Easy hikes and walks around Kidlington
4.6
(1110)
10,327
hikers
24
hikes
Easy hiking trails around Kidlington are found within the scenic Cherwell Valley, characterized by gentle rolling hills, farmlands, woodlands, and open meadows. The region is shaped by the River Cherwell and the Oxford Canal, providing extensive riverside and canal-side paths. These natural features create a diverse landscape suitable for accessible walks.
Best easy hiking trails around Kidlington
- The most popular easy hiking route is Hampton Gay Manor Ruins – Thrupp Community Forest loop from Kidlington, a 4.8 miles (7.7…
Last updated: July 1, 2026
4.9
(19)
76
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
15
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(3)
8
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
13
hikers
4.29km
01:05
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
9
hikers
4.64km
01:11
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Kidlington
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Tips from the Community
Great pub , good food Great drinks
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Great ride can be quite busy at week ends
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saw a family of deer in the woodland. got a bit lost at one point but managed to find a path again!
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This church, which is dedicated to the Holy Cross (Latin "Santa Croce"), takes its patronage from the cross on which Jesus Christ died. The veneration of the Holy Cross goes back in large part to Saint Helena, who was the mother of Emperor Constantine the Great (who recognized Christianity as a religion after his victory at the "Milvian Bridge" in front of Rome and ended the long period of persecution with the "Edict of Toleration" of Milan in 312). In the early fourth century, she made a pilgrimage to the Holy Land (Israel / Palestine) and brought numerous relics back to Europe, including the "True Cross" on which Jesus Christ was crucified. Helena is therefore often depicted with a cross as an attribute. The church celebrates the feast of the discovery, public presentation and veneration of the Holy Cross - called the "Exaltation of the Cross" - on September 14th.
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Young deciduous woodland planted by the Forestry Commission in 1990s along the River Cherwell between Thrupp and Kidlington.
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Church. Medieval; rebuilt and west tower added in 1831 by William Turner; minor restoration by J. Buckeridge, 1869. Squared and coursed limestone with ashlar dressings; stone-coped gabled stone slate roof. Nave, chancel and west tower. Gothic Revival style. One-bay chancel has offset corner buttresses, 3-light Decorated-style east window and 2-light side windows. Two-bay south side of nave has hood mould over chamfered pointed-arched blocked doorway, and label moulds over 2-light ogee-headed cinquefoiled windows; to north side are similar windows flanking early C14 reset Decorated porch, which has hood mould with rosettes and unusually primitive head corbels over hollow-chamfered pointed-arched doorway with rosettes; Cl9 pointed-arched inner doorway. Three-stage west tower has hood moulds over cinquefoiled windows and battlemented parapet with corner gargoyles. Interior: arch-braced roof throughout, with moulded beams, wind braces and king posts, set on plain corbels adorned with arms of past vicars and lords of the manor. Chancel has mid C19 Minton tile floor, and early C14 reset cinquefoiled tomb recess. Double-chamfered chancel arch has traceried Decorated-style panels flanking brattished Perpendicular-style traceried wood screen made in 1896. Nave has wood traceried pulpit set on stone base, C18 parish chest, C11 tub font reset on late C19 piers and C19 west door. Late C19 stained glass throughout. Memorials: in chancel are wall tablets to John Rathbone, d.1613, set in coloured moulded architrave, Stephen Pomfrett, d.1713, with carved stall and hourglass set above roundel , and Gothic-style memorial to William Turner. Also in chancel is medieval child's coffin. Ledger stone in nave to Edward Egleton, d,1722. Pictures of church before restoration show that chancel had north chapel (whence tomb recess was moved) and that present C14 porch lay to south. William Turner was an Oxford watercolourist and his uncle William Turner of The Manor (q.v.) provided the money for restoration. (Buildings of England: Oxfordshire: pp757-8; Information from VCH National Monuments Record; Bodleian Library, Topographical Drawings)
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many easy hiking trails are there around Kidlington?
