Shakespeare's Way

Shakespeare's Way is a relatively unknown long-distance footpath, 146 miles in length, between Stratford Upon Avon and the recreated Globe Theatre in London. The path runs through the Oxfordshire Cotswolds, Blenheim Park, Oxford, the Valley of the Thame, and the beech woods of the Chilterns.

There is plenty of accommodation in hotels, inns and bed & breakfast, and more than enough excellent pubs and restaurants.

Shipston-on-Stour, on Shakespeare's Way Much of Shakespeare's Way passes through similar countryside to the Thames Path, and connects with it at various places. Walkers can use connecting paths to make circular routes using parts of both long-distance footpaths.

Please note that Ramblefest gives information only as far as West Drayton, 119 miles, just inside Greater London. After that we consider the Shakespeare's Way to be too urban and having too many options of accommodation, pubs etc.

Accommodation

We have split accommodation into Hotels & Inns and Bed & Breakfast. Guest House accommodation is included with Bed & Breakfast. While we realise many guest houses are better than some hotel accommodation, in order to avoid confusion we have opted for the simpler option.
We are always looking to improve our information, and welcome accommodation recommendations.

Restaurants and Pubs

We have attempted to give as much information as possible, but restaurants and pubs are notoriously changeable. Wherever possible, we have included information on pubs serving real ale and/or food. Please let us know if our information is out of date.

Guidebooks & Maps

Guidebook

Shakespeare's Way: A Journey of Imagination
By Peter Titchmarsh. 146-mile Waymarked Path from Stratford-upon-Avon to the recreated Shakespeare's Globe, London. All profits on the sale of the Shakespeare's Way guidebooks go to Stratford-upon-Avon’s Shakespeare Hospice. Buy the guidebook and maps by clicking on the image.

Maps

In order of the walk:

OS Explorer Map 205: Stratford-upon-Avon and Evesham
Explorer Outdoor Leisure Map 45: The Cotswolds
OS Explorer Map 191: Banbury, Bicester & Chipping Norton
OS Explorer Map 180: Oxford, Witney & Woodstock
OS Explorer Map 170: Abingdon, Wantage and Vale of White Horse
OS Explorer Map 171: Chiltern Hills West
OS Explorer Map 172: Chiltern Hills East
OS Explorer Map 173: London North

Those choosing not to walk in Greater London need not buy map 173

Buy the Shakespeare's Way guidebook and maps.
By clicking on the guidebook or map images, you can view the available guidebooks, obtain more information, and order them through us online.

The Shakespeare’s Way Association

The Shakespeare’s Way Association created the footpath entirely from existing paths. They have a website:

www.shakespearesway.org

The association is raising funds for Stratford-upon-Avon’s Shakespeare Hospice, which is funded almost entirely by charitable donations, and are encouraging walkers, should they so wish, to raise funds by obtaining sponsorship from friends, relations and work colleagues.

Sponsorship forms are available via e-mail. Please follow the link below marking the subject box ‘Sponsorship Form’:

sw@oakgates.fsnet.co.uk