The D'Arcy Dalton Way begins in north Oxfordshire on the Oxford Canal Towpath and meanders southwards on the western side of the county to join the Ridgeway National Trail at Wayland's Smithy between Swindon and Wantage. The 66 mile long route leads you through some of the remotest and most beautiful countryside in Oxfordshire including the Redland Hills, Cotswolds, Thames Valley, Vale of the White Horse and the Wessex Downs.

The route is described in a north to south direction as the Wessex Downs, which are capped by the Ridgeway and Wayland's Smithy, first come into view some 30 miles short of your destination and thus provide a focal point for the second half of the Way. The backdrop which they provide creates more interesting views when crossing the flatter parts of the Thames Valley than if you were travelling north.

The guide describes the route in short stages, each with a detailed sketch map and an overview of places visited and of the features of the section. Where possible the stages end at locations where accommodation and public transport links are available. The guide also includes eight circular walks along the route for those who wish to sample the Way on day walks, perhaps before attempting the full route.

Settlements passed along the route include: Farnborough; Shotteswell Green; Hornton Green; Epwell; Burdrop; Hook Norton; Little Rollright; Sarsdon Cross; Snow Hill; Tangley; Great Barrington; Filkins; Little Clanfield; Eaton Hastings; Longcot; Knighton; Compton Beauchamp. The circular walk locations are: Claydon; Horley; Hook Norton; Salford; Ascott-under-Wychwood; Langford; Little Coxwell; White Horse Hill.