A variant to Wanabi 1 that adds a loop between Ardington and West Hendred....

Martin Ellis

The route leaves picturesque Abingdon over the Thames bridge and takes a footpath eastward (Photo 1). The route takes an uneven path alongside rail tracks (Photo 3), before crossing them to arrive at Culham Science Centre....

Martin Ellis

Wantage to Abingdon 1 (Wanabi 1) review. A route which weaves between several villages, and pub break points, on its way from Wantage to Abingdon. There is a pleasant urban walk to the centre of historic Abingdon, some of which is beside the Thames (Photo 7)....

Martin Ellis

The route heads eastward out of Wantage, running roughly parallel to the Reading Road, before turning northeast towards Steventon and then northward to Abingdon....

Martin McGovern

Not a lot of refreshment opportunities outside the two ends of the route, though Fyfield has the White Hart (the Black Horse pub on Faringdon Road showed no signs of being open). The route is pretty well signed and straightforward to follow, though at a couple of places (notably while crossing the Faringdon Road at location of the Black Horse pub, the hedgerows are quite overgrown (see one of the pictures)....

Martin McGovern

As the previous reviewer and commenter have both stated, this route feels pretty unsafe, and I wouldn't recommended it. I'm going to flag this for safety in the hope that this route will be removed. I hope to try out Kinabi two soon - it certainly looks and sounds like an improvement....

Martin McGovern

As it was a beautiful autumn afternoon, I was passed a few times by cyclists, a runner, and a lady on a mobility scooter, so it’s fairly popular in parts and a very accessible route. It’s also fairly flat, with only one significant slope over the railway just as you pass the station car park....

Sarah_Sarah29

The parts opposite Nuneham house are really beautiful and there's a great chance to see lots of amazing birds as you get around the Radley lakes area...

Sam McKavanagh

It then crosses a wooden bridge (Photo 1) to join the Thames Path (Photo 2)....

Martin Ellis

But being near water always adds to my enjoyment of a route....

Martin McGovern

The section running parallel to the railway line has a very short section of overgrown bramble which makes it slightly tricky....

FootpathFaye

I can't add a lot to the thorough review from Martin Ellis. This route was added as a cycle-friendly one; consequently, it's pretty friendly for wheels generally, but if you prefer being away from cycles, and are happy to deal with mud, abidid one is a better bet. Signage is also pretty good - just follow National Cycle Route 5.. My journey was in January, and consequently, perhaps the route was quieter this time, both in terms of cycles and people). Partly because of the time of year, my pictures aren't as appealing as those already uploaded...

Martin McGovern

It certainly provides quite a contrast with the riverside and village sections further north - and is predominantly paved, which was useful given the muddy conditions....

Martin McGovern

Firstly, the section from Standlake to Newbridge could be better: both from Standlake to Oxford and Standlake to Kingston Bagpuize spend more time off-road, and I'd recommend the path those routes take....

Martin McGovern

The section between Burcot and Berinsfield is on pavement next to a road, but the section to the north of the Culham Centre for Fusion Energy (marked Thame Lane on maps) is also solid. Having said that, the remaining sections are on pasture or farmland, and not recommended for wheels. Sights - as well as the Culham Centre for Fusion Energy (home of the largest temperatures in the solar system - see https://ccfe.ukaea.uk/research/joint-european-torus/ for details), the walk passes the Culham Motocross Park, and the location of the first pound lock on the Thames....

Martin McGovern

I agree with the previous reviews - this is a pleasant walk following about 9 miles of the Thames Path, plus a short distance at each end into the town....

Martin McGovern

An easy riverside walk following the Thames Path from Oxford to Abingdon. Be careful after heavy rainfall as parts of the path can flood easily, sometimes making it inaccessible....

lajammy

A pleasant Slow Way which follows the Thames from Abingdon, then leaves it at Culham Lock to visit Sutton Courtenay, and finally takes a bridleway into Didcot. From Culham Lock (Photo 4), the route takes a bridleway and footpath (Photo 5) to skirt east of Sutton Courtenay. On leaving Sutton Courtenay, the footpath has a good view of Didcot Power Station (Photo 6), now missing its iconic water towers....

Martin Ellis

The cycle route then runs south to Sutton Courtney, along Peek-O-Day Lane (Photo 3). The route skirts south of Sutton Courtney with some road walking (Photo 4); but it is only a short detour into the village proper, and the George and Dragon pub....

Martin Ellis

After about 1.5km you meet Culham Old Bridge and the route takes you onto a pavement next to a road called The Burycroft which cuts off the corner of the Thames Path making the route more direct (alternatively, you could just keep following the Thames Path for a more scenic route by the river and fields). The route rejoins the Thames Path at the Culham Cut (photo 1) and then it is only a short distance before reaching Culham Lock (photos 2 and 3). Highlights of the route are the Thames Path as you leave Abingdon, Culham Lock and the village of Sutton Courtenay....

Helenry

You drift away from the river across Kennington Meadow and then back to the least used part of the path between Oxford and Abingdon at least as far as the Radley School Boathouse....

John Howson

Good route....

Neil Patrick McColl

Great quiet & scenic route linking Abingdon and Oxford along the River Thames. It can occasionally be flooded at some times of year....

davidemms

Uses a fast, busy road with no pavements for a long stretch going north from the A415. I think this would be too dangerous on foot....

davidemms

Reasonably easy to follow with little stickers on the standard council waymarks and fingerposts. A variety of surfaces from tarmac and gravel to grass, field edge and a couple of cross-field paths that may be ploughed or cropped but are usually reinstated....

jcgordon