Make Plans for a Gravel Grazing Adventure in Oxford County

With a large number of gravel roads that bisect the county’s endless farms and agricultural greenspace, an easy to navigate grid system of roadways, well situated sizeable towns north, south, east and west, plus a smattering of small hamlets and unique destinations scattered about – Oxford County earns the bragging rights as a top gravel riding destination in Ontario, (or gravel grazing as they like to call it in the county).

The surge in popularity of gravel cycling (whether that be unpaved roads or trails) and the desire for more nature based rural getaways over the past few years, make Oxford County an easy choice. Situated in south west Ontario, just east of London, this is the place for a gravel adventure, daytrip, weekend, or multi-day tour this season.

“I think Oxford County is an undiscovered gem for cyclists – whether you’re on a road bike or looking for gravel, you’ll find quiet roads and some of the friendliest drivers ever. Wide open farmland, twisty forest tracks, riverside roads – Oxford really has it all.” Rich, Gravelleur-in-Chief, Gravelocity Cycling Getaways

Making it easy to plan a gravel adventure, there are a number of resources to look up before you go:

• Gravel Road Map – This digital map published by the County shows the extensive range of gravel roads throughout Oxford County.
• Gravelocity – Specializing in guided gravel tours, getaways and packages in Oxford County.
• Gravel Grazer Routes – Four gravel routes developed and published by the County with detailed maps and information to get started. See below for more.

Gravel King – 32km – Plattsville, Wolverton

Experience the royal treatment on some of the best gravel roads in north west Oxford County while riding through lush countryside and forests, alongside lowland marshes and dipping into the riverside hamlet of Wolverton. Easy to access from Hwy #401, this route has it all and more, so be prepared to extend the day beyond the ride to explore some more.

• Local favourite road: King Road
• Short & easy sampler: Wolverton Road
• Unique stops along the way: Bright Cheese, Walters Theatre
• Apres ride: Trail’s Edge Tavern, Plattsville

Big Bad Wolve – 75km – Woodstock Plattsville Wolverton

This outstanding gravel route is a perfect way to see it all, riding on trails and quiet gravel roads, looping out from and returning to the more urban centre and largest community in Oxford County – Woodstock. Check out the city trails on both sides of the reservoir and nearby mountain biking favourites at The Pines. Take Hickson Trail north deep into nearby countryside for this route that also incorporates the highlights of the shorter Gravel King loop.

• Local favourite road: Braemar Road
• Short & easy sampler: Roth Park, Burgess Trail, Hickson Trail
• Unique stops along the way: Pittock Conservation Area, Roth Park, Brights Cheese, Walters Theatre
• Apres ride: Upper Thames Brewing Co., Woodstock

Stage Coach Bandit – 28km – Oxford Centre, Gunn’s Hill

The shortest Gravel Grazer route packs the biggest punch and has ample wow factor as it takes in the twists and turns of Old Stage Road, with some easy valley dips past hidden farms houses and through forest patches. Looping back along Gunn’s Hill Road, be sure to slow down and check out a few mouth-watering and sweet smelling stops. With a number of top gravel roads running east-west – stick to the designated route or substitute in Firehall Road or Curry Road as alternates.

• Local favourite roads: Old Stage Road, Vandecar Line, Gunn’s Hill Road
• Short & easy sampler: Old Stage Road, east of Oxford Station
• Unique stops along the way: Wild Comfort Body Care, Berrylicious Fruit Farm, Coyle’s Country Store
• Apres ride: Gunn’s Hill Artisanal Cheese

Billy Goats Duff – 67km – Oxford Centre, Tillsonburg

Get off the beaten track and roll through peaceful, relatively flat, long county lines running north and south, east and west. With a start not far out of Woodstock, dip south to the northern reaches of Tillsonburg, sharing the road with Amish horse and buggies and enjoying the sweeping views across open farmland and intermittently tree lined roadways. An easy to navigate figure-eight loop, this is a great way to add on to the shorter Stage Coach Bandit Gravel Grazer route.

• Local favourite roads: Zenda Line, Duffy Line, Cedar Line
• Short & easy sampler: Airport Road, Zenda Line
• Unique stops along the way: Gunn’s Hill Artisanal Cheese; Coyle’s Country Store
• Apres ride: Skyway Café at the Tillsonburg Airport

“There are lots of great backroads and trails in Oxford County. Gravel road cycling, along with hiking and paddling, are hidden gems. The countryside is very scenic and there are many points of interest unique to the area including a railroad station converted to a museum, old wooden bridges, flower farms, craft breweries, historic cemeteries, and waterfalls. We like to take the road less travelled and there are lots of those in Oxford County.” Jamie, owner, Grand Experiences.

Other Gravel Adventures

• Trans Canada Trail – A pretty 17km segment on an unpaved rail trail runs east from Tillsonburg. Don’t miss a trailside stop at Makkink’s Flower Farm.
• Ingersoll & Zorra Township – Riding north west from the delightful small community of Ingersoll, follow any number of north-south gravel roads, making time for some suggested stops at Kintore Coffee Co. in Embro, the town of Lakeside and the Ingersoll Cheese & Agricultural Museum / Bike Welcoming Centre.

More Bike & Other Adventures

• Road Routes – There are 11 routes mapped around the County varying in length from 16km to 156km. Download PDF map HERE.
• The Pines – Well known four-season mountain bike trails managed by the Woodstock Cycling Club. (pass required).
• Grand Experiences – In addition to offering a gravel tour route, try a guided canoe or kayak adventures on Otter Creek and the Nith River. In spring time, there is even a limited window for whitewater rafting, the only place in southern Ontario.

Additional Information

• Tourism Oxford – www.tourismoxford.ca
• Ontario By Bike – www.ontariobybike.ca/oxford

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Sponsored Content Partner: Tourism Oxford
Photo Credits: Dudek Photography (photos 1,2,3,5)