Illustration — photo coming soon
Just a short distance west of Oxford, this milepost marks a significant point along Duke's Cut, a historic artificial channel that's been part of the Thames navigation system for over two centuries.
The milepost itself commemorates the millennium and sits along a pleasant stretch of towpath perfect for walking or cycling, where you can watch narrowboats and other vessels making their way through the waterway.
Duke's Cut was dug in 1789 on the orders of the Duke of Marlborough, a major engineering project designed to improve Thames navigation. Before its creation, barges carrying coal and other goods had to navigate the river's natural bends, which could be unreliable and time-consuming. The cut provided a more direct route into Oxford, transforming how goods moved through the region. Today, it remains a working waterway and a tangible connection to the Thames's commercial past.
From here, the towpath invites you to continue walking along the riverbank, or you could venture into nearby Wytham Woods, where you'll find ancient trees and abundant wildlife across its woodland trails. The location is conveniently close to Oxford city centre, making it an easy reach for a half-hour escape into green space. You're also well-positioned for exploring westward toward villages like Eynsham. It's the kind of place where you can appreciate both the landscape and the practical engineering that shaped this part of England's history.
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