The best walks and hikes around Charlton-On-Otmoor
4.4
(434)
2,606
hikers
228
hikes
Hiking around Charlton-On-Otmoor offers access to the unique wetland landscape of Otmoor, characterized by extensive wet grasslands and floodplain grazing marsh. The area is defined by the River Ray, which contributes to the rich natural habitat, much of which is part of the RSPB Otmoor nature reserve. The village itself is situated on a rocky eminence, with the surrounding parish primarily on Oxford Clay, providing varied, generally flat terrain for walks.
Best hiking trails around Charlton-On-Otmoor
- The most popular hiking route is Otmoor RSPB Reserve loop, a 6.5 miles (10.5 km) trail that takes 2 hours 39 minutes to complete, offering views of the wetland reserve known for its birdlife.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Kirtlington Village – Weston-on-the-Green Village loop from Weston-on-the-Green, a moderate 6.1 miles (9.8 km) path connecting rural villages through the surrounding countryside.
- Local hikers also love the Noke Village – Noke Church loop from Islip, a 6.0 miles (9.7 km) trail leading through the wetland environment, often completed in about 2 hours 31 minutes.
- Hiking around Charlton-On-Otmoor is defined by wetland habitats, floodplain grazing marsh, and the River Ray. The network offers options for different ability levels, from easy walks to moderate hikes.
- The routes in Charlton-On-Otmoor are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 400 reviews. More than 2,600 hikers have used komoot to explore Charlton-On-Otmoor's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 12, 2026
4.5
(4)
9
hikers
10.5km
02:39
10m
10m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(3)
25
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Sign up for free
5.0
(5)
17
hikers
9.90km
02:35
60m
60m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
36
hikers
3.65km
00:55
0m
0m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.4
(7)
13
hikers
5.79km
01:33
70m
70m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Tips from the Community
It is a fantastic hide with views over the fields & ponds. DOGs are NOT allowed. This also means that you cannot use the direct footpath towards Beckley if you have a DOG. Instead you have to take the path via the RSPB car park, which adds 2k to the walk if you go back to the footpath, rather than follow the road up to the Abingdon Arms at Beckley
1
0
This section of the route is also used as a shooting range. Red flags or lights will indicate if the range is in use and therefore not accessible to the public. To best plan your route in advance, you can check the areas firing times by phoning the South East Operations room on 01420 483405 or visiting this link https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/south-east-training-estate-firing-times/otmoor-range-firing-times-december-2022#firing-times.
3
0
Sit back and enjoy the natural spectacle of these beautiful birds on this second viewing platform located slightly deeper into the reserve. Don't forget to bring your binoculars!
2
0
Otmoor RSPB Reserve is a haven for beautiful birdlife. This viewing platform perched on the edge of the waterfront allows you to get up close and personal with some of the reserve's finest creatures.
2
0
The Wetlands Watch lookout and viewing screens are especially great to visit in the autumn and winter months when large numbers of wildfowl and waders are spotted on the floodplains.
2
0
This pretty church has Norman origins although it was almost entirely rebuilt in the 14th and 15th centuries. Its churchyard is historic and peaceful, while the interior of the church has centuries-old paintings and impressive stained glass windows.
0
0
One of the seven ancient towns of Otmoor: Oddington, Bethlehem-on-Otmoor, Fencott, Murcott, Horton-Cum-Studley, Beckley and Noke. An excellent way to get to the RSPB Otmoor nature reserve.
5
0
Every winter you can observe the magic of the murmurations of wings from thousands of starlings performing a stunning sunset ballet. These aerial acrobatics are endlessly fascinating. In the case of swarming starlings, the results from carefully filming and mapping each starling in a flock show that murmurations are a scale-free phenomenon, poised at the edge of criticality. This means that the starling flock is both different from and more than the sum of its parts. It also means that information ripples very fast through the flock allowing it to act as a superorganism, scaring away potential predators before the starlings can return safely to their nightly shelter.
