Getting There
Sat Nav: OX44 7JQ
Northbound route only
Leave the M40 at Junction 7 and at the junction turn left, signed A329 Wallingford.
Turn left, signed Great Haseley. Enter Great Haseley and turn right onto Rectory Road, signed Great Milton.
The Plough Inn is on the left hand side.
Return to M40 Northbound
Turn right out of the Plough car park and at the T-junction turn left, signed Thame.
At the next T-junction turn right, unsigned.
Turn left, signed Birmingham M40, Oxford A40.
At the roundabout take the 2nd exit, and at the next roundabout take the 3rd exit to rejoin the M40.
The Plough, Great Haseley
The countryside here is riddled with footpaths and if you're planning to make it a regular pit-stop then it is certainly worth getting hold of an OS map to take full advantage of the walking territory.
Turn left out of the car park and walk down the lane as far as Horseclose Cottages where there is a green Public Footpath sign between No 2 and 3. Take this direction, ignoring all other footpath signs, and cross an access road to some garages and continue straight on into a field.
Follow the clearly trodden path with a hedgerow to the left. In season, this is blackberry-pickers' heaven. Continue on the path through a gate and across a road onto a footpath/private drive towards the church.
Follow the yellow arrow into the churchyard, keeping the church on the left hand side, and then through a metal kissing gate. Turn left, following the sign on the metal gate opposite.
At the recreation ground (where there is a dog poo bin) carry straight on with the hedgerow to the left hand side, and then continue into the next field where the landscape becomes an entirely rural romp in the Chilterns.
The walk continues to be signed, and easy to follow.
At your own half-way point turn round to return the same way.
Facilities
At The Plough. Dogs are welcome in the Plough, although not in the eating area. Dog water is available on request.
Opening hours here are as traditional as the village itself, Monday to Saturday 1200-1430 and Sundays 1200-1430. Food is served between 1200 and 1400 or 1900 to 2130, and the pub enjoys an excellent local reputation for the quality of its fare. If you're planning to meet up with friends here it's worth booking for food (01844 2792830)
Great Haseley is one of those calendar-worthy rural villages, and has featured more than once in the Midsomer Murders series.
Standard motorway services are also available at Oxford Services on the return route.