Thames Path 5 Eynsham to Oxford
Route facts
Waterways:
River Thames »
Distance: 5.59 / 9
Duration: Two to three hours
Difficulty: Easy
Starts at: Swinford Bridge near Eynsham
Ends at: Osney Bridge Oxford
The Thames Path from the west is surely the best way to approach the dreaming spires of Oxford.
After a relaxing walk through open countryside, you'll pass the quintessential Oxford landscape of Port Meadow and the riverside haunts of Inspector Morse as you thread your way through the backwaters of this university city.
Without a doubt, this short walk is one of the best Thames-side strolls north of Reading. And with frequent buses between the start and end points, a one-way walk is easy to plan. (As ever, we recommend you take the bus out then walk back.)There are two historic inns on the way, the Trout and the Perch, favourite destinations for Oxford residents in search of good pub grub. Look out for Godstow Abbey, the ruin of a historic nunnery.Many improvements have been made to the path since it was opened in the 1990s, but volunteers are still needed to help maintain this popular walk. You can find out more about volunteering, and other aspects of the path, at the official Thames Path website.The Thames can flood in rainy conditions, making the path impassable. You can get the latest situation by ringing the Environment Agency's Floodline on 0845 988 1188.
Getting there
Parking: Parking is available just north of Swinford Bridge for a modest fee, payable to the toll collector at the bridge, and in central Oxford.
Public transport: Stagecoach Oxford service 100 runs between Oxford and Eynsham, via Swinford Bridge. It starts from George Street in central Oxford then passes Frideswide Square (opposite the railway station).
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Waypoints
Start point, walking route: Thames Path 5 Eynsham to Oxford
Easting: 444315, Northing: 208615
Walk down from the toll bridge to the lock, a popular mooring for holiday boaters. As you follow the river, look out for three junctions on the opposite bank. First is the Eynsham Wharf stream, where goods for the town were unloaded; then the Cassington Cut, a short private canal built by the Duke of Marlborough, but now derelict; finally, the River Evenlode, flowing in from the North Cotswolds.
Easting: 444315, Northing: 208615
The river briefly widens at a picturesque meander, known as Hagley Pool. A short distance further on, the first of Oxford's many backwaters leaves to the left. This is still navigable as a shortcut to the Oxford Canal. Continue right along the Thames to King's Lock.
Easting: 447210, Northing: 210035
King's Lock has a fall of only 2ft 6in, the shallowest and newest on the river. The river wends its way through wide open spaces, underneath the Oxford Bypass, to the quieter surroundings of Godstow Bridge and the Trout Inn - a favoured haunt of Colin Dexter's Inspector Morse.
Easting: 447840, Northing: 210275
The 12th century foundation of Godstow Abbey, once an important nunnery, suffered greatly at the hands of Henry VIII but is still an evocative site today. After Godstow Lock, the river enters Oxford's grassy playground of Port Meadow, widening and meandering through the timeless landscape which summons images of bicycling dons and picnicking undergraduates.
Easting: 448430, Northing: 209075
Cross over the river at the boatyard by Medley Footbridge, where another backwater heads off to the east. The aspect here is less open than previously, as the busy railway begins to make its presence felt.
Easting: 449865, Northing: 207345
7. Junction with Sheepwash Channel
You finally arrive in Oxford proper with a footbridge over the Sheepwash Channel, the main entry to the Oxford Canal. (Look for the old railway swingbridge, a hindrance for many years to the working boatmen.) Cross the bridge and walk past the tidy backs of terraced houses to Osney Bridge.
Easting: 450325, Northing: 206575
The elegant bridge at Osney is just 7ft 6in high, preventing many boaters from venturing above Oxford. From here on, the river will be more crowded all the way to London. Today's walk ends here, so turn left onto the busy Botley Road, which leads you to the railway station and bus stops at Frideswide Square.
Easting: 450290, Northing: 206245
Other stages
Thames Path 3 Lechlade to Tadpole Bridge »
Thames Path 4 Tadpole Bridge to Eynsham »
Thames Path 5 Eynsham to Oxford
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