Eynsham circular walks

Circular walks exploring the river and countryside around the pretty village of Eynsham.

Walk information

Route 1  After leaving the town through the old Abbey grounds and walking on through fields and meadows and along a stream, you join the Thames Path at Pinkhill Lock where, in 1791, the old flashlock was replaced with a pound lock. The return walk along the Thames leads you towards the elegant Georgian Swinford Toll Bridge, built in 1767. 

Route 2 follows the Thames Path for a little over half the walk, taking a recommended short detour of a couple of hundred yards to stop off for refreshment at the famous Trout Inn at Godstow, overlooking the river. The return route takes you across pretty meadows and skirts Wytham Great Wood to rejoin the Thames Path, bringing you back across Swinford Toll Bridge or alternatively the lock at Eynsham.

Route 3 heads away for the river to South Leigh along a disused railway line and flat open countryside offers the walker a splendid variation from the other three walks in wildlife and viewpoints. Take a well-earned break at the Mason’s Arms, roughly half-way along the route. The return journey takes you past the Church of St James in South Leigh. Stop to admire the 15th century murals, which were found under several coats of whitewash. The most memorable depicts the Archangel St Michael weighing souls, designed to catch your eye as you leave. 

Distance

Route 1 - 4 miles;  Route 2 - 8 miles;  Route 3 - 6 miles

Length on roads/village lanes (not on Public Rights of Way)

Route 1 - 29%;  Route 2 - 21%;  Route 3 - 27%

Public transport For all transport information see the Traveline website
Public amenities Car parking in the centre of Eynsham. Proceed down Clover Place or Back Lane - free at the time of writing.
Refreshments A number of shops and public houses are located in Eynsham.
Disabled access Shorter linear routes are available along the Thames Path but may be muddy in places when wet.

Download a map and points of interest

Download the free walk information, including an easy to follow map and directions and points of local historical interest. You can also see the routes of the walks on our interactive countryside access map of the county.

If you cannot, or have trouble printing this leaflet, please contact us and we will print it out and send it to you.