Kidlington offers a wide selection of easy hiking trails, with over 400 routes specifically categorized as easy. In total, the area features more than 700 hiking routes for various abilities.
Are there any easy circular walks in Kidlington?
Yes, many of the easy trails around Kidlington are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For example, the Hampton Gay Manor Ruins – Thrupp Community Forest loop from Kidlington is a popular circular route combining historical ruins with woodland paths.
What kind of scenery can I expect on easy hikes in Kidlington?
Easy hikes in Kidlington typically feature the scenic Cherwell Valley, characterized by gentle rolling hills, farmlands, woodlands, and open meadows. You'll often find paths alongside the River Cherwell and the Oxford Canal, offering picturesque views of waterways and local wildlife. Areas like Stratfield Brake provide ancient woodlands, while River Meadowlands and Rushy Meadows are known for diverse wildflowers.
Are there family-friendly easy walks in Kidlington?
Absolutely. Kidlington's easy trails are generally flat and accessible, making them suitable for families. The unique The Boat Inn – Thrupp Community Forest loop from Kidlington offers canal-side paths and forested areas that are enjoyable for all ages. The Fairyland Walk between Kidlington and Begbroke, with its charming 'fairy doors,' is also a whimsical option for families.
Are dogs allowed on the easy hiking trails around Kidlington?
Many of the trails around Kidlington are dog-friendly, especially those along the canal towpaths and through woodlands. However, it's always recommended to keep dogs on a lead, particularly near livestock or in nature reserves like St. Mary's Fields, which is important for birds. Always check local signage for specific restrictions.
What are some interesting landmarks or natural attractions to see on an easy hike?
You can discover several points of interest. The Blenheim Park Lake and The Pump House Waterfall is a notable natural attraction. For historical interest, the Hampton Gay Manor Ruins are incorporated into several routes, such as the Hampton Gay Manor Ruins – Thrupp Community Forest loop from Oxford Airport. You might also encounter the J. R. R. Tolkien Memorial Bench and Trees or the Jarn's Mound and Wild Garden.
Are there any easy walks that include a pub stop?
Yes, several easy walks in the Kidlington area offer opportunities for a pub stop. The The Boat Inn – Thrupp Community Forest loop from Kidlington, for instance, starts and ends near The Boat Inn, providing a convenient option for refreshments after your hike along the canal and through the forest.
What is the average duration of an easy hike in Kidlington?
Most easy hikes in Kidlington range from 1.5 to 2 hours to complete. For example, the popular Hampton Gay Manor Ruins – Thrupp Community Forest loop from Kidlington typically takes about 1 hour and 56 minutes, while the The Boat Inn – Thrupp Community Forest loop from Kidlington is usually completed in about 1 hour and 38 minutes.
What do other hikers say about the easy trails in Kidlington?
The easy trails in Kidlington are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.6 stars from over 500 reviews. Hikers often praise the well-maintained paths, the peaceful canal-side sections, and the blend of natural beauty with historical elements like the Hampton Gay Manor Ruins.
Are there options for parking near the easy hiking trails?
Yes, many trailheads for easy hikes in Kidlington offer convenient parking. Routes often start from village centers or designated parking areas near popular attractions like Thrupp Community Forest or local pubs, making access straightforward for drivers.
Can I find less crowded easy walks in Kidlington?
While popular routes can see more visitors, Kidlington's extensive network of paths along the River Cherwell and Oxford Canal means you can often find quieter sections. Exploring some of the lesser-known loops through areas like Stratfield Brake or the River Meadowlands can offer a more secluded experience, especially during off-peak times.
What are the best times of year for easy walks in Kidlington?
Spring and summer are ideal for enjoying the vibrant wildflowers in areas like River Meadowlands and Rushy Meadows, and for pleasant canal-side strolls. Autumn offers beautiful foliage in woodlands like Thrupp Community Forest. Even in winter, the mostly flat and well-drained paths along the canal and rivers are suitable for easy walks, provided you dress appropriately for the weather.
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