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Hertford Bridge (Bridge of Sighs), Oxford

Hertford Bridge (Bridge of Sighs), Oxford

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Hertford Bridge (Bridge of Sighs), Oxford

Recommended by 85 cyclists out of 89

Cycling is not permitted at this location

You'll need to dismount and push your bike.

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Location: Oxfordshire, South East England, England, United Kingdom

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Top cycling routes to Hertford Bridge (Bridge of Sighs), Oxford

3.9

(15)

riders

1. Sight seeing in Oxford loop – Bridge of Sighs, Botanic Gardens and Wheatley Windmill

25.6km

01:33

140m

Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Easy

4.4

(5)

riders

2. Holy Rood Church, Woodeaton – Swinford Bridge loop from Oxford

53.5km

03:11

330m

Intermediate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Intermediate

4.5

(2)

riders

3. View of the Chilterns – Barracks Lane Path loop from Oxford

45.4km

02:45

320m

Intermediate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Intermediate

Tips

Edvard

August 18, 2017

Hertford Bridge, often called "the Bridge of Sighs", is a skyway joining two parts of Hertford College over New College Lane in Oxford, England. Its distinctive design makes it a city landmark.

The bridge links together the Old and New Quadrangles of Hertford College (to the south and the north respectively), and much of its current architecture was designed by Sir Thomas Jackson. It was completed in 1914, despite its construction being opposed by New College.

The building on the southern side of the bridge houses the College's administrative offices, whereas the northern building is mostly student accommodation. The bridge is always open to members of the College, who can often be seen crossing it.

The bridge is often referred to as the Bridge of Sighs because of its supposed similarity to the famous Bridge of Sighs in Venice. However, Hertford Bridge was never intended to be a replica of the Venetian bridge, and instead it bears a closer resemblance to the Rialto Bridge in the same city.

There is a false legend saying that many decades ago, a survey of the health of students was taken, and as Hertford College's students were the heaviest, the college closed off the bridge to force them to take the stairs, giving them extra exercise. However, if the bridge is not used, the students actually climb fewer stairs than if they do use the bridge.

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Elevation 110 m

Weather

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Friday 24 October

12°C

7°C

100 %

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Max wind speed: 18.0 km/h

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Location: Oxfordshire, South East England, England, United Kingdom

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Hertford Bridge (Bridge of Sighs), Oxford

1. Sight seeing in Oxford loop – Bridge of Sighs, Botanic Gardens and Wheatley Windmill

2. Holy Rood Church, Woodeaton – Swinford Bridge loop from Oxford

3. View of the Chilterns – Barracks Lane Path loop from Oxford

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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