The Scenic Route

The journey is about a 40 minute walk or a 20 minute cycle, but it’s well worth it.

On your right as you walk along the river path – past Donnington Bridge, are Iffley Meadows, which is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (read more on the BBOWT website here). An area of traditionally managed hay meadow and pasture, untouched by modern farming methods. It is home to the largest population of fritillaries Fritillaria meleagris in the middle Thames area.

The river (referred to as the Isis, not the Thames, in Oxford) is well used along this stretch by walkers, joggers, cyclists and, by the University rowing teams – look out for the latest winners’ graffiti under Donnington Bridge. We also get pleasure boats of all shapes and sizes.

Iffley Lock is a really lovely spot for a rest and a place to sit and watch the boats as they manoeuvre through the gates of the lock. Iffley Village, originally a self contained settlement on the outskirts of Oxford, has a lovely church and some very interesting dwellings dating from the early 18th Century. There was once a water mill adjacent to the lock, which was sadly destroyed by fire in 1908.

The walk up to Rose Hill isn’t arduous and there’s always the stroll down to Rose Hill Methodist Church to get your breath back! Come in for a cuppa when you arrive.