Walk, Eat & Drink in Southwest Northamptonshire

WALK, eat & DRINK in SOUTHWEST northamptonshire Recommended walks in South northamptonshire Aynho · Boddington · Canons Ashby · Chacombe · Charlton Chipping Warden · Croughton · Culworth · Edgcote · Eydon Farthinghoe · Great Purston · Greatworth · Helmdon · Kings Sutton Marston St Lawrence · Middleton Cheney · Moreton Pinkney Sulgrave · Thorpe Mandeville · Weston · Woodford Halse

l 15 walks of 30 mins to 5½ hours l routes to suit all abilities l beautiful countryside to explore l recommended pubs & tea rooms l compiled by local residents l includes suggested cycle routes

From the series of Award Winning Travel Guides Preston Farthingstone Planned construction of HS2 is likely to disrupt these routes. Capes Be prepared for temporary road closures or diversions.

CYCLING in SOUTH northamptonshire 2 Upper SUGGESTED CYCLE ROUTES in South northamptonshire For more cycling routes 3 Boddington Byfield Woodford get the Cycling in South

Halse l 14 road routes from 10 to 29 miles Northamptonshire Guide l 5 family friendly woodland rides l helpful cycling tips l recommended refreshment stops The Plough l includes national cycle routes from local outlets INtroduction From the series of Award Winning Travel Guides The Carpenters Arms Hinton Lower A361 The beautiful countryside around Brackley consists of rolling hills and stunning views and Boddington Walk 5 is steeped in history. Routes for this second volume have been selected to take in some of Walk 2 Walk 6 Canons Adstone Aston le Walls Ashby Blakesley Stables the stunning vistas on offer and help you get the most from the area. Walks range from a Tea Room 30 minute stroll to small hikes of five hours plus - so something for all. Eydon Bartholomew Claydon Arms Chipping The Royal Oak Warden Walk 3 Woodend Local food and drink is available across South Northamptonshire and you’ll find pubs, cafes and The Rose Moreton farm shops tied in with your walks for when you need refreshment! South Northamptonshire & Crown The Griffin Inn Pinkney Council have published an excellent guide to local food and drink called A Taste for all Seasons Edgcote available from local outlets and also the SNC website www.southnorthants.gov.uk/tourism

Hare & Walk 1 Culworth Slapton Children, how observant are you? Throughout the pages you will notice pictures of animals, Hounds Inn The Red The Crown Cropredy Wardington Lion Weedon flowers and places of interest that you may see on your walk, some easier to spot than others. Great The Star Lois Bourton Upper Inn Walk 4 Weston Keep your eyes peeled and when you see them tick the box and add up the total number of Wardington The Three The Manor points you score. There are Gold, Silver or Bronze Certificates for you to download from the Thorpe Conies Inn Buttery Williamscot Mandeville Wappenham Brackley online Post website www.globalmapping.uk.com/brackley Sulgrave The George & Dragon H The Publishers would like to thank the following for their help: A361 B4525 S Walk 7 2 Helmdon The Bell Tim Pridmore-Volunteer Warden at Farthinghoe Nature Reserve, Paul Hayter-Charlton R Chacombe O Walk 9 Middleton Marston U Conservation Group, Jan and Su at Brackley Information Bureau, farmers and landowners for, St Lawrence T Cheney E in the main, keeping footpaths and bridleways open and clearly marked. The Dolphin Inn Butler’s Pantry The Inn The New Inn Greatworth Map Design: Mary Spence MBE A422 Thenford Paintings: Tracy Smith Banbury Walk 10 Walk 8 Overthorpe Limes Farm Halse

M40 Walk 15 Contents The Fox Farthinghoe Long tailed tit pg 2 Cycle Map A4260 A43 3 Introduction Brackley Walk 11 Upper Turweston Astrop The Crewe Arms 4 Walk 1: ‘Battlefield Walk’ Culworth / Edgcote Bodicote King’s The Rose 6 Walk 2: Boddington & Nature Reserves to Oxford Canal Sutton & Crown Hinton-in- A422 the-Hedges 8 Walk 3: Chipping Warden Circular Adderbury The Butchers Charlton The White Horse Arms 9 Walk 4: Sulgrave / Weston Walk 12 CYCLING AROUND 10 Walk 5: Eydon / Woodford Halse & Walk 6: Canons Ashby / Moreton Pinkney Milton Walk 13 12 Walk 7: Middleton Cheney / Chacombe / Thorpe Mandeville Cartwright The SouthWEST Hotel Blackbird 14 Walk 8: Middleton Cheney / Great Purston Inn nort hamptonshire 15 Walk 9: Helmdon / Astwell Castle Great Western Arms Croughton Aynho Helmdon & Cropredy - 29 miles 16 Walk 10: Greatworth / Farthinghoe / Marston St Lawrence Walk 14 18 Walk 11: King’s Sutton Circular 0 123 mile Blakesley & Eydon - 10 miles 20 Walk 12: Charlton & Walk 13: Croughton Aynho & Chipping Warden - 28 miles 0 1 234 5 km Souldern 22 Walk 14: Aynho & Oxford Canal Directions for each route can be downloaded from © Global Mapping (www,globalmapping.uk.com) www.globalmapping.uk.com/brackley 24 Walk 15: Limes Farm, Farthinghoe Contains Ordnance Survey data © Crown copyright and database right 2018 T E

