Thames Path 6: Oxford to Abingdon
Route facts
Waterways:
River Thames »
Distance: 8.5 miles / 13 km
Duration: Four hours
Difficulty: Easy
Suitable for: Everyone
Starts at: Osney Bridge, Oxford
Ends at: Abingdon Bridge
A walk along Oxford's rowing river and the rural reaches to Abingdon.
University boat-houses line the Thames through Oxford, and the towpath is always thronged with locals and visitors alike taking a stroll along this attractive reach. The Thames then heads out into open countryside on its way to Abingdon, historically the county town of Berkshire.
This section of the walk takes you along the most attractive stretch of Oxford's river. The frequent bus services between Oxford and Abingdon make this a particularly suitable route for a one-way walk.
If you're walking in the summer months, the long stretch from Sandford Lock to Abingdon can be almost oppressively hot with little shade from the sun. Remember to bring plenty of water.
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: Pay-and-display parking is available in Oxford city centre (nearest car park is Worcester Street) and Abingdon.
Public transport: Very frequent buses run between Oxford railway station and Abingdon town centre.
Waypoints
1. Osney Bridge
Join the Thames at Osney Bridge. (If you are starting from the railway station, walk away from the city centre, under the railway bridge. As you cross the river, turn left onto it.) Walk past the Waterman's Arms and Osney Lock, with its brand new boat-house. Just before the railway bridge, look out for a towpath memorial to a hero who saved two boys from drowning. After two footbridges you'll arrive at Folly Bridge.
2. Folly Bridge
Home to both the famous Salter Bros trip-boat operation and two popular riverside pubs, the bridge is always a hive of activity. The next stretch of river is the finest in Oxford, with university boat-houses clustered around the confluence with the River Cherwell - Oxford's punting river. Donnington Road Bridge is painted with rowing club slogans, revised every year. The towpath is invariably busy, so watch out for cyclists.
3. Iffley Lock
Next to the Isis Tavern - small inside, but with an enormous beer garden - is the picturesque Iffley Lock. Note the rollers provided so that rowers can haul their craft past the lock. The crowds begin to recede here, but we continue along the riverside and under the Oxford Bypass bridge.
4. Kennington Railway Bridge
The most shapely of the many railway bridges on today's walk, Kennington Bridge is now only used by freight trains carrying Minis from the Cowley plant, but was once on the old main line from Oxford to London Marylebone. Continue along a sinuous stretch of river, where a newly-constructed bridge has saved a tedious diversion along the railway.
5. Sandford Lock
The Thames finally waves farewell to Oxford at Sandford Lock. The olde worlde King's Arms is the last riverside pub we will encounter until Abingdon. The river now heads for open countryside, with three miles until the next bridge: Radley College's boat-house is the only landmark. This unshaded stretch can be oppressive in hot weather, so bring plenty of water.
6. Nuneham Railway Bridge
As the river swings around towards Abingdon, Nuneham Railway Bridge marks the last crossing of the railway for today. After half a mile, look for the Swift Ditch on the opposite bank, the original course of the river and site of the first 'pound' lock on the river. The path now takes a short but well-signposted diversion through a wooded nature reserve. On returning to the river, cross over the sturdy Abingdon Lock weir bridge.
7. Abingdon Lock
The Thames Path crosses the river here for the first time since Oxford. The lock-keeper sells ice-creams and cold drinks in the summer months. Continue along the water-meadows, past the popular visitor moorings, to Abingdon Bridge.
8. Abingdon Bridge
The end of today's walk, the bridge gives access into the centre of Abingdon (to your right). Abingdon is a busy shopping town, and served as the capital of Berkshire until the town itself was moved into Oxfordshire! You can catch a bus back to Oxford from the town centre.
Other stages
Thames Path 3: Lechlade to Tadpole Bridge »
Thames Path 4: Tadpole Bridge to Eynsham »
Thames Path 5: Eynsham to Oxford »
Thames Path 6: Oxford to Abingdon
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