River Thames around Abingdon
Route facts
Waterways:
River Thames »
Distance: 6 miles / 9 km
Duration: Three hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Suitable for: Everyone
Circular route from: Riverside Car Park on the right of the A415 immediately south of the river bridge in Abingdon
A longish walk following a large curve of the River Thames, with a country stroll forming the circle, and the chance to explore the town of Abingdon.
This delightful walk around Abingdon, Oxfordshire, gives you the chance to see the bustling River Thames from the towpath. You will see glimpses of Thames past - including the first pound lock on the river - and can take the opportunity to explore the historic town if you have extra time. Perhaps the walk will even inspire you to tackle the whole Thames Path from source to sea!
Getting there
Parking: Park in the riverside car park in Abingdon.
Public transport: You can also travel to this walk by train. Alight at Culham station, then turn right onto the main road, walking west towards Culham where you pick up the walk.
Waypoints
1. Riverside car park
Leave the car park, walk to the river and turn right. On reaching Abingdon lock don't cross the lock following the Thames Path, stay on the right hand side of the river. The path is quite narrow but obviously well used and you rapidly leave behind the bustle of Abingdon and all the boat activities. The path next moves slightly away from the main river to cross a bridge that is restricted to 6.5 tons so check your weight before crossing! You then pass the site of the first Thames Pound Lock, built in 1620 at Swift Ditch which is in the trees to your right behind a board that gives you all the information.
2. Swift Ditch (site of first Thames Pound Lock)
Here go to the right and cross a much narrower footbridge then over an even smaller bridge, turn left and follow the edge of the field back to the riverside. After half a mile a motorcycle scramble track appears on the hillside on the right and you then meet a metal fence. Here turn right and follow what proves to be the railway line up the hill. At the top of the hill is a dramatic view behind you of apparently endless water with gravel pits extending behind the river.
3. Road bridge across railway
On reaching a bridge over the railway turn right and follow the track which then becomes a tarmac road past the large European School, this will be busy during term time but was deserted when I passed. At the main road turn right for 100 yards then cross over by the Wagon & Horses Pub and turn left. Or stop for refreshment. Straight down this road brings you back to the river where you turn right and follow the Thames Path.
4. Culham Lock
Almost immediately you reach Culham Lock in the Culham Cut, a narrow stretch with no mooring, a right turn and the cut rejoins the river. The path then crosses the Swift Ditch on a wooden footbridge and soon reaches the edge of Abingdon where there is a large marina on the opposite side and the houses. The right side of the river remains open all the way back to the car park by the main road bridge.
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