For walkers
For an overview of Steeple Aston, its buildings and their history, follow A Walk Around Steeple Aston.
Or you could try Robina’s Walk, an historical walk around the village that you can do at any time. It has been produced by Steeple Aston Village Archive group (SAVA) and it is being sold to raise funds for the Village History Centre.
A copy can be sent to you digitally from the SAVA website on request with an answer sheet included at a cost of £5, or you can purchase it at Steeple Aston village shop.
The walk is guided by Robina, a resident in 1923, who walks you around the village noting places and people of interest 100 years ago. The walk includes finding answers to questions on things you can see in 2023. It starts and finishes at the Village Hall. More on the SAVA website. https://www.steepleastonarchive.org.uk/
If you like to walk in a group, you can join Steeple Aston Walking Group (SAWG) which was set up in 2015. There are regular monthly walks throughout the year, and some extra ones on summer evenings and weekends. For more details please click here.
A guide to local footpaths is available from the village shop and provides detailed information on individual routes. This map, reproduced from the book by kind permission of Steeple Aston Life, shows all the public footpaths in and around the village. For a copy to print and take with you on your walk, please click here.
Cherwell District Council publishes leaflets on 12 circular walks in North Oxfordshire. All leaflets are available to download or order online. To go to their website, please click here.
Alternatively you can purchase as a set of 11 full colour booklets in a splash-proof pack from Banbury Tourist Information Centre on 01295 753752 and Bicester Visitor Centre, 01869 369055 for £5.95 (+ £1 p&p if ordering by post).
Oxfordshire County Council also provides lots of information on walking opportunities throughout the county. It publishes leaflets on 8 circular walks and 12 attractive “Paths for All” as well as links to sites about walking in the Chilterns and along the Thames Path. To find out more and to download the leaflets, please click here.
Oxfordshire Preservation Trust features a number of walks on its website.
Walking in Oxfordshire, compiled by John Harris as part of his Walking in England series, brings together a lot of the walks available elsewhere for free download and printing.
The Oxfordshire Fieldpaths Society was founded in 1926 for the preservation of footpaths, bridlepaths and commons in the Oxford vicinity. It organises a regular programme of social walks.
Exercise classes
Pilates class
They meet in the Village Hall on Mondays from 2.30 to 3.30pm. The cost is £8 a class.
There is no charge for the first session. If you have a mat please bring it, but if not a large towel is a reasonable alternative.
For more information, contact Julia on 01869 347850.
Yoga
youFloria Yoga
Ana writes: “youFloria Yoga is a peaceful, down to earth studio where everybody is welcome and made to feel at ease. Whilst all of our wonderful teachers bring their unique qualities to the space, they are all experienced, compassionate and willing to work with you to help you to get what you need from your practice.
“We have a variety of classes on offer throughout the week, as well as one-off workshops, ceremonies and retreat days. Whether you are a well seasoned yogi, or brand new to this magical practice there will be something for you to enjoy here in our studio.”
Contact
Ana Firth and Kate O’Neill
The Hatchery
Fir Lane
Middle Aston
OX25 5QL
Tel: 01865 745851
Email:yoga@youfloria.co.uk
Website:https://www.youfloriayoga.co.uk/
Sports Clubs
There are plenty of sports clubs in the village that are keen to welcome new members. Sports include:
Angling
Badminton
Cricket
Cycling
Football
Golf
Tennis
For more details, please click here.