Napton Windmill – Napton Church and Cemetery loop from Napton on the Hill CP
Napton Windmill – Napton Church and Cemetery loop from Napton on the Hill CP
4.0
(5)
14
hikers
Napton Windmill – Napton Church and Cemetery loop from Napton on the Hill CP
01:17
4.51km
100m
Hiking
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.
Last updated: July 19, 2026
Waypoints
Start point
Bus stop
Get Directions
607 m
Napton Windmill
Highlight • Monument
The mill lay derelict until about 1972 when it was restored, converted into a house and fitted with four patent sails. In January 1976, two of the sails blew off in a gale and were later restored.
Tip by
615 m
Napton-on-the-Hill WWII Observer Post
Highlight • Monument
Inscription on the Plaque reads
“You are welcome to use the seat on this private property at you own risk. This seat and Rowan tree are on the site of the WWII Observer Post operated by the Royal Observer Corps. It was part of a network of observer towers built for the purpose of providing a system for detecting and tracking aircraft. The Blitz on Coventry (to the north of this spot) in November 1940 would have been observed from the tower. Villagers also witnessed the event from the fields. The Tree was planted on the 50th anniversary.
The Oxford Canal is close by and also played a part in the defences of the area in WWII.
Following the fall of France in 1940 a German invasion was considered imminent and part of Britain’s defence system was a network of Inland Stop Lines. The canal around Napton was part of Western Command’s Napton to Coventry Stop Line.
Evidence of these defences can still be found along the canal to the south of this spot. There are still Stent pillboxes on the side of the canal and anti-tank blocks just off the canal.
The support to this country in its desperate hours by such people as the Observer Corps, The Home Guard, The Women’s Land Army and the Agricultural and Horticultural workers who fed and protected this Nation is not always adequately remembered.
So, please take time to sit and reflect on the freedom we have today.”
The Observer Corps
The Corps was awarded the title ‘Royal’ by His Majesty King George VI in April 1941. During the Second World War the Royal Observer Corps undertook the long range tracking and reporting of enemy aircraft.
Tip by
1.52 km
Napton Brickyard Bridge No. 112
Highlight • Bridge
The nearest place in the direction of Old Engine House Arm Junction is Winding Hole below Napton Locks; 4¼ furlongs away.
The nearest place in the direction of Napton Junction is Napton Bridge No 111; 3½ furlongs away.
Tip by
2.20 km
Napton Bridge No. 111 (Oxford Canal)
Highlight • Bridge
The nearest place in the direction of Old Engine House Arm Junction is Napton Brickyard Bridge No 112; 3½ furlongs away.
The nearest place in the direction of Napton Junction is The Bridge PH (Napton) (Closed May 2016); a few yards away.
Tip by
2.84 km
Napton Bridge No. 110 (Oxford Canal)
Highlight • Bridge
The nearest place in the direction of Old Engine House Arm Junction is Bridge Inn Winding Hole; 3 furlongs away.
The nearest place in the direction of Napton Junction is Coventry Road Bridge No 109; ¾ furlongs away.
Tip by
3.02 km
Napton Junction Marina
Highlight • Rest Area
Tip by
4.26 km
Bench With a View of the Countryside
Highlight • Viewpoint
4.30 km
Napton Church and Cemetery
Highlight • Historical Site
4.51 km
End point
Bus stop
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
1.82 km
1.39 km
1.01 km
217 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
3.19 km
913 m
351 m
< 100 m
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Elevation
Highest point (150 m)
Lowest point (100 m)
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Weather
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Wednesday 22 July
27°C
13°C
0 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 12.0 km/h
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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
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