Little, Large & Ancient Woods and a Mound without a View, 12 miles, challenging

Calendar
Register
When:
February 5, 2022 @ 10:25 am
2022-02-05T10:25:00+00:00
2022-02-05T10:40:00+00:00
Where:
Radley station
Radley
Radley, Abingdon OX14 3BJ
UK
Cost:
Free
Contact:
Grant
Walk
Booking Required challenging Circular Limited Spaces (20) public transport Walk

This 12-mile circular walk from Radley passes through ancient woodland, towards the lavish houses of Boars Hill, stopping for lunch at Jarn Mound before passing through the village of Sunningwell and finally through the extensive grounds of the Radley College.

Walk details

Starting from Radley Station we take a short walk out of Radley passing the Church St James the Great which has stood since ~ 1300 AD, we then divert off the main road passing through Radley Little Wood, Large Wood and onwards towards Bagley Wood.

We then start our journey through the ancient Bagley wood which amazingly has only had two major owners since 955 AD and is now presently owned by St Johns College Oxford. It is a wood of 2 parts now being divided by the A34 which runs through the middle of the wood. After crossing the A34 we wind our way through the wood, heading past Hangmans Bottom towards Boars Hill.

Upon exiting the wood we cross over to pick up a footpath to start our circular walk round the area of Boars Hill before ascending up towards the Signal Elm Field where if the weather is good, we will enjoy a good view towards the Dreaming Spires of Oxford.

After taking in the view we head towards Jarn Mound and will stop for Lunch in the Wild Garden, we then start heading back towards Radley navigating lots of small footpaths in between the lavish houses before descending to Sunningwell where time/weather permitting we may enjoy some refreshment at the Flowing Well pub.

From Sunningwell we head towards Lodge Hill where we will pass a replica Spitfire on the roof of the Lodge Hill Car Garage. We then pass through the extensive grounds of Radley College, passing the Radley Oak on the college Golf Course. After leaving Radley College it is just a short walk back to the train station.

NB: It will be MUDDY as we pass through the 3 woods on the first part of the walk so I would strongly recommend wearing walking boots rather than shoes.

Travel details

By public transport

If you are coming from Oxford (20mins) or Abingdon (15mins) then walkers can take the No. 35 bus. Else you can arrive by Train from Oxford (GWR, Oxford to Radley, 10:07 AM – 10:13 AM) or Reading (GWR, Reading to Didcot Parkway (DID), 9:27 AM – 9:39 AM, GWR, Didcot Parkway (DID) to Radley, 10:07 AM – 10:16 AM).

By car

Radley Station Car Park (APCOA – 2188 – £2.50 for the Day), or if you are lucky there are 5 car parking spaces just outside the station (on Foxborough Road).

Notes

  • If you or someone else from your household has COVID-19 symptoms, please do not attend.
  • Please be considerate to other path users and step aside to let people past – and don’t forget to say ‘hi’ or ‘thanks’!
  • Please bring a packed lunch and a drink.
  • It might be muddy – please wear suitable footwear.
  • If it’s a rainy day, please bring waterproofs.
  • Please feel free to contact the leader with queries about the walk, or if you are delayed on the day.

Booking details

  • This walk is limited to 20 walkers including the walk leader.
  • Do not turn up for the walk without booking, else we will have to turn you away.
  • Book a place on this walk by completing this Google Form. Booking will open the Wednesday evening before the walk.
  • If you have any queries, please email walkbookings@berkshirewalkers.co.uk.