カートリントンのおすすめウォーキング＆ハイキングルート

A lovely, peaceful stretch of the Oxford Canal running parallel with the River Cherwell.

Free parking is provided at Heyford Train Station for rail users only. However there are several, marked parking bays outside the boundary fence on what I took to be a public road. These too are free of charge. I got there at about 5.30pm and was able to find a space.

A good spot for a bit of wild swimming. This section of the River Cherwell, just off the canal, is very calm and private. Great to cool off on those hot rides, or it's also just nice to sit by the banks and take a rest.

A fine lock and a great place to sit and watch the boats go by. The shared walking and biking path next to the lock is smooth hardpack gravel so suitable on any bike type.

After Tackley and Kirtlington, there is a 3-mile (4.8 km) stretch of the Oxford Canal with no settlements until you reach the Heyfords. The walk along the towpath here is much loved by the folk of Oxford, who use train the stations at Tackley and Lower Heyford and walk between the two. Aside from the occasional train rattling along the nearby tracks and the chugging of passing canal barges, this section is characterised by peace, serenity and birdsong. The canal and River Cherwell both provide a habitat for a number of bird species.

Nestled in the Cherwell Valley with both the river, the Oxford Canal and the railway passing by, Lower Heyford is an easily accessible yet delightful little village. Expect lush pastures and pleasant walking in the surrounding countryside, whilst the village itself has a shop, a cafe and a superb gastropub pub, the Bell Inn.

The Saxon village of Kirtlington is surrounded by some lovely countryside for an afternoon amble. Nearby Kirtlington Quarry is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and has a range of trails that explore the area. Many prehistoric remains have been discovered here, from sharks' teeth and crocodilians to Jurassic mammals and even therapod dinosaurs.

A real smorgasbord of architectural styles and periods await you in Weston-on-the-Green. This delightful village is a good base for hiking adventures in the Oxfordshire countryside. The Ben Jonson serves great food but is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Another option is the Chequers, which is owned by Fullers and serves good pub grub.