Bicbri one

Verified Slow Way

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2.5 stars
But going to have to harsh, walked after a lot of rain and in a number of places between Brill and Blackthorn this route was water logged almost to the point of being impassable, worst then other slowways. Also between Brill and Piddington there is a location that have been over grown with brambles that ended up ripping my top which is why I feel the need to be harsh with the rating. Also the walk along the B4011 is not nice, even when follow others recommendations and going through Blackthorn.
I dont know the area but I cant see a better route for Bicester — Brill.
Also if you are going to walk this route read Martin McGovern comment for helpful path finding tips.

We walked this route starting at Brill. I’d agree with the previous reviewer that walking in the opposite direction gives a more satisfying conclusion, finishing with great views from Brill over the surrounding countryside, however this leg was part of a longer journey so not possible for us and we concluded walking through the housing and commercial developments around Bicester.
I’d also noted the previous reviewer’s navigational comment about turning right through a hedge north of Piddington; despite this we still nearly missed the turn, as it really is very well hidden!
There was no obvious stopping place for lunch, so we took a picnic; this was fine, but it’s still quite sad walking past buildings that used to be village pubs but are now closed.
All four of us in our group enjoyed the walk, and found the scenery interesting and varied.

If you have a choice, I'd recommend doing this route from Bicester to Brill, rather than the other way round - the ascent into Brill is more picturesque than the approach to Bicester Village station and the town centre.

I'd make one minor change to the route - probably not enough to warrant an entirely new route (though if you disagree, feel free to add it). The section along the B4011 doesn't have footpaths, so you have to walk on the road and step onto the verge periodically. You can reduce the amount of time you have to do this by taking the detour into Blackthorn village.

Overall, the route is pleasant. It's predominantly pasture, so while I didn't see any cows, you might encounter them. There are a significant number of obstacles or poor terrain - stiles, gates, muddy sections, so it's not recommended for anything wheeled.
And I saw some llamas, which put me in mind of the Charm Poetry Competition winner for 2021 - which you can read at https://www.charmpoetrycompetition.com


Tricky turns

In either direction, you'll have to cross the A41 between Bicester and the Ambrosden road. There is an island at the Ambrosden road junction, making it a safer place to cross than the Wretchwick cottages.

Going from Brill to Bicester, you leave Piddington going north, and then turn left onto a farm track. You'll be tempted to continue on the farm track, but a short way down, there's a well hidden path with a gate on the right hand side. You need to take this path.

Also going from Brill to Bicester, approaching Ambrosden, the official route makes a diagonal cut through a new housing development. You approach at Iris Close: then continue straight into Violet Close, and follow the cinder path as far as Church Leys Field.

Going from Bicester to Brill, you leave the B4011 via a footpath to the right that goes through the large gate at Bridge Farm.

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