Stretching from Thame to Princes Risborough, the Phoenix Trail is ideal for a family bike ride. I love traffic free cycle tracks as it’s so much more relaxing with kids. My boys love to let rip on their bikes and go for it and having a long stretch of paved path also makes it ideal for a pushchair walk to just a little amble. The Phoenix Trail is a great Buckinghamshire bike ride for kids.
We started in Thame and the first almost 3 miles is tarmac and the rest of the cycle path to Princes Risborough is compacted limestone dust so no big potholes to content with. Handy map of the Phoneix Trail on the second page.
The Phoenix Trail is a disused railway line stretching 5 miles and part of the Sustran’s long distance cycle route (national route 57). You can’t do a circular route but we managed to go there and back. If you’re looking for something a little shorter you could go as far as Towersey and stop off at the Three Horseshoes pub which is just 200 yards off the trail.
Passing through the wonderful Chiltern’s countryside, the Phoenix Trail is dotted with sculptures along the way. There are a series of 30 artworks inspired by the old railway environment and the local landscape of the Chilterns. Keep an eye out for Red Kite’s swooping around too.
Dotted along the Phoenix Trail are and plenty of stopping off points between Thame and Princes Risborough with benches so you can have a snack or picnic.
Depending on where you start, there is parking for the Phoenix Trail in both Thame and Princes Risborough. In Thame you access the Phoneix trail from Thame Park road.
Dogs are permitted but should be kept on a lead.
If you love family bike rides, Waddesdon Greenway is another one we love and I’ve got a big list of family cycle routes in Berkshire too.
