Wittenham Clumps

There aren’t too many hills in Oxfordshire but this four-mile walk takes in two with surely some of the county’s finest views. The hike up to Round Hill and its neighbour, Castle Hill, is rewarded with stunning views of the county, stretching as far as the Chilterns to the east and the Cotswolds to the west. Known as Wittenham Clumps, the trees on both summits are the oldest known planted hilltop beeches in England, dating back more than 300 years. The rich wildflower meadows and thriving forests are maintained by a local organisation called Earth Trust.

Park in the free car park in Bridge End, Dorchester-on-Thames, and head south to pick up the footpath along Wittenham Lane. Follow the footpath around the edge of the field, passing the Iron Age Dyke Hills on your left hand side and crossing over a farm track. Stay on the path as it turns slightly to the left and pass through a gate into the field beyond.

Cross the field in a southwesterly direction to another gate, through which are three bridges which take you over the River Thames. Follow the road as it curves around the outskirts of Little Wittenham until you reach the village church. The entrance to Wittenham Clumps nature reserve is just past the church on your left hand side.