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Thames Path: Thames Head to Woolwich (London)

Thames Path: Thames Head to Woolwich (London)

Excerpt:
Sample route guide


Contents | Introduction | About the Thames Path | Planning your walk | Using this guide | Sample route guide


Newbridge to Oxford [Maps 19-25]

This 14-mile (22.5km, 4½-5½ hours) hike is as wonderfully riparian as yesterday’s stage, the path continuing to hug the riverbanks closely. The route scythes its way through meadows, passing Northmoor Lock (Map 20) – a great spot for campers – before arriving at Bablock Hythe (Map 21).

From here, there is a brief diversion from the river before you return to pass Pinkhill Lock (Map 22) and arrive at Swinford Toll Bridge, one of just two such bridges remaining on the Thames (the other being at Whitchurch).

Crossing the bridge (and a bit of a walk from the trail) will bring you – eventually – to the historic village of Eynsham (www.eynsham-pc.gov.uk), once home to a great 11th-century abbey, which – like most of its age – was a victim of Henry VIII's dissolution. Don't let the toll put you off: walker cross for free.

Continuing on, the river toys with the edge of Wytham Woods (Map 23), the last resting place for at least one victim in the Inspector Morse novels.

The river and trail now wend their way via King’s Lock – the northernmost point on the Thames – and onwards past the turn-off to Lower Wolvercote (Map 24) and right by Godstow Lock and its nearby Abbey (see box below).

It's a lovely end to the day with the vast vista of Port Meadow (see box above) opening up on the opposite bank and Oxford’s rowers accompanying you onwards.

Binsey offers the last chance for a pub-stop before you arrive in Oxford (Map 25) which, if you plan for a rest day, is an absorbing place to take one.

Where you plan to stay in Oxford will determine which of the several different routes you should take to enter into the city (see box p112).

Thames Path: Thames Head to Woolwich (London)

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