The Cycling and Caravanning Club (CCC) is marking 125 years since its inception in Oxford in 1901. At the time, cycling was revolutionising personal transport and leisure for Britons. Founders Thomas Hiram Holding and Rev EC Pitt-Johnson had a vision to establish an organisation that would cater to enthusiasts of cycle camping – a hobby that was gaining traction.
Holding, a passionate outdoorsman, recognised the numerous benefits of camping, from physical health to mental well-being. He championed innovations in lightweight camping equipment and cycle touring bags, paving the way for modern cycling adventures. The CCC's legacy is built on Holding's inventions, including early lightweight tents and folding poles that made cycle touring more practical.
A 60-mile cycle trip from Oxford to Walton-on-Thames aimed to rediscover if this pioneering spirit still resonates within the club. Following National Cycle Route 57 through picturesque landscapes adorned with hawthorn blossoms, cyclists navigated eastwards towards Wheatley and Thame before transitioning onto the Phoenix Trail – a former railway line repurposed for cycling.
Along the way, overnight stops at family-run campsites like Bella Vista in Radnage showcased the club's continued support for traditional tent campers. Despite modern glamping options dominating the scene, the CCC remains committed to welcoming humble tents across its sites. Passing through Thames-side towns and country lanes, cyclists eventually arrived at the Walton CCC campsite, opened in 1913 – a site steeped in history.
The expedition served as a poignant reminder of the CCC's legacy, from its inception rooted in cycle camping to its current status as a leading organisation for outdoor enthusiasts. It underscored the club's dedication to accessibility and promoting outdoor leisure, adapting to new technologies while retaining ties to its historical roots.