Oxfordshire walks - Eynsham

This week’s walk is a gentle meander along the beautiful River Thames, through gorgeous water meadows and an old Lock and Weir to exlore. Take time to admire a more peaceful way of life with the beautiful brightly painted barges and pleasure boats along the way.

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

Starting in the centre of the old town of Eynsham, this 5 mile circular walk takes you firstly along the B4044 (please see note at end). Shortly after crossing over the elegant Georgian Swinford Toll Bridge take the footpath to the left which takes you under the bridge and onto the Thames Path. The footpath beside the river meanders serenely through beautiful water meadows where, apart from the odd fellow walker or occasional barge, you will find this spot very tranquil indeed. In the early summer, some of the fields are full of meadow flowers and put on a wonderful display.

When you reach the boatyard there is a detour which includes a short stretch of the busy B4044 again (there is a path). You will soon see a hedged path on your right between houses that leads you back to the river. Before long you will arrive at the Pinkhill Lock and Weir which was built in 1791, and it looks today just as it did in the 18th century, when merchants' barges were a common sight, travelling to and from London.

The walk crosses the Lock at the far gate, travels through low lying fields, alongside a stream and passes the old Abbey grounds before finishing back at your starting point. There are a number of shops, pubs and cafes in Eynsham for you to have a well deserved rest at the end of such a pleasureable walk.

PLEASE NOTE: This is a beautiful walk, however there is a stretch of road walking along the busy B4044. Whilst there is a footpath it is very narrow and because the road is so busy this walk is probably not suitable for children, dogs or anyone who is not sure footed.

There are a few steps up and over footbridges and some kissing gates to negotiate. Some of the fields may have livestock.

The Eynsham and River Thames Walk. We did this walk in a clockwise direction.

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.

You can see a full list of Oxfordshire walks here.

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Did you know, we now have another walking app called Wiltshire Walks if you fancy trying another 150 walks around Wiltshire.