Farmoor Reservoir Countryside Walk
Oxfordshire
Farmoor Reservoir is a large Thames Water storage reservoir west of Oxford, its two basins enclosed by a raised concrete causeway that is a well known walk in its own right but is closed to dogs. Around the outside, a separate 5.8km Countryside Walk, open to dogs throughout, follows rural footpaths and quiet lanes through the fields and Thames-side meadows that surround the reservoir, taking in views back across the water and, on a clear day, the spires of Oxford in the distance. The going is flat and easy throughout on farm tracks and field paths, though these can turn muddy in wet weather, and several field gates need opening and closing along the way.
This is a dog friendly walk, but a specific one: dogs are only allowed on the outer Countryside Walk and are not permitted onto the reservoir causeway or the main basin path itself. Away from the reservoir, the surrounding meadows and field paths give a dog moderate off-lead scope, with the River Thames and its backwaters offering places to drink or cool off. Livestock is only occasionally grazed in the fields here, but it is worth checking before letting a dog off the lead. There is no shade on the open causeway, though the field paths pass through some hedged sections. Parking is at the Gate 3 car park, with a waterside cafe and toilets on site for afterwards, though these serve the reservoir side rather than the dog walk itself.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 5.8 km (3.6 miles)
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- 1 hr 45 min
- Walk Type
- Reservoir, River
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- Low
- Facilities
- Waterside cafe and toilets at Gate 3 (reservoir side; separate from the dog walking route).
- Parking
- Farmoor Reservoir car park at Gate 3, off Cumnor Road; charges apply.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Farmoor Reservoir Countryside Walk, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
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.
All dog friendly stays in OxfordshireFrequently Asked Questions
Is Farmoor Reservoir Countryside Walk dog friendly?
Dogs are welcome on the 5.8km Countryside Walk that loops around the outside of Farmoor Reservoir, following field paths and quiet lanes through the surrounding meadows. It's worth knowing, though, that dogs are not permitted on the reservoir causeway or the main basin path itself, so the outer Countryside Walk is the dedicated dog-friendly route here. The walk is flat and easy throughout, with views back across the water and, on a clear day, the Oxford skyline in the distance.
Can dogs be off lead at Farmoor Reservoir Countryside Walk?
The meadows and field paths surrounding the reservoir give dogs a moderate amount of off-lead scope, and the River Thames and its backwaters along the route offer good spots for a drink or a splash. Livestock is only occasionally grazed in the fields here, but it's always worth checking before letting your dog off the lead, and gates along the route will need opening and closing as you go.
What should I know before visiting Farmoor Reservoir Countryside Walk with my dog?
The most important thing to remember is that dogs must stay on the outer Countryside Walk — the reservoir causeway and basin path are closed to dogs entirely. The route can get muddy in wet weather, so boots are a good idea, and there's little shade on the more open sections. Parking is at the Gate 3 car park off Cumnor Road (charges apply), and there's a waterside cafe and toilets on site afterwards, though these are on the reservoir side rather than directly on the dog walking route.
Visitor Reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience.
Farmoor Reservoir Car Park, Gate 3, Cumnor Road, Farmoor, Oxford OX2 9NS
51.7580, -1.3475
Get DirectionsWhat’s Nearby?
Walk1.3 mi awayWytham Woods
Oxfordshire
A walk through the University of Oxford's ancient research woodland, with some of the finest mixed woodland in southern England.
Walk2.5 mi awayThames Path: Godstow to Swinford
Oxfordshire
A Thames-side walk from the ruined Godstow Nunnery through Port Meadow to the ancient Swinford toll bridge.
Walk5 mi awayOxford Canal: Thrupp to Kidlington
Oxfordshire
A gentle Oxford Canal towpath walk past the boatyard hamlet of Thrupp with traditional narrowboats and waterside views.
Walk5.8 mi awayBlenheim Palace Park Perimeter
Oxfordshire
A perimeter walk around Capability Brown's masterpiece at Blenheim, with lake views and the palace itself as centrepiece.
Attraction6.2 mi awayNorth Leigh Roman Villa
Oxfordshire
One of the larger Roman courtyard villas in Britain, reached with your dog on a quiet track down the Evenlode valley. Free, and the mosaic is usually covered.
Walk7.1 mi awayShotover Country Park
Oxfordshire
An Oxford woodland and heathland park with ancient oaks and a surprising wildness just east of the city.