SWC 292: Islip Circular (in reverse) t=swc.292
Distance: 10.8 miles or 17.4 km for those more metrically minded with shorter options available – see walk instructions
Difficulty: 3 out of 10
Train: Take the 9:42 AM Oxford-bound Chilterns Railway train from London Marylebone, arriving at Islip at 10:56. Return trains are at 16:51; 16:57 (change at Oxford); 18:51 and 18:57 (change at Oxford). Buy a day return to Islip.
In addition to gently rolling landscapes and picturesque villages, one of the real highlights of this walk is the Otmoor Nature Reserve, a favorite haunt for various birds of different sizes and shapes. In fact, the main reason for doing the walk in reverse is to have some time towards the end of the walk to explore the reserve without feeling the need to rush on to lunch. So bring your binoculars and a flask (hip or thermos) and enjoy the action…..before the final stretch back Islip (which takes about 45 minutes)—but do watch the clock, as the trains back to London are not super frequent…..
You can find more information about the walk and download the walk instructions here. As we will be going in reverse, a print-out of the map or download of the GPX will be helpful.
The recommended lunch pub on the main walk is the Abingdon Arms in Beckley (01865 655667) a popular community-based pub, serving excellent food.
Back in Islip, tea and other bevies can be had at the Red Lion on the High Street.
Enjoy the walk!