Hike Oxfordshire (Ramblers)

Join us for a festive Christmas walk through the iconic Port Meadow in the heart of Oxford—a perfect way to work off those holiday treats, enjoy some fresh air, and connect with great company over multiple pub stops.

This short, sociable walk is perfect for newcomers and a fantastic way for existing members to mingle and celebrate the season together.
We’ll meet at Osney Mead Road (see map pin location) and set off on a scenic loop through the meadows in an anti-clockwise direction.

Our route will take us toward the charming village of Wolvercote and through Godstow, where we’ll cross the River Thames. From there, we’ll follow a well-established footpath along the far side of the river, stopping at The Perch—a delightful pub known for its cozy atmosphere, beer garden, and excellent selection of drinks.

On the return journey, we’ll make our way toward Fiddler’s Island, crossing the footbridge before heading back into the city. Our final stop will be The Holly Bush, where we’ll enjoy more drinks and a festive social to round off the day.

For those looking to head straight home after the walk, the Holly Bush pub is just a short walking distance from Oxford Train Station.

This is the perfect way to enjoy the beauty of Port Meadow, meet new people, and toast the season in style!

*Non-Ramblers members are welcome and are able to attend 3 walks before joining the Ramblers*

Please bring plenty of water and a few snacks if you need them.
Walking boots or suitable footwear for hiking is recomended.

** NOTE: This is just the Meetup event, members of the Hike Oxfordshire group will be attending but may not appear on this event https://hikeoxfordshire.org/

Please arrive at 13:00 ready to leave at 13:15

👣 Walk Details: This is a circular route 10.26km (approx 6 miles)
- Meeting Location Start & End: Adjacent the Southwell Building, Osney Mead, Oxford OX2 0ES

Google Maps Pin Location
Map Route: OS Survey Maps Page

Please refer to the meeting location using the above Google Maps link.

🌧️ Weather Precautions: While we hope for dry weather, it's wise to be prepared. Please bring suitable footwear and an anorak if rain is forecasted. Due to the recent heavy rain, the ground may be a little muddy in a few places..

🚆There are various trains into Oxford so please check the timetable to ensure services are running as expected and on time. the train station is a fairly short walk from our starting location, suggest allow 15 mins to reach the starting point (see google map pin location)

🚗 Getting There: For those arriving by car, there's plenty of free parking along Osney Mead Road adjacent to the starting location.

For those who maybe considering car sharing, for your upmost safety we please ask you to travel together in groups where possible or at least with a driver you already know.

Look forward to seeing you all :)

Start the New Year with an Unforgettable Chilterns Adventure!

What better way to kick off the year than by immersing yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the Chiltern Hills? Join us for a magical 9-mile walk through some of the most stunning landscapes this region has to offer. With enchanting woodlands, picturesque villages, and rolling hills, this route promises to be one of the most memorable walks yet.

This will be a joint walk with our friends from the Chiltern Young Walkers group, offering a fantastic opportunity to meet like-minded people and forge new friendships along the way.

We’ll begin and end in the idyllic village of Hambleden, near Henley-on-Thames, a place where time seems to stand still. Surrounded by charming cottages and timeless scenery, Hambleden is the perfect starting point for our journey.

Setting off from the north side of the village, we’ll follow a quiet road before tackling a short but invigorating climb into Russ Copse. From there, we’ll meander along the Shakespeare Way, a route that takes us through a harmonious blend of serene woodlands and open fields.

Passing Kimble Wood and the sprawling Great Wood, we’ll eventually arrive at the enchanting village of Turville. Famous for its quaint thatched-roof cottages and scenic charm, Turville is a gem nestled in the Chilterns. Here, you’ll spot the iconic windmill perched on the hill, a familiar sight from the film Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

As we leave Turville, we’ll follow a picturesque trail along the valley floor before arriving at the charming village of Fingest. Here, we’ll take a well-deserved break at The Chequers, a traditional country pub with a cozy beer garden—perfect for relaxing with a cold ale or a refreshing soft drink.

Refreshed, we’ll continue towards Fingest Wood, where we’ll pause for a packed lunch atop a hill with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside (as captured in the cover photo). From here, a gentle climb will take us into the enchanting Adam’s Wood, before we descend into the village of Skirmett.

The final stretch of our journey takes us through the tranquil valley, crossing open fields as we make our way back to Hambleden. To conclude the day, we’ll stop at The Stag & Huntsman, a delightful country pub just a stone’s throw from the car park. It’s the perfect spot to raise a glass and toast a day well spent.

This walk is the perfect opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty of the Chiltern Hills, share stories with fellow members, and make new friends along the way. Don’t miss out—sign up today for a day of exploration, relaxation, and unforgettable views!

We look forward to sharing this beautiful journey with you!

*Non-Ramblers members are welcome and are able to attend 3 walks before joining the Ramblers*

Please bring a packed lunch and plenty of water.
Walking boots or suitable footwear for hiking is required.

** NOTE: This is just the Meetup event, members of the Hike Oxfordshire group will be attending but may not appear on this event https://hikeoxfordshire.org/

Please arrive at 10:15 ready to leave at 10:30

👣 Walk Details: This is a circular route 14.80km (approx 9.2 miles)
- Meeting Location Start & End: Hambleden, Henley-on-Thames RG9 6RP

Google Maps Pin Location
Map Route: OS Survey Maps Page

Please refer to the meeting location using the above Google Maps link.

🌧️ Weather Precautions: While we hope for dry weather, it's wise to be prepared. Please bring suitable footwear and an anorak if rain is forecasted.

🚗 Getting There: For those arriving by car, there is plenty of parking at our meeting location. Parking costs approx five pounds and there is a ticket machine that accepts card payments.

For those who maybe considering car sharing, for your upmost safety we please ask you to travel together in groups where possible or at least with a driver you already know.

Look forward to seeing you all :)