Blog No 21, Sandford to Osney Bridge. Saturday 16th August '25. 5 1/2 miles.

Hooray, today it was cloudy and cool , a fine day to walk. I set off over to the path and through the gate to the first meadow which continued for quite a way before leading through a gate and onto a path sheltered by trees on both sides. On this walk for the entire stretch there were people about and so less lonely and I think less time for introspection. I think walking on my own with my own thoughts is so different when walking with friends or indeed  my son. The conversations were wide ranging and often fun as well as exploring issues affecting ourselves or our families. Talking about world events and the awful situation in Gaza and Ukraine, thinking it is unbelievable that these conflicts can be justified. I have not had one conversation where an alternative point of view has been suggested on these two conflicts.

Today is a sad day, as my beloved goose Godfrey was put to sleep very peacefully. He had a leg injury when I first acquired him and although he had several good years in the garden, his limp gradually became worse. His final days,  he was off his food and so I knew that this situation could not continue. He just laid in our arms as the vet administered a final injection. There is no doubt in my mind that he was 'ready' to go. 

The total stretch from Abingdon to Osney Bridge in the Thames book is estimated to be 9 1/2 miles, so on that reckoning the walk from Sandford should be about 4 1/2 miles, but the distance was 5 1/2 miles. The first picture the weir near Sandford.

Because the path was so busy, I was wary of where I was walking, trying to keep to the side of the narrow paths to avoid cyclists, dog walkers and pushchairs were more easily avoided. After the stretch of meadow, through a gate the path became wider and much easier on tarmac than the grass and gravel I had traversed. As I walked on to Iffley Lock I spotted a boat moored which was the same make as the boat I had owned, it was lovely to see it bringing back fun memories of the times spent on the river.

Iffley Lock soon appeared and with it paddle boarders walking their boards along the lock to re-enter the water the other end.

Soon after this point the river was populated with skiffs and 8 person racing boats. Lots of people on the bank including people on bikes with their megaphones shouting instructions to the crews. Marshals along the race stretch with clip boards. On the bank the Oxford Rowing Club had tents with refreshments,  it seemed quite a big event. Further along there was a stretch of water where narrow boats were moored with one occupant selling wooden artifacts he had made and another person selling bags of all descriptions. This all added to the 'carnival' atmosphere along this stretch of water right up to Christ Church Meadow from where the regatta races were starting. 

It was a good path wide and smooth and so I made good progress along to the Heads of the River at Folly Bridge. I crossed over the road and headed down the path again crossing to Grandpoint and through an area designated as a nature reserve to houses,  finally reaching Osney Bridge. This section was further than I thought it would be. I came to Osney Lock and at this point my phone packed up and so no more photos. 

I came off at the diversions in Osney and fell into the Punter a pub with a loo, where I had a half pint of non alcohol lager and a packet of crisps.

Then it was onto the Botley road just as my bus pulled into the stop. It took only about 15 minutes to reach Eynsham where Jen picked me up. A successful and interesting walk. 

Next stretch, Osney Bridge to the Trout at Wolvercote. Hopefully on Sunday 17th August.