This is a delightful walk, with wonderful views in the middle sections of the walk (assuming you start at Combe). There are also lovely parts of the walk beside the River Evenlode.

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 The nearest railway station is Combe, but this is a little distance from the village and there are no footpaths linking it to the village, so you will need to walk along the road to Combe to start your walk.

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On the whole this is a well marked out and easy route to walk, but it is advisable to take a copy of an OS map with you as there are some sections that are not that clear.

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In particular;

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Getting through Combe:

Make your way to the church. The footpath goes through the church grounds.

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Blenheim Park:

Assuming you do the walk in a counter-clockwise direction, you will enter Blenheim Park through the Combe Gate. You will soon come to a T-junction, turn right. Follow the road through the trees until you get to an open area at the bottom of a shallow valley, swing off the road to the right, following the foot path. This will take to the lakeside walk and on to Fair Rosamund’s Well and the Harry Potter Tree.

After admiring these and the view of the palace carry on until you come to a road, turn left. If you have hit the road at the Grand Bridge, once you turn left take the left fork. Follow this road until you come across a pair of styles, one on either site of the road, take the left hand one. This will take you to the Column of Victory. From here continue walking east down the slope until you come across another road, turn left and follow the road. After that it should be plain sailing, but keep you eye on your map.

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Woods near the Roman Villa:

The woods to the south of the North Leigh Roman Villa are crisscrossed with a maze of footpaths, but the official Public Right of Way climbs up the slope to meet the road just north of East End. You will have to follow your nose (and maybe a compass).

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Getting through East End:

The footpath off the main road of East End is sign posted, but keep your eyes open for it as the entrance to the path is hidden behind a garden hedge and is not very obvious. After you find it, just follow your map through the village.

 

I would welcome hearing your thoughts and comments on this walk. Also, if you have any photos you would like to share please feel free to post them on my Facebook page.