We are the Chiltern Young Walkers. We open the way for everyone in our local community to enjoy the pleasures of walking.
Length: 14.5 miles / 23.5 km
Difficulty: Moderate
Walk leader: Beth (07956242703)
***Please check the meeting point and parking point carefully, as we are meeting about 5 mins walk from the free long stay car park.***
Key info for Saturday!
We'll be meeting outside the Old Town Hall (see map pin for exact location) but for those coming by car I recommend parking at New Street long stay car park (OX7 5EL) where its free for 12 hours. Please allow 10 mins to park, get your boots on and walk over.
If you're coming by bus, then the S3 runs between Oxford and Chipping Norton, get off at the last stop - West Street (B).
Please bring wet weather gear and plenty of food and water.
We will need to start walking by 10.45 so if you're running any later than that you will need to catch us up I'm afraid.
Following the success of walking The Ridgeway in 2023, the Chiltern Young Walkers have set themselves a new challenge of walking Shakespeare's Way in 2024!
A 146 mile route that winds its way through the Cotswolds, the Chiltern hills and along the Thames between Shakespeare's Historic Birthplace and The Globe Theatre in London. Its a beautiful fully signposted route that goes through towns such as Chipping Norton, Woodstock and Marlow as well as the beautiful city of Oxford and of course a long section along the River Thames in London.
We'll be picking up the next section of the route by starting where we left off in February in the charming Cotswolds town of Chipping Norton. From here we'll strike out South-East along Shakespeare's Way towards the village of Enstone where, time allowing, we'll stop for a quick drink at the pub.
After this we do have to cross the A44 twice along this section, but we're rewarded soon after by walking directly through the historical Ditchley Park, home of a magnificent house dating back to 1772 which is famously known as a bolt hole for Winston Churchill during WW2 due to its relative safety and being more inconspicuous than Chartwell house and Chequers.
We'll continue south through woodland and open field where, on the border of Blenheim Palace park, we'll leave the Shakespeare's Way and head towards the A44 again, where we'll pick up the S3 bus outside The Duke of Marlborough just north of Woodstock (passes once an hour back to Chipping Norton at 17 minutes past the hour, aiming for 16:15 or 17:15. There's a pub by the bus stop we can pass the time if needed!)
Note that as we are reliant on catching a bus back we will need to leave promptly in the morning. Please bring a packed lunch and plenty of water. The route is long with small sections along the road and some ascent (around 230 metres) so this is a moderate-strenuous walk.
Did you know we're on Instagram? Follow us at @ChilternYoungWalkers to see pictures from our walks!
Become a full member
CYW are a part of the Ramblers and you may try up to three walks free. When you decide to continue walking with us, please join the Ramblers via 'Become a member'.
https://www.chilterns2030s.org.uk/new-members/becoming-a-member
We will be meeting outside The Old Townhall as a nice central meeting point - map pin is accurate. This is close to the bus stop and also only 5 mins walk from the large long stay cark park (New Street Car Park OX7 5EL). The car park is free for 12 hours!
