The group territory covers a fascinating and diverse area within and around Oxford and the many fine historic local towns and villages. A magnificent mixture of country and city, fields, moorland and village and city backstreets, woods and classical parks. The area is steeped in history, from prehistoric times, the Roman period, the Civil War, when Oxford was once the seat of Parliament in 1644, to the current era - indeed Sir
Winston Churchill was born at Blenheim Palace, just outside the city boundaries.
Within the City, many people are unaware of the vast amount of open spaces and parks to be walked, from ancient farmland and the historic grazing areas of Port Meadow to the more formal University Parks, Christchurch Meadows , and Magdalen College Deer Park, all within the Oxford Ring Road. An aerial view of Oxford shows a quite outstanding amount of green open spaces. Indeed, the group’s Footpath Secretary's work may vary from shared footpath and cycle ways in the city centre on one day, to rights of way across the historic Port Meadow, or the Cherwell Paths on the next, perhaps taking in the Oxford canal and the Thames Path as he goes!
The largest part of the group's walks are put in by the Wednesday walkers. These walks started from two or three friends meeting every Wednesday and has grown to today's numbers - a great ongoing success, both within our own group and for the many others from other Ramblers groups who join us for these walks. Our walks, and those run on other days, will range from the Chilterns in the east to the Cotswolds in the west, with others exploring the colleges, parks and alleyways of Oxford itself. In addition members run their own social events such as a Christmas dinner and day trips or weeks away in the summer, and meeting to enjoy the wealth of theatre and concerts which Oxford offers.
The group's AGM is to be held this year at 2pm on 28th November 2009, (See details here) and as in the past includes a leading speaker talking on country related subjects following the proceedings.
This year we are delighted to have Ian Gourlay, a beekeeper at the Bridwell Organic Garden, Oxfordshire, talking about “Beekeeping, Past and Present”.
Prospective Ramblers members are invited to attend the AGM (in a non-voting capacity of course) to meet current members, and to enjoy the following talk by Ian, so if you would like to come please call us in advance on 01865 552531 for the details.

Our contact for new members is Elaine Steane, on 01865 552531 or at e.fullardsteane@tiscali.co.uk

Useful link for this group: The Seven Shires Way