Oxford Circular walk
The Rivers Isis and Cherwell, Wolvercote Common, the Oxford Canal, a tour of the old town and historic Colleges, Oxford Castle and Mound
History
This is a list of previous times this walk has been done by the club (since Jan 2010). For more recent events (since April 2015), full details are shown.
Date | Option | Post | # | Weather |
---|---|---|---|---|
Thu, 28-Dec-23 | Post Christmas leg stretcher - Oxford Circular Walk | 1 | a sunny dry day but with a strong cold wind | |
Wed, 28-Dec-22 | Wednesday Walk Oxford Circular - the Rivers Isis and Cherwell, Port Meadow, Lower Wolvercote, Wolvercote Common - then along the Oxfordshire Canal back to Oxford | 3 | overcast and dull but mild and mostly dry | |
Wed, 29-Dec-21 | Wednesday Walk Oxford Circular - The Rivers Isis and Cherwell, Port Meadow, Wolvercote Common, the Oxford Canal and Oxford Colleges | 6 | drizzle and steady rain turning pleasantly sunny after lunch | |
Fri, 28-Dec-18 | Oxford Circular - Port Meadow, Rivers Isis and Cherwell, Oxford Canal then Oxford's Colleges | 2 | lovely sunny day | |
Fri, 29-Dec-17 | Friday walk: Oxford Circular - Port Meadow, Rivers Isis and Cherwell, and University Colleges | 3 | mostly sunny day with higher than forecast temperatures | |
Sat, 31-Dec-16 | Saturday Third Walk : Rivers Isis and Cherwell, Oxford Canal, Wolvercote Common, the City Centre & its Colleges, Oxford Castle and its Mound | 4 | gloomy but dry | |
Sun, 06-Dec-15 | An easy Oxford amble | |||
Sat, 16-Feb-13 | Oxford Circular | 8 | ||
Sun, 15-Jan-12 | Oxford Circular | |||
Sat, 26-Mar-11 | Oxford Circular | |||
Sat, 04-Sep-10 | Oxford Circular | |||
Sat, 28-Mar-09 | Oxford Circular | |||
Sun, 06-Apr-08 | Oxford Circular | |||
Sat, 19-Jan-08 | Oxford Circular | |||
Sat, 01-Dec-07 | Oxford Circular | |||
Sat, 31-Mar-07 | Oxford Circular | |||
Sun, 08-Oct-06 | Oxford Circular |
-
Thu, 28-Dec-23
I got to Paddington nice and early, to find all services suspended in and out of the station following a person having been hit by a train near Langley. A quick head scratch, and instead of enjoying a leisurely coffee, I was back on the Bakerloo lIne to Marylebone, where an Oxford bound train was ready to depart. I was lucky to get one of the last free seats, as the whole population of South Korea was on board, heading for Bicester Village. So I managed to salvage the day but friends who arrived at Paddington closer to our train departure time were left stranded - having swapped text messages with them they abandoned the day.
That meant in was just me 1 on a sunny dry day but with a strong cold wind which required several layers of clothing to keep snug and warm. Plenty of deep puddles on paths and in fields but no flooding of main paths, so no need to divert off the written route, just lots of slippery mud to test ones balance. I arrived at Jacobs Inn - now renamed The Wolvercote - to enjoy a very good lunch in the half full pub which was getting busier by the time I set out to cross Wolvercote Common and then to take the Oxfordshire canalside path . By the time I reached Oxford railway station services in and out of Paddington had resumed, and a good fast train whisked me back to London.
Whilst my own company was delightful, of course ? ! , it would be nice if I had some company proper on my New Year's Day Walk West in four days time.
-
Fri, 16-Dec-22
I think you will find there are no Chiltern Railway services to Oxford on this date,
-
Fri, 16-Dec-22
Many thanks Sarah H . Chiltern Railways have updated their timetable since I first posted this walk, and now, because of on-going strike action by RMT, they have decided to operate a greatly reduced service between Christmas and early January. On the 28th we can get to Oxford Parkway - but not Oxford ! Fortunately, Great Western are running services out of Paddington twixt Christmas and New Year (as of today, 16 December) and I will switch today's walk departure station from Marylebone to Paddington. I will provide an update on Friday 23 December, in case Great Western have further thoughts on their timetable.
Just goes to show how impossible the walk poster's task is at present.........
-
Wed, 28-Dec-22
Just 3 for my last Wednesday posting. Perhaps the unfavourable weather forecast put off some of our regulars. The steady rain which accompanied the train out of London and all the way to Oxford began to relent as the three of us met up in the entrance foyer of the railway station. By the time we set out the rain had almost stopped and within a mile it had. The sun remained on holiday all day, and apart from a breeze at times, it was very mild. So overcast and dull but mild and mostly dry . The trains out of Paddington and back were running mostly on time to Great Western's amended timetable but with formations of only five carriages all trains were packed. I managed to get a seat leaving Paddington but I struggled to find even a standing space on the train leaving Oxford.
