Grimsbury 5km

It's not one of those golden-stone villages you picture when thinking of the Cotswolds, but its position gives you straightforward access to the gentler landscapes that mark the eastern edge of the region. The big draw here is the Oxford Canal, which runs alongside the area, and you can spend a pleasant hour or two following the towpath, watching the colourful narrowboats pass and checking out the historic lock systems. Keep going along the canal and you'll find yourself in Banbury itself, where the famous Banbury Cross stands at the centre of a proper working market town.

From Grimsbury, you've also got options to walk alongside the River Cherwell or take local tracks that open up views across the Oxfordshire countryside. These aren't demanding routes, so they're ideal if you want an easy afternoon without worrying about steep climbs. The area has its own local shops and cafes, and Banbury adds another layer with its own range of amenities, museums, and restaurants. The Banbury Museum is worth a look if you're interested in the town's Civil War history and its agricultural roots. Overall, you're getting a walk that connects you with some proper historical waterway infrastructure while also giving you access to a lively market town on the Cotswolds' doorstep.