It’s often windy in this area so on the outbound sections this could make for hard work as there is little shelter but on the way back you will have some protection from the hedgerows.

The ride starts from Banbury railway station. Head north from the station with the railway line on your right and you will come to a roundabout. Turn left and left again to another roundabout where you should go right. This will put you on the A442 heading out of town towards the west.

Follow the signs out towards Warmington and on to Knowle End. From here you will drop down a fast descent towards the village of Kineton before arriving at Compton Verney House. This house has been converted into an art gallery surrounded by ornamental lakes and is a great place to stop off for a while. Once back on the saddle, continue on to Wellesbourne and Stratford-upon-Avon to visit the quaint town and Shakespeare’s house. At Long Marston Airfiedl turn left towards Lower Quinton and follow the blue Sustrans signs to Ilmington and Darlingscott. Continue pedalling until you arrive at Shipston-on-Stour from where you will have a steep climb up Faint Hill into Upper Brailes before joining the B4035 back to Banbury.

Start point: Banbury railway station
Grid reference: SP 46158 40426
Postcode: OX16 5AB
Total distance: 82km
Total elevation: 750m
Max elevation: 215km

To see a rough map of this route, click here.