Highlight • Forest
Wychwood Forest
Hiking
5.0
(51)
Road cycling
5.0
(1)
This Highlight is in a protected area
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Tips
November 27, 2022
Hiking
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Nearby routes
Best routes near Wychwood Forest
4.6
(62)
290
hikers
11.9km
03:12
140m
140m
Embark on the Charlbury to Wychwood Forest loop, a moderate hike spanning 7.4 miles (11.9 km) with an elevation gain of 473 feet (144 metres), typically taking around 3 hours and 11 minutes to complete. You will traverse diverse terrain, from field tracks and quiet country lanes to ancient broadleaved woodland paths within the historic Wychwood Forest. Enjoy picturesque views of the River Evenlode and rolling Cotswold countryside as you explore this varied landscape. Expect undulating paths with gentle hills and open fields, offering a rich visual experience.
For your visit, be prepared for a mix of paved, unpaved, and natural surfaces, including sections of asphalt and gravel. The terrain can be muddy, especially after rain, so sturdy walking boots are essential for comfort and safety. This loop is generally accessible, but it does require a good fitness level due to some ascending and descending sections. Plan your start time to allow ample daylight, as the route winds through dense woodland.
This trail's most significant feature is its passage through the ancient Wychwood Forest, once a medieval royal hunting ground. While much of the original forest is now private, you can access well-marked paths, particularly within Cornbury Park, which hosts a National Nature Reserve. Keep an eye out for historical elements like the 12th-century church in Shorthampton or ancient springs, adding a layer of cultural richness to your outdoor adventure.
4.5
(6)
25
hikers
21.7km
05:46
220m
220m
Embark on the Charlbury to Ascott-under-Wychwood loop for a difficult 13.5-mile (21.7 km) hike through the diverse Cotswolds landscape. You will gain about 725 feet (221 metres) in elevation over approximately 5 hours and 45 minutes, traversing rolling hills, expansive meadows, and ancient woodlands. Expect a mix of surfaces, from paved roads to unpaved paths and gravel sections, often following the scenic River Evenlode.
This challenging route is best suited for hikers with a very good level of fitness and sure-footedness, making it ideal for a longer day out. You can start your adventure from the charming market town of Charlbury or the historic village of Ascott-under-Wychwood, both offering a welcoming atmosphere and amenities. Plan your visit to allow ample time to enjoy the varied scenery and historic sites along the way.
The loop offers a rich historical context, passing through parts of the ancient Wychwood Forest, a former medieval royal hunting ground. You will also encounter the picturesque villages of Charlbury, known for its Brunel-designed railway station, and Ascott-under-Wychwood, famous for the memorial to the 16 "Ascott Martyrs." Portions of the trail align with the well-known Oxfordshire Way, providing a varied experience of woodlands, open fields, and riverside paths.
5.0
(3)
21
hikers
12.8km
03:25
150m
150m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Details
Informations
Elevation 210 m
Weather
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Monday 8 June
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8°C
57 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 28.0 km/h
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