Windrush Path Mosaic Trail

About

The Lower Windrush Valley Mosaic Trail can be started at either Standlake or Newbridge. It is a flat walk taking in a few bridges and stiles. It is approximately 2 miles long and you should allow 1 hour each way to enjoy all the mosaics along the trail.

The Lower Windrush Footpath Project aimed to create a series of striking and individual mosaics to act as way-markers and points of interest along the two mile footpath running from Standlake, down Shifford Lane, along the Standlake Common and to the River Thames at Newbridge.

The waymarkers of the Windrush Path Mosaic Trail point confidently to the future but have their origins, like all good things, in a special past.

The idea, creative inspiration and practical beginnings came from Standlake artist Ariana Windle. Born in Maryland, USA, she came to Oxford for post-graduate studies in 1977 where she met and married Ralph, writer and, at that time, a Fellow of Templeton College. Cheswell Cottage, Standlake, became their home from which Ariana developed a wide reputation as painter (mainly in pastels), art teacher and demonstrator. The Goose on the Green, Tree of Life at Standlake School, the Youth Club Dragon - these, and other mosaic artefacts, signalled in 2003 the coming together of her artistic talents with her passions for conservation, recycling and community involvement.