E Hall lworth R y

h T

Cu S rgin S N Vi E 4 E 5 Churc St Mar U

the Q

Roe deer Roe A

Culworth R

Walk route Walk Optional diversion Route marker Kissing gate Stile Battleeld

A T B S

H ed Lion G I H

The R

a r

l t lworth

n a

Grounds

m Cu

s i d

(O P Ad

Retrace Panel. view Information to bridge across head and road 7) Cross to steps over down head road, to ption past gate, through bungalow, towards field House. Trafford to pond on right of a medieval remains passing of house back round gate through go and house ast right head and wooden bridge village. Cross another crossing and turningright before up hill in southwest Head wooden bridge. road. reaching until 1 km approx for direction stile over right then and for 100 metres left bridge down old railway to path, follow and turningstile, crossing views before mire bridge). cross not (do turn right you where and gate downhill, through tracks Follow stile.final one crossing Culworth uphill to back right. your on is Lion Red and turn left road, At e

r b ra ord Site of of T Medieval Village Medieval 1 km

a ord E House T Tr U O

l R l

2 1/2 mile e S

w H

h lworth Mill C .globalmapping.uk.com) .globalmapping.uk.com) anel Cu P 9 500 m www Information 1/4 e Moor Danes

Ston | House d

Zigz O P (O F D

OA Ol y footpath closures. y footpath R Spinne y 0 0 © Global Mapping ( on bridleway. continue and of hedge edge ag around Moor Old uphill past Danes cross bridge, wooden past right veer and brook ver buildings farm past left on your Spinney barn. green large past right branch and Hill Barn. pass and gallop cross right, your to hedge keeping Barn, Douglas’s ast right 5) Turn to steps retracing views before next past field at right downhill, fork head and admire and stile to continue to ption cottages. to continue and of spinney edge straight continue and road onto right Turn right. on your House Edgcote passing turning and rightCherwell bridge old stone over River crossing Mill ollow sign to House, stiles further Cross stile. over again right then and road. reaching until right your following to river Green woodpecker Green LSH E W a ord Bridge a ord

Tr es rm a ord Bridge Farm a ord ostly No No No No No Y Tr Fa M repared for temporar Edgcote Lodge e Planned construction of HS2 is likely to disrupt this walk. Be p ol Th Po s

e s’ Blackgrounds Barn Hill Dougla dgcot

D House

E Edgcote A gallop

WALK 1 WALK 8 mi 4 E The R 454200E 247100N H RO

les hrs 206 xplorer Culworth ed Lion,

R O Hill Barn Home Farm W

L rden

Start: U

Time: C ‘Battlefield Walk’ ‘Battlefield By eld Edgcote

Grid Ref: Grid Distance:

Culworth / Edgcote Culworth Wa

1 6 Chippin 3 Pushchairs/Prams Children Young Wheelchairs provided Bins Walking Dog Benches/Seating Areas Picnic Free Traffic A ttages rdington This historical walk crosses over Danes Moor, the Moor, Danes over crosses walk historical This S Map: into church before turn and right right Culworth, headRed Lion in The at ark onto right turn 20 metres Banbury After Lane. under (passing straight Continue bridleway. two for bridge) kilometres. railway site of one of the main battlefields from the Wars Wars the from main battlefields of one the site fought in was Edgcote of Battle The Roses. of The walk The rebels. and July 1469 between loyalists medieval of the remains the through passes also village of Trafford.. Upper arm Co Edgcote Drive te F Wa rdington Ga Wa

com)

6 cut 7 t- elton 1 km rw Cha 1/2 mile k. .globalmapping.u Byfield Walk route Walk Optional shor Wheelchair access Route marker Kissing gate Stile Common lizard www otpath closures. 500 m 1/4 0 0 © Global Mapping ( epared for temporary fo epared for Over turn and wooden right, bridge roadfollow turn and left, stile cross road, At footpath follow and on right stile Cross mainto left on church past Continue between continues bridleway Traditional following on left, gate kissing Through ood rm W

Planned construction of HS2 is likely to disrupt this walk. Be pr D Fa Redhill A Redhill ol

continue to the left of copse, up steep hilland steep up copse, of left the to continue road. to continuing before intop view at take gate. to on bridleway continue Appletree, to farmyard gates, kissing through stile, over le Walls. Aston to gate through right then and turn left road, double hedge aiming for bridleway onto follows then and field over crosses hedges, you left turn road where to route well defined 100 metres. for NaturePool Byfield past ¾ mile, for footpath to Boddington and back on left Reserve park. car to path follow and turn right Reservoir, O

