Time:
Allow at least 1 hour 45 minutes
Start
and end point: Rushy Common Car Park, Grid reference SP 380 074, Postcode OX29
6UJ
The route begins at Rushy Common Nature Reserve Car Park where
you start by walking towards Ducklington along two permissive bridleways.
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| Down Valley Way bridleway |
The bridleways were opened 2015 by Smiths Bletchington as
part of the Gill Mill quarry development. They link in with existing Rights of
Way, as well as the Windrush Path, creating a circular route that connects Ducklington,
Rushy Common Nature Reserve and Hardwick.
A lot of the area is currently farmed but over time the
scenery from the will evolve to quarry workings, and eventually a 60 hectare
reedbed and lakes created for nature conservation and recreation.
Before reaching Ducklington you’ll cross the western arm of
the River Windrush. Keep your eyes out for Water Voles in this area as they’re
often sighted from the bridge.
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| Water Vole on the River Windrush. Photo credit: Justin Hoffmann |
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| View from the bridge crossing the Windrush |
Once nearing Ducklington
you will join the Windrush Path and follow the
banks of the River Windrush
south before crossing West back towards Tar Lakes and the walk’s conclusion.
 |
| The Windrush Path |
 |
| Tar Lakes |
 |
| Tar Lakes |
Thank you to Smiths Bletchington for their support and maintenance
of the permissive footpaths and bridleways and our funders for the project - Trust
for Oxfordshire’s Environment (TOE) with funding from Grundon Waste Management
Ltd through the Landfill Communities Fund.
 |
| Scarlett Tiger Moth on Windrush Path |
