The Reformation - Route 1

1. With your back to the front of the Reformation Pub turn left along Horsepond Road and after 100m take the first left into The Hamlet.

2. After about 100m where the road bears left, turn right and enter the woods through a hole in the hedge.

3. Here you will see three paths – take the left hand path and walk on up the hill through the mixed woodland.

4. After about 600m the path turns sharp left through a gap in the fence (see white arrow on tree) and continues close to the top of a field until you reach Kate’s Cottage. Close by Kate’s Cottage is the site of the gallows tree that gave Gallowstree Common its name.

5. A few metres north of Kate’s Cottage are the well preserved remains of an Iron Age hill fort. 

6. Turn right and walk along the road past Kate’s Cottage for about 600m then turn right along the bridleway through the woods in a north easterly direction for 300m. Turn right and walk along the road for some 500m, through the hamlet of Wyfold, and immediately after Wyfold Grange, turn right on to a signed footpath.

7. Walk on through the field for about 400m; at this point the footpath enters a magical tunnel of laurel and continues through it for some 400m. It’s very easy to miss the entrance!

8. Pass through the gate and re-enter the woods of New Copse.

9. After walking 30m in a southerly direction you will see a fork in the path; walk straight on in a southerly direction (the other path forks off to the left in a north easterly direction).

10. After 600m the path arrives at the exit to The Hamlet. Turn right and enjoy the many interesting styles of houses - old and new. The Haystacks is particularly interesting, with an odd shape and thatched roof.

11. At the end of The Hamlet turn left on the main road to reach The Reformation after 200m for a well deserved pint.


Brakspear would like to thank the Trust for Oxfordshire’s Environment and the volunteers who helped make these walks possible. As a result of these walks, Brakspear has invested in TOE2 to help maintain and improve Oxfordshire’s footpaths. Reg. charity no. 1140563


Respect - Protect - Enjoy
Respect other people: • Consider the local community and other people enjoying the outdoors • Leave gates and property as you find them and follow paths unless wider access is available Protect the natural environment: • Leave no trace of your visit and take your litter home • Keep dogs under effective control Enjoy the outdoors: • Plan ahead and be prepared • Follow advice and local signs

For more info visit: www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-countryside-code