth, stopping to admire the panoramic views of the Downs from the Circourt Rd railway bridge. After a short stretch of the A417, we'll turn into West Challow then climb gently on a metalled bridleway to Childrey. After a pause byChildrey church, we'll continue to East Challow on the resurfaced bridleway with its fine views of the vale and then enjoy the descent into Wantage on the Portway. After refreshments, we'll head out of Wantage by a wiggly back route to join the NCN5 track out to Lockinge. We'll cut through the Lockinge Estate for another nice descent to Ardington. Finally we'll climb up to the A417 cross-roads and descent (again!) past Lains Barn and back to Grove. A round trip of 16.5 miles.
Riders: John Stamp Lorna Swanton Steve Swanton Susie Turnbull Tim Waite Riders = 5 Weather: Report: With John's kind agreement, the first half of the ride was a repeat of our route from Tuesday evening. But as it makes use of roads and tracks/bridleways that are (usually) less-travelled and there are fine views to enjoy on the way (as well as donkeys, lambs and alpacas!) it was worth doing again. At Childrey, we found that the church was open, enabling a quick look around before we continued on to East Challow. We then enjoyed the descent of the Portway before stopping at the museum for refreshments. The bacon toasties are recommended. Both John and Susie left us at this point to head home before other activities. The remaining 3 of us continued as planned (with an interesting detour around the newish estate on the site of the former Icknield school/KA East Site, where Tim went as a youth). We then continued on NCN544 to Lockinge. With the sun making a welcome appearance, it was finally time to shed a few layers! After descending to Ardington, we decided to take the easier route home via Kingsgrove. Tim left us there while Lorna and I returned to Grove via the King Alfred's Way cycletrack. An enjoyable morning's outing; thanks all for your company.
Distance: 26.39 km (16.40 mi)	Ride Details: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/50671450
Thursday 1* May 25 - on bridleway to East Challow
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/50647738"
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Start Locations: WMP
Wantage Market Place; OMH
Old Mill Hall, Grove

Categories: 1* - Suitable for irregular, social, beginner or family riders, pace will match the slower riders. Not hilly or long. Expect rides up to 3 hours. Gentle exercise.; 2* - Suitable for regular riders who prefer to cover some distance but at a more relaxed pace. Likely to be half-day rides. Solid exercise.; 3* - Suitable for experienced riders, may be hilly, long, quick, or any combination! Likely to be half or full-day rides. Challenging exercise.; 4* - Suitable for athletic riders who can ride safely above the 3* standard. Quick rides for the fit.; More Information