Along the Oxford Canal
With your back to the church, walk along the access lane and turn right by a dog waste bin to follow the path. Descend to Vicarage Road and head right along Hackwell Street. Turn left down Godsons Lane and at the second road junction go right along Dog Lane, then almost immediately left along a waymarked bridleway between houses, heading away from Napton in a southeast direction.
Continue on the track for about 350 yards (320m), then ahead, passing through a series of farm gates. After the third one, go left alongside the hedge, through another field gate, then sharp right alongside a hedge to a gate. Cross the next field to a gate at a grass track and go right (enjoy the fine retrospective view of Napton on the Hill). Reach a final farm gate to the right of farm buildings. Go ahead along the road, following the Millennium Way.
Pass the entrance to Panthedge Barn and just before the junction of roads by the speed sign, go left over a stile and cross the field by heading diagonally left. In the next field, make for a stile in a wire fence, then maintain the same direction to a stile in the hedge ahead and walk parallel with the road hedge, going southwards. Continue over several fields and two stiles, passing to the left of a canal feeder and a derelict building, then cross meadowland via stiles and a footbridge. Keep to the right of dilapidated outbuildings, go through two gates and turn right at the road at Marston Doles.
Cross canal bridge No. 119 and go left, via a gate, to the tow- path, turning left to pass under the bridge. Walk beside the Oxford Canal, heading north towards Napton. Continue past the lock gates. Just after bridge No. 116, there is an exceptional view of Napton. Continue along the towpath to bridge 113, where you will find a shop and The Folly pub. Cross the bridge into Folly Lane.
In 50yds (46m), go left over a stile and continue across paddocks to a footbridge. Proceed ahead along a short stretch of track to a stile. Keep ahead to the next stile and cross the large field diagonally to a final stile onto Poplar Road. Go right along the road for 80yds (73m), then left opposite Howcombe Lane junction. Continue along this lane for 290yds (270m) to a junction close to Church Leyes Farm. At the junction, go right and return to St Lawrence.
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Been on this walk?
Send us photos or a comment about this route. Or recommend a route of your own.
Walking in Safety
Read our tips to look after yourself and the environment when following this walk.
Get an AA guide
Explore our range of ‘50 Walks in’ guides - they’re the ideal companion for a ramble.
Nearby places to stay
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