Between Ipsden and the Thames

Ipsden, a tiny hamlet in Oxfordshire, also has its war victims. This is evidenced by a monument erected in the countryside and Commonwealth war graves in the cemetery of St Mary the Virgin Church. Further on, between kilometres 15 and 16, a colourful wreath adorns a plaque commemorating the accidental crash of a bomber in 1943 in the fields north of Ipsden.
The region's countryside is criss-crossed by numerous (historic) paths that run right across the fields. The one at kilometre 4, which connects Ipsden to South Stoke on the banks of the Thames, is evocatively named 'Postman's Path'.
The green hills and wide open spaces are a paradise for red kites, which can be seen in their dozens, circling in the air and perching in fields or trees to better watch for their prey.
There is a complete change of scenery between South Stoke and North Stoke, where the route follows the course of the river.
After a slightly noisier stretch near Mongewell, the route takes a pretty path along the top of a wooded, straight embankment, a sort of north-south barrier erected in the middle of nowhere towards Nuffield.
The route passes close to an isolated farm, crosses a small wood and then the hamlet of Hailey, where, far away from everything, you will find a pub open seven days a week, with a large car park and a dozen or so outdoor tables offering a beautiful view of the valley.

There are about ten (free) parking spaces within the Village Hall grounds.
There are no grocery stores along the route. Bring a picnic lunch.