Dorchester on Thames Circular Walk

8.7 miles (14 km)

The delightful Oxfordshire town of Dorchester on Thames has some lovely footpaths to follow through the surrounding countryside and woodland. This circular walk visits the River Thames, Little Wittenham Wood and Castle Hill Iron Age Hillfort. There's much to enjoy in the area, with riverside paths, peaceful woodland trails and wonderful views from the Wittenham Clumps hills on the southern side of the Thames. A must see in the town is the magnificent Dorchester Abbey. The abbey dates from 1140�and contains a fascinating museum detailing the history of the area.
The walk starts in the town centre and heads south through the town before turning west towards Little Wittenham. Here you cross the Thames and follow paths through Little Wittenham Woods to Wittenham Clumps. These two hills are a popular local attraction, offering wonderful views of the Oxfordshire countryside from the high points. After exploring the site of an Iron Age Hillfort on Castle Hill, the walk descends through farmland to Shillingford where you cross the Thames on the 19th century bridge. Here you pick up the Thames Path to take you back along the river before turning north to return to the town.
To extend your walking in the area, simply head south along the riverside path to Wallingford where you can visit the ruins of the 11th century Wallingford Castle and pick up The Ridgeway National Trail.

Postcode

OX10 7HH - Please note: Postcode may be approximate for some rural locations

Dorchester Circular Walk Ordnance Survey Map - view and print off detailed OS map

Dorchester Circular Walk Open Street Map - view and print off detailed map

Dorchester Circular Walk OS Map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking

Dorchester Circular Walk Open Street Map - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Walks near Dorchester on Thames

Wallingford Circular Walk - This circular walk explores the countryside surrounding the riverside Oxfordshire town of Wallingford
Thames Path - Starting at the Source of the Thames at Thames Head in Gloucestershire, follow the iconic river through beautiful countryside and historic towns to the city of London.
Wittenham Clumps - This circular walk climbs to these two distinctive hills near Dorchester
Wantage - The Oxfordshire town of Wantage is in a great location for exploring a lovely section of the Ridgeway
Ardington - This pretty village is located in the Vale of White Horse in Oxfordshire, just to the east of Wantage
Letcombe Regis - This Oxfordshire based village includes a pleasant local nature reserve and a noteworthy Iron Age�hill fort�on the Ridgeway National Trail.
Sutton Courtenay - This route from the Oxfordshire village of Sutton Courtenay uses part of the Thames Path and other public footpaths to create a circular walk through the surrounding area.
East Hendred - This rural village in Oxfordshire is located in the North Wessex Downs AONB and the historic Vale of White Horse near the settlements of Ardington and Wantage
Culham - A short circular walk around the delightful Oxfordshire village of Culham, passing the 15th century Culham Manor and the picturesque Culham Lock on the River Thames.
Benson - This pretty South Oxfordshire village is in a great spot for riverside walks and exploring the Chilterns Hills AONB
Clifton Hampden - This pretty Oxfordshire village lies just to the east of Sutton Courtenay on the River Thames.

Pubs/Cafes

Head to the George Hotel for some local history and refreshment. The 15th Century coaching inn dates back to 1495 and includes a charming old interior with oak beams and inglenook fireplaces.
They serve good quality food and also have a garden area to sit out in. Other facilities include car parking and accommodation.
The hotel has often been used for TV and film locations including ITV's Midsomer Murders and Miss Marple.
The hotel is located on the High Street opposite Dorchester Abbey and museum.�Postcode is OX10 7HH for your sat navs.

Dog Walking

The river and woodland paths make for a fine dog walk. The George mentioned above is also dog friendly.

Further Information and Other Local Ideas

If you are looking for the Dorset county town of the same name please see the Dorchester Walks page.
Just to the west you can visit the neighbouring villages of Sutton Courtenay, Clifton Hampden and Culham. The former picturesque settlement has several historic buildings including the 12th century Norman Hall and The Abbey - a Grade I listed�medieval�courtyard house. Culham has a particularly lovely lock and weir to admire.
Head south along the river and you will soon come to the village of Benson. There's a Norman church, a fine 18th century coaching inn and the picturesque Benson Lock to see in this worthy settlement.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Oxfordshire Walks page.