Chipping Norton to Over Norton

An easy circular walk across gently undulating countryside from the market town of Chipping Norton.

Distance

3 miles / 4.83 km

Duration

1.5 to 2 hours

Difficulty

Unsurfaced paths, basic fitness

Mobility aid rating

Stile free

Shape

Circular

Start

Address

24 High St, Chipping Norton OX7 5AD, UK
View start on Google Maps

OS Grid Ref

SP314272

What3Words

stocks.soups.grading

Public toilets

Toilets available at the Town Hall and New Street Car Park (Free)

Refreshments

Cafes and pubs in Chipping Norton, check for opening times.

Travel Info

The Crown and Cushion Hotel High Street Chipping Norton OX7 5AD. Car park in New Street, charges apply.

Navigation

From the Crown and Cushion cross the main road by the zebra crossing and turn right. Walk along Middle Row as far as the Blue Boar and turn left. Walk downhill and continue along Church Street towards the church passing the Alms houses on your right.

1 As you enter the churchyard turn right and walk along the perimeter path. Exit by the black posts and continue straight ahead keeping the house to your left. Continue along this track signed Over Norton ½ mile until you reach the metal gates leading to Spring Hill. To the right there is a gate which you go through to enter the wooded footpath.

Continue along this path with the stream (River Cleeve) on your left which you eventually cross as it winds under a narrow bridge. You soon leave the woodland by a metal gate and have a large open field on your left. Ignore the driveway going left and head up towards the road.

2 Go through the gate, cross the road and then turn left up the hill towards Over Norton.

3 When you reach Over Norton cross over onto Cleeves Corner to follow the tarmac restricted byway signed Salford 1¾. The tarmac soon becomes gravel and sweeps by some farm buildings. Continue along this well-defined track taking in the views of Chipping Norton to your left.

Continue along this track for just over 1 kilometre ignoring any turns off to the left. 4 You eventually reach an open field ahead of you. Turn left to join another Public Right of Way from the right, going uphill with the woodland on your left. Pass through the gate at the top and straight down the other side.

5 When you reach the tarmac road cross over and walk through the gate. Continue with the small residential development to your left and through the gap at the end.

(There is an alternative path through the community orchard which finishes at the same place). Cross over the narrow road and through the gate ahead. Proceed down the slope towards the bridge visible at the bottom. Cross over the bridge and head straight up the other side to the gate.

6 Go through the gate and you will enter the recreation ground. In the far left corner you will see the tower of St Mary’s Church. Head in that direction to cross the dog exercise area and exit via the gate.

7 Turn left on to the track keeping The Mount on your left and the wall on your right. You soon reach St Mary’s churchyard.

You now retrace your steps back up Church Street to reach the Market Square and the Crown and cushion Hotel.