Home to the Chilterns, market towns and the historic city of Oxford, walking in Oxfordshire is perfect for all the family.
With the Oxfordshire Cotswolds, North Oxfordshire Hills and Chilterns, walking through Oxfordshire gives visitors a great chance to discover some of the most unspoilt landscapes in the UK. From grey stone picturesque villages to ironstone settlements and dense woodland to the vistas of the Vale of the White Horse there’s so much to see when walking across Oxfordshire.
There are many long distance walks throughout the county that are perfect for those interested in walking holidays. Oxfordshire borders Buckinghamshire, Warwickshire and Gloucestershire and so many of the long distance walks take visitors through some of England’s most breathtaking landscapes and quaint market towns and villages.
If you’re planning a walking holiday in Oxfordshire why not stay in pubs along your walking route? Pubs and inns located on the routes cater for walkers needs with food served throughout the day, packed lunches available to order, and comfortable accommodation. Rooms are fitted with all the mod cons so after a fantastic day’s exploring guests can relax in their room, watch some TV, and enjoy a warm hot bath before heading downstairs for delicious home cooked meal. Also, unlike hotels or traditional B&Bs there’s always something to do in the evening at pubs in Oxfordshire, from chatting with the locals, to taking part in the pub quiz or listening to live music.
Some of the most popular long distance walks in Oxfordshire include:
The Ridgeway National Trail – a 87 mile walk that takes about 6 days to complete. It takes walkers through a very remote part of England and follows and ancient route used by soldiers and travellers. Starting at the World Heritage Site of Avebury the trail runs through secluded valleys and woodland as well as historic sites such as the white horses cut into the chalk downlands and Iron Age forts.
Thames Path National Trail – a 184 mile walk that follows the River Thames from its source all the way the full trail takes about 14 days to complete this walk is suitable for all ages and abilities. It passes through Cirencester, Oxford, the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Beauty and the City of London with landscapes of water meadows, picturesque villages and historic towns.
Shakespeare’s Way – a 146 mile walk starting at Shakespeare’s birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon to the Globe Theatre in London. It takes walkers on a unspoilt path through London, the Chilterns, Oxford, Blenheim Place, the Cotswolds and Stratford-upon-Avon.
Icknield Way Path – a 110 mile walk along the ‘oldest road in Britain’ and goes from Ivinghoe Beacon in Buckinghamshire to Knettishall Heath in Norfolk. The walk takes about 8 days to complete and offers walkers incredible panoramic views of the Chilterns and Breckland as well as archeological remains and prehistoric pathways.
To find out more about what there is to explore, check out our Things to Do in Oxfordshire guide.
Photo by Ben Seymour on Unsplash
