Buckingham Canal Walk and the Ouse Valley Way
The Grand Junction Canal was connected to Buckingham in 1801. Until the railway took over the Canal boosted Buckingham’s urban industry allowing larger shipments of goods to be brought in and out of the town. Evidence of the canal remains in the town centre, but the restored Canal at Bourton Meadow is the hidden gem.
Located at the edge of Buckingham follow footpath signs for the Ouse Valley Way or the Buckingham Canal to follow the path and find the Canal.
For a short walk, simply follow the towpath to the top of the restored section and back around. Nature lovers can search for dragonflies among the reeds and the skies for kestrels.
If you have time for a longer walk, it’s well worth continuing past the white house at the end of the canal. This loop finishes at a farm, and suits those who don’t mind meeting some sheep, cows and pigs along the way!
Follow the public footpath signs through fields along the Ouse
Valley Way, in a circular loop for stunning views across the river and rural Buckingham countryside.
2. To complete the loop continue along the Ouse Valley Way until you come across a second house.
3. Turn right through the wildflower garden to follow public footpath signs over a very narrow bridge and head diagonally south across the fields.
4. If you’re feeling peckish after all that walking don’t forget to stop at the Larder Café, you’ll find it at the end of your loop.
For those happy to walk a little further, when you reach the second house and wildflower garden continue walking along the Ouse Valley Way for another kilometre or two and reach Buckingham Canal Nature Reserve, a large lake, restored lock and path. Experienced walkers could try starting in Buckingham town centre and walking 7 miles along the Ouse Valley Way. This route will take you to Milton Keynes via Buckingham Canal, Nature Reserve, Beachampton and Stony Stratford almost entirely along the old canal paths.