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Best river hikes in Oxfordshire
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Best river hikes in Oxfordshire

Go with the flow on these riverside adventures! From gentle streams to powerful rapids, these hikes offer constant companionship with the sound of rushing water.

Here are some great hikes to explore in Oxfordshire.

Most popular hikes

1

Difficult

Icknield Way Trail

Oxfordshire, England · star 4.9 (13) · 218.7 km · Est. 11 days

2

Easy

Jurassic Way

Oxfordshire, England · star 4.3 (12) · 143.7 km · Est. 7 days

3

Easy

Cross Cotswold Pathway - Macmillan way section

Oxfordshire, England · star 5.0 (5) · 146.5 km · Est. 8 days

4

Easy

Wychwood Way

Oxfordshire, England · star 4.8 (5) · 58.5 km · Est. 3 days

5

Easy

Roman Way

Oxfordshire, England · star 4.7 (7) · 278.5 km · Est. 14 days

6

Easy

Oxford Greenbelt Way

Oxfordshire, England · star 5.0 (3) · 87.6 km · Est. 5 days

7

Easy

River Thames and Hambleden from Henley-on-Thames

Oxfordshire, England · star 4.3 (3) · 13.0 km · Est. 2 hrs 44 min

8

Easy

Blenheim Palace Great Park from Woodstock

Oxfordshire, England · star 5.0 (1) · 11.2 km · Est. 2 hrs 25 min

9

Easy

Thames Pilgrim Way

Oxfordshire, England · star N/A (0) · 164.5 km · Est. 8 days

10

Easy

Oxford Green Belt Way

Oxfordshire, England · star N/A (0) · 87.6 km · Est. 5 days

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Reviews for river hikes in Oxfordshire

Ross Doherty avatar

Icknield Way Trail

Rosco 路 reviewed 3 months ago

star star star star star

Julia Doherty avatar

Jurassic Way

Julia Doherty 路 reviewed about 5 years ago

star star star star star

The government released guidelines so that we could walk further than our own home and we were off! The Jurassic Way was not too far from our home so we played it safe. The weather was miserable but our spirits were high. We found easy wild camping sites, enjoyed some great pub grub and lots of cows!! Vlogged about this trail on my YouTube Channel

Julie Cole avatar

Cross Cotswold Pathway - Macmillan way section

Julie Cole 路 reviewed about 5 years ago

star star star star star

Florence Newman avatar

Wychwood Way

Florence Newman 路 reviewed over 5 years ago

star star star star star

Femia Pruijssers avatar

Roman Way

Femia Pruijssers 路 reviewed about 5 years ago

star star star star star

Frequently asked questions for hikes in Oxfordshire

What is the climate like for hiking in England?

In England, hiking in the spring (March to May) sees milder temperatures and flourishing wildlife, however trails may be muddy due to showers. Summer (June to August) offers the most stable weather with longer daylight hours but trails can be crowded, especially in national parks. Autumn (September to November) can be wetter but displays vibrant fall colours.

Winter hiking (December to February) is more challenging due to short days and colder, often unpredictable weather. Snowfall can make some trails inaccessible. Always check the weather forecast and equip accordingly. Experienced hikers may enjoy the tranquility and stark beauty of the winter landscape.聽

Ultimately, the best time to hike in England depends on personal preferences and preparedness. England's official tourist site (https://www.visitengland.com/) provides in-depth information about various hiking trails and their seasonal characteristics. Be sure to research specific areas as climate can vary across the country.

Do I need a permit to hike in England?

In England, the "Right to Roam" allows hikers access to certain public lands without a permit. Some areas like national parks or Sites of Special Scientific Interest may have specific rules. Before hiking, check with the landowner, National Trust, or local council. Information on access rights can be found on the Natural England website (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/open-access-land-management-rights-and-responsibilities).

Is wild camping allowed in England?

Wild camping in England is generally not allowed without landowner permission, except in some parts of Dartmoor National Park. Breaching this can result in fines. It's advised to use official campsites or seek landowner consent for a more immersive experience. For more, visit the Dartmoor National Park's website (https://www.dartmoor.gov.uk/visiting/planning-your-visit/camping).

Are there mountain rescue services in England?

In emergencies while hiking in England, dial 999 and ask for the police, then request Mountain Rescue. The Mountain Rescue England and Wales (MREW) is a volunteer-run organization that provides assistance in upland and lowland areas. More information can be found on their website (https://www.mountain.rescue.org.uk/).

Are there dangerous plants in England?

England's diverse hiking trails present a range of flora. Expect bluebells in ancient woodlands, gorse on coastal paths, and heather on moorlands. In protected areas, refrain from picking or damaging plants. The Woodland Trust provides more details on the UK's native species (https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/plants/).

What wildlife should I be aware of when hiking in England?

While hiking in England, you may encounter a variety of wildlife including deer, foxes, badgers, and numerous bird species. Beware of ticks in tall grass and midges in damp, shaded areas. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (https://www.rspb.org.uk/) offers useful information on encountering wildlife responsibly.

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