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Oxford to Ireland Ferry Route Suggestions?

Posted: 22 Jun 2014, 8:20am
by billoetjen
Hello,

Thanks in advance to anyone who can offer me any advice.
I will be visiting from the states for three weeks in July/August. A friend will be putting me up in Oxford.
One of my goals on this trip is to ride from there to one of the ferry ports serving Ireland. As I am on a very limited budget, I hope to use couchsurfing.org to find places to stay overnight. 8)
Can someone please suggest a route for this ride? Ideally, I'd like to avoid both large cities and long stretches of steep grades. I also welcome any suggestions for camping along the way.

It would be an extra huge help if someone could suggest routes for scenic day rides out of Oxford, as well.

Thank you, from an old friend of the CTC,

Bill

Re: Oxford to Ireland Ferry Route Suggestions?

Posted: 22 Jun 2014, 11:15am
by Tigerbiten
As you're not into hills then Wales is out, so that leaves you with a ferry to Liverpool.
Cross the Mersey and cycle down the Wirrel to join the JOGLE route.
Follow that down to just before Worcester and turn left.
Skirt the Cotswolds on the way of Oxford.
That's the flattest way I can think of.

As for camping, look at the Camping and Caravan Club main sites.
They are cheap if your bike packing.

Re: Oxford to Ireland Ferry Route Suggestions?

Posted: 22 Jun 2014, 1:06pm
by 22camels
Oxford-Fishguard will be more rural and scenic than Oxford-Liverpool, but a bit more hilly along the South Wales coast (follow the Celtic Trail http://www.sustrans.org.uk/ncn/map/rout ... trail-east from the river Severn to Pembrokeshire).

Re: Oxford to Ireland Ferry Route Suggestions?

Posted: 22 Jun 2014, 1:25pm
by bikepacker
Sailrail Oxford to Dublin £41. This will save you 3 days of cycling (more cycling time around Oxford and in Ireland) and includes ferry fare. Bike reservations can also be made.

Re: Oxford to Ireland Ferry Route Suggestions?

Posted: 22 Jun 2014, 10:06pm
by Graham O
It's not all hills in North Wales. NCN5 is at sea level most of the way from Chester to Holyhead. There's one big hill in Flintshire, but that can be avoided.

Re: Oxford to Ireland Ferry Route Suggestions?

Posted: 22 Jun 2014, 10:26pm
by billoetjen
Hi Folks,

I am thrilled, but not surprised by all the help being offered by everyone!

Great stuff, and will definitely help me set up a much better route than I would have managed.

CTC members are the BEST!

Thanks again, and keep the suggestions coming.

Bill

Re: Oxford to Ireland Ferry Route Suggestions?

Posted: 22 Jun 2014, 10:48pm
by Richard Fairhurst
Here's a suggestion for a route from Oxford to Birkenhead (where the Irish ferries go from): http://cycle.travel/map/journey/7825

Roughly along the lines Tigerbiten suggested: across the north of the Cotswolds to Worcester, then country lanes through rural Staffordshire and Cheshire. Some really lovely villages on the way, and nothing too hilly except for the mile out of Chipping Campden.

If you have an extra day, you could turn west at Chester, and follow the North Wales coast (NCN route 5) all the way to Holyhead.

Re: Oxford to Ireland Ferry Route Suggestions?

Posted: 23 Jun 2014, 8:12am
by Farawayvisions
Consider joining http://www.warmshowers.org . It's specifically for cycle tourers, similar concept to couchsurfing.
Have fun, especially in Ireland. If you fancy visiting Donegal, let me know as I was there for 12 days in April and might have some information that could be useful to you . It's stunning.

Re: Oxford to Ireland Ferry Route Suggestions?

Posted: 23 Jun 2014, 11:11am
by Graham O
Just realised that you were also after campsite advice. If you decide to do the North Wales coast from Chester to Holyhead, there are plenty of campsites, particularly on Anglesey. Also opportunities for wild camping. I'd avoid campsites between Chester and Conway as they can be a bit "noisy".
I live right on the route of NCN 5 (national cycle network), so if you want any local help, just ask.