Significant parts of this route use existing pathways – Shakespeare’s Way specifically, including sections where Shakespeare’s Way and the Thames Path are one. Consequently, there are regular waymarks, and it’s fairly easy to follow.
The route isn’t really suitable for wheels – being a footpath rather than a bridleway means that bikes are a no-no, and while the terrain is relatively flat, stiles are quite common, and anyone but the most muscular would have trouble negotiating with even a light baby-buggy.
But for walkers, the route is a gentle one and pleasant enough. For me, the stand-out point was seeing, rather unexpectedly two fragments of the Ascott Manor estate near Stadhampton – a granary and a dovecote, both dating (according to subsequent research) from the sixteenth century.
I’d also like to give a shout-out to whoever constructed a bench out of old pallets and put it beside the path between Chiselhampton and Marsh Baldon, providing a resting place while enjoying the view of Whittenham Clumps.
One possible route variation at Stadhampton – the official route takes you on the road and past shops and a pub – if you aren’t hungry you can continue on the Shakespeare’s way going across the B480. This will join that road but a bit further on.
And a word of warning – the section at the southern edge of Oxford passes a sewage works. This may put you off the entire route, but remember that the alternative is the same smell in your own house.
Tricky turns
Chalgrove to Oxford
1. At Chalgrove, the route seems to leave the road at the Lamb pub. In fact, it leaves the road at The Brook Surgery car park 100m further out of the village, heading across allotments.
2. After turning at the Coach and Horses in Chiselhampton, walk along the road for about 150m, and then turn right onto the footpath signed for Marsh Baldon (well hidden by vegetation, but opposite the much clearer Restricted Byway sign to Drayton St Leonard).

Oxford to Chalgrove
1. As the route bends right and leaves the Kassam Stadium/Grenoble Road area, the route is hard to spot. It continues southward along the right-hand edge of the field.
2. Heading out of Stadhampton on the village green, stay on the grass and keep to the right, past the playing area. The path continues through a stile.

Share your views about this route, give it a star rating, indicate whether it should be verified or not.

Include information that will be useful to others considering to walk or wheel it.

You can add up to 15 photos.