River Glyme

The River Glyme winds through Oxfordshire for about 20 miles. It starts near Chipping Norton and flows past villages like Enstone and Woodstock before joining the Evenlode near Bladon. Along the way it passes through Blenheim Park, where it widens into a lake landscaped by Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown. Four weirs at Cleveley, Kiddington, Glympton and Blenheim hold back its waters. The river’s headwaters form a Site of Special Scientific Interest, recognised for their wildlife and habitats. A long-distance footpath, the Glyme Valley Way, follows almost the entire course of the river. It links historic villages and passes Blenheim Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The river’s name comes from an old word meaning ‘bright stream’. Walkers on the Glyme Valley Way see water meadows, ancient woodlands and stone bridges. The path crosses farmland and passes old mill sites and cottages. Views open across the river’s lake at Blenheim, framed by Brown’s sweeping lawns. The river’s clear water reflects the sky and the surrounding hills.