Oxfordshire walks - Bampton

Make the most of the beautiful warm sunny weather this weekend. Walk through a pretty ancient town in the footsteps of the stars of ‘Downton Abbey’, visit old river locks and weirs and follow a gorgeous stretch of the meandering River Thames.

To get the app and this walk visit https://www.localwalks.co.uk/oxfordshire-walks or search for 'Oxfordshire Walks' on your app store.

This week's 7 1/2 mile circular walk starts at the pretty ancient market town of Bampton which sits not far from the beautiful River Thames. The town is famous for being used for filming scenes in the popular TV drama ‘Downton Abbey’. See the old Grammar School Building which houses the Bampton Community Archive, with its impressive collection of old photographs of Bampton and its people which served as the 'Downton' hospital. Visit the 12th-century parish church of St. Mary the Virgin which is believed to be the church where Lady Edith took Matthew sightseeing during season one of ‘Downton Abbey’ .

From the town the walk travels south to the hamlet of Weald and through some lovely Oxfordshire countryside following easy, level footpaths to the River Thames and Rushy Lock and weir.

After crossing the river you will have a delightful riverside stroll to the beautiful Radcot Lock. Admire the many boats and canal barges whilst you walk.

Walk back along the river to then cross back over the river at Old Man's Bridge. The footbridge will take you to the northern side of the Thames where you will follow easy country lanes back into Bampton.

If you feel like extending the walk you can carry on along the South side of the river to Radcot Bridge and have a well deserved rest at the beautiful riverside beer garden at Ye Olde Swan @YeOldeSwanRadcot. From there, just retrace your steps to continue the walk at the Old Man’s Bridge.

ENJOY!

You can see a full list of Oxfordshire walks here.

Taking regular exercise outdoors amongst nature is good for both our mental and physical health at this time, but whilst out walking please remember to keep your distance from other walkers.

STAY ALERT - STAY SAFE