There are few better ways to connect with nature than by heading out for a walk, and we want to make that as easy as possible for visitors to Wittenham Clumps.
Red kites soaring overhead, yellowhammers singing in hedgerows, abundant wildflowers. Wittenham Clumps isn’t just a view; it’s a place to discover.
A welcoming gateway into nature
The new walking routes form part of our wider ambition to create a true Gateway to Nature – an entry point where people of all backgrounds and confidence levels feel comfortable taking their first steps into nature.
With clear waymarking, mapped routes and walks of different lengths, visitors can choose a route that suits their time, interests and energy on the day. Whether you’re visiting for half an hour or a full morning, these routes are designed to remove uncertainty and help people enjoy the landscape with confidence.
Four routes, many ways to explore
“Wetlands, woodlands, farmland and views that make your heart soar”.
The landscape around Wittenham Clumps is shaped by deep history, working farmland and rich habitats – from woodland and grassland to orchards and arable fields. Our new walking routes help reveal this story on foot:
Farm Nature Trail
A short, gentle circular walk starting at the Visitor Centre, showcasing nature‑friendly farming in action. The route passes through pasture fields with trees, productive arable fields planted with fruit and nut trees, an orchard and wildflower meadow — demonstrating how food production and biodiversity can coexist.
Clumps Heritage Trail
A well‑loved route with a rewarding climb to the top of Round Hill, offering spectacular views across the Thames and towards the Ridgeway. Along the way, walkers encounter the ramparts of the Iron Age hillfort at Castle Hill, where you’ll experience thousands of year of history, abundant wildlife, expansive views and open space to explore.
College Farm Trail
Starting at Neptune Wood car park, this route circles Paradise Wood and passes through a variety of habitats including woodland, flower‑rich meadows and arable farmland.
Landscape Discovery Trail
Our longest walk, designed to immerse visitors in the wider landscape. This route weaves together grassland, woodland and nature‑friendly farmed fields before returning to the Visitor Centre.
Each route is clearly shown in our walking leaflet, with distances and approximate timings to help visitors plan their journey.
A landscape shaped by people, cared for with nature
For more than 40 years, Earth Trust has been caring for the land at Wittenham Clumps, pioneering innovative, nature‑friendly land management to help nature thrive.
As walkers follow these routes, they will pass through working landscapes, not just nature reserves, seeing first‑hand how habitats are being restored, hedgerows and wildflower margins re‑established, and nature-friendly farming systems carried out in practice. These paths offer practical, real examples of how we can make changes to the way we farm to grow nutritious food and restore nature.
Simon Atkinson, Director of Land Management at Earth Trust, said: “We’re thrilled to be launching our new walking trails, which for the first time show people just how much of the 530 hectares of Wittenham Clumps they can explore. Many of our visitors know and love the Clumps themselves, but may not have realised until now how far beyond them they’re welcome to wander. These trails open up the wider landscape, guiding walkers through its unique wildlife and rich heritage, and offering a closer look at our nature-friendly farming and the difference it makes for wildlife, soil, water and people alike. We can’t wait for everyone to get out and discover it for themselves.”
With thanks to our supporters
The Farm Nature Trail, new route waymarking and additional habitat improvements have been made possible thanks to funding from North Wessex Downs National Landscape’s Access for All programme and a grant from Trust for Oxfordshire’s Environment (TOE) funded by the South Oxfordshire District Council Community Infrastructure Levy Fund. Their support is helping more people access, enjoy and care for this special place.
Richard Clarke, Chair of the Funded Programmes Panel at the North Wessex Downs National Landscape (NWDNL), said: “It was a delight to visit Earth Trust recently and see first-hand the passion and care that has gone into creating the new Farm Nature Trail. By making it easier for people to explore the landscape, discover local wildlife and understand how farming and nature can work together, this project perfectly reflects the aims of the Access for All programme. We are proud to have supported a trail that will help more people experience and connect with this remarkable place.”
Plan your visit
See our ‘visit us’ page for visitor information. Walking routes leaflets are available from the Visitor Centre, or to download here.
Whichever path you choose, we look forward to welcoming you so you can discover nature on your doorstep.
