River Cherwell Channel Split
Location 3
The walk continues southwards along the Cherwell towpath. A larger channel of the river Cherwell which has swung around the far side of Magdalen College School grounds merges to produce a much wider channel near the punt-type ferry. Continue on about 300 metres past this ferry until you reach the point where a section of the river splits off to the right, followed by the footpath.
The narrow shallow channel which bears off to the right, with its slack water, contrasts markedly with the wider deeper channel which continues straight ahead. Yet, only a century ago, this narrow shallow channel was the main channel for the river Cherwell. Compare the sketch maps of 1872 and the present day.
