Didcot to Harwell

via Harwell Village There are two routes from Didcot. The most popular is to take Wantage Road to Harwell Village. Where the road joins the A417 turn right and then immediately left to join the Winnaway path (487888). This is a footpath that has been used by cyclists for over 20 years. Although there is a hard surface it is very uneven and can get flooded and muddy when it rains. However, you avoid Rowstock roundabout and get to see pheasants and peacocks! The Winnaway takes you up the hill, along the edge of a field and joins the A4185 by North Drive (482876). NB- turning right from the A4185 onto the Winaway can be difficult when traffic is heavy. It can be easier to return via Rowstock roundabout, especially when it is dark. Although the distance is greater it doesn't take any longer because you can cycle much faster.
	(Image produced from the Ordnance Survey Get-a-map service. Image reproduced with kind permission of Ordnance Survey and Multi Media Mapping )
Sustrans plans to create a path on the former Upton railway line. More...	via Upton An alternative route is to take the disused railway path towards Upton. The path can be accessed at the junction of Jubilee Way and Lower Broadway (535900), the junction of Jubilee Way and Hagbourne Rd (530894), Green Rd bridge (528892) or from Queensway (~524888). At Upton you can leave the embankment by an exciting drop into the playing field (~512870) or at the bridge over the path (Chapel Furlong) to West Hagbourne (514873). Either way you must then head towards the A417. The quickest route from here is to take the road towards Chilton . After a long climb the road gets to a junction with the road from West Hagbourne (501869, near a covered reservoir). Go straight across to join a farm track that becomes a byway. The track crosses the A34 and joins the A4185 near the bus stop by North Drive (482875). The most difficult stretch is the section of byway nearest Harwell where the surface is loose, although it is improving as vehicles compact the hardcore. An alternative route between Upton and Chilton is to use the bridleway that starts near the George and Dragon pub (512867). Turn right at (498856) to Chilton, crossing the old railway cutting that is now being used for landfill. This is very rough, but makes an enjoyable ride to the Ridgeway.
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