The Thames Path
Swinford Bridge
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Pinkhill Lock
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Eynsham Lock to Newbridge
Thursday, 22 September 2016
Now that I'm in unknown territory well past Oxford I feel that I’m nearing the end of this wonderful National Trail. Before I reach the source there are, however, some challenging walks to come. I’m saying challenging not because of difficult terrain but more because of the scarcity of suitable public transport. Today was not too bad because the start at Eynsham Lock is served by the frequent Oxford to Witney bus route. At Newbridge there is an infrequent Monday to Saturday bus service to Abingdon (no buses on Sunday).
I started walking about midday and enjoyed the beautiful early Autumn weather. I soon passed a herd of curious cows and wondered what they were thinking when I greeted them. They seemed a friendly bunch so I didn’t feel the need to avoid making eye contact. The river here meanders serenely through meadows and apart from the occasional barge, motoring slowly downriver, tranquillity reigned. Soon I reached a boatyard and here a detour was necessary as the towpath was closed because of erosion. The detour included a short stretch along the busy B4044 Oxford Road. Although there was a pavement, it was narrow, and with frequent lorries thundering along, this was a little unpleasant and I hope that a new path can eventually be created along the river. Very soon there was a hedged path between houses that led back to the river. I am guessing that the riverside gardens of these properties are an obstacle to the creation of a new footpath. Tranquil towpath walking restored I soon reached Pinkhill Lock. Here I paused for lunch while watching a couple of chickens wandering around the pretty gardens of the lock cottage.
I briefly chatted to a woman who was geocaching. After continuing the walk on the other side of the lock I met her again at Pinkhill Weir. She was looking for the ‘treasure’ box which, she was certain, was hidden by this weir. The serial number on the metal structure was the clue. I tried to help her find it but with no luck. Now that I know a bit more about geocaching I must say it sounds like good fun and may appeal to people (families, teenagers), who find the simple joy of ‘just walking’ boring.
Now that I'm in unknown territory well past Oxford I feel that I’m nearing the end of this wonderful National Trail. Before I reach the source there are, however, some challenging walks to come. I’m saying challenging not because of difficult terrain but more because of the scarcity of suitable public transport. Today was not too bad because the start at Eynsham Lock is served by the frequent Oxford to Witney bus route. At Newbridge there is an infrequent Monday to Saturday bus service to Abingdon (no buses on Sunday).
I started walking about midday and enjoyed the beautiful early Autumn weather. I soon passed a herd of curious cows and wondered what they were thinking when I greeted them. They seemed a friendly bunch so I didn’t feel the need to avoid making eye contact. The river here meanders serenely through meadows and apart from the occasional barge, motoring slowly downriver, tranquillity reigned. Soon I reached a boatyard and here a detour was necessary as the towpath was closed because of erosion. The detour included a short stretch along the busy B4044 Oxford Road. Although there was a pavement, it was narrow, and with frequent lorries thundering along, this was a little unpleasant and I hope that a new path can eventually be created along the river. Very soon there was a hedged path between houses that led back to the river. I am guessing that the riverside gardens of these properties are an obstacle to the creation of a new footpath. Tranquil towpath walking restored I soon reached Pinkhill Lock. Here I paused for lunch while watching a couple of chickens wandering around the pretty gardens of the lock cottage.
I briefly chatted to a woman who was geocaching. After continuing the walk on the other side of the lock I met her again at Pinkhill Weir. She was looking for the ‘treasure’ box which, she was certain, was hidden by this weir. The serial number on the metal structure was the clue. I tried to help her find it but with no luck. Now that I know a bit more about geocaching I must say it sounds like good fun and may appeal to people (families, teenagers), who find the simple joy of ‘just walking’ boring.
After this interlude I was back on my own walking through a series of meadows as the path left the river for a while. I would have found this section a bit tedious but thanks to the sheep and lambs, together with the beautiful white and fluffy clouds in the blue sky, it wasn’t anywhere near as dull as it might have been. The sun gradually burnt away the clouds and it got quite hot so I stopped to apply some sun lotion to avoid sunburn as I walked towards the slowly setting sun.
Shortly after a sharp left-hand turn I passed the chalet and caravan park at Bablock Hythe. Finally I arrived at the Ferryman Inn and was pleased to be back by the river. This area proved to be popular and I’m not surprised as it really is a picturesque spot. The path now followed the river closely and walking on the soft carpet-like turf was a pleasure. There will be no aching feet after today’s walk. The river was fringed with trees and shrubs and, with the blue sky and sunshine, made for a lovely scenic walk.
I reached Northmoor Lock and couldn’t resist walking across the inviting footbridge to explore what was on the other side (it was a car park). Back on the right side the path continued pleasantly towards Newbridge. I’d planned my journey home from here (bus to Abingdon and from there to Oxford) but my daughter kindly offered to drive up and give me a lift home. She walked towards me as I approached Newbridge and we then enjoyed coffee and cake at ‘The Rose Revived’. It was warm enough to sit outside and was a lovely end to the walk.
My highlights:
Wildlife:
Useful information
Transport:
Refreshments:
Public Conveniences:
Shortly after a sharp left-hand turn I passed the chalet and caravan park at Bablock Hythe. Finally I arrived at the Ferryman Inn and was pleased to be back by the river. This area proved to be popular and I’m not surprised as it really is a picturesque spot. The path now followed the river closely and walking on the soft carpet-like turf was a pleasure. There will be no aching feet after today’s walk. The river was fringed with trees and shrubs and, with the blue sky and sunshine, made for a lovely scenic walk.
I reached Northmoor Lock and couldn’t resist walking across the inviting footbridge to explore what was on the other side (it was a car park). Back on the right side the path continued pleasantly towards Newbridge. I’d planned my journey home from here (bus to Abingdon and from there to Oxford) but my daughter kindly offered to drive up and give me a lift home. She walked towards me as I approached Newbridge and we then enjoyed coffee and cake at ‘The Rose Revived’. It was warm enough to sit outside and was a lovely end to the walk.
My highlights:
- Pinkhill Lock
- Riverside by the Ferryman Inn, Bablock Hythe
- Walk between Bablock Hythe and Newbridge
- Coffee and cake at The Rose Revived, Newbridge
Wildlife:
- Geese and ducks
- Cows and sheep
Useful information
Transport:
- Train Reading to Oxford; Bus to Swinford (S1 - Stagecoach Oxfordshire)
- Return: Bus from Newbridge to Abingdon (15 - Stagecoach Oxfordshire); bus Abingdon to Oxford (X3 - Stagecoach Oxfordshire; train Oxford to Reading
Refreshments:
- Swinford Bridge (Talbot Inn)
- Bablock Hythe (Ferryman Inn)
- Newbridge (The Rose Revived, The Maybush)
Public Conveniences:
- Eynsham Lock
- Pinkhill Lock
- Northmoor Lock
Thames near Northmoor Lock
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Northmoor Lock
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