THE sporting history of Oxford is being explored in a series of guided walks.

Local historian Mark Davies will lead seven tours through the city during this Olympic summer.

And the strolls through the city sights will take in the area’s sporting trivia from the best to the bizarre.

Mr Davies said: “People, when they think of Oxford, usually go for rowing for obvious reasons and there are some brilliant stories about that, including the very first university boat race in 1829.

“Eights Week was a real favourite in 19th century literature as it allowed authors to bring women into the plot as they came down as spectators.”

The 90-minute walks, which are limited to a maximum of 20 people, begin at the town hall in St Aldate’s and end at Oxford Castle.

They start tomorrow at 6pm tomorrow, and run until August 2. Tickets cost £5 from the town hall gift shop. For more details visit oxfordwaterwalks.co.uk