The best walks and hikes around Highmoor
4.7
(2041)
13,932
hikers
780
hikes
Hiking around Highmoor offers routes through the rolling landscape of the Chiltern Hills. The region is characterized by woodlands, nature reserves, and gentle ascents. Trails often follow paths through areas like the Warburg Nature Reserve and pass by historic properties such as Grey's Court.
Best hiking trails around Highmoor
- The most popular hiking route is Great Court Donkey Wheel – Greys Court Horse Wheel loop from Highmoor, a 6.8 mile (10.9 km) trail that takes about 2 hours 50 minutes to complete. This moderate route features sights like the historic donkey wheel at Greys Court.
- Another top favourite among local hiking enthusiasts is Warburg Nature Reserve – View of Berwick Trench loop from Nettlebed, an easy 3.9 mile (6.2 km) path. The trail leads through the nature reserve on generally flat terrain.
- Local hiking enthusiasts also love the Greys Court – Wisteria Walk at Greys Court loop from Highmoor, a 5.4 mile (8.7 km) trail leading through woodlands, often completed in about 2 hours 20 minutes.
- Hiking around Highmoor is defined by its mix of managed woodlands, nature reserves, and paths across the Chiltern Hills. The network of trails provides options suitable for different fitness levels, from short walks to longer, more challenging hikes.
- The routes in Highmoor are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 1,800 reviews. More than 13,000 hikers have used komoot to explore Highmoor's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 10, 2026
4.8
(39)
172
hikers
Embark on the Warburg Nature Reserve and Berrick Trench loop from Nettlebed, a moderate hike spanning 4.5 miles (7.3 km) with an elevation gain of 513 feet (156 metres), typically completed in about 2 hours and 4 minutes. This route guides you through the varied landscapes of the Chiltern Hills, combining peaceful woodlands, open grasslands, and rolling terrain. You will experience easy walking on well-maintained paths, passing through the rich biodiversity of Warburg Nature Reserve, where you might spot vibrant wildflowers like bluebells in spring or orchids in summer.
When planning your visit, be aware that some sections, particularly near the Warburg Nature Reserve Visitor Centre, can become muddy after rain, so appropriate footwear is advisable. The trail offers a mix of paved roads, tracks, and natural field and woodland paths, providing a diverse walking surface. This route is largely stile-free, which makes it more accessible for many hikers. Consider starting your hike from the Visitor Centre, which also offers picnic tables.
This trail is notable for showcasing two Sites of Special Scientific Interest: Warburg Nature Reserve and Berrick Trench. Warburg Nature Reserve is the largest reserve managed by the Berks, Bucks and Oxon Wildlife Trust, covering 262 acres (106ha) and boasting exceptional biodiversity, including over 400 species of fungi and 15 identified orchid species. The route provides a quintessential Chilterns experience, characterized by ancient woodlands and unique chalk grasslands, and is known for its diverse wildlife, from dormice to rare butterflies.
5.0
(2)
7
hikers
29.8km
07:57
330m
330m
Embark on a difficult 18.5-mile (29.8 km) hike from Nettlebed, winding through the picturesque rolling hills of the Chilterns. This demanding route features a total elevation gain of 1096 feet (334 metres) and typically takes around 7 hours and 56 minutes to complete. You'll experience diverse landscapes, from open countryside to shaded woodland paths, with the charming walled gardens of Greys Court serving as a notable visual landmark along the way.
Prepare for varied ground conditions, as sections of the trail can become quite muddy, particularly within the Greys Court estate grounds and during wetter seasons. Given the sustained distance and cumulative ascents and descents, plan for a full day out and ensure you have adequate supplies and footwear. Starting early is advisable to make the most of daylight hours and avoid rushing.
This trail connects two significant National Trust properties, Greys Court and Nuffield Place, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and historical insight. While hiking, keep an eye out for red kites soaring overhead, a common sight in this area. If you visit in spring, you might be treated to the vibrant blue carpet of bluebells in the woods around Kingswood Common.
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4.9
(27)
77
hikers
6.32km
01:44
100m
100m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(18)
47
hikers
10.9km
02:53
110m
110m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(4)
32
hikers
11.8km
03:18
230m
230m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
A lovely stretch through a mix of fields and pastures on rolling hills and banks, eventually entering the woodland of Berrick Trench. A steep flight of wooden steps on the way!
