Oxford to Warwick via canal towpaths

[dale55]

I'm planning a cycle from Oxford to Warwick using the Oxford and then Grand Union canal, camp overnight then back to Oxford. Can this be done just on the canal towpaths with just a few small detours?
Any idea on the condition of the paths, I'll prob use a cyclocross with a couple of light panniers.

any help or suggestions please.
thanks

 

[Milkfloat]

There is a 5 or 6 mile section that would be very tough just north of Southam, pretty much no recognisable path.

 

[robjh]

There is a 5 or 6 mile section that would be very tough just north of Southam, pretty much no recognisable path.

Which stretch are you thinking of? I rode from Warwick to Napton Junction last summer with no great problems, although I'll admit that there were a couple of bits near Bascote or Long Itchington where the path did get alarmingly narrow due to spreading trees and bushes, but pushing for a few yards sorted that out.

 

[dale55]

I was thinking of starting at Oxford and traveling north to Napton Junction, then east to Warwick and the reverse for the return journey. How long did it take you to cycle from Warwick to Napton Junction? I usually ride sportives (80 Miles in 6 hours) but for this I was planning a much slower pace. I intend to camp at Mousley House farm near Rowington but im not sure if it would be better to have an overnight near Napton locks as well.

Thanks for the info Milkfloat, I'll mark up my map and sort out a diversion.