The best walks and hikes around Priors Hardwick
4.5
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2,191
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219
hikes
Hiking around Priors Hardwick offers exploration through a landscape characterized by "ridge and furrow" undulations, remnants of medieval farming practices. The region features narrow country lanes and expansive green spaces, providing varied terrain for walkers. Earthworks from a Shrunken Medieval Village are visible, adding historical context to many routes. The area's gentle elevation changes and rural setting make it suitable for diverse outdoor activities.
Best hiking trails around Priors Hardwick
- The most popular hiking route is Napton Bottom Lock –…
Last updated: May 9, 2026
4.0
(6)
30
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(5)
14
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(3)
22
hikers
12.2km
03:19
170m
170m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(4)
18
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(2)
14
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Napton Bridge No 110 is a minor waterways place on the Oxford Canal (Southern Section - Main Line) between Old Engine House Arm Junction (2 miles and 5¾ furlongs and 7 locks to the south) and Napton Junction (Junction of Grand Union and Oxford Canals) (3¾ furlongs to the east). The nearest place in the direction of Old Engine House Arm Junction is Bridge Inn Winding Hole; 3 furlongs away. The nearest place in the direction of Napton Junction is Coventry Road Bridge No 109; ¾ furlongs away.
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Napton Bridge No 111 is a place on the waterways on the Oxford Canal (Southern Section - Main Line) between Old Engine House Arm Junction (2 miles and 2½ furlongs and 7 locks to the south) and Napton Junction (Junction of Grand Union and Oxford Canals) (7 furlongs to the east). The nearest place in the direction of Old Engine House Arm Junction is Napton Brickyard Bridge No 112; 3½ furlongs away. The nearest place in the direction of Napton Junction is The Bridge PH (Napton) (Closed May 2016); a few yards away.
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Napton Brickyard Bridge No 112 is a minor waterways place on the Oxford Canal (Southern Section - Main Line) between Old Engine House Arm Junction (1 mile and 7 furlongs and 7 locks to the south) and Napton Junction (Junction of Grand Union and Oxford Canals) (1 mile and 2¼ furlongs to the northeast). The nearest place in the direction of Old Engine House Arm Junction is Winding Hole below Napton Locks; 4¼ furlongs away. The nearest place in the direction of Napton Junction is Napton Bridge No 111; 3½ furlongs away.
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Napton Bottom Lock No 8 is a place on the waterways on the Oxford Canal (Southern Section - Main Line) between Old Engine House Arm Junction (1 mile and ¾ furlongs and 6 locks to the south) and Napton Junction (Junction of Grand Union and Oxford Canals) (2 miles and ¾ furlongs to the northeast). It is at one end of Napton Locks. The nearest place in the direction of Old Engine House Arm Junction is Napton Lock No 9; 1 furlong away. The nearest place in the direction of Napton Junction is Napton Sanitary Station; ¼ furlongs away. This is a lock with a rise of 5′5″.
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Folly Bridge No 113 is a minor waterways place on the Oxford Canal (Southern Section - Main Line) between Old Engine House Arm Junction (1 mile and 1 furlong and 7 locks to the south) and Napton Junction (Junction of Grand Union and Oxford Canals) (2 miles and ¼ furlongs to the northeast). The nearest place in the direction of Old Engine House Arm Junction is Napton Sanitary Station; a few yards away. The nearest place in the direction of Napton Junction is The Folly PH (Canalside); a few yards away.
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Napton Lock No 10 is a minor waterways place on the Oxford Canal (Southern Section - Main Line) between Old Engine House Arm Junction (7 furlongs and 4 locks to the south) and Napton Junction (Junction of Grand Union and Oxford Canals) (2 miles and 2¼ furlongs and 2 locks to the northeast). It is part of Napton Locks. The nearest place in the direction of Old Engine House Arm Junction is Napton Lock No 11; ¾ furlongs away. The nearest place in the direction of Napton Junction is Gilkes Bridge No 114; ¼ furlongs away.
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Napton Lock No 11 is a minor waterways place on the Oxford Canal (Southern Section - Main Line) between Old Engine House Arm Junction (6¼ furlongs and 3 locks to the south) and Napton Junction (Junction of Grand Union and Oxford Canals) (2 miles and 3¼ furlongs and 3 locks to the northeast). It is part of Napton Locks. The nearest place in the direction of Old Engine House Arm Junction is Shut Bridge No 115; 1¼ furlongs away. The nearest place in the direction of Napton Junction is Napton Lock No 10; ¾ furlongs away.
