This linear walk will take us right across the Chilterns from Lewknor on the northern edge to Henley-on-Thames to the south. It is graded challenging as it has more ascent than most of our local walks (about 650m in total) but offers some wonderful views and is an opportunity
to build up your hill strength, or to maintain it after the Devon trip!
We will begin from bus stop B at Lewknor Turn (just off the southbound exit at M40 J6, where the Oxford Tube and Airline buses towards London stop), at approximately 10:30am. If coming from the Reading area (as the walk leader will be), it is suggested to take the 09:15 train from Reading, arriving into Oxford at 09:38. We’ll then walk (less than half a mile) to Gloucester Green bus station and take the next Tube or Airline bus to Lewknor. If the train or bus connection is delayed, then the start of the walk will be too.
We’ll be walking away from Lewknor village, making our way into the hills through Aston Rowant National Nature Reserve and Cowleaze Wood. We’ll then wind our way south through the Wormsley estate, briefly joining the Chiltern Way to climb onto Ibstone Common before continuing on to Turville Heath where we’ll stop at the delightful
Barn Café for tea/coffee/cake. We’ll continue through Summerheath Wood and rejoin the Chiltern Way through the grandeur of Stonor Park before turning south again to the village of Middle Assendon where we may stop for further refreshment at the Rainbow Inn. From here we’ll climb our last hill, following the Oxfordshire Way into Henley, our final destination (from which there are two trains an hour back to Reading, changing at Twyford).
NOTE: This is a linear walk. If coming by train from Reading, you’ll need a single to Oxford (£10/£6.60 with a railcard), a bus fare from Oxford to Lewknor (£4) and a single from Henley back to Reading (£5.10/£3.35). If you choose to drive all the way to the start, be aware that you’ll have a lengthy C-shaped return journey by train and bus to collect your car.
Please wear suitable footwear for a hilly walk, and bring a packed lunch and plenty to drink.
Sat Nav: OX49 5TJ (nearest) or 51.6733 -0.9587
Grid Ref: SU721976