The Oxford Canal opened 1790 between Hawkesbury near Coventry and the river Thames at Oxford. Made a rambling link between Brum and London. A route made shorter by the later Grand Union.
Walk from Oxford to Banbury took three instalments. Did lot of walking in Oxford in the sixties, often in sleepless nights. About 1968 fancied a longer walk, 27 miles to Banbury by canal. The former Oxford canal basin had become a carpark; canal is linked to the Thames by Isis Lock. Past Worcester College. Behind Walton Street. Under bridge where Lucy’s Eagle ironworks was. Railway between canal and Port Meadow. Another connection with Thames via Dukes Cut. Drizzle. Ran out of enthusiasm at Kidlington and took train back.
In Feb 2000 arranged a short break. Involved Youth Hostels at Charlbury and Stratford. Visits to North Leigh Roman villa, Belas Knap longbarrow, Edge Hill and Cropredy. And another walk by Oxford canal.
Parked in Kidlington, no longer has a train station. Sunny. Navigation easy; just follow towpath, now Oxford Canal Walk. Follows River Cherwell through green farmland. At least twice river is part of the canal. Lift bridges like seesaws. One barge slowly overtook me. Left canal at Heyford. Thought buses would run on main road, A423. Pint at Hopcrofts Holt. Buses follow minor roads through villages. Had to walk back to Steeple Aston.
Drove on to several English Heritage sites before Charlbury Youth Hostel, once a glove factory. First stay at an English hostel. Australian under18 basketball team staying there.
November 2000. Drove second son and belongings to Coventry. Lots recent rain. Visited canal at several places to assess flooding. Oxford Youth Hostel in Jack Straws Lane. Full veggie breakfast. Frost. Drove to Lower Heyford. Towpath gravelled, some mud. Grassy meadows. Sunshine. Lots flooded meadows. One place a few cm of water flowed over towpath into canal. Traffic noise from M40. Photo of lift bridge contrasting with concrete motorway bridge. Four hours walk. Photo of Banbury Cross. Pint of Bombardier at The Banbury Cross pub. Passed no travelling boats. Few people. Three anglers. One birdwatcher. Several dogwalkers.
Ride a cockhorse to Banbury Cross, to see a fine lady upon a white horse, Rings on her fingers and bells on her toes, she shall have music wherever she goes
Train to Lower Heyford £3.80. Pints at Britannia and White Horse in Headington.
Enjoyable day and target reached.
Why do pointless achievements give meaning to life?
Rambling Brummie 