Walks in Oxford

A list of interesting self-guided walks in Oxford to download or purchase

Oxford is a magnificent place to explore on foot – in fact that’s the only way to see it properly. There are many walking routes and many aspects of Oxford to explore – not just colleges and fine buildings, but also waterways, parkland, art, industry, science and a long, sometimes turbulent history.

For those new to Oxford, perhaps the easiest approach is just to amble around the city centre, making use of the excellent signs and information panels available. The Oxford Visitor Information Centre in Broad Street is a good place to pick up leaflets and books on walks.

But for those who wish to explore further, knowing about and choosing between the walks available is not easy. That’s why we have developed this site. It’s been developed by three organisations with Oxford in our hearts: Oxford Civic Society, Oxford Pedestrians Association and Ramblers Oxford.

We have created a selected list of ‘interesting’ Oxford walks. Each walk provides some fascinating aspects of the history, culture, geography or nature of this great city. So please browse the list of walks shown in this website. The walks have been categorised by theme, accessibility, length and starting point.

How this website works

Most of the walks are available online so are only a click away.

Some of the walks listed are described in books or pamphlets. Generally we’ve included those books that you can easily buy at the main bookshops (see Where to Buy).

In the category ‘Favourites’ you will find a small selection of the web-based walks that we think are especially well described and interesting.

See our Links page for other sources of information. Walking is, of course, a healthy activity and we have included some information on Health Walks.

We need your feedback!

Do get in touch if you have any comments. We cannot vouch for the total accuracy of the information on the site and, of course, the walks we have selected are our personal choices. You may have different selections which you think we should show. You can email us from the link on the Feedback page.