Contents
Route map
Route details
The first part of the way starts near the source of the river in Syresham.
Finding the source
For purists, near might not feel near enough and they would like to start at the actual source. If that’s you, then you could walk up the road towards Wappenham where the source can be found and it is marked on the map. It starts with a depression wending its way through the fields at Wappenham Lodge Farm and feeding into a pond, which presumably has been used in the past as a source of water for cattle. These days it’s fenced off and the sheep make do with tap water.
However, not everyone agrees that this is the source and there’s a rival spring over in Farthinghoe with the appropriate name of Ouse Well. It’s on private land so you should ask for permission if you want to visit it.
But that’s not all: There are 26 waterbodies that feed into the headwaters of the Great Ouse. Feel free to start at a different point if you like, after all, if every journey starts with a single step then doesn’t every river start with a single raindrop?
Syresham does have the obvious advantage that it’s on a bus route. Public transport details are below.
Unfortunately, the route is a little bit confusing at the start and not all the landowners help to keep the paths and stiles clear.
The path through Whitfield Woods is well marked and it might be tempting to follow one of the animal tracks into the woods. Don’t.
Living creatures wandering through these woods are fair game.
The path to Dadford is often obscured with crops, which can be fun if you haven’t watched too many horror films.
Stowe Gardens are well worth a detour and you can pick up something to read along the way from from their pretty impressive second-hand bookshop.
From Stowe it’s a pleasant wander down Stowe Avenue, shaded by majestic beeches, down to the gatehouses that demark the estate from the town.
Buckingham is a good place to get provisions if you’re just passing through or stay overnight. You are also welcome to pick something from the community edible garden (marked on the map). If you are here on a Friday morning, you may see local volunteers who carry out riverfly surveys and you are welcome to join them.
Audio downloads
Intro
About this series
The Stowe Ranger
Head Ranger Barry Smith tells us about the delights and challenges of managing Stowe Gardens.
Stowe Gardens website
Political gardening?
Back in the 1700s Lord Cobham had strong views and ambitious plans which Barry helps us find out with a wander around the garden.
Stowe Gardens website
Rinsing a river
It's September in Buckingham which means it's time to get the river back in shape and Mayor Fran Davies tells us how they do it.
Buckingham Events
Public transport
The 87 bus stops at Syresham on its route between Brackley and Northampton. You can change at Brackley to get a bus to Buckingham, although one direct bus a day goes in each direction acting as a school bus. You can find live times at stagecoach.com
Next leg: Buckingham to Stony Stratford
Back to overview