쉬운 애스터리와 키딩턴 주변 하이킹 및 워킹 코스

Car park opposite Judd’s garage. Wonderful walk must be undertaken

Ditchley Park is one of the finest houses in the country and for centuries has been used as a tranquil retreat for the nobility. A medieval village once stood here, providing access to the Royal Wychwood Forest. No trace remains. The current house was built here in 1722. Churchill used the house as a retreat during the Second World War, as it was difficult for the German bombers to spot it from the air. A bust depicting his head now stands in a prominent position in front of the house.

Woodstock is derived from old English, meaning a clearing in the trees. This is because Woodstock used to be part of the Royal Forest of Wychwood, most of which has since disappeared, cut down for industry and replaced by farmland. The market town today is a good base for exploring the gently rolling limestone uplands of northern Oxfordshire. Blenheim Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its wonderful grounds are set to the south and west of the town.

554 acres (224 ha) of glorious parkland await at Blenheim Park, which occupies most of Blenheim Palaces' grounds. The park is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest due to the habitats it supports. Whilst you have to pay to enter the palace and formal gardens, the park's many footpaths are free to enter. You can take a stroll by the lake, explore the woodland areas, or find a tranquil spot for a picnic.

This 13th-century church has seen many restorations and adaptations in its time. However, none were as controversial as the one that took place in 1876, when its new north aisle was enlarged, somewhat out of proportion with the rest of the building. This led to historians Jennifer Sherwood and Sir Nikolaus Pevsner to proclaim a 'lunatic' restoration. Architectural lunacy or no, the church is grade II-listed.

The lovely Oxfordshire village of Stonesfield sits on the crest of an escarpment and makes for a lovely place to stop after a long walk. It is known for Stonefield slate, a type of Cotswold stone used on roof tiles throughout the region. Mining here also lead to the discovery of a hoard of Middle Jurassic vertebrate fossils. In fact, the first fossilised remains identified as a dinosaur, Megalosaurus, were discovered here in the early 19th century.

One of the most beautiful area in Cherwell valley. Enjoy your gravel!

Lovely friendly cafe in the centre of Woodstock next to Blenheim Palace and they do a full English breakfast for £5 if you arrive before 11.30am