Cycling along the Oxford Canal

As with most British Waterways canals, you should obtain a cycling permit (free of charge) before cycling the Oxford Canal towpath. However, several sections are particularly narrow or unsuitable for cycling. You can download a cycling permit free of charge.

The North Oxford Canal (Hawkesbury to Braunston)

• Ansty (Bridge 13) to Brinklow (Bridge 24) (7.9km): Take extra care - towpath surface is uneven near bridge 26.
• Brinklow (Bridge 34) to Cathiron (Bridge 41) (2.6km): No cycling permitted. Alternative routes via lanes.
• Cathiron (Bridge 41) to Boughton Road (Bridge 59) (5.5km): Take extra care - narrow towpath. Dismount at Newbold Tunnel.
• Boughton Road (Bridge 59) to Clifton (Bridge 69) (2.9km): No cycling permitted. Alternative routes via local roads.
• Clifton (Bridge 69) to Hillmorton (Bridge 74) (3.1km): Take extra care - towpath is uneven.
• Hillmorton (Bridge 74) to Braunston (Bridge 90): No cycling permitted. Alternative routes via lanes.

The South Oxford Canal (Braunston to Oxford)

• Braunston (Bridge 90) to Ivy (Bridge 98) (1.5km): Beware of moored boats.
• Ivy (Bridge 98) to Napton Junction (6km): No cycling permitted. Alternative routes via lanes.
• Napton Junction to Top Lock (Bridge 119) (6.8km): Take extra care on this stretch, especially alongside lock flight. Do not speed.
• Top Lock (Bridge 119) to Fenny Compton (Bridge 136): No cycling permitted. Alternative route via lanes.
• Fenny Compton (Bridge 136) to Oxford (61.9km): Take extra care - towpath is uneven in places and may be muddy or even flooded in winter. The path is good quality through Banbury and around several villages, but will tend to be bumpier and often uncomfortable for cycling in most rural areas.
• Oxford city: Please observe 'no cycling' signs where posted. The signposted National Cycle Network route offers an alternative.

Cyclists please note that the condition of the towpath varies along the length of the canal and can also be affected by the weather and time of year. Please cycle with care and attention at all times.

National Cycle Network route 5, which runs from Reading to Birmingham, follows the canal for a short distance in North Oxford. This offers another appealing route between Oxford and Banbury, largely along country lanes and traffic-free tracks. The canal also runs close to Regional Route 70, part of a route following the old Great Central Railway from Leicester to Buckinghamshire.

Cycling routes

• Oxford's city canal and Blenheim Palace »