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D'arcy Dalton Way

66.49 miles (107 km)

Ordnance Survey Map Open Streetmap This long distance walking trail runs through the Oxfordshire countryside from Wormleighton Reservoir to Wayland's Smithy near Ashbury.
The walk is named after Col. W. P. d'Arcy Dalton, a local man who worked hard to preserve footpaths and rights of way in the county. The trail takes you through some beautiful Warwickshire and Oxfordshire countryside with a section through the Cotswolds to enjoy as well. On the way you will pass through a number of delightful rural villages, visit some fascinating ancient sites and enjoy some wonderful views over the area from the high points.
The walk starts from Wormleighton Reservoir just to the east of the village of Fenny Compton in Warwickshire.
You then head south to Farnborough where you could pay a visit to the National Trust's Farnborough Hall. The historic Grade I listed hall dates from the 18th century and is surrounded by attractive parkland with lakes and beautiful landscaped gardens.
You continue to Hornton, Hook Norton and Great Rollright where you will pass another route highlight at the ancient Rollright Stones. Here you will find a fascinating group of Neolithic and Bronze Age megalithic monuments with some fine countryside views.
The route continues in the beautiful Cotswolds, passing Churchill, Sarsden and Shipton Under Wychwood where there's some pleasant trails through the wildlife rich Foxholes Nature Reserve.
You continue through the Cotswolds to Great Barrington, Filkins and Radcot where the route links up with the Thames Path National Trail.
The next stages visits Great Coxwell, Coleshill and Longcot before coming to the finish point at Wayland's Smithy.

Darcy Dalton Way OS Map Ordnance survey map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking

Darcy Dalton Way Open Street Map Open Streetmap - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Pubs/Cafes

In Milton under Wychwood you could enjoy a pit stop at the The Hare. The fine country pub serves high quality dishes and includes a sunny, sheltered terrace. They are dog friendly in the bar area.

Further Information and Other Local Ideas

At various points along the way the trail links with several other long distance footpaths including the Oxford Canal Walk, the Oxfordshire Way, the Thames Path and The Ridgeway.

Photos

Farnborough Hall South

Farnborough Hall South

The Darcy Dalton Way footpath crosses the road in Westwell - geograph.org.uk - 1747704

The Darcy Dalton Way footpath crosses the road in Westwell

D'Arcy Dalton Way - geograph.org.uk - 1568212

D'Arcy Dalton Way

D'Arcy Dalton Way - geograph.org.uk - 2693564

Sibford Gower

D'Arcy Dalton Way - geograph.org.uk - 2694685

Shenington with Alkerton

D'Arcy Dalton Way - geograph.org.uk - 3489690

A country view near Hornton.

Odstone Hill from D'Arcy Dalton Way, Ashbury - geograph.org.uk - 2570104

Odstone Hill from D'Arcy Dalton Way, Ashbury

Waylands Smithy - geograph.org.uk - 4072263

Waylands Smithy at the end of the walk.

Video

GPS Files

GPX File

Darcy Dalton Way.gpx (On Desktop:Right Click>Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold>Download Linked File)