Islip to Oxford Day Pilgrimage

Islip to Oxford – 10 miles, 1 day

Arrive via Islip Train station (find train-times here) or by bus at Islip Red Lion pub (find bus times here).

Islip is the birthplace of Edward the Confessor, last of England’s Anglo-Saxon Kings, and builder of Westminster Abbey. Begin your pilgrimage where he was baptised, at St Nicholas Church. Then head South East from Islip past the site of a Roman villa to Noke Church. Down Prattle Lane and round Prattle Wood, to Woodeaton Church and its 13th Century Preaching Cross. From here follow River Cherwell, through two farms, to carefully cross ther A40. There is a wide island in the middle, but take sufficient care here, and only cross when sure it is safe. with a slight detour at Marston down Pond Lane to St Nicholas Church. Stop for a rest at the Victoria Inn by the river.

Then follow River Cherwell all the way to Oxford city. Cross the rainbow bridge, follow the river South through University Park, into Oxford proper. Take a left at Park Road, via Radcliffe Camera, the Bridge of Sighs, and St Mary’s Church, and follow the path leading to Christ Church Cathedral from Magpie Lane and Grove passage.