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Lower Heyford to Kings Sutton

Route facts

Waterways:
Oxford Canal »

Distance: 8.45 miles / 13.6 km

Difficulty: Easy

Starts at: Lower Heyford

Ends at: Kings Sutton

The Oxford Canal between Banbury and Oxford closely follows the River Cherwell often running side by side and giving the canal a river-like quality.

The following route is between the villages of Lower Heyford and Kings Sutton. They are linked by a regular but infrequent rail service, so to avoid a long wait at the end of your walk we would recommend catching the train to your start point and walking back.

Walking route provided by www.meanderholidays.co.uk, which provides self-guided walking holidays.

 

Waypoints

1. Start

Start at the station in Lower Heyford, which is adjacent to the canal and marina.

Easting: 448300, Northing: 224745

2. Lower Heyford to Upper Heyford

Cross the bridge and join the towpath with the canal to your right. There is a shop in the marina on the other side of the canal. The pretty village of Lower Heyford sits behind the marina. To visit cross the canal bridge, continue up the hill for 50m then turn left. The village has a pub and 13th century church. The canal walk also affords views of the village and church.

At Allen's bridge (bridge 204) you reach the small village of Upper Heyford. The Barley Mow can be accessed by crossing the bridge bearing left and taking the first left turn. The pub is at the top of the hill.

Easting: 449350, Northing: 226010

3. Upper Heyford to Somerton Deep Lock

Bridge 196 provides access to the hamlet of Somerton and its ancient church.

After Somerton you reach Somerton deep lock which with its rise/fall of 12 feet is one of the country's deepest.

Easting: 449485, Northing: 229885

4. Somerton Deep Lock to Nell Bridge

Bridge 190 gives access to two pubs. The Great Western is next to the canal. The Duke of Cumberland's Head is in the village of Clifton 500m to the left of the canal.

At Bridge 188 the canal and river Cherwell cross. Rather than building and aqueduct the canal engineers just let the river flow through the canal. The towpath is raised to allow the river to flow beneath it and a stop lock prevents the river flooding the canal.

Leave the canal at bridge 187 Nell Bridge. The original 1787 bridge can still be seen beneath newer concrete widening.

Easting: 449510, Northing: 234365

5. Nell Bridge to Kings Sutton

Cross the bridge and follow the main road for circa 200m (please note it can be busy). Then turn left following the signpost for Kings Sutton. This takes you over the M40. After the M40 tranquillity is restored. Take the next left into the village which brings you to the village green. To return to the station and for the Post office turn left. For the village pubs and Co-op continue straight on.

Easting: 449470, Northing: 236080