A GROUP of intrepid explorers travelling 3,000 miles from the west coast of Ireland to Turkey on rafts stopped off in Oxford to enjoy the city's hospitality.

One month into the six-month trip, the team passed Osney Lock on May Day before taking in the sights of the city.

Led by Irish explorer Mike Rowe, the expedition - joined by different people at different stages - is organised by not-for-profit firm Ninth Wave, which organises pan European trips and adventures supporting community projects.

After leaving Bundoran in County Donegal on April 1, the group reached Oxford on Monday afternoon.

Mr Rowe, who works for Ninth Wave and is 36, said: "There's a massive amount of migration in the opposite direction, people trying to get to western Europe from places like Syria and travelling through Turkey.

"We are aware it is easier for us going the opposite direction but we wanted to highlight the struggle many are facing.

"We have also been trying to live with zero waste throughout the trip but it's proving impossible as almost everything we have bought has packaging of some form."

The 'packrafts' used by the team are kayak style boats which fold up into backpacks making them amphibious.

So far their journey has seen them cross Ireland using the River Shannon and the Grand Canal, and then paddle through Wales to England.

Mr Rowe said: "What has been incredible so far is the enthusiasm and generosity we have seen from so many people.

"Lock-keepers have come out at 8pm at night to give us food and here in Oxfordshire as well people have been great along the way.

"It's the first time in Oxford for many of the group and it was great - I went to the Eagle and Child pub to explore the Tolkien connection and wandered around the city."

From Lechlade-on-Thames to London they have been joined by Alex Murray, who lives in the county and went to school in Culham.

Mr Murray, 25, said: "I grew up along this part of the river and spent a lot of time in Oxford and went to school in Culham so it's great to be taking part on this stretch.

"It's been great fun and I'll be with them for another eight days or so until we reach London."

A possible sailboat trip across the Channel, or train or ferry, awaits the group before the twists and turns of the French canals down to the River Rhine.

It will be on to the Black Forest in Germany from there and along the River Breg to join the Danube towards the Black Sea where Mr Rowe's father should be waiting with his boat to take them across to Istanbul in five months' time.