3
0
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of terrain can I expect on hiking trails around Charlton-On-Otmoor?
The terrain around Charlton-On-Otmoor is primarily characterized by the unique wetland landscape of Otmoor, featuring extensive wet grasslands and floodplain grazing marsh. While generally flat, paths can be uneven, wet, and muddy, especially after rain. The area also includes the River Ray and some rocky eminences, offering a varied natural environment.
Are there many easy hiking trails suitable for beginners or families?
Yes, Charlton-On-Otmoor offers a good selection of easy trails. Out of over 230 routes, 130 are graded as easy. For example, the RSPB Otmoor Reserve – Beckley Village loop from Noke is an easy 5.8 km hike that takes you through the reserve. The RSPB Otmoor Reserve also has a 1.5-mile flat visitor trail.
Can I bring my dog on the hiking trails in Charlton-On-Otmoor?
Dogs are generally welcome on public footpaths and bridleways within the Otmoor area. However, there may be restrictions in certain sensitive areas, particularly within the RSPB Otmoor nature reserve, to protect wildlife. Always keep dogs under control and check local signage.
What natural features or wildlife can I expect to see while hiking?
Otmoor is a significant area for wildlife, especially birdlife. You can expect to see diverse wading birds and wildfowl year-round, with viewing platforms and hides available at RSPB Otmoor. The landscape also features floodplain grazing marsh, the River Ray, and species-rich meadows and hedgerows, providing a rich natural habitat to explore.
Are there any circular walking routes available?
Yes, many of the hiking routes around Charlton-On-Otmoor are circular. For instance, the Otmoor RSPB Reserve loop is a popular 10.5 km circular trail. Other routes connect nearby villages, forming circular paths like the 'Otmoor Circular' (6 miles).
What do other hikers enjoy most about hiking in Charlton-On-Otmoor?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 400 reviews. Hikers often praise the unique wetland environment, the abundance of birdlife, and the generally flat, accessible trails that offer a peaceful escape into nature.
Are there any historical landmarks or points of interest along the trails?
Charlton-On-Otmoor itself is a medieval village with a Grade I listed 13th-century church, St Mary the Virgin, featuring medieval timbers and ancient paintings. While hiking, you might also spot medieval ridge and furrow patterns in the meadows. Nearby attractions include Hertford Bridge and Brill Windmill.
What is the best time of year to go hiking in Charlton-On-Otmoor?
While hiking is possible year-round, autumn and winter are particularly good for birdwatching at RSPB Otmoor, as large numbers of wildfowl and waders gather on the floodplains. Spring and summer offer lush green landscapes and wildflowers. Be prepared for potentially muddy conditions after rain, regardless of the season.
Are there places to eat or drink near the hiking routes?
Charlton-On-Otmoor and surrounding villages offer local pubs where you can find refreshments. While specific cafes might be limited directly on the trails, you can often find options in the nearby villages for a post-hike meal or drink.
How can I get to Charlton-On-Otmoor using public transport?
Public transport options to Charlton-On-Otmoor may be limited. It's advisable to check local bus services for connections from larger towns like Oxford. Planning your journey in advance is recommended, as services might not directly serve all trailheads.
Is there parking available for hikers in Charlton-On-Otmoor?
Yes, parking is generally available in Charlton-On-Otmoor and at key access points for the RSPB Otmoor Reserve. Specific parking details can often be found on individual route descriptions or on the RSPB website for the reserve itself.
What is the overall difficulty level of hikes in the area?
The hikes around Charlton-On-Otmoor range from easy to moderate. The majority of the 234 routes are either easy (130) or moderate (100), with only a few graded as difficult. This makes the area suitable for a wide range of fitness levels, though some moderate routes like the Kirtlington Village – Weston-on-the-Green Village loop offer slightly more elevation gain.
Most popular attractions around Charlton-On-Otmoor
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Browse the best Hikes in other regions.
