The Oxford canal and its Siamese twin, the river Cherwell, runs north from Oxford for anyone wishing to extend their river walking with a spell of canal towpath. The Thames' tranquility isn't always present here as this was once serious working water and shares some of its 18th Century course with its 19th and 20th century successors, the railway and the motorway.
Started in 1769 the canal reached Oxford in 1790. It stretches for 77 miles, controlled by 46 locks, heading north on a devious contour hugging path to the industrial midlands where it joins forces with the Grand Union.
Canal
walk - Oxford to Thrupp & Heyford (14.5 miles)
7
miles from the Thames the canal reaches the village of Thrupp with its
two pubs. "The Boat" and "The Jolly Boatman", both offer good food and
beer (The Boat must be booked for Sunday lunch).
Beyond
Thrupp the canal moves through idyllic countryside, crosses the Cherwell
and after another 7.5 miles reaches Lower Heyford where the railway station
is adjacent for a train return to Oxford.