California Country Park Woodland and Longmoor Lake
Berkshire
California Country Park covers around 100 acres of ancient bogland and lowland heath at Finchampstead, a rare habitat in the Thames Valley now managed for its wildlife alongside a popular man-made lake, Longmoor Lake, at its centre, where dogs go on a lead near the nesting geese and swans. A boardwalk carries the path through the boggiest sections of heath, protecting both walkers and the fragile plant life, while wider sandy tracks run through the surrounding pinewoods. This 3.2km woodland walk loops out from the lake through the heath and trees, on paths that are mostly firm but can be soft after rain away from the boardwalk, with barely any climbing anywhere on the route.
This is a dog friendly park with high off-lead potential in the wooded areas away from the lake, where a dog can range freely among the pines and heather. The path directly around Longmoor Lake asks for dogs on a lead, since it is home to Canada geese and mute swans that nest close to the water, but several paths lead off into the woods where dogs can be let off again. There is no livestock here, and the lake and heathland pools give a dog plenty of places to cool off away from the geese. There is a paddling pool and play park by the car park in summer, and a cafe with outdoor seating for afterwards, along with dog waste bins throughout the site.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 3.2 km (2.0 miles)
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- 1 hr 5 min
- Walk Type
- Woodland, Lake, Heathland
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- High
- Livestock Risk
- None
- Facilities
- Cafe with outdoor seating, toilets, summer paddling pool and play park near the car park.
- Parking
- California Country Park car park, Nine Mile Ride, Finchampstead; pay and display.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to California Country Park Woodland and Longmoor Lake, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
Riverside Cottage - Winchester
Sleeps 8 · 1 dog · Enclosed garden
from £2,570 / 7 nights
Booking links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you book through them, at no extra cost to you. Prices are a guide only and change with dates and availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is California Country Park Woodland and Longmoor Lake dog friendly?
California Country Park is a well-suited destination for dogs, earning a 7/10 dog friendly rating. The wooded areas and heathland offer plenty of space to explore, there's no livestock on site, and the lake and heathland pools give dogs opportunities to cool off. A cafe with outdoor seating means you can relax afterwards without leaving your dog behind, and dog waste bins are dotted throughout the site.
Can dogs be off lead at California Country Park Woodland and Longmoor Lake?
There's good off-lead potential here, particularly in the pinewoods and heathland away from the lake, where dogs can roam freely among the trees and heather. The path directly around Longmoor Lake is the exception — dogs should be kept on a lead here, as Canada geese and mute swans nest close to the water's edge. Several paths lead off from the lake into the woods, so it's easy to find space to let your dog run once you're away from the nesting birds.
What should I know before visiting California Country Park Woodland and Longmoor Lake with my dog?
The 3.2km loop is flat and easy going, with a boardwalk through the boggiest sections of heath and firm sandy tracks through the pinewoods — though paths away from the boardwalk can be soft after rain, so it's worth bearing that in mind. Leads are required around Longmoor Lake because of nesting geese and swans, but the wooded sections beyond are where dogs can be let off. Parking is pay and display at the California Country Park car park on Nine Mile Ride, and a cafe with outdoor seating is on site for when you're done.
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California Country Park Car Park, Nine Mile Ride, Finchampstead, Wokingham RG40 4HT
51.3790, -0.8715
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