The Thames Path by Leigh Hatts

This is the beginning of the more remote Thames with only buses for public transport. Booking accommodation in advance is strongly advised. The walk out to Godstow, popular with many students and residents, passes Binsey with its treacle well. After Godstow Abbey there is the river’s most northerly point, a toll bridge and miles of meadows.

Refreshments

Oxford has many cafes and pubs.
Binsey: The Perch. Children welcome. 12-11pm (Sun 10pm). Food 12-3.30pm & 6.30-9.30pm.
Godstow: The Trout. 11am-11pm. Food 12-9.30pm.
Swinford Bridge: The Talbot. 11am-3pm & 5.30pm-11pm (12-30m & 7-10.30pm). Food until 2pm 7 10pm. Walk past the toll gate.
Bablock Hythe: The Ferryman. 11.30am-3pm & 7-11.pm (Sun 12-3pm & 7-10.30pm; open all day summer weekends).

Accommodation

Oxford: Becket Guest House, 5 Becket Street, OX1 1PP (01865 724675).
Oxford: Sportsview Guest House, 106-110 Abingdon Road, OX1 4PX (01865 244268).

Oxford: YHA, 2a Botley Road, OX2 OAB (0870 770 5970).
Eynsham Lock: campsite (01865 881324).
Swinford Bridge: The Talbot OX8 1BT (01865 881348). Walk past the toll gate.
Bablock Hythe: The Ferryman, OX8 1BL (01865 880028). Also campsite.
Northmoor: Rectory Farm, OX8 4PX (01865 300207). Feb-Nov, Sun-Thu. 16th-century farmhouse, once belonging to St John’s College Oxford, now in hands of third generation of Florey family. Picnic lunches if notice given.

Transport

Oxford: National Rail.
Swinford Bridge: Bus 100 (Stagecoach)
Newbridge: Bus X15 (Thames Travel 01491 837988) to Abingdon for Bus X3 (Oxford Bus Company 01865 785400) to Oxford for National Rail.

Tourist Information

Oxford: 15-16 Broad Street, OX1 3AS (01865 726871).

Map

OS Explorer 180 (Oxford).