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River crossings and the Thames path (Dorchester)
Route facts
Waterways:
River Thames »
Distance: 4.97 miles / 8 km
Duration: 2 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Suitable for: Flat but possibly muddy terrain. Kissing gates.
Circular route from: Dorchester
An easy two-hour walk through the Oxfordshire countryside, taking in woods, rivers, a lock and a church.
This route was provided by Rural Ways. Visit their website for more walking routes in the countryside.
Getting there
Parking: Car park at Dorchester Bridge.
Public transport: Bus connections to Dorchester.
Waypoints
Start at Dorchester Bridge carpark. Walk down Bridge End to the junction with Watling Lane. Turn right and then immediately left into Wittenham Lane. At the end of the lane, continue along the footpath along the edge of the field as far as the kissing gate in the corner.
Easting: 457900, Northing: 193995
Do not go through the gate. Turn right and keep the Dyke Hills earthworks on your left. At the end of the earthworks, follow the path off to the left and pass through a gate. Walk diagonally across the field to the bridge.
Easting: 457737, Northing: 193620
Cross the river at this footbridge, just downstream from Day's Lock. Pass the lock-keeper's cottage on your left.
Easting: 456847, Northing: 193465
At Little Wittenham church, cross the road and go through the gate into the field. You will see the Little Wittenham Clumps in front of you. go diagonally accross the field and through the gate that leads into the wood.
Easting: 456644, Northing: 193407
Follow the bridleway through the wood. When you leave the wood, you will reach a barrier. Follow the marked diversion to the right, then turn left between two fields. When you reach the farm road, turn right and continue until the Shillingford Bridge hotel.
Easting: 457714, Northing: 192944
At the hotel, cross the bridge and turn left onto the Thames path. Follow the path until it is signed to the left. Follow this route down to Shillingford Wharf. Turn right up Wharf Road.
Easting: 459654, Northing: 191976
At the Kingfisher pub, at the junction with the A4074, cross the road and turn left. After 300m you will reach the road sign for Dorchester. Go through the kissing gate and follow the Thames Path along the bank,
Easting: 459496, Northing: 192856
Cross the footbridge over the River Thame where it joins the River Thames. Turn right, keeping the Thame on your right. Go through a kissing gate, and continue until you reach the next kissing gate, with the Dyke Hills to your left.
Easting: 457801, Northing: 193226
