Randonnées Holton

A mainly level circular walk of about 150 miles along the waterways between Oxford and the London suburbs. It can be done in day trips by train or express bus from all the towns en route. This circular long-distance path starts in rural Oxfordshire, then follows the Grand Union Canal, which has a close-knit narrowboat community, into the Chilterns before winding through the suburbs of London. It crosses the playing fields of Eton to join the Thames Path, which meanders all the way back to Oxford. The route passes over and under bridges of every kind, through country parks, idyllic villages with thatched cottages, grand estates and historic market towns like Aylesbury, Henley-on-Thames and Wallingford. The lakes, chalk rivers and water meadows are home to a diversity of wildlife, and traditional waterside pubs provide welcome refreshment.

This is the first stage of the multi-day route "Railways and Waterways, between Oxford and London". A varied countryside walk linking open farmland, landscaped parkland and a world-renowned golf course, with highlights including Waterperry house and gardens, the first sight of the River Thame at Bow Bridge and Rycote Chapel.

This circular walk goes through three SSSIs from urban Oxford. Starting from urban Cowley, walk up to the top of Shotover country park SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest) for nature and views to the South West, then through Rock Edge SSSI, for Upper Jurassic limestone, and then through Lye Valley SSSI to experience nationally rare calcareous fen habitat from the last ice age.

This is the second stage of the multi-day route "Railways and Waterways, between Oxford and London". A pleasant meander through the water meadows of the Thame Valley past Notley Abbey and through picturesque villages to the historic gatehouse of Eythrope Park, before diverting up a quiet private road to Stone village. Until the work on HS2 is completed, this stage ends at Stone, a short bus ride from Aylesbury.

A gentle walk near Brill, including a nature reserve with lots of butterflies (in June and July) woods and a hill.

This is the fourteenth and final stage of the multi-day route "Railways and Waterways, between Oxford and London". This riverside walk transitions gently from tranquil water meadows past Sandford and Iffley Locks, through a nature reserve, into the bustling outskirts of Oxford, where the boathouses of the various Oxford Colleges are evidence of the strong rowing culture of the city.

An almost flat, circular walk following the Thames Path and Oxford Green Way. The walk starts in Wolvercote, passes Godstow Abbey, then follows the banks of the River Thames, taking in some interesting islands and weirs. The return is past Wytham Woods and across fields, returning via the Trout Inn for well-earned refreshments at the end of the walk.

A long and interesting walk mainly over flat countryside but some of the footpaths en route are currently quite badly overgrown.

Easy walking through flat country around Berrick Salome.

A straightforward walk over flat farmland to Warborough and beyond towards the Wittenham Clumps.

Stroll across the meadows to an isolated church and ruined 16th-century manor house.

Visit four historic churches, plus a ruined manor house and a pretty riverside return.

Climb to a pretty village with a historic church, country house and village green.

A short and pleasant walk over flat terrain with a pub break on the way.

A fairly long walk but with no steep hills or other challenging obstacles.

A long and very interesting walk with a number of interesting sites to see with one (optional) steep climb.

This is the thirteenth stage of the multi-day route "Railways and Waterways, between Oxford and London". Mainly through riverside meadows and wetlands, this walk passes over the confluence of the River Thames and the River Tame and alongside the distinctive twin chalk hills of Wittenham Clumps to "the quaintest, most old-fashioned inn on the Thames" and past the attractive market town of Abingdon.

Abingdon to Steventon following some of the old Berkshire and Wiltshire canal. Start along the Ock valley path through Abingdon and then head west out into flat fields. Some good paths to start with however some of the paths in the fields as you approach Steventon are not well maintained. The final fields into Steventon at Hill Farm often contain cattle. I would generally advise this as a dry weather walk. The footpath out of Abingdon suburbs is poor and I have adjusted the route to follow roads and tracks. After passing under the railway on the ranch to Steventon the OS footpaths are not reliable; at one point the path was ploughed and planted with wheat so I followed the field edge for some time. The X2 bus runs between Abingdon and Steventon 7 days a week so can be used to close the loop.

A pleasant and fairly long walk over flat terrain.

A moderate walk with some steep hills around The Leathern Bottle.

Easy walk with no hills around The Leathern Bottle.

Moderate, includes a relatively steep climb. Chequers – Watlington Hill Farm – Watlington – Chequers.

A long walk, involving a steep climb up the Chilterns Escarpment.

Moderate, includes a relatively steep climb. Chequers – Watlington Hill – Chequers.

This 6 mile walk takes in some wonderful Chilterns scenery including rolling chalk downland, beech woodlands and ancient pathways. It follows a stretch of the Ridgeway National Trail and skirts the edge of Aston Rowant National Nature Reserve perched high at the top of the hill, with its far-reaching views over the Oxfordshire Vale. The historic market town of Watlington is well worth exploring on your return. Moderate walking on unsurfaced paths and lanes with two long steep climbs. There are two stiles and 10 gates on this walk.

A long walk, involving a steep climb up the Chilterns Escarpment. This is The Fat Fox Inn - Route 3.

Moderate, includes a relatively steep climb.. Fat Fox – Watlington Hill Farm – Fat Fox.

Moderate, includes a relatively steep climb. Fat Fox – Watlington Hill – Fat Fox.

The Ridgeway the other way. The National Trail from NE to SW. This Stage 3 has a bit of everything. The route runs long the Upper Icknield Way on the way to the small hamlet of Swyncombe. Then crosses the Chiltern Way on it's way to the village of Nuffield. The route then runs on a narrow secluded path alongside the ancient Grim’s Ditch before reaching the River Thames. On the opposite bank, another National Trail runs, The Thames Path

A short walk, with enough of a hill to count as good exercise, and rewarded with fine views.

A gentle walk across open farmland, with views. Much of the land is set aside for wild flowers, and is quite glorious in the early summer months.

Discover the distinguished history of Ewelme, visit its watercress beds, and take in the exhilarating views over Oxfordshire from an old hillfort on Swyncombe Downs. At the right time of year you will see a wonderful display of snowdrops and aconites at St Botolph’s Church in Swyncombe.

This short, stile-free walk shows the Chilterns at their best. There are quiet and hidden landscapes, a National Nature Reserve and superb views from the top of the escarpment.

This could be described as a Christmas walk for all seasons, or perhaps as a walk of two halves – a lovely woodland adventure or a breathtaking hilltop adventure. The choice is yours.

A short Oxfordshire walk that explores the woodlands and countryside to the east of Christmas Common. The route is generally easy to follow and includes sections of the Oxfordshire Way and Chiltern Way.

A medium length walk with some steep climbs through woods.

A short walk with lovely views but with some quite steep slopes.

An easy walk with no steep gradients through woods.