This detour avoids the (albeit short) walk along the A4074 into Shillingford by taking farm tracks above the river on the other side from the Thames Path. It provides the opportunity to walk through Wittenham Woods and gives good elevated views of the river. It can be combined with the detour to Wittenham Clumps
The detour starts by crossing the bridge at Little Wittenham just past Days Lock. The 14th century church of St Peter is well worth a visit. An inviting footpath crosses the field at the foot of Wittenham Clumps to take you slightly uphill to Little Wittenham Woods.
The woods are managed by Earth Trust, whose headquarters and visitors’ centre are on the other side of the clumps. The woods are alive with nature and it’s not unusual to see dear foraging. The woods are home to the protected Great Crested Newt. River of Life II has created a number of breeding ponds which you can see from the path.
Once out of the woods, farm tracks take you directly to the Shillingford Bridge Hotel where you are re-united with the Thames Path. The tracks follow land that is slightly elevated and this gives you a good view of the river, as well as Shillingford Court which you cannot see from the Thames Path, despite going directly past the rear entrance.
Impact on Distance
There is no impact on distance. A slight ascent is required.
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