Bloxham to Bodicote Circular

The Bloxham to Bodicote Circular is a delightful countryside walk that links two of North Oxfordshire's most historically significant villages, both located within easy reach of Banbury. This moderately challenging 7-mile loop offers walkers the perfect combination of rural scenery, agricultural landscapes, and outstanding medieval architecture. The walk begins in Bloxham, a large village renowned for its spectacular Church of St Mary, which features some of the finest examples of 14th-century Decorated Gothic architecture in England. The church is home to the celebrated work of the Northern Oxfordshire School of carvers, whose intricate stone carvings of figures, animals, and grotesques are considered masterpieces of medieval craftsmanship. The church's magnificent 198-foot spire dominates the skyline and serves as a landmark throughout much of the walk. Bloxham itself has a rich history dating back to Saxon times, and in 1067 William I awarded the church to Westminster Abbey, beginning centuries of royal and ecclesiastical patronage. The route takes you south through gently rolling farmland and open fields, following well-established footpaths and bridleways that have connected these communities for generations. As you walk, you'll enjoy expansive views across the North Oxfordshire countryside, with its characteristic patchwork of hedgerows, field boundaries, and scattered copses. The landscape here is quintessentially English, with seasonal changes bringing different colours and textures to the agricultural land. The walk continues to Bodicote, a charming village located approximately 2 miles south of Banbury town centre. Bodicote has been a conservation area since 1988, recognized for its attractive stone buildings and well-preserved village character. The village's Church of St John the Baptist is a Grade II* listed building with origins in the 13th century, featuring a chancel arch from that period and 14th-century arcades. The church was almost completely rebuilt in 1844 by architects John Plowman and H.J. Underwood, who added the current west tower with its ring of eight bells from the Whitechapel Bell Foundry. Bodicote was part of the parish of nearby Adderbury until 1855, when it became a separate civil and Church of England parish. The village retains much of its historic charm, with Bodicote House, a large Georgian building with Victorian additions, serving as a notable landmark. The village offers refreshment opportunities at two traditional pubs, the Horse and Jockey and the Plough, making it an ideal stopping point during the walk. The return leg of the circular route takes you back north through more open countryside, completing the loop back to Bloxham. The terrain throughout is generally moderate, with some gentle inclines and descents as the path crosses the undulating landscape. Well-maintained footpaths make navigation straightforward, though conditions can become muddy after rain, particularly where the route crosses open fields. Sturdy walking boots are recommended. This walk is particularly rewarding for those interested in medieval church architecture and English village history. The contrast between Bloxham's soaring Decorated Gothic masterpiece and Bodicote's more modest but equally charming parish church provides a fascinating insight into the ecclesiastical heritage of North Oxfordshire. The route typically takes between 2.5 to 3 hours to complete at a comfortable pace, allowing time to explore both villages and their churches. The walk is accessible year-round, though spring and summer offer the best conditions for enjoying the countryside at its most vibrant. The Bloxham to Bodicote Circular provides an excellent opportunity to experience the beauty of rural Oxfordshire while discovering two villages that have played important roles in the region's history for over a thousand years.