A 10km circular walk starting in Deddington, walking to Clifton and back again. The trail follows a relatively well signposted route along country lanes, bridleways and footpaths. I walked this route in mid March and it was mostly dry, but there was a small wet and muddy patch at its lowest point near Bowmans Bridge as it passed alongside the stream.
Directions
- Starting at the Deddington marketplace, head south towards the Oxford Road. Just after you reach the Oxford Road, take the left hand turn to Chapmans Lane.
- Follow Chapmans Lane downhill as it winds around the farm. The gravel track eventually turns into a bridleway, walking along the edges of fields. It will eventually head downhill towards Bownam’s Bridge. Here there was a small muddy patch alongside the stream.
- Next to the stream, the bridleway turns left and heads towards Clifton. Most of the route has hedges on both sides, before it turns into a gravel track and heads uphill into Clifton.
- Take care crossing the main road in Clifton, then turn left and then turn right and head down Tithe Lane. This lane section offers some nice views across the valley with the church spires of the villages visible on a clear day.
- Continue straight past the house and then eventually taking the bridleway that diagonally crosses the field on your left. After passing past the Paper Mill cottages, turn left and take the footpath around the edge of the field.
- The footpath crosses into another field and then heads steeply up hill, diagonally across the field into the opposite corner.
- Cross over the stile and head towards Field Barn, following the footpath along the crest of the hill and round to the right, using the two stiles to then head onto the paved lane.
- There is a large sign on your left of the lane that instructs you to take the footpath across the field on your right. This crosses two fields and then emerges through a gate back into Deddington.
- Turn right onto Castle Street and head back into Deddington. On your left you walk past Deddington Castle. I stopped off here to investigate. Although there is only earthworks to see, it is a pleasant walk around with some benches to sit and have a short rest.
- Continue walking down Castle Street, then turn right into Church Street and follow the road to the left and around the Church, before emerging back into the Market Place.
Places to stop