Where Cotswold stone villages, university spires, and winding rivers shape a county made for walking.
Oxfordshire, in the South East of England, blends countryside charm with deep cultural heritage, making it a wonderful place for walking holidays and outdoor adventures. From the honey-stone villages of the Cotswolds in the north to the wooded hills of the Chilterns National Landscape in the south, and the historic heart of Oxford, the county offers a rich mix of trails and landscapes.
Walking here might mean following the Thames Path as it winds through meadows and historic towns, climbing into the Chiltern Hills for sweeping views, or exploring the rolling farmland around Woodstock and Blenheim Palace. With market towns, riverside inns, and excellent rail links, Oxfordshire is perfect for both short breaks and longer self-guided walking holidays.
Thames Path (Oxfordshire Section)
A National Trail following the River Thames from its source in Gloucestershire through Oxfordshire, linking towns such as Oxford, Abingdon, and Henley-on-Thames.
Cotswold Way (Nearby Access)
Though the full trail runs through Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire’s northern Cotswold villages connect easily with circular and linking walks.
Chiltern Way (Oxfordshire Section)
A long-distance trail through the Chiltern Hills, with beech woodlands, chalk escarpments, and picturesque villages.
Oxfordshire Way
A 67-mile trail running across the county from Bourton-on-the-Water in the Cotswolds to Henley-on-Thames on the River Thames.