Po 6 H 3 S A L rden

ve E W Wa lls By eld Nature Reser

Wa y

w Chipping

l t

m s i d

Aston le oir v onard B

D Le ield Church

OA St rm

Reser R

ee ai rf disused

Boddington H r Fa

ELS W Estate rm Lowe ve Appletr Industria l rm rm Fa stbrook Fa Fa Manor House We Meadow D At this point have the option to continue continue to option the have point this At field into right turn 300 metres After continue wooden and bridge, stile Cross turn and Climb using pile wall of bricks over AD A

O Tilbrooke Boddington

RO e H R rm eld Cleveland straight across road along footpath for a for footpath along road across straight and road along or turn right route, shorter Arms. Carpenters The turn opposite left side, far stile on to of field edge follow and right, on fence stile in to field across continue stile. second over left and trees through stile on to straight railway, dismantled at stile to canal, towards head woodenand and bridge at lock. wall brick towards left the to veering road bridge,to Continue tow path. along left and road immediately onto bridge after turn left Macmillan named Way. bridleway onto right pavement for 100 metres before turning left turning left before 100 metres for pavement road. to which follow you bridleway onto

Canal boat Canal LS RY

Nature Reser E E y Fi Fa

U rm

W Churchlands

B T a

N U w Fa

A O i

B a

Appletre R r

2 d e

S l

t H n on a Y

A m

r s ostly

No No

No W i

on d The Plough M M U Appletree

round lake round lake round lake round I N A A A N E

Lowe L rpenters Arms L

M Upper d Boddingt Appletree House The Ca

Boddingt Y

House

Oxford Canal Oxford N

Spring el

A Nurse ry L L to I WALK 2 WALK

8 mi 4 h E C 449920E 253200N C

dars A les 30 mins rs 206 xplorer Boddington Reservoir park, ar

Fa M Ce

Start: Time: |

From car park, back to road, turn left turn left road, to back park, car From farm, to path follow gate, through road, Cross

O Grid Ref: Grid

n Distance: a a l C

Boddington & Nature Boddington d

Pushchairs/Prams Children Young Wheelchairs provided Bins Walking Dog Benches/Seating Areas Picnic Free Traffic r rm o

f x Fa O Reserves Reserves the of side either on reserves nature are There S Map: through go park, car smaller to bridge over to of field edge round bridleway, onto gate road. to path follow corner, far tokeeping road, downhillto gate, through left reservoir to enjoy. The Carpenters Arms in Lower in Arms Carpenters The enjoy. to reservoir is a there and fayre traditional Boddington offers towpath. Canal Oxford the along stretch nice Glebe 8 Cross road, up steep hill, continue on continue straight on along bridleway. Cross 9 footpath and turn left onto road keeping field, follow path over embankment and WALK 3 wood to right. WALK 4 then continue keeping hedge on right. Chipping Warden SULGRAVE / WESTON Circular Veer right onto bridleway and follow Starting from The Star Inn or Manor in Sulgrave you Footpath heads diagonally across field down hill to junction with bridleways. You have the choice of two pubs to start from, have the choice of a gentle hour’s stroll to Weston to gap in hedge, over wooden planks and The Griffin Inn, which includes the Village Shop, and call in to The Crown before retracing your steps continue across fields to top of hill. Turn left keeping hedge to right and and The Rose & Crown or park in the village. or follow a circular route with views to the south. continue to wood, entering through gate. The walk between Sulgrave and Weston is traffic free. Cross wooden bridge with gate at each Distance: 5 miles end and follow footpath into Weston. Time: 2 hrs 30 mins Emerge from wood through gate. Option Distance: 5 miles OS Map: Explorer 206 to cross road and follow bridleway down to Time: 2 hrs Turn right for The Crown or turn left Start: Chipping Warden centre ponds for stop or, cross road to the left and OS Map: Explorer 207 up hill passing allotments on left and out of Grid Ref: 450000E 248890N follow footpath into field. Footpath continues Start: Sulgrave centre village. Cross series of stiles, pass to left of in neighbouring field through gap in hedge. Grid Ref: 456000E 245610N Pushchairs/Prams No small pond and follow footpath to road. Young Children No Cross stile and wooden bridge back into Pushchairs/Prams No Wheelchairs No first field and continue alongside new hedge Young Children No Turn left and follow road looking for Dog Walking-Bins provided No and copse. Cross road and pass through Wheelchairs No footpath sign to left 100 metres before old Benches/Seating No young woodland. Dog Walking-Bins provided No rail bridge. Picnic Areas No Benches/Seating No Traffic Free Mostly At A road, climb stile, cross road, turn Picnic Areas No Path veers right across field after 100 left and walk on verge. Go right into airfield Traffic Free Yes - first part metres, cross stile at old railway embankment, Take Culworth Rd out of the village, ignore and then left onto wide track. After 300 go left around pond and continue on first footpath and after 800m take footpath metres left down narrow footpath that leads Head out of Sulgrave with the Manor footpath on far side, follow across field to on left over stile, across field, up to road. back to Chipping Warden. on your right and when the road goes left road which takes you back to start.

