Top 10 Walks In Oxfordshire

Written by Paul Gent in Places to WalkLast Updated January 30, 2025

top 10 walks in oxfordshire
Some links on posts are affiliate links and will earn us a commission from qualifying purchases

Oxfordshire, nestled in South East England, is a county celebrated for its quintessentially English countryside, historic landmarks, and vibrant cultural heritage. The landscape is a harmonious blend of rolling hills, meandering rivers, and charming villages, making it a paradise for walkers and nature lovers.

The county is home to the Chiltern Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the serene River Thames, and vast areas of ancient woodlands and open parkland, offering diverse walking opportunities.

Steeped in history, Oxfordshire is synonymous with the world-renowned city of Oxford, known as the “City of Dreaming Spires,” with its iconic university buildings and cobbled streets. Beyond the city, visitors can explore treasures like Blenheim Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the prehistoric Uffington White Horse etched into chalk hills.

Whether it’s tracing the ancient Ridgeway National Trail, wandering through picturesque Cotswold villages, or enjoying riverside strolls, Oxfordshire’s walks combine natural beauty with a sense of timeless charm, making it a must-visit destination for hikers.

The Top 10 Walks In Oxfordshire

1. The Thames Path – Oxford to Abingdon

  • Start/End Point: Oxford City Centre to Abingdon
  • Distance: 9 miles (14.5 km)
  • Terrain: Riverside paths, meadows
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Notable Landmark: Folly Bridge

This walk follows the tranquil River Thames from the historic city of Oxford to the charming market town of Abingdon, offering peaceful water views and lush meadows.

2. Cotswold Way – Charlbury Circular

  • Start/End Point: Charlbury Village
  • Distance: 6 miles (9.6 km)
  • Terrain: Rolling hills, woodland
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Notable Landmark: Cornbury Park

A circular route from Charlbury through the picturesque Cotswolds, including stunning woodland scenery and Cornbury Park.

3. Shotover Country Park Walk

  • Start/End Point: Shotover Country Park Car Park
  • Distance: 3 miles (4.8 km)
  • Terrain: Woodland, open heathland
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Notable Landmark: Shotover Hill

This easy walk explores the scenic Shotover Country Park with its mix of woodland and heathland, offering panoramic views from Shotover Hill.

4. Blenheim Palace Parkland Walk

  • Start/End Point: Blenheim Palace Visitor Centre
  • Distance: 5 miles (8 km)
  • Terrain: Parkland, lakeside paths
  • Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
  • Notable Landmark: Blenheim Palace

Explore the UNESCO-listed Blenheim Palace grounds, with serene lakes, manicured gardens, and historic parkland.

5. Uffington White Horse and Dragon Hill Walk

  • Start/End Point: White Horse Hill Car Park
  • Distance: 4.5 miles (7.2 km)
  • Terrain: Chalk hills, grassland
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Notable Landmark: Uffington White Horse

A scenic walk across the ancient chalk hills of Oxfordshire, featuring the iconic Uffington White Horse and the mythical Dragon Hill.

6. The Ridgeway – Watlington to Nuffield

  • Start/End Point: Watlington Town Centre
  • Distance: 6 miles (9.6 km)
  • Terrain: Chalk ridges, open countryside
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Notable Landmark: Watlington Hill

Follow the ancient Ridgeway National Trail through stunning open landscapes, with breathtaking views from Watlington Hill.

7. Wittenham Clumps Walk

  • Start/End Point: Earth Trust Centre Car Park
  • Distance: 3.5 miles (5.6 km)
  • Terrain: Rolling hills, grassland
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Notable Landmark: Round Hill and Castle Hill

This short yet rewarding walk takes you to the iconic Wittenham Clumps, offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

8. Chinnor to Princes Risborough via Chiltern Hills

  • Start/End Point: Chinnor Village to Princes Risborough
  • Distance: 8 miles (12.8 km)
  • Terrain: Rolling hills, woodland
  • Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
  • Notable Landmark: Bledlow Ridge

A challenging but beautiful walk through the Chiltern Hills, passing through ancient woodland and the scenic Bledlow Ridge.

9. Minster Lovell and River Windrush Walk

  • Start/End Point: Minster Lovell Village
  • Distance: 4 miles (6.4 km)
  • Terrain: Riverside paths, fields
  • Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
  • Notable Landmark: Minster Lovell Hall

A picturesque walk along the River Windrush, passing the romantic ruins of Minster Lovell Hall and idyllic countryside.

10. The Rollright Stones Walk

  • Start/End Point: Rollright Stones Car Park
  • Distance: 3 miles (4.8 km)
  • Terrain: Open countryside, woodland
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Notable Landmark: Rollright Stones

This walk visits the ancient Rollright Stones, a mystical Neolithic stone circle surrounded by peaceful Oxfordshire countryside.

Summary – Top 10 Walks in Oxfordshire

We hope you enjoy this list of walks and look forward to trying some of them out on your next visit to Oxfordshire. Why not take a look at other counties too when planning other trips.

Recent Posts