Bablock Hythe to Osney Bridge, Oxford, 10 miles

We had been allocated a kitchenette at the Churchill Hotel. Far more room than required so we had taken full advantage by not only having pack explosions, but suitcase explosions too. We slept well in a comfortable bed and there was no need for an early alarm as the earliest breakfast we had been offered was eight o’clock. The best I can say of it is that it was poor. Some got eaten, some did not. Such a momentous comedown from the Lamb yesterday. With our poor evening meal last night this has not been a good over nighter foodwise, even if the room has been more than adequate. On this type of lazy ‘slack-packing ‘holiday’ such things are important, especially for Mrs Three Points of the Compass who has only joined me on a longer trail provided certain luxuries are included. After snaffling some fruit for a simple lunch, it was back to said room to relocate suitcases for later collection and transfer. Somehow everything was repacked and it only took two laps of the room to gather up errant socks and chargers.

Expecting a hot day’s walking, I had factored in a couple of extra hours to allow for a slower pace, hydration halts and anything else. As it was, we kept a good pace and found ourselves approaching Oxford with about three hours to kill. The busy popular Perch pub made an ideal halt before battling like salmon through an increasing tide of people lining the Thames. It was great to see so much activity taking place, and it wasn’t just on the banks and wide paths. Boating, canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding and wild swimming were all popular.

Our accommodation for the next two nights is the Red Mullions Guest House on the city outskirts but still within the Oxford Ring Road so, yet again, we had transport to and from the trail. We were supposed to meet this at the pub nearest Osney Bridge. We wandered in, and promptly wandered out. Just a little further down the river, The Punter made a far preferable location to while away a little time. It had been a mostly undemanding day, but a good day’s walking nonetheless.

We are breaking our journey and taking tomorrow off to explore Oxford a little. A little on that walk tomorrow. Before then however, a short walk up the road this evening for a sit down fish and chips, possibly to be followed by an IPA somewhere.

The Thames Path
The Thames Path: Kemble to Cricklade
The Thames Path: Cricklade to Lechlade
The Thames Path: Lechlade to Tadpole Bridge
The Thames Path: Tadpole Bridge to Bablock Hythe
A day off in Oxford
The Thames Path: Osney Bridge, Oxford to Abingdon
The Thames Path- Abingdon to Shillingford/Warborough
The Thames Path- Shillingford/Warborough to Goring