CHANGED ON 30th AUGUST TO AVOID ROAD CLOSURE IN MARLOW
40-mile course – one feed station – Yellow Signs
For those who want the scenery and tranquillity of the Chilterns countryside but would prefer a more gentle ride with a little less climbing this year we have created a new 40-mile route.
The 40-mile route follows much of the same route as the 50-mile ride without the additional loop via Stoke Row and Nuffield. You will start with a gentle climb out of Marlow towards Frieth and Fingest which will ease you in gradually. The first climb of the day is Oxford Road. The bottom of this climb is the most challenging but once you’ve completed the first 100 metres you’re past the worst. At the top, you are rewarded with fabulous views of the Hambleden Valley and Turville (filming location for many TV shows including Midsomer Murders, Vicar of Dibley, Lewis, Miss Marple, Jonathan Creek).
Now a steady, gradual climb up to the highest point on the route at Stokenchurch followed by a glorious, fast descent, exhilarating for even the most reluctant of downhillers.
Once you’ve crossed the B4009 continue on the A40, then back on to local roads and a short climb up Clare Hill. Through the picturesque villages of Cuxham, Brightwell Baldwin and on to Ewelme followed by the second major climb of the day Swyncombe Hill which takes you up to Cookley Green.
From Cookley Green the route heads along the B481 and you will turn right onto a fabulous 2.5-mile descent through Pishill before you take a sharp left turn onto Balham’s Lane and a gentle climb up to Turville Heath.
From here, another descent on Dolesden Lane and back into Fingest where you will retrace your initial steps to take Frieth Road back down towards Marlow. One last right turn at Platts Garage in Marlow and before you know it you will be back at Marlow Sports Club to enjoy our fabulous post-ride hospitality!
The route may be changed at short notice due to road works and other unforeseen circumstances therefore to be on the safe side we recommend that you leave it as late as possible before downloading. In any event, we will have plenty of signage and marshals en route.