As for today's walk, there is nothing much to report. I was expecting the opening leg to be flooded in places but we just encountered lots of large puddles. The route between Binsey and Godstow was a bit muddy in places but nothing to get excited about. Two of us enjoyed a good lunch at the busy Jacob's Inn, whilst our sandwicher opted to set off on the afternoon leg of the walk - she met up with us on Oxford station, having visited Wolfson College, to find the route ahead locked.
The crossing of Wolvercote Common was dryer than usual, and we enjoyed the walk along the resurfaced towpath to the Oxfordshire Canal - dry, mud-free and spongy, so nice and easy on the tread. As we approached the railway station it began to drizzle. The station was packed, and as mentioned earlier, no seats were free on the train home.
An undemanding short walk but a good leg-stretcher after Christmas celebrations.
-
Wed, 29-Dec-21
Thank you, Marcus, it was a lovely walk .
Valerie
-
Thu, 30-Dec-21
We set off from Oxford railway station as a small group of 5, then later in the afternoon we met up with a later starter who had walked the route alone behind us and was having lunch in the Anchor pub, so that is 6.
As per last Wednesday, we started today's walk in drizzle and steady rain turning pleasantly sunny after lunch . There was some standing water on the paths between the two rivers at walk start, but no flooding, and the route over the meadows to Binsey and Wolvercote was muddy, but we made good progress in the drizzly rain towards a lunch stop. The Trout Inn could not accommodate us due to Covid restrictions but their manager kindly directed us to a pub in Lower Wolvercote - Jacob's Inn - a new find. Here we were made welcome in the pub's comfortable surroundings and although the food was pricey it was delicious: their pizzas were excellent, as was my pasta. I will add this watering hole to the lunch options in the Walk Directions.
After lunch we crossed Wolvercote Common and joined the Oxfordshire Canal for our return leg towards the city centre. The surface of the canal's tow path has been upgraded since I last did this walk, from a muddy earthen path to a surface dressed springy way, making it very pleasant to walk along - particularly in the afternoon sunshine. At the point on the path where we cross the canal to start the leg towards the colleges, one of our group stayed on the tow path and headed for the city centre for some retail therapy, leaving the four of us to find walker number six in the Anchor pub. Continuing on the TO Book route, we got as far as Wolfson College, only to find the River Cherwell down below had burst its banks, flooding the onward paths. We had a wade for a while but when water levels were over boot tops we had to abandon the route. Retracing our steps towards the canal we first stopped for tea in the Anchor pub before we returned along the canal to the railway station, where we were just in time to catch the 17-01 hrs fast train back to Paddington.
An enjoyable day out in very good company. Nice clean walking boots, too, after our paddle.
Length: 15.2 km (9.4 miles)
Toughness: 1 out of 10 [a bit more if the towpaths are flooded and / or the route is muddy]
London Marylebone: 10-06 hrs Oxford service
Arrive Oxford: 11-09 hrs
[Allow plenty of time at Marylebone station ticket office as shoppers for Bicester Village might be out in vast numbers]
Return: 15-41, 16-11, 16-38, 16-56 and later
In recent years during the week between Christmas Day and New Years Day I have arranged a family meet-up at the homely Plough pub in Wolvercote Common - and always very nice, too. My horde travels by car - and I fit in this easy, flat walk. We have other plans for this year - but that is no reason for my abandoning my customary visit to Oxford for a short winter's walk and a good lunch. You are all welcome to join me !
Leaving Oxford station we head for the River Isis, and soon the fun can begin. If it has been raining heavily for a week or so, sections of the tow path are likely to be flooded - to top of walking boot level, sometimes a bit above. With some careful walking on top of path-edge wooden battens you can often by-pass the worst bits. But if the water is too deep you can resort to returning to the junction with the Oxford Canal and reversing an afternoon leg of the walk. But hopefully we will make it along the tow path to come out beside Port Meadow, to follow meadows beside the river all the way to Godstow Lock and then the ruins of Godstow Abbey. Then its over a road bridge and over Wolvercote Common into the village of Wolvercote for lunch at the Plough.
After lunch we walk for a while along the Oxford canal. As I have visited Oxford on many an occasion I will probably head straight for the railway station by staying beside the canal. If you wish to follow all or part of the Walk Directions and do all or part of the tour of the colleges (it's safe to do so in failing daylight) you are welcome to do so.
T=1.13
Your Walk Directions are here: L=1.13
-
Mon, 24-Dec-18
Hi Jane
....and Happy Christmas to you !
You can travel from Ealing Broadway at 09-18 hrs on Didcot Parkway service, changing at Slough (arrive 09-43, leave 10-03) onto Oxford service, arriving Oxford 10-50 hrs. Please wait for the Maryleboners who should arrive at 11-09 hrs. Or take the service from Ealing Broadway 30 mins later, again changing at Slough, arriving Oxford 11-22 hrs- and walk fast to catch up with the Maryleboners ! But probably best to make your way to Marylebone if you can to catch the posted train.