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A totally amazing sight, this! This is a brick kiln, built in the late 17th or early 18th century. Nettlebed produced first tiles and then bricks from the medieval times until the 20th century.
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A forest experience "extraordinaire"! In spring and summer months, the amount of bluebells here is slightly shocking, and of course, you get the proud beech trees all around you. A beautiful forest, whichever season you come here. Between Rotherfield Peppard and Stoke Row, there are a number of different little forests and plantations that make up the larger Kingswood Common - enjoy! You are in for a treat!
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The charming gardens of Grey's Court estate offer plenty to discover. Enjoy mazes, a great tower, a donkey-powered well, a cafe, and the most pristine gardens featuring cherry trees and wisteria.
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Great Circular walks from this village....very flat as well
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2 Huge fallen trees make this a great place to sit & stop for coffee / picnic
0
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better to going downhill in this section, quite slippy when leaves are down
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0
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Highmoor located?
Highmoor is a village nestled within the Chiltern Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in South Oxfordshire, England. It's known for its extensive woodlands and rolling countryside, making it a prime spot for hiking near towns like Henley-on-Thames and Nettlebed.
Are there any easy, family-friendly walks in Highmoor?
Yes, the area is well-suited for families. The terrain is generally gentle, with many shorter trails available. For an easy and popular option, consider the Warburg Nature Reserve – View of Berwick Trench loop from Nettlebed. It's a relatively flat 6.2 km walk through a beautiful nature reserve, perfect for a family outing.
What are the trail conditions like in Highmoor?
Most trails around Highmoor follow well-maintained paths through woodlands and across gentle hills. The routes are a mix of woodland tracks, bridleways, and footpaths across open fields. While generally easy to navigate, some paths can become muddy after rain, so waterproof footwear is recommended.
Are dogs allowed on the hiking trails?
Dogs are generally welcome on the public footpaths and bridleways around Highmoor. However, when walking through nature reserves like the Warburg Nature Reserve or farmland, you'll be required to keep your dog on a lead, especially where livestock is present or during bird nesting season.
How many hiking trails are available around Highmoor?
There are over 780 routes to explore around Highmoor, offering a huge variety for all abilities. About half of these are easy walks, with the rest split between moderate and a smaller number of difficult, longer-distance hikes.
What do other hikers enjoy most about the Highmoor area?
The komoot community rates the area very highly. Hikers often praise the peaceful atmosphere of the Chilterns woodlands, the well-marked paths, and the abundance of wildlife, particularly in the Warburg Nature Reserve. The mix of natural scenery and historic sites like Greys Court is also a frequently mentioned highlight.
Is there a long-distance trail for a more challenging hike?
Yes, for those seeking a full-day challenge, the Grey's Court Walled Gardens and Nuffield Place loop from Nettlebed — Chiltern Hills is an excellent choice. This difficult hike covers nearly 30 km and connects several points of interest, offering a rewarding experience for seasoned walkers.
Can I get to the trails using public transport?
Accessing the trailheads directly via public transport can be challenging as Highmoor is a rural village. The nearest larger towns with bus services are Henley-on-Thames and Nettlebed. From there, you may need to walk or take a taxi to the start of your chosen route.
Where can I park to go hiking in Highmoor?
There are several small parking areas and lay-bys near popular trailheads, such as the car park for the Warburg Nature Reserve. Some routes, like those starting near Greys Court, may have parking available at the National Trust property (charges may apply for non-members). It's best to arrive early as spaces can be limited, especially on weekends.
Are there any circular walks available?
The majority of popular hikes in the Highmoor area are circular, or 'loop', trails. This makes planning your day easy as you'll always finish back where you started. A great moderate loop is the Warburg Nature Reserve and Berrick Trench loop from Nettlebed, which is a pleasant 7.3 km circuit.
What kind of scenery can I expect?
Highmoor is classic Chilterns countryside. Expect to hike through beautiful beech woodlands, which are stunning in spring and autumn, open fields with gentle rolling hills, and quiet country lanes. You'll also find protected nature reserves and glimpses of historic estates.
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