The Maharajah's Well

This is one of a number of routes published by Goring Gap Cycling.

The Maharajah’s Well was a gift to the village of Stoke Row from the Maharajah of Benares. It was completed in 1864, at a time when many of the villages in the Chilterns did not have a reliable source of safe drinking water.

There’s an article about the well on the Chilterns AONB website and an explanatory panel adjacent to the well itself.

Highlights
The unique Maharajah’s Well with its gilded elephant.

Hazards
The A4074 is often busy with high-speed traffic, but visibility at the junction with this route is good.

Direct, loose gravel and potholes on the narrow lanes, particularly on the second half of the route.

Hospitality

The Village Store in Stoke Row is almost opposite the well, includes a cafe, and is open 7 days a week.

The Cherry Tree pub in Stoke Row is 500m to the east of the well, along the route.

The Black and Red Lion pubs in Woodcote – one on each alternative route

Village shops in Stoke Row and Woodcote

Hints
There are two routes through Woodcote – along the “main” roads, which pass the shops, and round the back, which involves a little more climbing.

For more information about the Goring Gap and cycle facilities in the area, go to www.goringgapcycling.co.uk.