Warden Grange Manor Farm Redhill Walk route Wood Walk route

1 Option if route Optional diversion 36 impassable A Route marker Route marker Stile Kissing gate Stile 0 1/4 1/2 mile Warden Busy road, Weston d Hill take extra care i s The 0 500 m 1 km m Crown Horseclose a n Spinney t © Global Mapping (www.globalmapping.uk.com) l W e E d

L Wardenhill r S Wardenhill Sulgrave Farm a disused H Farm i l w Great Ground Covert airfield R O Manor a Covert y AD Farm H Appletree S2 Opens January Coolington Industrial DStone R Farm A O Buttercup 2019 Estate House U The Star T Calves Job’s RO E Inn

D Close Hill L

E Spinney Chipping I Sulgrave Manor 0 1/4 1/2 mile F

Y The Griffin Inn Warden B Planned construction of HS2 is likely to disrupt this walk. Sulgrave Buttery C ULWOR TH R OAD B 0 500 m 1 km Be prepared for temporary footpath closures. Church of The Rose & Crown St James © Global Mapping (www.globalmapping.uk.com) Helmdon Banbury BSt Peter & St Paul Church the Less 10

Option to cross road and continue in Follow edge of field alongside fishing lake. reserve. Otherwise, footpath continues to This section not clear but thereafter very easy! WALK 5 the left which you follow until joining up with EYDON / WOODFORD HALSE Jurassic Way through West Farndon. Turn right just after old stile and then sharp NATURE RESERVE left with ditch to right. Head to left at pond After 200 metres turn left onto then choose the left fork at line of oak trees. This walk has some awkward bits with poorly Bridleway down to concrete bridge and up marked paths to the south of the Nature Reserve Turn left onto quiet road and follow all but this is balanced with some wonderful steep hill. Follow well marked path to road wildflower meadows and picturesque views, along and turn back the way to Crockwell Farm where you bear with a visit to Woodford Halse Nature Reserve. to Eydon. left and down to road which you cross and continue to old railway bridge. Distance: 4¼ miles Time: 2 hrs 30 mins Yellow- Turn left after stream and follow well OS Map: Explorer 206 hammer marked footpath towards Moreton Pinkney Start: The oyalR Oak, Eydon crossing stiles with wooden bridges. As Grid Ref: 454200E 250300N you approach village go through farm gate on right, bear left round trees and cross Turn right out of the pub car park and stile, up hill towards house. then right down Blacksmiths Lane, cross the WALK 6 road to the red post box. You need to turn CANONS ASHBY / Cross stile through arch in hedge and left and follow the road out of the village MORETON PINKNEY turn left at stile junction. Path traverses three but worth going down Dockers Lane to a fields, briefly join road through kissing gate, Start in the car park in Canons Ashby or continue series of 3 wildflower meadows. Retrace down the hill and park in the road by the footpath crossing route of old railway and through steps. Road passes dismantled rail bridge sign. You will be rewarded with stunning views another kissing gate and follow path across to bridleway on left which you take. and silence, apart from birds singing! field back to start.

Bridleway bears left at disused railway, Distance: 5½ miles continue straight crossing road, eventually Time: 3 hrs path turns left into trees crossing old rail OS Map: Explorer 206 bridge, after 50 metres enter Nature Reserve Start: Canons Ashby Oak leaves over stile on right. Follow path to kissing gate. Grid Ref: 457300E 250400N

Woodford Hill Farm Hinton Woodford Halse Northwest Farm 0 1/4 1/2 mile d ism an Walk route tle d 0 500 m 1 km Woodfordhill ra ilw ay Optional diversion © Global Mapping (www.globalmapping.uk.com) Route marker Dairy Farm AY Cherry Tree W Nature Reserve Kissing gate

IC West SS A Farndon R Stile U J di sm a n tl ed

Manor Farm ra i Tile Barn lw Moors a Farm y

Lodge Cedars Farm Farm Ashby’s Crockwell Eydonmoor Farm Barn Farm East of Eydon Stables Farm Tea Room Canons Ashby Eydon d South West Farm is m a The Royal Oak n t le d

B ra St Nicholas i lw Church a ay y railw dismantled Foxhill Farm Eydon Hall Pushchairs/Prams No Young Children No Wheelchairs No Dog Walking-Bins provided No Benches/Seating No B Moreton Picnic Areas No Fox St Mary Pinkney the Virgin Traffic Free Mostly Church 11

