Four new waymarked walking trails have opened at Wittenham Clumps, giving visitors more ways to explore the Oxfordshire landscape during October half term and throughout the year.
The routes, created by environmental charity Earth Trust, range from a gentle 1.5km walk suitable for families with younger children to a 5.7km circuit through grassland, woodland and farmland. Clear waymarking and free route maps are intended to help visitors choose a walk suited to their time, interests and abilities.
The shortest option is the Farm Nature Trail, a mostly flat 1.5km circular route taking around 30 minutes. Starting at the visitor centre, it passes through pasture, orchards, wildflower meadow and fields where food production and wildlife share the landscape.
Also covering 1.5km, the Clumps Heritage Trail takes around 40 minutes and includes a steep climb to Round Hill. Walkers are rewarded with panoramic views across the Thames Valley, while the route also takes in the ancient ramparts of the Iron Age hillfort at Castle Hill.
For those looking for a longer outing, the College Farm Trail covers 2.8km in approximately 50 minutes. The circular route starts at Neptune Wood car park and passes through woodland, flower-rich meadows and farmland.
The longest option is the Landscape Discovery Trail, a 5.7km walk taking around one hour and 45 minutes. It links grassland, woodland, views across the Thames and farmland managed with nature in mind before returning to the visitor centre.
A new café for walkers
Visitors can collect free trail maps from Earth Trust’s pop-up café at the visitor centre. Open seven days a week from 9.00am to 3.00pm, the café serves refreshments before or after a walk.
The pop-up café is a temporary arrangement while Earth Trust develops a permanent café, planned to open in early 2027. Further improvements are also planned for the visitor centre, including a new access track and an adventure playscape for families.
The trails form part of Earth Trust’s work to encourage more people to spend time outdoors while supporting a landscape where wildlife, farming and heritage coexist.
The routes are free to use and open throughout the year. Visitors should dress for the weather and be prepared for muddy or uneven paths in wet conditions.
Earth Trust Chief Executive, Ian Barrett, said:
“Wittenham Clumps is a place people return to again and again, but these trails offer fresh ways to experience it.
Whether you’re out with the family, want a quick breath of fresh air or are ready for a longer countryside walk, there is a route to help you feel confident setting out.
We hope the maps, waymarking and a welcoming stop at our pop-up café will make it even easier for more people to enjoy time in nature this half term and throughout the year.”
For route maps and visitor information, visit Earth Trust’s website.
