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Walking in the Vale

Walking in the Vale of White Horse

Enjoy walking in the beautiful scenery of the Vale of White Horse. Wander through tranquil countryside to waterside pubs, pretty villages, elegant houses set in an atmosphere that belongs to another time. The area combines two National Trails and local footpaths which means you can walk as much as you like.

Thames Path

A long distance trail which follows England's best known river from its source to the sea. The Thames flows around the Vale's borders from Lechlade to Culham. For further information Telephone: 01865 810224, visit the National Trail website or send an e-mail.

The Ridgeway

Britain's oldest road covering a total distance of 85 miles, 137 km from Overton Hill to Ivinghoe Beacon. A long distance trail, much of which follows the ancient chalk ridge used by prehistoric man. The Vale of White Horse section of the Ridgeway is steeped in history with Iron Age forts and Bronze Age burial chambers. For further information Telephone: 01865 810224, visit the National Trail websiteor send an e-mail.

D'Arcy Dalton Way

From Wormleighton near Banbury to the Wayland Smithy D'Arcy Dalton Way is a total distance of 66 miles, 106 km. It was created to mark the Oxford Fieldpath Society's Diamond Jubilee in 1986. It connects the Oxford Canal, the Oxfordshire Way, The Thames Path and The Ridgeway with the North Wessex Downs. For more information on the D'Arcy Dalton Way, please visit the Ramblers Association website.

Golden Ridge Countryside Walks

A pack of five circular walks set within the beautiful countryside of the Golden Ridge located 12 miles west of Oxford. The walks range from a 4 mile stroll to a more vigorous 21 miles and are supported by a clear colour-coded countryside map. Also provided are five 12 page guides for each walk to provide an engaging illustrated commentary on the human and natural landscape. The walks packs are produced by the Longworth History Society. For further information and guides visit the Longworth History Society website.

Abingdon and Surrounding Area

Sutton Courtenay Riverside Walk

The village is a gentle stroll from Abingdon, following the River Thames downstream for a distance of 2½ miles, 4 km. A link path from the Thames path leads you on a leafy trail between the Sutton weir pools and the main river.

Clifton Hampden Riverside Walk

This riverside path following the River Thames downstream brings you to the majestic Clifton Hampden bridge designed by Sir Gilbert Scott. A short walk from the bridge, you will find the Barley Mow Public House mentioned in J.K. Jerome's book 'Three Man in a Boat'. The walk is approximately 4 miles, 6 km.

For more information on these and other walks in the Abingdon area please contact the Abingdon Visitor Information Point: Telephone: 01235 522711, visit the Abingdon Town Council website or send an e-mail to the Visitor Information Point.

Faringdon and Surrounding Area

Ashdown House Walk

A circular woodland walk of 3 miles, 5 km around the National Trust property of Ashdown House. It incorporates views of The Ridgeway. The woodland is open all year from Saturday to Thursday, dawn to dusk. For house opening times and further information about the property Telephone: 01488 72584 or visit the National Trust website.

The White Horse View Walk

A circular walk of 5 miles, 8 km from Badbury Hill car park, south-west of Faringdon, using bridlepaths to enjoy the continuous views of White Horse Hill. The walk passes through Great Coxwell village where you will find the 13th Century Coxwell monastic barn, stone-built with a stone-tiled roof and interesting timber structure.

Willow Walk

A circular walk of 4 miles, 6 km which combines the Thames Path National Trail, local footpaths and Kelmscott Manor. The Manor is open on selective days. Telephone: 01367 252486.

The Faringdon Visitor Informatin Point has more information on these and other walks in the Faringdon area Telephone: 01367 242191, visit the Faringdon Online website or send an e-mail to the Visitor Information Point.

Wantage and Surrounding Area

Poet Walk

This town walk of approx. 1 mile, 1.2 km and takes you along Letcombe Brook and through the John Betjeman Millennium Park.

The Wantage Visitor Information Point has more information on this and other walks in the Wantage area Telephone: 01235 760176, visit the Wantage website or send an e-mail to the Visitor Information Point.

Organisations for Walkers

Ramblers Association

The biggest organisation for walkers and a registered charity of over 139,000 members. It has been looking after Britain's footpaths and defending the countryside for more than 50 years. Telephone: 020 7339 8500, visit the Rambers Association website or send an e-mail.

Youth Hostel Association

The YHA operates a network of 225 youth hostels in the UK. The Ridgeway YHA, Court Hill, near Wantage offers comfortable accommodation. Within the UK please Telephone: 0870 7706064/01235 760253,visit the Youth | Hostel Association website or send an e-mail.

You can find addtiional information on walks if you visit theAbingdon Walks website and the Walk England website.