Oxfordshire walks - Swinbrook & Asthall
This weekend’s walk explores the beautiful Windrush Valley and is perfect for before or after Sunday lunch. The walk travels through the highly desirable villages of Asthall and Swinbrook and passes the sweet, isolated medieval church of Widford. This is typical stunning cotswold views all 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.
This 5 mile walk starts at the pretty village of Asthall where you can stop to admire the picturesque churchyard and get a splendid view of the intriguing Asthall Manor which was built circa 1620. This was the childhood home of the Mitford Sisters who gained widespread attention for their stylish and controversial lives as young people. Nancy and Jessica became well-known writers: Nancy wrote The Pursuit of Love and Love in a Cold Climate, and Jessica The American Way of Death (1963). Deborah managed Chatsworth, one of the most successful stately homes in England.
From there, the beginning of the walk is on road but don’t let that put you off, it is very quiet, there are wonderful houses to admire and you will have grass verges full of wild flowers and lovely countryside views to either side of you as you walk. Crossing the river at the Mill House you will soon join an easy grassy path that will take you to St Oswald’s Church standing in splendid isolation, in the middle of a field above the Windrush. All the lumps and bumps in the surrounding field are all that is left of the main village of Widford which was destroyed by the Black Death in the 17th century.
Following the path you will shortly arrive at Swinbrook, one of the most desirable villages in the Cotswolds, famed for its beautiful houses, fine church, lovely riverside setting and its very picturesque pub ‘The Swan Inn’. (Re-opening 4th July).
From here the walk is much quieter through fields and country lanes — so take in the peace and solitude as you walk.
When you arrive back at Asthall you may want to stop at ‘The Maytime Inn’. It’s due to re-open 4th July but are doing take away food and drink until then (please check times on their website).
This is a walk for everyone but there are a some gates and a couple of stiles. Enjoy and send us your stories and photos!
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
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