Wittenham Clumps

Wittenham Clumps are two wooded hilltops south of Dorchester-on-Thames in Oxfordshire, where beech trees crown Iron Age hillforts and the elevation provides 360-degree views across the Thames Valley to the Chilterns, the Berkshire Downs and the spires of Oxford. The 6.4 km circuit takes in both Round Hill and Castle Hill, threading through cathedral-like beech woodland before opening onto grassland summits where the 109 metres of climbing delivers views completely out of proportion to the effort. The Clumps are visible for miles across the flat Thames floodplain, making them natural landmarks that have drawn people for thousands of years. The Earth Trust manages the site, and the surrounding farmland and river meadows extend the walking options considerably.

This dog friendly walk has limited off-lead potential due to high livestock risk — sheep graze the hillside grassland, and leads are needed through all sections where stock is present. The beech woodland provides the best enclosed walking, with dense canopy creating a shaded, atmospheric environment rich with leaf litter scent. The grassland summits offer a complete contrast — open sky, constant breeze and panoramic views that make both dog and walker feel the elevation. The terrain is moderately steep on the hillside approaches but manageable for dogs of reasonable fitness. The combination of ancient woodland, Iron Age archaeology and commanding viewpoint makes the Clumps one of the most rewarding short walks in the Thames Valley.