쉬운 미들턴 스토니 주변 하이킹 및 워킹 코스

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

When I saw this plant I thought 'I wonder if that's rhubarb'. So I looked it up on my plant identifier app. It turned out that it's called Butter Bur as well as the less flattering Pestilence Wort and Bog Rhubarb. I prefer Butter Bur, so called because in days of old the leaves were used to wrap butter to keep it fresh for longer.

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.

Turn left once you reach the clearing being carful on the path as it can get a little muddy if it’s been raining.

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.

A mile north of Lower Heyford is its twin village Upper Heyford. Its location in the Cherwell Valley gives it excellent access to the verdant Oxfordshire countryside. There are plenty of local trails to explore. The Barley Mow pub is a good lunch option. The nearby RAF base was decommissioned in 1993 and many of its buildings are now listed as scheduled monuments. The site is popular with local urban explorers.

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.