Tolkien-Inspired Walk in the Wolds

Waitlist: If this event becomes fully booked, but if you'd like to attend, please add yourself to the waitlist. Places often become available closer to the date, and you are likely to get one. 

A public transport accessible 11 mile linear hike on the Eastern side of the Cotswolds from Kingham to Charlbury Railway Stations, with direct train services to and from London Paddington, Reading, Oxford and Worcester. The walk follows sections of the Oxfordshire way with gentle rolling hills, woods, stretches alongside the river Evenlode, in an area that was the inspiration for Tolkien's Hobbitshire. 

The Sights:

Tolkien's Hobbitshire: J.R.R. Tolkien’s vision of The Shire in The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings was inspired by the rural landscapes of Oxfordshire, where he lived and taught at Oxford University. The rolling hills, woodlands, and villages, especially areas like Wychwood Forest, Charlbury, and the Evenlode Valley, influenced his depiction of Hobbiton. 

The Oxfordshire Way: is a 68-mile long-distance walking trail across Oxfordshire, starting at Henley-On-Thames, going through the Chiltern Hills and ending at Bourton-on-the-Water. We will follow a stretch from Kingham to Shipton-under-Wychwood.  

Kingham: is renowned for its honey-toned stone cottages and tranquil village green. It was named "England’s Favourite Village" by Country Life magazine in 2004. We won't see the village centre during this walk, but if you arrive early then feel free to explore (it's over 1 mile away from the station though).  

Bruern Abbey: began as a Cistercian monastery in 1157, but now a Georgian manor house sits on the former abbey site. Today it's a specialist school for boys with learning difficulties.  

Shipton-under-Wychwood: once part of the Royal Forest of Wychwood, and features a 12th-century church, a successful cricket club and access to nature reserves including Wychwood Wild Garden and Bould Wood.

Ascott-under-Wychwood: known for its medieval castle remains, 13th-century Holy Trinity Church, and the story of the Ascott Martyrs — 16 women jailed in 1873 for supporting striking farm workers. 

Charlbury is a market town known for its Saxon origins and medieval market charter from 1256. It was once a centre for glove-making and has a strong Quaker heritage. The town sits on the edge of the ancient Wychwood Forest, has a museum and hosts the popular Riverside Festival and the World Aunt Sally Championship!

The route here:

Starting at Kingham Railway station, we will shortly cross a river and briefly enter Gloucestershire and the village of Bledington. Here we will pick up the Oxfordshire Way, which we will follow for much of the route, following the River Evenlode through fields and woodland. We will see the ruins of Bruern Abbey on the other side of the river. At the village of Shipton-under-Wychwood we will stop for lunch. After lunch we will continue onto the village of Ascott-under-Wychwood where we have the option of a pub stop for a drink. We then cross the railway line and river and follow the Oxfordshire Way from the other side through an area of open pasture and woodland. Eventually we will see the church tower of Charlbury in the distance and the final section takes us through the centre of Charlbury where we will finish the walk, and from here it's a short 5-10 minute walk to the railway station, 

Dogs

Well-behaved dogs are welcome, there are some stiles on route and sections along lanes and roads where there may be traffic and dogs will need to be kept on a lead. Please abide by the Countryside Code (https://tinyurl.com/rlqvp3h) and remember not everyone loves dogs as much as you do so be mindful of other members.

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All photos taken by the leader on different dates over the past 5 years and permission given to OutdoorLads for use.