Given that HOAC is a considerable distance to walk from the nearest stations, and that the Metropolitan and  BR lines allow bicycles to be carried free outside peak hours, it is practical to arrive by train and cycle the last few miles if you are coming a long distance.

The local tube stations have free copies of the Sustrans cycle route maps which are worth picking up.

Click here for a Sustrans map of the National Cycle Network close to HOAC. Note that Highway Farm is marked on the map where Dews Lane itself isn't.

Cycle or take the train to Denham Green on the North Orbital Road (A412) and take Moorhall Road across the canal to Harefield. Turn right at the roundabout and continue until you pass New Years Green Lane and its dump on your left. The turn-off to HOAC is signed shortly afterwards on your right. 

Do NOT take the Western Avenue/A40 between the A40/M40/A412 Dehnam roundabout and the Swakely's roundabout - this is a section of motorway in all but name and there is no safe cycle path.

Cycle to Old Eastcote (from Harrow Town Centre the recommended route is to take the Pinner Road through North Harrow, where there is a new cycle lane on the left-hand pavement, go down Imperial Drive (also with cycle lanes) and then take Village Way/Eastern Avenue/North View to Eastcote and continue along Elm Avenue/Pembroke Way/Park Avenue  to Ruislip. All these are minor-roads running parallel to the Metropolitan railway line.

At Ruislip you are probably best to avoid the NCR down Ickenham High Road and take a short-cut up Bury Street, and turn left into Ladygate Lane. At the end turn left and continue up to the Breakspear Arms pub, where you turn right and then left into New Year's Green Lane. Beware of the poor quality of the road surface. This takes you to Harvil road, where you turn left and then right into Dews Lane.

If you are further north, note that there is a good (signed ) cycle route from Old Eastcote to Ladygate lane, cutting out the B466/Eastcote Road, using the Evelyn Avenue and other back streets.

Cross the A40 at Swakeley's roundabout and follow the B467 until you get to Harvil Road on your left. Follow this across the railway until you get to Dews Lane on your left (it's the first turning after you've left the houses behind). This is not a pleasant route on a bicycle - a narrow fast road. If anyone knows of a better practical  route from Uxbridge, using the canal tow-path for example, please email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it