Has anyone ridden the towpath of the Oxford Canal, specifically lets say, the last 10 - 20KM or so into Oxford? Have to be present in the Oxford office for two days next month and am considering cycling there and back, with a couple of nights out in each direction. Was trying to think of nice ways to get into Oxford near the station, and the canal seems to offer an "easy" way in, but then towpaths can be in any old condition, or just a dog walker conflict zone.

I'm also open to suggestions on somewhere to the North, or North East, of Oxford to bivvy the night before, probably up to a 2 hour ride away, so about 40KM or so. The first day doesn't start till 11 o'clock, so I figure pitching up at 09:00 gives me plenty of time for a shower and to go off and find coffee and breakfast.

Thinking of coming back through The Chiltern's, maybe on a route other than the Icknield Way, but will ask about that another time.