Nuffield - The Ridgeway - Icknield Way - Nuffield

Andrew Long

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Nuffield – The Ridgeway - Ewelme – Icknield Way - Nuffield

Starting on the Ridgeway National Trail in the village of Nuffield, this walk heads through Nuffield Common and over some hills, with great views of the surrounding countryside, before crossing the famous Chiltern Way. The route continues on the 'woody' Ridgeway (very different to the route to the west of Streatley) until Ewelme Park is reached. At this point, the route turns left off the Ridgeway and heads through the Ewelme Downs before taking the enclosed Grindon Lane track. After passing through Cow Common, the route reaches Ewelme with its mix of historic and modern buildings.

At the pond, the walker has the option of stopping here for lunch, visiting the local community-run store or heading westwards to the pub. There is a watercress garden on the way to the pub which is worth stopping for.

The route leaves Ewelme up Rabbits Hill with views over RAF Benson to the west. The next stage takes the walker across country and the busy A4130 before reaching the ancient Icknield Way. The short section walked today is a quiet country lane with pleasant views on both sides.

The final section of the walk takes the narrow Ridgeway trail through Oaken Copse, up and down dale as it tracks the ancient (and intriguing) Grim's Ditch. Leaving the woodland, the route heads uphill through open fields to reach Nuffield Parish Church and the start of the walk.

England - Central England - Oxfordshire - Chilterns

Features

Birds, Butterflies, Cafe, Church, Flowers, Food Shop, Great Views, Hills or Fells, Play Area, Pub, Public Transport, Wildlife, Woodland

7/27/2021 - Andrew Long

Walked reviewed and updated on a cool July Sunday. All bar one stiles have been replaced with kissing gates and even the remaining one can be avoided so it’s true to say it’s now a stile free walk.

9/21/2020 - Philip Wolsey

Completed the walk on Saturday 19/09/20 in warm sunshine. It is entirely suitable for a hot summer's day because the route contains substantial amounts of tree cover, providing opportunities for er, Cool Walkings! I loved Grim's Ditch: feels like walking in Pagan times. If you like that sort of thing, take a camera if the light is good: lots of sweeping landscapes, pretty village scenes and bits of idiosyncrasy in human dwellings. Parking at the beginning of the route was easy for me. There is a lay-by of rough ground just beyond the church, on the same side. Mine was the only vehicle.

5/27/2012 - Andrew Long

Walk re-walked by Contributor on 28 May 2012. Crown pub in Nuffield is now open once more.

5/12/2012 - John Sells

Completed this walk 11th May. First one we had done. Directions 100% - photos really helpful guide to path changes. Peaceful, remote feeling throughout. Several beautiful woods with carpets of bluebells. A long walk, timing correct, no major "wow" factors but lots of "mini wows"! Loads of Kites and Crows in evidence. Shows classic Chiltern countryside at its best. Would definitely do again. John & Helen