A growing number of ramblers have been enjoying walks in and around Oxford during the coronavirus pandemic.

Some of them have been trying out circular walks taking in the River Thames, towpaths and countryside on the edge of the city.

One of the walkers is Kennington-based author Sylvia Vetta and she has been testing a three-mile ramble which takes in Iffley village and starts and finishes at Meadow Lane near Donnington Bridge.

If you are going by car, you can park on Meadow Lane behind the sea scouts’ hut.

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After setting off, leave the the car park turn right and cross Donnington Bridge Road and continue along Meadow Lane in the direction of Iffley Village. After a couple of hundred yards there is an entrance to Meadow Lane Nature Park. Take a quick look and explore it properly another day. Return to Meadow Lane which eventually bends left and leads you into Iffley Village.

Mrs Vetta said: “At the junction with Church Way turn right and walk through the village passing a hotel, two pubs and the village shop on your left and the old school on your right until you come to Iffley Church.

“Take a break to explore the grounds and the church if it is open. It is one of the finest and most beautiful examples of an Anglo-Norman parish church.

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"At the rear, admire the fabulous Norman arch with its exquisite carvings. If the church is open take a look at the glorious John Piper stained glass window.”

Mrs Vetta added walkers should then leave the church and turn left down the road until you reach the signed steps which lead you to the Thames. They can cross the weir and follow the path to the lock and cross the Mathematics Bridge. Turn left and after fifty yards take the little dirt path to the right which leads you to a gate leading into Iffley Meadows.

Mrs Vetta said: “Follow the path diagonally right. After passing through the open metal farm gate, take the narrow grass path to your left. (Listen out for the variety of bird song).

"At the junction turn right and after 100 yards go over the gated style into the lower meadow. The back water is on your left. In the spring this is a great place to find fritillaries.

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“At this time of year clover, yellow rattle and meadow sweet are abundant. After a few minutes’ walk the path leads you gradually right into another meadow. Look towards the hedge on the left.

“Head for the lone tall tree in the middle of the hedgerow and take the path into the meadow that borders Donnington Bridge. Follow the path diagonally left which ends in a metal gate and leads to the weir.

“Walk around the weir and exit on to the Weirs Lane end of Donnington Bridge and return to the Meadow Lane car park.”