Monks Causeway #2 North Hinksey
Monks Causeway aka Hinksey Causeway is an ancient footpath extending from Osney Mead to The Fishes PH. It was originally used by Monks and villagers to travel from North Hinksey to Osney Abbey and thence Oxford. It is partially elevated so stays relatively usable even in winter. It is also possible that it was the route for the underground lead pipesand culverts that carried Oxfords' water from North Hinksey Conduit House to Carfax Conduit which was built in the 17th Century.
Bridges now exist where it crosses the Bullstake and Seacourt Streams but originally these would have been fords and one theory is this is where the name for Oxford derives from Oxenford as cattle would likely have been driven along this route.
To follow the Monks Causeway path enter the small gate alongside the Public House Garden (Not the ferrymans cottage private house) and continue alongside the wall until you get to the footbridge over Seacourt Stream. This bridge would originally have been a ford during summer and a ferry probably operated by the publican or a ferryman who lived in Ferry Cottage next to the pub. The current bridge was built in 2024 over 5 days by volunteers from The Hinksey Heights Nature Reserve Trust and for some unknown reason it is shown on some maps as "The bridge of Virgins" which may be an onscure Monty Python reference.
This is a part of a set of caches placed to take you on a walk from North Hinksey to Osney and back (or vice-versa) via two old paths that were used before the modern roads were built to access the western side of Oxford.
They can be completed either way round with parking available at each end, either starting here and having a rest stop/refreshments halfway around in various establishments..
The circular walk should take under 90 minutes but can be extended if wished to collect other caches at either end
NB Monks Causeway and parts of Osney Mead industrial estate often floods when both Seacourt & Bullstake streams are in flood and overflowing into the floodplain fields around them. Do not enter flood water or attempt to walk along the causeway at these times. The cache(s) though should still be accessible but you won't be able to complete a circular walk.
As always please supervise children around water.
Monks Causeway itself is not wheelchair or stroller accessible but the caches and willow walk are although some are placed high up.
The cache is Magnetic and is NOT on private property or the bridge. Tweezers are required
Congratulations FTF..... Sapphirites