The Chequers Inn - Route 2

(S/E) Leave the Chequers Inn car park and cross the road into Green Lane then at the end of the row of houses follow the track round to the left and continue on through a metal gate. Walk straight across the field and go through a wooden gate and turn sharp right, then follow the bridle path around the edge of the field. After the path turns left in the corner of the field follow the marked bridle path between the trees in same general direction for about 1.6km and you will reach the outskirts of Warborough. Follow what is now a small lane (Green Lane North) past the cricket ground.

(1) Turn left into Green Lane North, walk towards the side of the cricket pavilion turn right and follow the road between some cottages and then turn left. You will then emerge by a green with the Six Bells pub opposite, turn right and follow the lane to the War Memorial. Turn right and walk along the main road for about 50m past St Lawrence Church then cross over the main road with care and walk along a small side road (Henfield View) opposite. After about 50m leave the road, as it bends round to the right, and head straight on along the footpath indicated by a finger post and follow the footpath across the field with a fine view towards Wittenham Clumps.

(2) When the path meets another path, turn right and walk along the path until you reach a wooded area, at this point through a small gap you should notice a large man made pond, turn right here and follow the path under a power line to the edge of the field. When you reach another path turn left along this path and at the next intersection turn right and follow the path until you reach a concrete access road marked by a waymark post as a bridle path. Follow the access road until you reach a main road.

(3) Carefully cross the main road and then turn left and walk along the verge for about 50m. Turn right on to a bridle path marked by a finger post and follow it for about 1.7km until you reach and intersection with another path, turn left here and you are now retracing your path on the outward journey.

(4) After the path turns sharp right carry on for about 80m then turn left and go through the wooden gate, then across the field and through a second gate and follow the lane back to the pub.(S/E)

Warborough has all the characteristics of a typical pretty Oxfordshire village, church, pub, cricket green and as such has appeared in many episodes of Midsomer Murders. The Six Bells has featured under its own name and others such as the Quill Inn and the Black Swan. St Lawrence Church is a Grade 11 listed building with the earliest parts dating back to the 13th and 14th Centuries. The tower was built in 1666.

Wittenham Clumps (Sinodun Hills) stand out in stark contrast with rest of the flat landscape that surrounds them. The area is nature reserve managed by Earth Trust (previously known as the Northmoor Trust) that was set up and funded by Sir Martin Wood and his family. The hills are also archaeological site of some significance with Castle Hill, being the site of a Bronze Age/Iron Age Hill Fort. There is also evidence of Roman occupation. The area was investigated by Channel 4 Time Team and broadcast in 2004.