Cycling from London to Oxford and back makes for a fantastic and easy to manage weekend break. The route takes you through the picturesque villages and rolling hills of The Chilterns AONB, and scenic countryside of Oxfordshire. Arriving in ‘the city of dreaming spires’, so called by the Victorian poet Matthew Arnold, for the optimal mix of sightseeing and eating and drinking.

At 134 miles (216 km), the route is split into two equal stages of just over 60 miles (100 km) each. There is a bit of climbing to contend with on both days, with almost all of the roughly 2,000 feet (600 metres) ascent gain per day coming from the magnificent Chiltern Hills AONB, the middle part of each stage. I have avoided all of the most brutal ascents in the area, but be prepared for beautiful but challenging climbs, and thrilling, tree lined descents.

Other highlights of the tour include the rolling Oxfordshire lanes between The Chilterns and Oxford, and the picturesque Berkshire towns of Windsor, Marlow, and Henley-on-Thames. All complete with excellent cafe stops.

Stage 1 will take you from Barnes train station heading due west on quiet suburban roads, taking in Windsor Castle, Marlow Bridge and some stunning views of the River Thames.

After reaching Marlow, you’ll make your first entry into the Chiltern Hills AONB, via the pleasant climbs of Frieth Road and Dolesdan Lane. The Chilterns are a magical place to ride a bike, so enjoy the peaceful, tree-lined roads, whether you’re going uphill or down.

Remember; where there’s a climb, there’s usually a descent, and this is absolutely true of crossing The Chilterns. Enjoy the thrilling descent of Hill Road, which deposits you perfectly into the Oxfordshire lanes that’ll take you all the way to the city of dreaming spires.

Once you've reached Oxford, take some time to explore the town and visit some of its famous landmarks, such as the Bodleian Library. There are many accommodation options available for all budgets, but I’d highly recommend staying in one of the famous colleges for the ultimate Oxford experience. Book via universityrooms.com for some of the best priced accommodation in the city centre.

The second leg of your journey will take you from Oxford back to south-west London via Henley-on-Thames and Hampton Court Palace. Start at the excellent Handlebar Cafe, a cycling themed coffee shop that’s popular with students and locals alike. After a caffeine hit, exit the city via Christ Church College. There is a fantastic garden and if you have time explore the meadow.

Heading east towards The Chilterns on parallel but equally beautiful lanes, you’ll climb into the hills via Carson Lane, and enjoy the long descent of Gravel Hill all the way to Henley. Gravel only in name, rest assured. The route is entirely paved. Henley makes a perfect midway cafe stop; I’d recommend the excellent cycling cafe Velolife in the Rowing Museum next to the Thames.

The remainder of the journey hugs the Thames as you wind back to south-west London, via the edges of Windsor Great Park, Hampton Court Palace, and Richmond Park. This section of the stage is flat and fast all the way back to Barnes train station. Enjoy rolling through Richmond Park, a playground for London cyclists, and marvel at, but don’t approach, the many deer lounging in the long grass.