Ridgeway to Christmas Common circular, Watlington

Start : Small, Ridgeway parking area. (Nearby postcode OX49 5AF) Grid ref. SU 698 939

(S/E) From the small, Ridgeway parking area continue North along the main path for a few metres (60m), and then turn right through an easy-to-miss kissing gate. Follow the path up the hill until you meet another gate.

(1) Turn right into an open field, until you reach the road.

(2) Turn right (South) along the road (taking care), passing two junctions and then a pub.

(3) About 100m after the pub turn into a wide driveway on the right "The Tower", with a somewhat concealed public footpath finger post.

(4) 100m along the path, turn off to the right onto a footpath, following white painted arrows on the trees. Follow the path through the woods, tending to the left and eventually emerging at the top of an open field, after a sharp right turn next to a cattle grid and a gate. Enjoy the views.

(5) Follow the path straight down the field and through a gate. Continue ahead, joining a vehicle path. Soon you reach buildings and a way-marked footpath turning sharp right between the buildings. Continue between the hedges and at the first opportunity (a cross roads of paths) turn left (North) through a wide metal gate.

(6) Once through the gate, continue diagonally across an open field, with a large house visible to the left, and a hill rising on the right, through a narrowing and a second field, to arrive at a narrow gate.

(7) Pass through the gate and turn right onto a wide path which forms part of the Ridgeway. Cross over the road and arrive at your starting point.

Start : Small, Ridgeway parking area. (Nearby postcode OX49 5AF) Grid ref. SU 698 939

Parking : Park at the entrance to the Ridgeway right at the start of the walk. If full, there is another car park half way up the hill, or another back at Watlington.