Culworth 12

end and head for footpath directly ahead the village and follow footpath to right by and cross stile. Footpath continues straight, village green. Go through kissing gate and WALK 7 over second stile and track to bridleway. head up hill aiming for brick plinth with MIDDLETON CHENEY / ancient tree behind it. Makes a good spot CHACOMBE / Turn right into bridleway (part of to sit and admire view. Jurassic Way) and continue straight for ½ THORPE MANDEVILLE mile, veer to right of woodland to kissing Continue to top of hill, climb stile and Starting from Middleton Cheney Library, The gate which takes you through trees. turn right. After 100 yards path moves to Dolphin Inn is close by and you pass the right of hedge. Continue to dismantled New Inn as you re-enter the village. Butler’s Follow Jurassic Way signs into Chacombe railway cutting, path goes down and then up Pantry offers breakfast light lunches and teas. village, pass The George and Dragon on other side. There are also excellent pubs in Chacombe your left, path goes though gate on left by and Thorpe Mandeville. There are options to shorten the route but you will miss out on dog waste bin. Head for double posted At top, head into trees over series of some splendid views. power line, down to wooden bridge and stiles emerging over final stile to left of continue over second open area. Path continues diagonally across Distance: 10 miles bridge to dismantled fields to track. Time: 5 hrs 30 mins railway passing through OS Map: Explorer 206 tunnel and over stile. The Option to continue into Thorpe Start: Middleton Cheney Centre Jurassic Way continues Mandeville to visit Three Conies Pub. Grid Ref: 449910E 241710N until you reach Upper Climb stile and turn right onto track which Wardington. is part of the Millennium Way so follow Pushchairs/Prams No their signs for just over 1 mile. Young Children No Should you wish to Wheelchairs No save a steep climb, After crossing B4525 pass farm on your left Dog Walking Bins provided Yes take the first footpath, to where track opens out. Choose short-cut Benches/Seating Yes otherwise continue into back or continue on main track to Thenford. Picnic Areas No Traffic Free No As you leave village turn right onto Common spotted orchid footpath, cross stream and follow footpath Turn right at the war memorial, and back to Middleton Cheney, right at main look for narrow footpath on left, turn left at road and return to start.

Chipping Warden Hill Sulgrave Wardington Barn Farm Douglas’s Barn The Plough Walk route

1 6 3 Upper Optional diversion A Wardington Culworth Route marker Grounds AD ay R O ilw Lower Kissing gate ra Y ed R D tl an Thorpe U A m Hill dis B Stile O Farm R AN B Dawkin’s Thorpe St John the ON T Hill Sulgrave Barn Y Baptist Church G A N I W B Manor House

D C Hangland Farm The Hill 0 1/4 1/2 mile AR SI S The Three W Coton Fernhill A Conies Inn R Farm Farm U 0 500 m 1 km J Thorpe Marsh Thorpe Lodge Farm © Global Mapping (www.globalmapping.uk.com) House Mandeville Farm

St Peter and Chacombe St Paul Church Lodge Farm The GeorgeB Chacombe Thenford B4525 & Dragon Hill AD Je ’s Farm Thenford Y RO Hill Farm U R E NB Grange N BA A Thorpe House Park L

Chacombe Y Chacombe R WAY L Hill Farm L U I House Cherwell Edge B M N IU H Golf Course BA N EN N O K Oak Field T MILL S Nuthatch D House Thenford R R O A A Castle Farm N Stanwell Farm Grounds M O Farm D M L MA E RSTON ROAD H Rectory 25 Farm Greatworth The Inn 45 Marston B St Lawrence All Saints Middleton Church Floyd’s Cheney Farm B D AD Butler’s Pantry THE NFO R RO Thenford House The Dolphin Inn 422 13 A Thenford Banbury The New Inn 14 Head right from the (option to follow permissive footpath on 15 Pub to the A422 Bypass. right along course of dismantled railway line) WALK 8 This is the only time you WALK 9 follow path looking for kissing gate on right. MIDDLETON CHENEY / need to cross a major HELMDON / ASTWELL CASTLE Head for second kissing gate and keep house GREAT PURSTON road, so take care. Cross Starting from The Bell Inn, you’ll get plenty of to your left, look for hidden gate in corner. Starting from The New Inn, you pass The Dolphin stile once over road exercise climbing numerous stiles but you’ll be Path runs at end of gardens across series of Inn as you re-enter the village. Butler’s Pantry and follow well marked English rewarded with lovely views from the track on the stiles, then follows valley through kissing gates offers breakfast, light lunches and teas. This walk footpath into valley. bluebell second part of the walk plus a visit to the historic until meeting up with dismantled railway. visits the pretty hamlet of Great Purston and Astwell Castle. you’ll probably see Alpacas! Cross series of stiles (be Distance: 4 miles Turn left and cross ditch over wooden Distance: 5¼ miles aware some poorly maintained) eventually Time: 2 hrs 30 mins bridge and head for wide bridge over to right Time: 2 hrs 30 mins coming to dismantled railway. There is no OS Map: Explorer 207 with farm gates at each end. Head to the left of OS Map: Explorer 206 entry into Farthinghoe Nature Reserve which Start: The Bell Inn, Helmdon Astwell Castle crossing earthworks marking old Start: The New Inn, Middleton Cheney is to your left. Continue down the hill to stile. Grid Ref: 458810E 243590N mill race. Cross fields next to castle to track. Grid Ref: 450680E 241610N Over stile to wildlife pond on your Pushchairs/Prams No Turn right onto track (good views to right) Pushchairs/Prams No left. Continue over wooden bridge, cross Young Children No and follow until you get to Falcutt House. Young Children No meadow to stile then up hill to Great Purston. Wheelchairs No Wheelchairs No Over cattle grid, pass to left of house and turn Dog Walking-Bins provided No Turn right with pond to your right, Dog Walking-Bins provided No right onto tarred bridleway through hamlet. Benches/Seating No follow track until you reach series of topiary. Benches/Seating No You’ll pass two wind turbines to your right. Picnic Areas No Turn left into trees where footpath sign is Picnic Areas No Traffic Free Yes hiding. Path then crosses fields over series Traffic Free Almost When tarred road turns right towards of stiles (you can branch off to visit church if Little Purston, veer to left through double set From pub, go right then right again onto you wish). Middleton of gates and continue along bridleway. Keep footpath, through gate, then kissing gate Butler’s Pantry THE NF ORD R OAD following path across field. Path slopes down with open space to The Cheney to edge of field follow round to gap in hedge. Dolphin your left and gate by houses. Through gate Inn The New Inn Thenford Keep to right and down to stile in corner. Turn left and cross wooden bridge and at road turn right back to pub.