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Marston Doles Bridge No 119 is a minor waterways place on the Oxford Canal (Southern Section - Main Line) between Fenny Compton Wharf (7 miles and 4¼ furlongs and 1 lock to the southwest) and Old Engine House Arm Junction (6½ furlongs and 1 lock to the northwest). It is part of Napton Locks. The nearest place in the direction of Fenny Compton Wharf is Marston Doles Top Lock No 16; a few yards away. The nearest place in the direction of Old Engine House Arm Junction is Marston Doles Bottom Lock No 15; 1 furlong away.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many hiking trails are available around Priors Hardwick?
There are over 200 hiking routes around Priors Hardwick, offering a wide variety of options for all skill levels. This includes more than 110 easy routes and over 110 moderate trails, ensuring there's something for everyone.
What kind of terrain can I expect on the hiking trails near Priors Hardwick?
The terrain around Priors Hardwick is characterized by its unique "ridge and furrow" landscapes, which are remnants of medieval farming. You'll also find narrow country lanes, expansive green spaces, and peaceful canal towpaths. While generally gentle, some areas can have 'claggy soil' after rain, so dry weather is often best for comfortable walking.
Are there any easy, family-friendly walks suitable for children?
Yes, Priors Hardwick offers many easy walks suitable for families and children. Routes like the Napton Windmill – Napton Junction Marina loop from Napton on the Hill CP are relatively short and feature scenic views and canal-side walking, perfect for a leisurely family outing.
What historical landmarks or natural features can I see along the trails?
Priors Hardwick is rich in history and natural beauty. You can explore the earthworks of a Shrunken Medieval Village, a Scheduled Ancient Monument, which reveals outlines of ancient roadways and house platforms. Nearby, you can also visit the historic Holy Well, Southam, one of England's oldest recorded holy wells, or the charming All Saints' Church, Burton Dassett.
Are there many circular hiking routes in the area?
Yes, many of the hiking routes around Priors Hardwick are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For example, the Marston Doles Canal Wharf – Napton Bottom Lock loop from Napton on the Hill CP offers a moderate circular option through varied countryside.
What do other hikers enjoy most about the trails in Priors Hardwick?
The trails in Priors Hardwick are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 300 reviews. Hikers often praise the peaceful rural atmosphere, the unique historical landscapes like the "ridge and furrow" fields, and the well-maintained canal paths that offer gentle walking experiences.
Is Priors Hardwick a good place for wildlife spotting during a hike?
Yes, the countryside around Priors Hardwick is excellent for wildlife spotting. Local farms participating in Higher Level Stewardship Schemes ensure abundant wildlife. You might encounter hares, pheasants, and deer, as well as various bird species such as tree sparrows, skylarks, and yellowhammers.
What is the best time of year to go hiking in Priors Hardwick?
While hiking is enjoyable year-round, the best time to visit Priors Hardwick is during drier periods. The region's soil can become 'claggy' (heavy and sticky) after rain, making walks less comfortable. Spring and summer offer pleasant conditions, and autumn provides beautiful scenery.
Are there any longer, more challenging hikes available?
For those seeking a longer challenge, moderate routes are available. The Napton Windmill – Napton Junction loop from Napton on the Hill CP is a 7.6-mile (12.2 km) trail that takes about 3 hours 18 minutes to complete, leading through varied countryside and canal sections.
Are the hiking trails around Priors Hardwick dog-friendly?
Most rural paths and trails around Priors Hardwick are generally dog-friendly. However, as you'll be walking through agricultural land and areas with wildlife, it's always advisable to keep dogs under control, especially near livestock, and to follow the Countryside Code.
Where can I find parking for the hiking trails?
Many popular routes, such as those starting from Napton on the Hill, often have designated parking areas. For instance, several trails begin "from Napton on the Hill CP," indicating a car park is available at the starting point.
Are there any historical routes or ancient paths I can explore?
Priors Hardwick is situated near several historical routes. You can explore sections of the Oxford Canal, which was a significant route for commerce, or consider paths that align with the ancient Welsh Road, a historical drover's route. The Jurassic Way also passes through the broader area, offering extensive walking opportunities.
Most popular routes around Priors Hardwick
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