Harpsden

Settlement in Oxfordshire South Oxfordshire

England

Harpsden

Farmland, Shiplake The track here, at the edge of Lower Hailey Wood, is a permitted footpath. A crop of oil-seed rape is to the right. — Farmland, Shiplake Credit: Andrew Smith

Harpsden is a picturesque village located in the county of Oxfordshire, England. Situated just three miles northwest of Henley-on-Thames, the village is nestled in the Chiltern Hills, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. Harpsden has a population of around 500 inhabitants, making it a small and close-knit community.

The village is characterized by its charming thatched cottages, traditional stone houses, and well-maintained gardens. Its historic buildings reflect the rich heritage of the area, with the St. Margaret's Church being a prominent feature. This Grade II listed church dates back to the 12th century and showcases stunning medieval architecture.

Harpsden is renowned for its tranquil atmosphere and natural beauty. It is surrounded by lush green fields, rolling hills, and woodlands, making it an ideal location for nature enthusiasts and walkers. The nearby Harpsden Woods, managed by the Woodland Trust, provide ample opportunities for exploring and enjoying the outdoors.

Despite its small size, the village is home to a thriving community. It has a primary school, village hall, and a pub called The Flower Pot, which serves as a social hub. The Flower Pot offers a warm and friendly atmosphere, where locals and visitors can enjoy a pint of real ale or indulge in hearty British cuisine.

Harpsden benefits from its proximity to Henley-on-Thames, a vibrant town known for its annual Royal Regatta and picturesque riverside setting. It provides residents with access to a wider range of amenities, including shops, restaurants, and leisure facilities.

In summary, Harpsden is a charming village in Oxfordshire that offers a peaceful countryside lifestyle, rich history, and natural beauty.

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Harpsden Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.52075/-0.902403 or Grid Reference SU7680. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Farmland, Shiplake

The track here, at the edge of Lower Hailey Wood, is a permitted footpath. A crop of oil-seed rape is to the right.

Andrew Smith

Chiltern Way goes this way

Created by the Chiltern Society as its Millennium Project, the Way originally took in all of the Chilterns from north to south across the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, in a 125-miles circuit extending from Ewelme in the south west, Chorleywood in the south east and Sharpenhoe Clappers and Great Offley in the north east. It was based on an earlier unofficial route, the Chiltern Hundred. The Way passes through some of the most attractive parts of the Chilterns, including the Bovingdon Plateau, the Chess valley, the Misbourne valley, Penn Country, the Hambleden valley, Stonor Park, Ewelme, Swyncombe Down, Bledlow Ridge, Hampden Country, Bulbourne valley and Dunstable Down. The original 200km (125 miles) Way took in Hemel via Chalfont St Giles, the edge of Marlow, Hambleden, Bix Bottom, Ewelme, the Ridgeway, Stokenchurch, Great Hampden, Aldbury, the Dunstable Downs, Sharpenhoe Clappers and Harpenden. Two extensions have been added in 2003: the southern adds a loop of 50km (35 miles) from Bix Bottom via Mapledurham on the Thames and the northern extension 44km (27 miles) from Sharpenhoe Clappers via the Icknield Way and the outskirts of Hitchin. A short cut from Bix Bottom creates a 16km (10 miles) loop via Ewelme. Although officially starting at Hemel Hempstead Station, the walk can be started at many other places on the route. The Way also has links with other routes including Chiltern Heritage Trail, Ridgeway National Trail, Icknield Way Path, Oxfordshire, Swan's and South Bucks Ways and Grand Union Canal, Lea Valley and Chess Valley Walks.

N Chadwick