Riverside Walks
Undoubtedly the most famous stretch of river in Oxford is that between Folly Bridge and Iffley Lock, a section of the River Thames which is popularly known as the Isis. It is here that the college rowing crews race against each other in the two annual regattas - 'Torpids' in late February and 'Eights' in mid May. Most of the College Boathouses are on the north bank which may be approached through ChristChurch Meadow; the towpath, however, is on the south bank, and runs past the headquarters of the University boat club (O.U.B.C). Iffley Lock is about 1.5 miles from Folly Bridge (which incidentally is the site of the original ford from which Oxford gets its name); some may be heartened to know that there is a pub at each end ('The Head of the River' at Folly Bridge, and 'The Isis Boathouse' at Iffley Lock).
There are a number of pleasant walks by the River Cherwell. 'Addison's Walk' is accessible from Magdalen College and it is sometimes possible (depending on whether or not the Magdalen College authorities have remembered to lock their back gate) to walk round from there to 'Mesopotamia'. In any event this pleasantly shaded walk may be reached from the University Parks. Those who choose to walk north from the Parks should cross Rainbow Bridge and follow the path (which can get a little bit muddy in places) on the east bank. Lady Margaret Hall and the Cherwell Boathouse pass on the opposite bank before a footbridge is reached which gives access to Wolfson College and thence to the city. Alternatively, you may continue to walk north for a further half-mile when you will reach the Marston Ferry Road Bridge and, just beyond, the Vicky Arms which serves food as well as drink.
The upper reaches of the Thames in Oxford cross 'Port Meadow', a beautiful open pasture, accessible from Walton Well Road (off Walton Street, North Oxford). Beyond the gate at the end of the road is a well-defined path leading to the Thames. The towpath runs north along the west bank (reached by crossing first a flat wooden, then a steel arched bridge) and there are two pubs further along the way. 'The Perch' at Binsey is the first of these; it serves excellent food and you can sit out in the pleasant garden in the summer. 'The Trout' is about one mile further on, past Godstow Lock and the ruins of Godstow Nunnery, and next to the road bridge crossing the Thames; the pub overlooks a very picturesque footbridge over the river, and peacocks and swans are often to be seen in the grounds. The easiest way back is the way you came, but the weary can follow the road over the river to Wolvercote, from where you can get a bus or taxi back to the city centre.
See also: 10 Reasons to Visit Headington Hill Park
