Hike Oxfordshire (20s 30s and 40s Ramblers)

PLEASE NOTE THE 10AM START

Starting on the broad, windswept top of Cleeve Hill, the highest point in the Cotswolds, you immediately feel the scale of the landscape and the effort ahead; this is a hilly walk, and the climbs come early.

Following the ridge, you reach Cleeve Hill Fort, an Iron Age hillfort whose huge earthworks still dominate the escarpment. More than 2,500 years ago, this was a frontier stronghold, its ramparts built by hand and its position chosen for commanding views over the Severn Vale.

From here the path dips and rises again toward Belas Knap, a beautifully preserved Neolithic long barrow dating to around 3,800 BCE. Its false entrance, stone chambers, and long mound make it one of the most atmospheric prehistoric monuments in Britain, a place of ritual and burial long before written history.

Dropping down from Belas Knap, you enter the quieter woodland paths leading to Spoonley Wood Roman Villa. It’s tucked away, atmospheric, and partially reconstructed. The Romans built a substantial villa here, complete with mosaic floors — one of which is still preserved under a protective cover.

After leaving the barrow, the route descends toward Sudeley Castle, where medieval and Tudor history collide: monarchs stayed here, battles touched its grounds, and Katherine Parr, Henry VIII’s last wife, is buried in its chapel. If time allows, you can drop into Winchcombe for a pub stop — the town is close, welcoming, and perfectly placed for a mid‑walk pint. The final stretch leads you toward Postlip Tithe Barn, a vast medieval agricultural building once used to store tithes paid to the church in grain, wool, and produce. Its sheer size speaks to the wealth and power of the medieval church, and it makes a fitting end to a walk that spans thousands of years of human history in just a few miles

A stunning 10 mile circular walk from Lechlade along the Thames path and between the lakes.

Immerse yourself in beautiful Chiltern countryside, peaceful woodlands, and great company on this rewarding circular walk through some of South Oxfordshire’s most picturesque landscapes. Our route begins and ends in Middle Asseden, a small hamlet nestled amongst rolling hills and ancient woodland near Henley.

This will be a joint walk with our friends from the Chiltern Young Walkers group, offering a fantastic opportunity to meet like-minded people and forge new friendships along the way.

Setting off from Middle Assenden, we immediately loop onto local paths, heading anticlockwise through the rolling countryside past Rockylane Farm, Shepherd’s Green, and Sam’s Wood as we pick up a stretch of the Chiltern Way.

Our halfway stop is in the picturesque village of Rotherfield Greys, where we’ll pause for our packed lunch and a well-earned drink, likely at The Maltsters Arms.

Refreshed, we’ll head back through the quiet canopy of Pindars Wood and the estate grounds surrounding National Trust’s Greys Court, before passing through Lime Tree Farm and the charming woodlands near Fairies Hole. For the final stretch, the route takes us up and around Great Hill and through Henley Park, sweeping past the quiet hamlet of Pond Cott before a gentle descent back to our starting point in Middle Assenden..

To round off the day, there's the option to gather at The Golden Ball pub in Lower Assenden, just a mile down the road from our starting location — the perfect place to relax, swap stories from the walk, and enjoy a well-earned drink together before heading home.

We look forward to sharing this beautiful journey with you!

*Non-Ramblers members are welcome and are able to attend 3 walks before joining the Ramblers*

Please bring a packed lunch and plenty of water.
Walking boots or suitable footwear for hiking is required.