Biking (Selg-Guided and/or Guided) in Oxford and Bath
 

Hi all...

Our upcoming trip to London has hit what I hope is a minor snag. My wife has lately been plagued with plantar faciitis (foot pain) lately. We usually walk all over (and fast!)--and we're hoping her treatment will have an effect soon--but we want to prepare.

We can slow our pace, take more buses, etc., in London. (This is our fifth visit, so we feel confident that we can work this out and still enjoy the city.)

However, we decided we will not do <strong>guided</strong> walks for our planned day-trips to Oxford and to Bath. (The pace will probably be too fast.)

Instead, we are looking into biking these two towns -- either with guided bike tours or self-guided (which seem available from bike rental places). NOTE: Her podiatrist says biking would not pose a problem.

I was wondering if any Fodorites had experience...in either or both towns...and can make some recommendations/tips.

Thanks, all.
SS

Using a bike to tour Oxford really isn't a pleasant - or in your case effective - solution.

A number of the the crucial thoroughfares are cobbled and bikes can't be taken inside the colleges: Christ Church, Magdalen and New College involve crossing huge quads, but all colleges ban the use of bikes beyond the front gate. Securing bikes outside other sites you might visit is just one more huge hassle

But if she can walk, just guide yourself. Distances are short and taxis from the station (or, with a bit of ingenuity, from the P&Rs) can take you further into the historic core than private cars can. People walked round Oxford for centuries before the cumbersome invention of bikes. And tjhat's still how most people get around.

Or hire a mobility aid. Start at http://www.oxford.gov.uk/Direct/Oxfo...eLevelTour.pdf or at the walking suggestions at http://www.visitoxfordandoxfordshire...ineraries.aspx

Other walking suggestions at http://www.oxfordcityguide.com/ee2/i...o/Itineraries/

I had it in my left foot 2 years ago, it's commonly known over here as "policeman's heel", I found a thick foam heel pad worked in talking away the pain and after a couple of weeks it went completely and has never come back.

Bath is built on a hill and most of the sites are inside pedestrian areas. Not the most obvious solution

I agree with Flanner that Oxford on all his points is pretty small and the cobbles (normally on side streets) are a real pain. Colleges will not let you take bikes in. Still it could be done and might be a solution, the place is flat, the local drivers are used to people on bikes and equipment hire is available. Certainly using the dreadful bus service is unlikely to be a help (loads of buses all going to the same places).

Mobility scooter might be the answer, but again most colleges are not designed for their access and while access is available you'd need to go off to their special gates etc etc.

I don't think biking is very feasible in either city, the access issue in Oxford, and the congested roads in both places. Are you both VERY competent riders? That would make a huge difference but still not my idea of fun.

Sometimes <i> walking </i>on cobbles is enough problem.

On one of my trips to the UK I rented a bicycle in Bradford-on-Avon and rode the Kennet and Avon Canal to Bath, which is about 10 miles. This is not really a tour of Bath but it is a great ride on the tow path of the canal to see the countryside. If you are interested see http://www.towpathtrail.co.uk/. Or you can go the other way to Devizes and the Caen Hill Locks. The Caen Hill Locks are 29 locks in a two mile stretch.

Appreciate all the input...still pondering options...and her foot is improving.
SS

You have my sympathy - I had the same thing some years ago and it was very debilitating for a couple of months. Walking more than a hundred yards or so, partlcularly in hot weather was very uncomfortable. Physio worked for me, as did gel insoles which can cushion and cool the affected heel area.

My sympathies as well. I am going through it now. Just a teeny warning. Stopping suddenly and putting the affected foot down can cause some pain. Nothing to worry about but your wife may want to try a rest ride before you leave.

I am not a podiatrist.

Test ride. Though rest ride works too.

Actually pretty easy to bike in Oxford, lots of painted on bike lanes, lots of bikes. But a council that generally dislikes them and access to colleges makes it a bit tricky.