Thames & Heath Trail Loop

Description

This is a broad, varied loop that showcases the best of the Oxfordshire countryside. A big stretch along thw Thames Path towards Abingdon, the run sticks close to the river with flat, well-trodden trails, offering long, flowing stretches. From Abingdon, the route veers past Thrupp Lake and Radley, where quieter paths weave through more open landscapes. Picking up the Oxford Green Belt Way, the terrain becomes more undulating with a mix of track and footpath underfoot. Passing Wootton Heath and Pickets Heath, there are longer stretches through fields and pockets of woodland before looping back towards North Hinksey and Oxford. The route combines riverbank running with rural trails, and while much of it is on good paths, expect sections that can be a bit uneven or muddy after wet weather. A rewarding long-distance loop that suits those looking for variety and a mix of trail surfaces without anything too technical.