The second set of Thames Path walks – so this is the first day Oxford to Abingdon. Starting on the Botley Road and down into Osney Mead. Quite a special part of Oxford which once would have had warehouses and still has a boatyard. There’s a lock and large weir and also now a newly installed reverse Archimedes Screw . Having passed under the railway line there is a green area on our right which is cross crossed with well used paths.
We cross the Abingdon Road and the path is already busier with bicycles. Across the other side from us is Christchurch meadow and we then come up to the various college boat houses.
With the dry summer several plants have had rather disturbed life cycles. We’ve noticed most Horse Chestnut Trees are loosing their leaves but this one has flowers as if it was spring.
As noted the last time I walked most of this route, until the river passes under the ring road it seems remarkably rural. There are three of us today- Andrew, Richard and myself and they are both rather surprised at the tranquility. We have passed by Iffley Lock and one thing we are beginning to notice is the abundance of Michaelmas Daisies. We’ve also seen wild hops.
The river splits often at this point and as other water joins we watch some grey wagtails. Andrew also sees a Kingfisher. When we get to Sandford Lock we stop for a snack , sitting on one of the conveniently placed benches. Next quite a long stretch with not much happening. Very pleasant, the river is wide at this point.
The next point of significance is the boat house at Lower Radley, belonging to Abingdon School. Just leaving this area and I look up and over the river and gain a really good view of Nuneham Mansion – somehow I managed to miss it last time I walked this stretch. I explained to the other two that I had lived there for two years- what a great and unusual memory to have. Shortly after this is a rather splendid boathouse, I guess this might be connected. The house which I think still belongs to Oxford University, is now a retreat – Buddhist possibly.
Not too much happening on the next section apart from some reclaimed gravel pits and a couple of desirable houses! We pass under the railway bridge which serves the branch line from Didcot to Oxford – occasionally this stops at Appleford, Culham and mostly Radley. We’ve seen several trains and are aware of more as we stop for lunch, with our view over the river to the motor cross circuit at Culham. Alex has also run a very muddy cross country here with lots of ups and downs !
The river then wends it’s way to Abingdon, the path at some points moving away from the main bank and crossing side ditches. We come out by a nature reserve, a cycle track and the way across the weir, and to the lock. The river is very wide at this point and there are often canoeists and boats passing through the lock. Not today though! Just a few ducks and a seagull on a buoy!
We are soon walking along the meadow approaching the town and can see the dominant spire of St.Helen’s Church. Our on to the bridge and down towards Rye Farm Car Park. 19 km today, just to get us tuned up- we’ll be back tomorrow!
Marion's 50 Walk Challenge 