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Thu May 7th 2026

Daytime 1* Thursday Ride - West Challow Art Week	1*

Leader: Steve Swanton	Start Time: 10:00 am	Start Location: OMH
Description: To mark Art Week in South Oxfordshire, we'll have our refreshment stop at tiny St. Laurence's church in West Challow, where arts and crafts by several local artists will be on display from 11am. Provisional route is for a loop around Kingsgrove using the cinder woodland path, through Wantage, out to the Letcombes, over Holborn Hill to Childrey and then down the metalled bridleway to West Challow. Return via Denchworth. Just over 15 miles. Please Let me know if you are planning to come. Pick-up in Wantage by prior arrangement. Easy sociable ride of 24-32 km (15-20 miles) at a pace of 14-17km/h (9-11 mph).
Riders: Anke Otto Carin Tranter Lorna Swanton Steve Swanton Susie Turnbull Tim Hoyle Riders = 6 Weather: Report: It always makes a pleasant change to have a theme for a ride and the artists' displays in West Challow for this year's Art Week provided the perfect excuse. As the venues didn't open until 11, I had devised a looping route around Wantage and out to the Letcombes before our visit. It was a beautiful, sunny morning for a ride and the cinder path through the green corridor to the north of King Alfred Way was delightful. We stopped twice: to admire the wild flowers and view north across the vale; and then by the Great Oak. After crossing the A417, we continued towards Lockinge and then turned right onto the track (NCN544) to Larkhill. Our back route through Wantage was new to some and after emerging from Lock's Lane we continued onto the Letcombes. We had a breather after the short but steep climb into Letcombe Bassett before tackling Holborn Hill - all ascending with aplomb. Anke met us by the pond in Childrey and together we descended on the bridleway to West Challow. The small church of St Laurence was open and as we entered we were welcomed with the question: "Hello, would you like tea or coffee?"Indeed! Drinks and some lovely cakes were duly consumed as we inspected the artwork on display. A second Art week venue was just around the corner in the studio of the old vicarage. There were some lovely illustrations on display as well as some interesting paintings. Susie enjoyed a chat with the artist who was working there. Back on our bikes, it made a change to ride into Denchworth via Circourt Road before the familiar road home. Back in Grove at 12:45 after a thoroughly enjoyable morning. Thanks all for your good company.
Distance: 24.46 km (15.20 mi)
St Laurence's church was our destination for Art Week - May26 Art Week at West Challow - May26 Art Week at West Challow - May26 Art Week at West Challow - May26
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/54829333"
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Start Locations: WMP
Wantage Market Place; OMH
Old Mill Hall, Grove

Categories: 1* - Suitable for irregular, social, beginner or family riders, pace will match the slower riders. Not hilly or long. Expect rides up to 3 hours. Gentle exercise.; 2* - Suitable for regular riders who prefer to cover some distance but at a more relaxed pace. Likely to be half-day rides. Solid exercise.; 3* - Suitable for experienced riders, may be hilly, long, quick, or any combination! Likely to be half or full-day rides. Challenging exercise.; 4* - Suitable for athletic riders who can ride safely above the 3* standard. Quick rides for the fit.; More Information