Step off the train into the picturesque village of Radley, aptly situated just north of Abingdon and close to the Thames Path. The walk will start at 11:15, just after the 10:42 train from Reading arrives. If you are coming from Reading, please note that you will need to change at Didcot Parkway (arr 10:55 dep 11:01) in order to get to Radley. If the train is delayed, then the start of the walk will also be delayed. There is parking available at the station, where charges apply or in the nearby village (please park considerately).
We will head away from Radley on a slightly upward gradient via the grounds of the prestigious Radley College. We will continue through Radley Park before crossing over the A34, shortly arriving in the village of Sunningwell where we will visit the local pub, the Flowing Well. The walk leader intends to have lunch here as they have an interesting range of food, including sandwiches and tapas
After being suitably refreshed, we will leave Sunningwell behind us, travelling via Foxcombe hill and Bayworth, crossing back over the notorious A34. Here we will navigate through Radley Wood towards Sandford and our second pub stop. The second pub stop will be at The Kings Arms at Sandford Lock, where, if the weather is suitable, we will be rewarded with a lovely garden adjacent to the river.
Again, once suitably refereshed we will cross back over the lock towards the Thames Path and travel towards Radley and the end of the walk and the final pub stop. The walk will finish at The Bowyers Arms in Radley, which is a short stumble (2-3 minutes) away from the train station. Trains run back to Reading once an hour from Radley, again via Didcot.
Whilst this walk does include a couple of pub stops, please do make sure you bring enough water/supplies as there are a few challenging inclines on the route.
Sat Nav: OX14 3GZ or 51.6855 -1.2405
Grid Ref: SU526988