Kind regards
Marcus
-
Sat, 29-Dec-18
Just 2 of us set out on this walk on a lovely sunny day , in near perfect winter walking conditions. No flooded paths today and very little mud as we ambled over Port Meadow, enjoying the sunshine. We arrived at the Plough Inn just before it became very busy with family groups. Well fed and watered, we then took the direct route back to Oxford along the Oxford canal for an early train home.
An enjoyable relaxing day.
Book 1, Walk 13 - Oxford Circular
Length: 15.2 km (9.4 miles) or 11.3 km (7 miles)
Toughness: 1 out of 10 (more if muddy)
London Marylebone: 10-06 hrs Oxford service
Arrive Oxford: 11-09 hrs
Return: Oxford to Marylebone: 15-43, 16-11, 16-43 and 17-41 hrs
Oxford to Paddington: 15-31, 16-01, 16-31, 17-01, 17-30 and 18-01 hrs
This is an easy, relaxing walk which in the morning takes us on the flat over Port Meadow via the River Isis to the village of Wolvercote, where we will stop for lunch in the "library" of the cosy Plough Inn.
After lunch, we set off along the Oxford canal back towards the centre of Oxford. Those happy with a short(ish) walk today, particularly if the weather is inclement, stay on the canal tow path all the way back to the railway station. Those wanting a longer walk can divert from the canal to Wolfson College to then follow the Walk Directions for a walk on an often muddy path beside the River Cherwell to the University Parks. Here, you can either embark on the Tour of the University Colleges (recommended if time and daylight permits) or you can head back through town to the railway station. Again, you don't have to decide until you reach the Parks.
T=1.13
Walk Directions are here: L=1.13
-
Fri, 29-Dec-17
Because of the heavy rain in Central London early in the morning, the bad weather forecast and the dire traffic warnings, I was not expecting anyone else to venture out on today's walk. So it was a nice surprise to spot two fellow SWC walkers at Oxford station, so that made 3 for today's adventure.
Lady luck was with us today: either Oxford has its own micro-climate, or we just happened on a five hour respite in the bad weather all around us, for we enjoyed a mostly sunny day with higher than forecast temperatures : in fact, lovely winter walking conditions.
Near the start of the walk the River Isis had burst its banks and flooded the tow path in two places. We managed to negotiate the shin deep stretches of water without taking on board too much water: fortunately we were all wearing good leather walking boots: canvas jobbies, favoured by many a SWC walker, would have been hopeless.
On across a soggy Port Meadow to the Plough Inn where we all enjoyed an excellent lunch. I always like stopping at this cosy pub.
After lunch, my colleagues departed to visit family on the outskirts of Oxford, and I headed back to the railway station via the Oxford Canal, to complete a relaxing, non-strenuous day's walk, and an ideal leg-stretcher before the New Year festivities kick in.
Home by 5 pm for an early bath.......
--- an out-and-back in the morning to Binsey Village with its lovely church and well adds 2.0 km (1.3 mi);
--- a loop around lunch through the Wolvercote Lakes, a Nature Reserve owned by the Oxford Preservation Trust, adds 0.5 km (0.3 mi);
--- a loop after lunch through the Trap Grounds, a local Wildlife Site, adds 0.6 km (0.4 mi).
-
Fri, 30-Dec-16
Expect very long queues at the Marylebone ticket office over the holiday period (there were on Thursday) so leave plenty of time before your stated departure. Your Oxford train will also be bombed out by Far-Eastern visitors heading for Bicester Village - so be close to the barriers when the train is announced: it's along way to stand before you reach Bicester.
On arrival at Oxford station you may find the start of the Thames path at the beginning of your walk closed, with its diversion poorly marked. So I suggest the following: coming out of the station, turn left. At the end of the concourse keep ahead on a green coloured cycle path, which soon swings to the right. Now pick up signs to the Thames Canal, and follow them through a residential area until you come to the canal. Here turn left and head down to go under the railway (restricted headroom) and keep ahead for the short distance until you reach the Thames path, with a footbridge on your left. Turn right onto the path - and continue with the Book's directions.
For lunch on Thursday, the Plough at Wolvercote Green looked after my family very well.
-
Fri, 30-Dec-16
From Ealing: 09.18 direct, arr. 11.06 or 09.33 via P'ton and Reading
-
Fri, 30-Dec-16
The Tames Path diversion is a bit more straightforward from memory, having walk-checked my writeup a few weeks ago, it's only 100m or so that are affected due to some housebuilding. Take the residential road to the right just b4 the Thames and turn left in 100m or so to join the Thames Path. Just follow me...
-
Sat, 31-Dec-16
Just 4 walkers on this today, in gloomy but dry weather, who did the extension to St. Margaret's church and well, had an ultra-fast lunch at The Plough, and then split in Oxford, with 3 going to Modern Art Oxford, 1 following the route straight to the train. The 3 then also climbed the Castle Mound (well worth the £1 fee). 16.30 train.
-
Sun, 01-Jan-17
...oh, and the outbound train was only half full, despite Bicester Village being open all day...
-
Fri, 04-Dec-15
It is the CHRISTMAS PARTY on Thursday - don't forget!! See listing below
-
Tue, 08-Dec-15
Did anyone go on this walk? Numbers much appreciated.