Napton Hill and Oxford Canal Walk
Warwickshire
Napton on the Hill is one of the most prominent landmarks in south Warwickshire, a conical hill topped with a restored windmill that has been a landmark since before 1543. This 7.6 km circular loops from the Oxford Canal up over the hill and back, and it is dog friendly but strictly on a lead.
The route climbs steadily out of the canal towpath through farmland with a fair number of stiles before reaching the windmill and dropping back via country lanes and a final stretch of towpath. Dogs must be on a lead throughout due to livestock and the canal, and small dogs may struggle with some of the older stiles. Parking is tight at the end of Folly Lane with the dog friendly Folly pub right at the trailhead.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 7.6 km (4.7 miles)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 2 hr 45 min
- Walk Type
- Canal, Historic, Peak
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Low
- Livestock Risk
- Moderate
- Facilities
- The Folly pub at the start is dog friendly, plus pubs in Napton on the Hill village itself.
- Parking
- Limited roadside parking at the end of Folly Lane by the Oxford Canal, with overflow in Napton village.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Napton Hill and Oxford Canal Walk dog friendly?
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.
Can dogs be off lead at Napton Hill and Oxford Canal Walk?
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.
What should I know before visiting Napton Hill and Oxford Canal Walk with my dog?
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.
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