Eynoxf one

Verified Slow Way

Verified by 83.33% of reviewers

Despite the detour mentioned in the comment below, the towpath leading out of Oxford is quite narrow, so be mindful of cyclists, as this area can get particularly busy on weekends. It’s an enjoyable and easy-to-follow route, especially in mid-July, without concerns about flooding.

Due to the ongoing construction work in the Osney/Botley area, reaching the starting point can be a bit of a hassle. Right from the beginning, the footpath is closed for a short section, but the diversion signs are very clear. Once the diversion ends, the route follows the Thames Path, which makes for a lovely walk.

As you approach Godstow Abbey, the enjoyment of your walk will depend on how flooded Port Meadow is at that time. As a local who frequently walks in the area, I can attest that the path is usually very pleasant (in fact, the stretch between The Perch and Godstow Abbey is my favorite walk in Oxford), except for the one or two times each year when Port Meadow is flooded. During those times, the path is still passable, but it can feel like walking through swamps, which is not at all enjoyable for unprepared walkers.

Beyond Godstow Abbey, the path continues along the Oxford Green Belt Way. Although this section is slightly less well-maintained than the Thames Path, it is still very walkable, and the easy walk continues all the way to Eynsham.

I walked this route towards the end of November 2023. Probably because of the time of year, it was not without its problems. The River Thames level was high and there was considerable flooding along the route. Consequently, I was not able to follow the exact route (far from it). I walked from Oxford to Eynsham. Almost at the beginning and only a short distance along the canal towpath, there was a notice announcing that the path was closed due to flooding. I therefore diverted to find another route to Port Meadow. All was well until south of Lower Wolvercote. Here, the path was totally under water and I took my boots off to wade through barefoot. Then, just after passing beneath the road bridge carrying the A34, the path follows the Oxford Greenbelt Way. I took this for a short distance but then it became impassable as it was totally under water. At this point, I would have done better to backtrack a little and take the lane to Wytham village and rejoin the path further along at SP473093. However, I rejoined the farm road alongside the Thames (the Thames Path) but this was also flooded in places so the boots came off a few more times, even once the Thames Path and the Oxford Greenbelt Way merged on the northern edge of Wytham Great Wood. I crossed the river at Swinford lock, seeking to avoid going over the toll bridge at Swinford. This was the final adventure as the field between the lock and the B4044 was totally under water and so I waded barefoot perhaps 300 metres. To finish, the walk into Eynsham was quite pleasant. At other times of the year, this would be a lovely walk but perhaps not over the winter months. I must walk it again in the summer.

This is a beautiful route, one that definitely could be changeable in certain weathers.
It's tough resisting the temptation to not divert and just head up into Wytham Woods (an amazing place to just wander). The least interesting part is Swinford up into Eynsham, the village itself is really nice - plenty of places for refreshments and fairly regular buses back into the city.

The Oxford to Wolvercote stretch of this route is fine.
Paths by the farm can be marshy and sodden (particularly after rainfall) - walking boots (or wellington boots) are necessary.
The route appears to recommend carrying along the path as it pass over a stile (or was it through a gate?) into Wytham wood, just before you meet the Thames for the second time. To do so would be a terrible mistake as that path has now been unregistered - it is terribly overgrown and is lost completely by the time you arrive at the clay hill. In practice, it is possible to cut across the field before the style rather than crossing it, to transfer to a path that runs along the Thames itself. (The two paths can be seen on the Ordnance Survey map).
Crossing the toll bridge at Swinford is unpleasant and not entirely necessary. Again, if you have an Ordnance Survey map, you will see that it is possible to avoid the toll bridge if you cross at Eynsham lock and then follow the path over the weir. The pavement and road over the bridge are both very narrow, which means that the crossing can get a bit hairy.
From Swinford to Eynsham, the route is fine.

Large parts of this route are on the Thames Path. A section of about 2.5km leaves the Thames Path, to follow the Oxford Green Belt Way, but then rejoins the Thames Path.

While the route is generally flat, it can be muddy, and quite narrow in places. The Thames Path section is well trodden, but the Oxford Green Belt Way a little less so, and can therefore be slightly overgrown in places. Both paths are well signed, even at those odd points where the path shifts from hedgerow on the right to hedgerow on the left, so the route as a whole is easy to navigate, with only a few tricky turns, listed below.

This must be one of the few Slow Ways to cross a toll-bridge, though there is no charge for pedestrians or cyclists, and cars only pay 5p.

The route skirts Wytham Woods, an area of woodland studied by scientists at the University of Oxford since 1942. You can get a permit from the University if you wish to walk there. Also in Wytham is an unusual sight - a vending machine, from which a local farm sells eggs (currently priced at £8 for 30), though if you plan to buy, additional packing material would be a good idea.

The Trout (noted for Inspector Morse connections) is conveniently located about half-way along the route, with The Perch a little way downstream, and plenty of refreshment opportunities at both ends.

Overall, a pleasant route that isn't too challenging, so would be particularly suitable if time or energy don't allow a longer walk.


Tricky turns

Eynsham to Oxford
1. Crossing the B4449, the official gpx suggests a slight dogleg. In fact, you go straight across the road, through the gate, and then turn immediately right over a large manhole cover.
2. About 800m after joining the Thames path, you go through a gate - turn immediately right onto the Oxford Green Belt Way to continue on the official route.

Oxford to Eynsham
1. Once you've passed under the A34, go straight ahead onto the Oxford Green Belt Way to continue on the official route.

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