Charlbury: Walking Routes and Local History

Charlbury lies in the Evenlode Valley on the edge of the Cotswolds and Wychwood Forest. Several interests come together here when planning a trip: historic architecture, insights into local history, and routes through valley and woodland landscapes. The walks described differ in length and route; there is also a cycling route with two options.

Townscape and Landscape

The houses and shops in the town centre are built from Cotswold stone and have slate roofs from the nearby village of Stonesfield. More than 100 buildings in Charlbury are listed. The Church of St Mary is a Grade I listed building; the Church of St Mary the Virgin is a minster church. Together, these buildings and materials give the townscape a tangible historical connection.

The town centre is also home to The Playing Close, a quiet green space used mainly for recreation. Its location in the town centre distinguishes it from the described routes through the Evenlode Valley and Wychwood Forest. Exploring Charlbury therefore offers both a connection to the town itself and a variety of landscape settings.

Local History and Museum

One dated milestone in the town’s history is 1256, when Charlbury was granted a charter to hold a weekly market. Glove-making is also part of its economic history. For around 150 years, it was an important source of employment; the closure of the businesses brought this local industry to an end. Its duration and importance as a source of employment give this craft a distinct place alongside the town’s architectural history.

Charlbury Museum displays an Oxfordshire wagon, agricultural equipment and tools used by local tradespeople. These exhibits connect different aspects of local life: the wagon and equipment represent agriculture, while the tools represent local crafts. Anyone interested in the town’s history will find a factual counterpoint here to the listed buildings and churches.

Walks by Length and Route

The two circular walks from Charlbury are easy to distinguish by their length and route. Route 1 is an eight-mile walk from the old town centre through the ancient Wychwood Forest in Cornbury Park. Route 2 is four miles long and runs northwest of Charlbury along the Evenlode Valley; it also follows a section of the Oxfordshire Way. The shorter Route 2 and longer Route 1 therefore differ not only in distance but also in the landscapes described.

Another option is the Oxfordshire Way from Kingham. This is an easy walk: take the train to the starting point, then walk back to Charlbury. This differs from the two circular walks from Charlbury, whose starting point or route is connected to Charlbury. For Routes 1 and 2: route conditions may change, so check them before setting out.

Cycling Route and Getting Your Bearings

There are also two stated distances for a cycling trip. The Cotswold Line Cycle Route runs from Charlbury to Moreton and is available in eight- or 19-mile options. These options apply to the cycling route; the four- and eight-mile distances for the circular walks refer to the walking routes described. This keeps the different options clearly distinguished by mode of transport and distance.

Charlbury station, designed by Brunel, lies in the Evenlode Valley below the town. Its location helps orient you between the town and the valley without conflating the walking and cycling routes. Together with the town centre, churches and The Playing Close, it gives a picture of Charlbury that takes into account both its historic buildings and its location in the valley.

Discover more destinations: Wantage, Minster Lovell, Nettlebed, North Stoke, Steventon, Chinnor, Kidlington, Bampton.

For the broader travel overview: Oxfordshire.