Window To Another World, 6 miles, leisurely

This 6 mile circular walk from Oxford includes the Thames Path, Wolvercote Common, and two sites that appear in The Book of Dust, Philip Pullman's fantasy trilogy set in a parallel world.

Advance booking is not required, but if you plan on attending this walk, please indicate this on Meetup if you can, so others can see that there will be plenty of people going.

Pace: medium.

This walk will be led by Tom H..

Please see our website for more information about the group.

Walk details

We’ll follow the Thames Path upstream from Oxford through Binsey, eventually reaching the ruins of Godstow Abbey. In The Book of Dust: La Belle Sauvage, its alternative world equivalent, Godstow Priory, was where Lyra was sent as a baby.

Shortly after the Abbey ruins, we'll pass the Trout Inn, which also features - in parallel universe form - in The Book of Dust. The Trout was where Malcolm Polstead, the protagonist of La Belle Sauvage, grew up with his family. We may stop for a drink here, but this is a popular pub on a Sunday afternoon, so may not be possible depending on the size of the group.

We'll then walk through the village of Wolvercote, before heading south through the vast open spaces of Wolvercote Common and Port Meadow. The final stage back into Oxford is along the towpath of the Oxford Canal through Jericho. At the end of the walk, there is the choice of returning straight to the station or enjoying a drink in one of the many available pubs in the centre of Oxford.

Travel details

By public transport

Please travel on the 11.48 departure from Reading if travelling by train. The walk leader intends to travel on this train; if it is delayed the start of the walk may be as well.

By car

Parking is available at the station - charges apply.

Dogs

Dogs welcome on this walk, provided they are kept under control at all times and placed on a lead when requested by the walk leader.

Please see our dogs policy on our group website for more details.

Notes

• Please bring a packed lunch and plenty of water.
• It might be muddy – please wear suitable footwear.

Please contact the leader directly if you are delayed on the day or can't find the group (find contact details on our website). We are unlikely to respond to Meetup comments or messages sent on the day in enough time to be helpful.