Banbury Footpath on other side follows field edge Upton but can be difficult to pass through with 0 1/4 1/2 mile Kiln Farm Lodge A422 crops in field. Option marked on map 0 500 m 1 km follows well marked route. © Global Mapping Small blue Middleton Farthinghoe (www.globalmapping.uk.com) butterfly Lodge Farm Astwell Castle Nature di wind Re-cross stream over newer wooden s Farm Reserve m ay turbine Brackley a railw bridge and continue over dismantled n ntled t isma OAD l d R e ay d ilw Broadmeadow P ra railway, footpath bears to left and then ed O tl r Barn an a R m i The Bell Inn dis continues to the left of a single wind lw T a S y A turbine. Helmdon Footpath turns right to loop around Grange Farm St MaryB Little Middleton Lodge Farm, cross series of stiles Magdalene Purston Great Falcutt House Farm Purston until reaching bypass where you turn left to Church Walk route 0 1/4 1/2 mile bridge which you cross back into Middleton Falcutt House Route marker

0 500 m 1 km Cheney. Turn right at The Dolphin Inn and Kissing gate Greatworth Manor View follow road back to the start. Farm Stile © Global Mapping (www.globalmapping.uk.com) Buston B4525 Farm Syresham D A O R going past church. The 16 ON 17 Fox is across the main Greatworth WALK 10 road and a short walk MARST O N R OA D HELMD GREATWORTH / FARTHINGHOE into the village. Marston St Lawrence i / MARSTON ST LAWRENCE The Inn Take first right just Although this walk starts from The Marston Inn after church, follow you have the choice of starting from two other Thenford Floyd’s Farm pubs along the route or the tea gardens at Limes road to gate on right Farm. Highlights include wonderful views from (or continue on main BSt Lawrence Church Greatworth and the dismantled railway cutting track into Limes Farm),

D north of Farthinghoe filled with wildflowers. pass through two A O R

gates and head down Distance: 6 miles EY L

hill following line of K Time: 3 hrs C electricity poles. Look A R Teasel B OS Map: Explorer 191 & 206 for stile in corner of Start: The Inn, the field. Greatworth Grid Ref: 453720E 242621N Cross stile, up to double set of gates and Halse Pushchairs/Prams No look for transmitter tower in distance. This is Young Children Yes your marker as footpath indistinct. At shallow ay railway cutting, cross stile and into cutting, ilw Wheelchairs No ra ed full of wildflowers in summer. On other side ntl Dog Walking Bins provided No ma dis Cockleyhill Farm Benches/Seating Yes head off to right through trees and use church Picnic Areas Yes tower at Marston as a marker. Continue Traffic Free No straight until crossing stile onto road.

Head left out of pub car park and follow Turn right and head to small bridge for views of lake. Go back to kissing gate on right road out of village. At national speed limit D and cross to church, through second kissing OA sign turn left over stile and follow footpath R

diagonally across series of fields and stiles. gate and turn left through churchvyard, Y

turn right onto road and follow through the KLE Abbey Lodge village. COC Cross minor road, through trees marking Farm dismantled railway and continue on path to stile with wooden bridge then two more Turn right at The Green onto small road, stiles, turning right onto bridleway which you at end veer right over grass to kissing gate, A422 Pheasant Lodge follow into Farthinghoe. Turn right at school follow path to second kissing gate and then Banbury follow track alongside wooden fence. Path Limes Farm Shop & Café St Michael & N M All Angels Church

