Shakespeare's Way Section 4: Woodstock to Oxford

Length: 13.2 miles / 21km

Difficulty: Moderate

Walk leader: Beth (07956242703)

***Key Info for Saturday! Please read***

1. We are catching the 10:30 S3 bus from outside the station, this gets to the actual start point the Duke of Marlborough on the A44 (a couple miles north of Woodstock) for around 11.15.

This means you have 3 possible points to join us:

1. meet outside Oxford rail station for just before 10.30, catch the S3 bus with me at 10:33

2. Park at Pear Tree park and ride (OX2 8JZ, £2.50 for 16 hours) and catch the bus we're on as it goes past at 10:51 - note the bus stop is on the road outside, not where the P&R buses go (make sure you're on the West side of the road, heading north to catch the bus going towards Woodstock/Chipping Norton) - allow at least 10 mins to park, pay for parking and walk to the bus stop.

3. Park in the large layby directly opposite the Duke of Marlborough pub for free (OX20 1HT), and meet us. Don't park in the pub car park without getting permission from the pub. We'll be getting off the bus at 11.15 and meet you outside the pub.

You don't need to tell me which option you choose, the main thing is to be on time to whichever option you choose! If you're driving in I recommend the P&R option.

If you miss the bus I'm afraid you'll have to meet us in Woodstock an hour-ish in - drop me a text if that's the case and I'll let you know where to meet us.

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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 meeting at Oxford train station before jumping on the S7 to pick up the route just north of Woodstock, where we left it last time. You are welcome to also meet us at the Duke of Marlborough pub where we'll be actually starting the walk, if easier.

This very popular section of the Shakespeare's Way takes in Blenheim Palace grounds and the stunning town of Woodstock, before making its way through open fields towards Oxford.

After a while, Shakespeare's Way picks up the Oxford Canal Walk, which we'll follow all the way into the historical city centre until we reach the train station.