Farmoor Reservoir Walk
This relaxing 4 mile circular walk at Farmoor Reservoir has nature all around.
Farmoor Reservoir is a beautiful nature reserve located near Oxford. It’s a wonderful place to watch wildlife, meander along the beautiful River Thames and explore a delightful woodland. Whilst you’re walking, stop every now and then to listen to the birdsong - food for the soul.
Enter Farmoor Reservoir via the Thames Water site at gate 3. Note that the gates are locked over night, check the time before beginning the walk. There are public toilets at the car park.
The great John Muir once said: ‘In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.’
Walking amongst nature is good for us and this weeks relaxing walk is at Farmoor Reservoir where nature is everywhere.
A route map is shown below and if you download the Oxfordshire Walks app, you can see you position on the map as you walk. Just search for 'Oxfordshire Walks' on your app store.
When many people visit Farmoor Reservoir, they may just walk around the Reservoir itself. However, there is so much more to see and do around the area. There is a wide variety of wetland habitats, several small nature reserves, extensive paths and beautiful countryside to explore.
This week’s walk from the App starts at the visitor car park and there are instructions on the App to help you find the path to take. There is usually a wide range of ducks, waders and other wildfowl and possibly rare gulls on the Reservoir for you to see. However, following the route on the App you will soon leave the reservoir and follow easy paths amongst some delightful countryside. You will follow paths along the beautiful River Thames and besides gorgeous fields filled with grasses and wildflowers gently swaying in the breeze. The walk takes you along boardwalks through lovely woodland and under giant willow trees towering above, giving welcome shade on a hot summer’s day.
There are many interesting information boards on route, which explains the wildlife interest of the area and are great for educating the kids. If they are open, you will also be able to wander through the Pinkhill, Shrike and Buckthorn Nature Reserves where you may see and hear a wide variety of birds such as the wonderful Willow Warbler.
When you have finished your walk, before leaving the car park you can visit the coffee shop located beside the Reservoir for a well deserved treat.
WHEN WALKING THROUGH THE NATURE RESERVES, PLEASE LOOK AFTER THESE VERY SPECIAL PLACES - STAY ON PATHS AND TAKE ALL RUBBISH HOME WITH YOU.
Please note: Dogs are welcome on this walk if kept on a lead. However, they are NOT allowed on the actual reservoir site. Please check opening times for parking.
This is one of our favourite walks - we hope you will enjoy it also. PLEASE send us your stories and photos to oxfordshire@localwalks.co.uk
Taking regular exercise outdoors amongst nature is good for both our mental and physical health at this time, but whilst out walking please remember to keep your distance from other walkers.
STAY ALERT - STAY SAFE
Here is a route map for Farmoor Reservoir.
Download the Oxfordshire Walks app to see your position on the map as you walk
© OpenStreetMap contributors
Contains OS data © Crown copyright and database right 2021
A few user comments for the Farmoor Reservoir walk
Very very pleasant, and evidence of a presence of wildlife.
Lovely walk. Car park was free when I went, but looks like it does charge usually. Lots of places to stop and sit.
Very muddy at the moment
Please remember that dogs are not allowed around the reservoir itself. The country walk was perfect for our furry family member. There were plenty of benches along the route so a stop with a flask of tea would have made this walk perfect. The last stretch back to the car park was along the main road but you are on a wide grass verge.
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