EW AI Skylark continues over series of stiles. N B R D

RO The Fox Cross minor road and continue across AD Farthinghoe field, over stile and up hill, following track Walk route

around contour to edge of Greatworth. Go CL Farthinghoe Route marker

Lodge A 0 1/4 1/2 mile through gate on right along narrow path R Kissing gate

’ beside copper beech hedge. Turn right at S

0 500 m 1 km

Stile

Brackley 18

to follow the footpath to Purston and join Walk 8. Continue towards Astrop Hill Farm WALK 1 1 which you pass on your left until reaching KING’S SUTTON CIRCULAR bridleway on right just before copse. When you finish your walk there are two pubs to chose from and if you get time, visit the Turn right onto bridleway and head stunning church with its striking spire. To start the down hill towards Upper Astrop with King’s walk follow the signs for Banbury which will lead Sutton church spire in distance. you to Banbury Lane. For the most part walking is easy taking in wildflower meadows alongside the Great stitchwort At top, head into trees over series of River Cherwell but take great care crossing the stiles. Ignore track as it bends to the right railway and the final section which is along a road. Aim to the right of the signal, crossing and look for gate in corner ahead of you, wooden bridge over stream; the path bears go through gate and pass house on your Distance: 5 miles right alongside railway until you come to a right, through second gate and enter Time: 2 hrs stile on the left. TAKE GREAT CARE crossing farmyard passing barns on your left. Follow OS Map: Explorer 191 the railway. Cross stile into meadow with track until you reach road where you turn Start: King’s Sutton Centre River Cherwell close, follow path to Twyford left and head back to King’s Sutton. Take Grid Ref: 449891E 236250N Bridge over stile onto road. care on this section, the road is relatively quiet but verges are narrow. Pushchairs/Prams No Turn right, cross road past Cherwell Young Children No Valley Business Park and take concrete Wheelchairs No bridleway past sign Sutton Lodge Farm. This Dog Walking Bins provided No bridleway continues straight for over a mile, Benches/Seating No the first part concrete until it turns off to the Picnic Areas No farm at which point you continue straight Traffic Free No on. Eventually you reach a gravel drive; pass Keeper’s Cottage on your right up to road. Once on Banbury Lane look for footpath Marbled on left just past Cunnings Garage, go through Cross road and follow concrete footpath white kissing gate and head diagonally across field, signposted to Great Purston and Upper butterfly

cross series of stiles to wildflower meadow. Astrop. After 500 metres you have the option Oxtail daisy U Walk 8

0 1/4 1/2 mile

Sutton Lodge Farm

f o Sutton Lodge Cottage

Keeper’s C

a Cottage

n a Cherwell l Valley Business Park

Twyford Barn Farm Field Barn Upper Astrop

| Astrop Park Farm Twyford Twyford Bridge Wharf BA NB U R Y

L A

Adderbury Cherwell N M E Astrop 4 House 0 King’s Walk route King’s Sutton Lock JJ Sutton Optional short-cut D ST Route marker M ON ICH R Astrop Kissing gate D i ROA Stile OP TR The Butchers Arms AS Busy road or railway King’s Sutton B crossing, take care Church of The White Horse

j 19 St Peter & St Paul Aynho 20

right, then downhill to Walton Grounds. Pushchairs/Prams No Young Children No WALK 12 Turn right along track, through trees, Wheelchairs No CHARLTON cross wooden bridge next to ford, continue Dog Walking Bins provided No on footpath round to four cottages on your Apart from the first 100 metres this walk is Benches/Seating No totally traffic free and takes in the iron age right, taking bridleway at far end. Picnic Areas No Rainsborough Camp dating from 6BC. Traffic Free No Bridleway forks right uphill cutting through Distance: 4 miles small copse and across field to footpath when From The Blackbird Inn, head towards the Time: 2 hrs you turn right. Continue to top of hill. school and turn left into Wheelers Rise. After OS Map: Explorer 191 20 metres right onto footpath which loops Start: The oseR & Crown, Charlton Pass through line of trees and start gentle round back of school. Head in a straight line Grid Ref: 452760E 235820N descent, path turns left into adjoining field through kissing gates, crossing the Brackley then bears left heading back towards Charlton. Road and over a couple of fields, cross brook Pushchairs/Prams No by wooden planks, over stile and continue to Young Children No Gate on left leads to Stonepits if you want bridleway. Wheelchairs No the option of a further ¾ mile walk. Otherwise Dog Walking Bins provided No continue to two stiles next to pub.. Turn left onto bridleway heading towards Benches/Seating No single wind turbine, re-cross Brackley Road Picnic Areas No and continue to Charlton Road where you Traffic Free Mostly WALK 13 turn left. Please keep to grass verge. CroughTON From The Rose & Crown, head right, The highlight is the ‘traditional’ bridleway along Look out for start of bridleway on left over river then right onto bridleway. Through the northern part of this walk. On a summer’s opposite small copse. Bridleway is well second gate then diagonally across field to evening you’ll feel transported back in time. marked with blue posts, continue to minor gate, following bridleway into next field where road where you turn left and follow until Rainsborough Camp is on your left. Distance: 5 miles footpath on left. Time: 2 hrs 30 mins The bridleway cuts across field to next gate OS Map: Explorer 191 Option of two footpaths back to but worth detour to visit remains. Continue Start: The lackbirdB Inn, Croughton Croughton, one to the left, takes you back to along bridleway, through gap in hedge on Grid Ref: 454360E 233551N Wheelers Rise

