The southern Oxford is a contour canal that winds its way through the Cotswold countryside. Opened in 1790, it is one of the oldest canals in the country.

After circuiting Napton Hill with its windmill and climbing Napton locks comes Fenny Compton summit with its roofless tunnel. The canal then descends to Banbury then on to the Cherwell valley. A nice place to turn is Thrupp, a small village with a pub and lift bridge.
119½ miles - 94 locks - 1½ tunnels - some lift bridges; 9½ hours per day navigating (a busy week)

For an easier week turn at Lower Heyford:
98 miles - 84 locks - 1½ tunnels - 8 hours per day navigating

Or turn at Aynho
86 miles - 78 locks - 1½ tunnels - 7 hours per day navigating

Places of interest for this route

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