Aston Rowant National Nature Reserve Talking Trail
Oxfordshire
Aston Rowant National Nature Reserve covers 159 hectares of the Chiltern escarpment near Stokenchurch, taking in four valleys and three ridges of chalk grassland, scrub and ancient beechwood, with Beacon Hill at its northern edge. Managed by Natural England, the reserve is nationally important for its chalk grassland flora, with at least seven orchid species and the Chiltern gentian, and for butterflies including the silver-spotted skipper and Adonis blue, so dogs are kept on a short lead where sheep graze. The waymarked Talking Trail is a 2km loop from the main car park off the B4009, taking in six locally made sculptures and a picnic area, with a modest climb through the valleys and ridges. The M40 cuts through the lower part of the site, and its noise carries into parts of the reserve.
This is a dog friendly reserve, but a lead-on one in places: sheep graze parts of the chalk grassland to keep the sward short for the wildflowers and butterflies, and Natural England asks for dogs on a short lead wherever livestock is present. Away from the grazed compartments there is moderate scope for a dog to range more freely, and the beechwoods give good shade on hot days, though there is no natural water on the trail. Ground-nesting birds and rare orchids mean sticking to the paths matters here more than on an open common. There are no toilets on site, the nearest at Chinnor three miles away, and the car park asks for a small voluntary contribution towards its upkeep.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 2.0 km (1.2 miles)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 45 min
- Walk Type
- Moorland, Woodland
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- Moderate
- Facilities
- No toilets on site (nearest at Chinnor, 3 miles); large picnic area at the car park.
- Parking
- Aston Rowant NNR car park off the B4009, near Lewknor; voluntary donation towards reserve upkeep.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Aston Rowant National Nature Reserve Talking Trail, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
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All dog friendly stays in OxfordshireFrequently Asked Questions
Is Aston Rowant National Nature Reserve Talking Trail dog friendly?
Yes, dogs are welcome on the reserve, and it scores 7 out of 10 for dog friendliness. The chalk grassland and beechwood make for a varied short walk with genuine wildlife interest. The score is held back because sheep graze parts of the reserve and dogs must go on a short lead wherever livestock is present, and because it is a small site rather than a big open space.
Can dogs be off lead at Aston Rowant National Nature Reserve Talking Trail?
Moderate off-lead potential away from the grazed compartments, where sheep are kept on parts of the chalk grassland to protect the wildflowers and butterflies. Natural England asks for dogs to be on a short lead wherever livestock is present, and ground-nesting birds and rare orchids on the reserve mean it is worth keeping a dog close and on the paths generally.
What should I know before visiting Aston Rowant National Nature Reserve Talking Trail with my dog?
The reserve has no natural water for a dog to drink, so bring your own on a warm day, and there are no toilets on site, the nearest being three miles away in Chinnor. The M40 passes through the lower part of the reserve, so there is traffic noise in places. Parking is at the main car park off the B4009, with a small voluntary donation requested.
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Aston Rowant National Nature Reserve Car Park, B4009, Lewknor, Watlington HP14 3YL
51.6634, -0.9432
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