An Oxbridge Walk

Location: Oxfordshire; Buckinghamshire; Bedfordshire; Cambridgeshire

OS Maps: Explorer 180, 181, 192, 193, 208, 209

A long distance path of 184km linking the university cities of Oxford and Cambridge, two of the most prestigious universities in Britain. the route is generally undemanding, easy to follow, and pioneers new links at the Oxford and Cambridge end. Three quarters of the route joins existing way-marked paths, The Cross Bucks Way, a substantial stretch of the Thame Valley Walk, The Greensand Ridge Walk, and The Clopton Way.

The precise start is at the Head of River pub, from where it proceeds over the nearby Folly Bridge spanning the Thames. The route to Cambridge is fairly direct, the path following a generally north easterly direction. The main towns along the way are Thame, Leighton Buzzard, Woburn, Ampthill, Clophill and Gamlingay. Although the route is direct it passes through some attractive countryside and there is much of interest to be seen along the way. The guide book, recommended below, is excellent in providing information to satisfy the curiosity about all that is encountered during the journey.

Guide Book:

An Oxbridge Walk by J. A. Lyons This guide provides all the route finding instructions you need together with practical information required for planning the walk, which is divided into convenient sections. The illustrated guide provides a considerable amount of background information, thus adding immesurably to the enjoyment of the journey. Now out of print. May be available from libraries or second hand