Four new waymarked walking trails have launched at Wittenham Clumps for October half-term, including a short farm circuit aimed at families with younger children.
Earth Trust, the charity that cares for the South Oxfordshire landscape, has created routes ranging from 1.5km to 5.7km. They are free to use and will remain open throughout the year.
The launch also brings free route maps at the Visitor Centre’s pop-up café, which is open daily from 9am to 3pm.
At a glance
Where: Wittenham Clumps and the surrounding Earth Trust landscape, Little Wittenham, Oxfordshire.
Cost: The walking routes are free.
Distances: From 1.5km (0.9 miles) to 5.7km (3.5 miles).
Maps: Pick up a free copy at the pop-up café or download Earth Trust’s walking leaflet.
Which Wittenham Clumps trail should you choose?
The shortest walks take roughly half an hour to 40 minutes, but their terrain differs. The Farm Nature Trail is mostly flat, while the Clumps Heritage Trail includes a steep climb to Round Hill. Earth Trust’s estimated walking times are a guide; allow longer for stops or a slower pace.
| Trail | Distance | Approximate time | Route highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Farm Nature Trail | 1.5km / 0.9 miles | 30 minutes | A mostly flat circular walk from the Visitor Centre through pasture, orchards, wildflower meadow and farming fields. |
| Clumps Heritage Trail | 1.5km / 0.9 miles | 40 minutes | A steep climb to Round Hill, Thames Valley views and the Iron Age hillfort ramparts at Castle Hill. |
| College Farm Trail | 2.8km / 1.7 miles | 50 minutes | A circular walk from Neptune Wood car park through woodland, meadows and farmland. |
| Landscape Discovery Trail | 5.7km / 3.5 miles | 1 hour 45 minutes | The longest route, starting and finishing at the Visitor Centre and taking in grassland, woodland and nature-friendly farmland. |
The Farm Nature Trail offers a shorter introduction to the landscape and to how food production and wildlife habitats sit alongside one another. For walkers wanting the hilltop views, the Heritage Trail packs a climb into the same distance. The two longer options explore more of the surrounding countryside.
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.”
Pop-up café and further visitor improvements
The pop-up café provides drinks and refreshments alongside the free maps. Earth Trust says it is developing a permanent café for early 2027, with further visitor improvements planned, including an access track and an adventure playscape.
The Farm Nature Trail, new waymarking and habitat improvements have received support from the North Wessex Downs National Landscape’s Access for All programme and Trust for Oxfordshire’s Environment, with funding from South Oxfordshire District Council’s Community Infrastructure Levy Fund.
Planning your walk
The Visitor Centre is at Little Wittenham, OX14 4QZ. Earth Trust lists free parking, refreshments, toilets and baby-changing facilities on its visitor information page. The College Farm Trail starts separately at Neptune Wood car park, so check the route map before setting out.
Wear footwear suitable for muddy or uneven paths and follow the waymarkers and local signs. Dogs should be kept on leads at the Clumps, where cattle may be grazing.
The mostly flat description of the Farm Nature Trail does not establish that it is suitable for every wheelchair or pushchair. Visitors who need specific information about gradients, surfaces or facilities can contact Earth Trust on 01865 407792 before travelling.
For route maps, café updates and the latest visitor information, see Earth Trust’s website.
