Things to Do in Aston Rowant Nature Reserve
Aston Rowant Nature Reserve is a national nature reserve situated on the northwestern scarp of the Chiltern Hills, within the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This area features diverse landscapes, including flower-rich chalk grassland, mature beech woodland, and significant juniper scrub. The varied terrain and natural features make it suitable for several sports like hiking, road cycling, mountain biking, jogging, and more. It provides a setting for exploring the natural environment through active pursuits.
Things to Do in Aston Rowant Nature Reserve
Aston Rowant Nature Reserve offers more than 40 routes across several sports like hiking, road cycling, mountain biking, jogging, and more. More than 55,000 visitors have shared their experiences, resulting in an average rating of 4.68 out of 5 stars. Hiking and jogging routes traverse varied terrain, including sections of The Ridgeway National Trail and Swan's Way, with options ranging from easy access paths to steeper sections. For cyclists, the surrounding Chilterns AONB and public rights of way provide opportunities for both road cycling and mountain biking on ancient tracks. Explore specific activities further with guides such as Hiking in Aston Rowant Nature Reserve, MTB Trails in Aston Rowant Nature Reserve, and Road Cycling Routes in Aston Rowant Nature Reserve.
140
Routes
4.5
(377)
Average rating
2755
People visited
4.8
(109)
408
hikers
11.4km
03:16
270m
270m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(13)
34
hikers
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
4.5
(2)
15
hikers
10.8km
03:00
190m
190m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
4.6
(33)
128
hikers
13.1km
03:40
250m
250m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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3.45km
00:24
30m
30m
Easy run. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
66
runners
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
14
runners
17.0km
01:57
310m
310m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Some sure footedness required.
4.0
(3)
12
runners
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Some sure footedness required.
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4.8
(28)
119
riders
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
4.7
(15)
177
riders
64.2km
05:15
1,030m
1,030m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
5.0
(3)
19
riders
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
3.6
(5)
19
riders
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
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5.0
(1)
47
riders
46.3km
01:49
190m
190m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
42
riders
62.7km
02:33
290m
290m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
35
riders
77.1km
03:12
500m
500m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
31
riders
25.3km
01:00
80m
80m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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27
riders
72.2km
04:55
850m
840m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
5.0
(1)
27
riders
49.6km
04:05
970m
970m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
23
riders
80.1km
06:14
1,000m
1,000m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
18
riders
32.7km
02:51
560m
560m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
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3
riders
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.6
(7)
26
riders
26.5km
01:25
90m
90m
Easy gravel ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(3)
6
riders
34.7km
02:11
290m
290m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.5
(2)
5
riders
28.7km
01:45
260m
260m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Most popular attractions in Aston Rowant Nature Reserve
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Frequently asked questions
What is Aston Rowant Nature Reserve?
Aston Rowant Nature Reserve is a national nature reserve located on the northwestern scarp of the Chiltern Hills. It is situated within the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The reserve features diverse landscapes, including chalk grassland, beech woodland, and juniper scrub.
What outdoor activities are available in Aston Rowant Nature Reserve?
Aston Rowant Nature Reserve offers opportunities for hiking, jogging, road cycling, mountain biking, touring cycling, and gravel biking. The reserve and its surrounding area provide 43 routes across these various sports. More information can be found in guides like Hiking in Aston Rowant Nature Reserve.
Are there hiking trails in Aston Rowant Nature Reserve?
Aston Rowant Nature Reserve offers 25 hiking routes, including sections of The Ridgeway National Trail and Swan's Way. A unique 1.2-mile (2 km) 'Talking Trail' with sculptures and audio clips is also available. Routes range from easy access paths to steeper, uneven sections.
Can I go mountain biking in Aston Rowant Nature Reserve?
Yes, there are 7 mountain biking routes available in Aston Rowant Nature Reserve and the surrounding Chilterns AONB. These trails often utilize ancient tracks and public rights of way. For specific routes, consult the MTB Trails in Aston Rowant Nature Reserve guide.
Are there family-friendly trails in Aston Rowant Nature Reserve?
Yes, Aston Rowant Nature Reserve offers easy access paths suitable for pushchairs, alongside slightly steeper sections. The 'Talking Trail' is a 1.2-mile (2 km) waymarked path that can be enjoyed by families. For more options, see the Family-friendly hikes in Aston Rowant Nature Reserve guide.
Are dogs allowed in Aston Rowant Nature Reserve?
Dogs are generally permitted in nature reserves, but typically must be kept on a lead to protect wildlife and livestock. Specific guidelines for dog-friendly routes can be found in the Dog-friendly hikes in Aston Rowant Nature Reserve guide.
What are the main natural features and viewpoints in Aston Rowant Nature Reserve?
The reserve is known for its flower-rich chalk grassland, mature beech woodland, and significant juniper scrub. It offers panoramic views over the Oxford plain from its position on the Chilterns escarpment. The dramatic M40 motorway cutting is also a distinctive landscape feature.
What wildlife can be seen in Aston Rowant Nature Reserve?
Aston Rowant Nature Reserve supports a variety of wildlife. Birdwatchers may spot red kites, woodpeckers, yellowhammers, and chiff-chaffs. The reserve is also a haven for butterflies, including chalkhill blue, silver-spotted skipper, dingy skipper, and grizzled skipper.
How popular is Aston Rowant Nature Reserve on komoot?
Aston Rowant Nature Reserve is a popular destination on komoot, with more than 55,000 visitors having shared their experiences. The routes in the reserve have an average rating of 4.68 out of 5 stars from over 6,500 ratings.
How can I get to Aston Rowant Nature Reserve by public transport?
Information regarding public transport access to Aston Rowant Nature Reserve can be found in specific guides. For hiking routes accessible via bus, consult the Hikes from bus stations in Aston Rowant Nature Reserve guide.
What is the official website for Aston Rowant Nature Reserve?
The official website for Aston Rowant Nature Reserve is http://www.chilternsaonb.org/ccbmaps/59/137/aston-rowant-national-nature-reserve.html. This site provides additional information about the reserve's features and management.
What is the phone number for Aston Rowant Nature Reserve?
The contact phone number for Aston Rowant Nature Reserve is 01844 351833. This number can be used for general inquiries about the reserve.
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