The route along the River Thames from the centre of Oxford to Rose Hill Methodist Church is really lovely. Here's an ariel view of the route to take. If you hover your mouse over the photo the ordnance survey map appears. The best route to take is as follows: 1. Starting at Folly Bridge in the centre of town. 2. Cross over the bridge, walk 20 yards along Abingdon Road then turn left onto the river path on the western side of the River Thames. 3. Follow the river path along past the Oxford University Boat Houses (on the opposite bank) and under Donnington Bridge. 4. Cross Iffley Lock and walk up through Iffley Village to Church Way. 5. Turn Right off Church Way onto Tree Lane and walk up the hill crossing over Woodhouse Way until your reach Ellesmere Road. 6. Walk down Ellesmere Road and go along the footpath at the end until you reach Rose Hill. 7. Turn left on Rose Hill and walk down the hill. The Methodist Church is on your left. The journey is about a 40 minute walk and a 20 minute cycle, but its well worth it. On your right as you walk along the river path (past Donnington Bridge) are Iffley Meadows a Site of Special Scientific Interest (get the SSSI citation here). An area of traditionally managed hay meadow and pasture, untouched by modern farming methods. It is home to the largest population of fritillaries Fritillaria meleagris in the middle Thames area. The river (referred to as the Isis not the Thames) is well used along this stretch by walkers, joggers, cyclists and of course by the University rowing teams (look out for the latest winners graffiti under Donnington Bridge) not to mention pleasure boats of all shapes and sizes. Iffley Lock is a really lovely spot for a rest and a place to sit and watch the boats as the manoeuvre through the lock. Iffley Village, originally a self contained settlement on the outskirts of Oxford has a lovely Church and some very interesting dwellings dating from the early 18th century, there was once a water mill adjacent to lock, which sadly was destroyed by fire in 1908. The walk up on to Rose Hill isn't arduous and there's always the stroll down to the church to get ones breath back. Please come and visit us!