Cycling enthusiasts retracing British heritage have a new reason to dust off their bikes. The Camping and Caravanning Club celebrates 125 years this year, and one travel writer pedaled 60 miles from Oxford to Surrey to explore the organization's cycling roots and test whether its original free-wheeling spirit endures.
The journey follows National Cycle Route 57, departing from Jericho in Oxford where the club was founded as a cycle camping collective in 1899. The ride takes travelers through quintessential English countryside, with hawthorn blossoms lining the path and skylarks calling overhead. The destination: one of the club's oldest campsites in Surrey, where members have pitched tents and caravans for generations.
This pilgrimage captures a growing travel trend. Cycle tourism continues expanding across Britain, with routes like NCR 57 providing accessible infrastructure for travelers seeking slower, sustainable exploration. E-bikes lower physical barriers, making longer distances manageable for riders of varying fitness levels.
The Camping and Caravanning Club story reflects Britain's outdoor recreation history. Founded by cycling enthusiasts who paired their passion for pedaling with camping adventures, the organization now operates over 100 campsites nationwide. Members today range from traditional tent campers to luxury caravan owners, yet the core ethos of affordable outdoor access persists.
For travelers planning similar journeys, the route offers modest accommodation costs. Campsite fees through the CCC typically range from £15 to £40 nightly depending on facilities and location. E-bike rentals in Oxford run approximately £30 to £50 daily. The 60-mile route divides naturally into manageable segments, allowing riders to camp midway without rushing.
This revival of cycle camping appeals to travelers seeking alternatives to car-dependent tourism and commercial hotel chains. The journey reconnects visitors