Brightwell-cum-Sotwell - Dorchester - Brightwell
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Brightwell-cum-Sotwell - Little Wittenham - Dorchester - Warborough - Brightwell-cum-Sotwell
Located in the northern extremities of the Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this walk in the Oxfordshire countryside is one for the walker who enjoys historical buildings, country villages and great views of the Thames.
Starting in the picturesque village of Brightwell-cum-Sotwell, the walk heads north out of the village along an old Roman road before turning west through Little Wittenham Nature Reserve. Upon exiting the wood, the walker is confronted by the River Thames to the right and Castle Hill to the left. The pleasing village of Little Wittenham follows, where you can sit in front of the church and enjoy the hills in front of you.
Moving on, the walker crosses the river for the first time and heads towards the historic Roman Dorchester-on-Thames and through the dyke presumably used for flood control. In Dorchester, the walker has the option of visiting the abbey and museum or just wandering about taking in the many pubs.
Heading out of Dorchester, the walk takes the rambler through the Hurst Water Meadow before entering pleasing Warborough with its river flowing down the centre of the village. Later the walker reaches the Thames and takes the Thames Path to arrive at Shillingford Bridge, with further views over the river.
There then follows a quick climb before returning to Brightwell via the Bach Centre and the possibility of liquid refreshment at the CAMRA award-winning Red Lion pub in the village centre.
England - Central England - Oxfordshire - North Wessex Downs
Features
Pub, River, Tea Shop, Toilets, Wildlife, Woodland
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