We are applying to have Electric Road designated as an official Right of Way, connecting Botley to the Hinkseys in Oxford.
This pathway provides a safe, scenic walking route between communities and is an important part of our local history.
This site explains the project, how you can help, and where to find forms and information
The Electric Road has been part of our local landscape and an amenity since it's construction in the early 1970s
Historical maps and community records show its use as a connecting path between Botley, North and South Hinksey,
The OS map clearly shows that this important route connects a number of other pre existing and vital connecting paths through to Hogacre Common, Hogacre Ditch, Bullstake stream, and the North Hinksey Causeway.
Generations have relied on it as a direct link from Botley into the Hinkseys, avoiding busy roads and enjoying the surrounding countryside as they commute to work or just take a scenic walk or handy run.
Access is open and easy at both ends but this is not technically a right of way or a permissive footpath.
Unless if is formally recognised as a Right of Way, there's no guarantee that it will remain open once the land is compulsorily purchased as part of the flood alleviation works from it's current owners.
By applying for Right of Way status, we aim to safeguard access for everyone — now and in years to come. Your support and evidence are essential to making this happen.
This heritage is worth preserving. By sharing your time in helping us you can help preserve this community asset forever. Please help us and submit an evidence form by the 19th of September.
We are submitting an application for a modification to the definitive map which will officially recognise the Electric Road as a public right of way which must be kept open
We're aiming for the whole stretch of 1.8km to be recognised from the existing footpaths which connect at the Devils Backbone near South Hinksey to the North Hinksey Causeway in New Botley
The current track route can be clearly identified from any map and is clearly shown on OS maps, Footpath Maps, and Google Maps
Your Evidence Counts
To support the application, Oxfordshire County Council requires evidence from members of the public who have regularly used Electric Road over the years. All evidence strengthens our case and we're especially keen to hear from people who've been using the Electric Road pre 2005.
Here’s how you can help:
Download and complete and evidence form
Use our example completed form as a guide.
Email a scanned copy to us: joseph.denby@southhinksey-pc.gov.uk by the 19th of September or:
Drop your form at one of our collection points (See below)
You can collect hard copies of the application forms at the public notice boards here:
Village Hall
At the start of the footpath
2 Church Close
This Project is a collaboration between North and South Hinksey Villages spearheaded by John Fleming (North Hinksey) and Cllr Joseph Denby (South Hinksey).
Cllr Denby moved to South Hinksey in 2021 to be closer to work and family. Joe is a keen walker, runner and lover of all the people of Oxford. Joe joined the Parish Council in 2024 to serve the local community that has been so welcoming to him and his husband. Joe's believes all politics are local and that through service and duty we can collaborate to improve the local environment for generations to come. Joe uses the Electric Road every day to commute to work and is working hard to ensure that everyone can continue to use this vital local amenity.
John Fleming moved to Oxford in 2005 and to North Hinksey in 2019. After a career in the computer industry he became a Trustee of Oxford Bridge Club, helping the members' club convert to become a Charitable Incorporated Organisation. He is a volunteer for the National Garden Scheme in Oxfordshire and he and his wife open their garden for the charity. Always a keen walker, he assisted Riki Therivel in 2024 with an application to make the 'Bulstake path' a right of way. This path runs across the floodplain from the South Hinksey side of the Fishes pub to the Thames Path beside the railway bridge over the river. It crosses the Electric Road near the half way point.
Special thanks must go to Riki Therivel for all her activism and support over the years in raising awareness of the importance of local footpaths, countryside access, and community action.
📧 Email: joseph.denby@southhinksey-pc.gov.uk
📰 Press inquiries welcome.
📝 Pick up hard copies of forms at local noticeboards and community venues.
Guidance Notes
OPT Scenic Walks
Land Registry note
OCC Plan
Procedure Guidance Notes
Form CA16
Land Registry Note
Corpus Estate note
Flood Allivation Scheme plan
Land Registry Plan
Electric Road Right of Way Application Route Map
Electric Avenue - Strava Screen Grab
OS MAp
Footpathmap.co.uk
Flyer
User Evidence form