Local Circular Path Walk – Day 14 of 2025 England Pilgrimage

Thursday 9/2/2025

Today, Gregg and I took another long (7.5-ish miles) yet leisurely walk. We began at the towpath behind the townhouse again, but this time we went to the left instead of the right. It was curious to see the differences in narrowboats in that direction. One section looks very well kept, both the boats and the property by the towpath, I assume they are permanent residents.

Narrowboat life has not seemed enticing to us. But one boat in particular and how they had made its property look cozy and inviting made me think, now that might be nice. But only for a holiday, not long-term.

Jennie had suggested a local walking route called the Kidlington Circular Walk. Gregg had an interactive map to show the way, plus it is clearly marked.

We walked along the towpath, through fields, to old churches (we went into those which were open), saw a manor house ruin, and past bulls, cows, horses, and sheep. We scared some Ring Necked Pheasants in the brush and so they scared us by running or flying across the field. They reminded us of Roadrunners when they ran. Too funny!

We went over bridges, through gates and over fences via stiles (various forms of stairs.) This allows people to cross fields while the farm animals stay safely contained by fences. The final portion of our walk went through the small business area of Kidlington.

Though we were never far enough away from roads to silence the traffic noise, it was still very relaxing to be outdoors, hear and see birds, and see many trees, flowers, berries, and fruit. I love the Weeping Willow trees. And today I was obsessed with taking pictures of flowers and berries (and apples, which are in season.)

Our walk took us past four churches:

• Holy Cross Church – Shipton-on-Cherwell – the original parish church was built in the 12th century. It was demolished in 1831 and replaced.
• St. Giles’ Church – Hampton Gay – tithe records show that this parish church dates back to at least 1074. It was rebuilt in 1772. This church was locked so we weren’t able to see inside.
• St. Mary Hampton Poyle – The earliest verification of this church charter was 1225 (800 years ago this year.) The church building was restored in the 1800’s. Additional info here.
• St. Mary the Virgin – Kidlington – The Walking Path brought us to the back of the church and large graveyard so, though we visited this church last week, we saw it from a different perspective. It was locked today so we didn’t go inside. There has been a church here for 900 years although the current building dates to 1220.

As I mentioned, the last portion of our walk took us into Kidlington. We got take-away from Albert’s Fish Bar, the local “chipper.” I had a piece of fried cod and also fried halloumi. Gregg had cheese fries. We sat on a bench in town and ate about half of it, saving the rest for another meal.

Since the restaurant was take-away, they didn’t have a public toilet, which was needed by now. Not realizing the town has public toilets, we went to Stanley’s Sweets and Treats which did have toilets and bought something. Win win! We both had a Pumpkin Spice Milkshake. Yum! I wish I had noted the brand of syrup they used which it seems like they use for flavoring both coffee and soft-serve ice cream milkshakes. Brilliant!

There were several barbers in town so Gregg went for a shave and a haircut at Barnets Barbers while I “shopped.” I wandered in and out of three “charity shops” (thrift stores.) I also checked out a store that sold 3D printed articulated figures for ₤3-12 ($4-14). Seemed inexpensive to us compared to what we’ve seen at vendor markets. Curious. The store had other gifts and novelties. I bought…nothing. When you pack light and don’t check bags, it curtails purchases.

The sky was overcast yet the temperature was perfect for walking today. They are calling for rain tomorrow so we may just hang out at the house most of the day. Tomorrow evening, the four of us are driving to Salisbury for a few nights.