Ipsden and Hailey

This attractive short walk takes you through peaceful, rolling Oxfordshire countryside with tiny hamlets, open farmland and quiet valleys. Return to the characterful King William pub where you can enjoy fine views over the surrounding countryside.

Distance: 2½ miles (allow 1½ hours). Extra one mile for an optional circuit of Ipsden village.

Start: The King William pub in Hailey. Parking on the roadside near the pub.

Access Information: Mainly level apart from a couple of short uphill sections and one downhill section (Warren Hill) near the start of the walk. Part of the walk is along bridleways and 'Quiet lanes', which may be suitable for all terrain pushchairs.

Refreshments: The King William pub in Hailey.

Route: If you are facing the pub, turn right along the road which soon becomes an unsurfaced track, past a house and farm, and turn right at the signpost (1) to follow a bridleway downhill, with far ranging views on your right towards Ipsden, until you reach the road.

Turn right and walk along the road; after about 50 metres turn left up a footpath (2). At the top of the hill where the path splits (3) turn right along a path between a hedge and a fence.

After ½ mile you reach a crossroads in the village of Ipsden (4). Go straight across down the ‘Quiet lane’, past the Post Office and village store, until you reach a large house on its own called The Old Vicarage on your right. Just past the house turn right on a bridleway (5). Alternatively continue along the road for the extra loop through Ipsden village.

When you reach the junction turn left and follow the road uphill past Ipsden House until you reach the entrance gates. Go past the gates and turn left along the driveway next to the cricket pitch, following the path past the cricket pavilion through trees.

When you reach a number of large stones, continue straight on downhill to reach the road opposite a bridleway. Continue along the bridleway past the war memorial, to bring you out to a road opposite the church (6).

Turn right here to go down another ‘Quiet Lane’ until you reach a crossroads. Turn left and shortly after turn right along the lane signposted to Hailey (7). Follow this to the King William pub.