Napton Hill and Oxford Canal Walk

Napton Hill and Oxford Canal Walk does welcome dogs, though it carries a dog friendly rating of 5 out of 10, reflecting some limitations worth knowing about before you visit. The route passes through working farmland and alongside the Oxford Canal, so dogs are required to be on a lead throughout — but the walking itself is enjoyable and the Folly pub right at the trailhead is dog friendly too.

Unfortunately not — dogs must be kept on a lead for the entire 7.6 km route. This is due to livestock in the farmland sections and the proximity of the Oxford Canal, so it's one to bear in mind if your dog is used to off-lead freedom.

The route is a moderate 7.6 km circular that climbs steadily from the canal towpath up through farmland to the windmill, and there are a fair number of stiles along the way — something to be aware of if you have a small dog. Parking is limited at the end of Folly Lane, with some overflow available in Napton village, and dogs must remain on a lead throughout due to livestock and the canal.