Brown hare Astrop GRE EN L AN E

King’s Sutton The Rose Charlton Newbottle Farm & Crown Stonepits

Charlton Lodge y bridlewa

Mill Hill The Dower House The Cabin Gateridge Camp Farm Farm Rowler House Ø Rowler’s Rainsborough Covert Camp D Walton A Grounds O R Y E L Walton ACK Grounds R B House College Farm Walk route Pesthouse Home Farm Optional diversion Wood Route marker Croughton Brackley Kissing gate BAll Saints Church B4031 Stile B4031The Blackbird B4100 Inn

0 1/4 1/2 mile Park Farm RAF Croughton 0 500 m 1 km

B4100 21 22

Climb final stile to right of gate and pass church on your left, follow road to junction WALK 14 and turn right with pond on your left. Follow AYNHO & OXFORD CANAL road through village until junction where Starting from The Cartwright Hotel in Aynho this road veers left and track goes straight on. is an easy walk, partly on quiet tracks with the option of a 3½ mile detour along the Oxford Canal Towpath to the Great Western Arms at Aynho Wharf. A lot of this walk is along quiet Dog wood violet tarred roads, concreted tracks and the towpath which will allow pushchairs and probably Step over the old stone stile and head wheelchairs. Be aware of traffic around Aynho. down the footpath, flanked on both sides Distance: 3½ miles (7 incl canal walk) by a stone wall, passing through a short Time: 2 hrs 30 mins tunnel and over a stile onto open fields Red damselfly OS Map: Explorer 191 with views across Aynho Park. The footpath Start: Cartwright Hotel, Aynho continues in a straight line over a series of At this point you have the option to Grid Ref: 451480E 233230N stiles and kissing gates, passing a pumping follow the road which leads to Wharf station to your right until you arrive in the Farm where you cross canal bridge and go Pushchairs/Prams Partly pretty village of Souldern. through gate on right onto tow path which Young Children No you follow to Aynho Wharf and the Great Wheelchairs Partly Western Arms. After refreshment retrace Dog Walking-Bins provided No your steps. Continue down the track to the Benches/Seating No pretty Souldern Mill, stay on track past mill, Picnic Areas No cross river and follow track up hill. Traffic Free No Track meets with tarred road which With the hotel behind you, head left leads back to main road where you turn along the main road and as you near the right, keeping to grass verge up steep end of the village look for a footpath on hill to junction. At junction turn right and the right in a gap in the wall. Reed bunting head back to start.

Adderbury

Nellbridge Farm Walk route Aynho B4100 Junction Aynho Optional diversion Wheelchair access Peacock B4100 B4031 butterfly Cartwright Hotel Route marker Kissing gate

Stile B4031 Ryeland Busy road, B4100 Hill take extra care D OA Oxford Canal R

N Ash IO T Grove A T S

M40 The Mill House Aynho Wharf Aynho Park Keeper’s Great Western Lower Aynho Hill Arms Grounds

Upper Aynho Grounds Deddington Pumping Station Souldern Mill

BBlessed Virgin Mary Church W HARF L ANE The Fox Souldern Wharf Farm Manor Souldern 0 1/4 1/2 mile

0 500 m 1 km 23 23 © Global Mapping (www.globalmapping.uk.com) 2424 There are gentle walks around the farm to picnic areas and two small lakes. Alternatively, WALK 15 a tougher walk (wear appropriate footwear) LIMES FARM, Farthinghoe takes in part of Walk 10 as far as B where A popular farm shop in Farthinghoe offering you turn sharp left and follow footpath teas and light lunches. in southwest direction for 1km. Turn left Distance: 3 miles onto bridleway and follow it back towards Time: r 1 hou Farthinghoe almost as far as the main road. OS Map: Explorer 191 & 206 Go through gate on left and downhill to Start: Limes Farm, Farthinghoe allotment. Pass through trees on right, round Grid Ref: 453450E 239850N lakes and back to start. There is an option of a short-cut back on reaching the railway Pushchairs/Prams Farm only Young Children Farm only cutting at A . Wheelchairs Farm only Dog Walking-Bins provided No Benches/Seating Yes Walk route Picnic Areas Yes Optional diversion Traffic Free Yes Stile B

All walks in this guide are based on official footpaths or bridleways. The publishers accept no responsi- bility for any loss, injury or inconvenience sustained ay by anyone using this guide. ilw ra ed ntl Walking Tips ma dis Warm up before setting off with a few stretches. wooden Wear suitable footwear. bridge| Wear layers to keep a comfortable temperature. A Carry a water bottle.

bridleway D A

Published by Global Mapping R

Global House, 10 Glebe Drive Brackley NN13 7BX

www.globalmapping.uk.com Banbury CKLEY O

The publishers gratefully acknowledge the support of The Fox South Northamptonshire Council who are sponsoring Brackley this guide as part of a series of initiatives to support Farthinghoe tourism across South Northamptonshire District. For further information on what to see and do in South Northamptonshire please visit 0 1/4 1/2 mile www.southnorthants.gov.uk/tourism 0 500 m 1 km © Global Mapping (www.globalmapping.uk.com)