The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Ravensroost Wood
4.3
(269)
1,977
hikers
63
hikes
Family friendly hiking trails around Ravensroost Wood traverse a landscape characterized by ancient woodland and replanted forest sections. The area features expansive wildflower meadows, including Avis Meadow and Warbler Meadows, which provide diverse habitats. Numerous ponds are dotted throughout the woodland, adding to the ecological richness. The terrain is generally flat with well-maintained paths, making it suitable for a wide range of walking abilities.
Best family friendly hiking trails around Ravensroost Wood
- The most popular family friendly hiking route is Sandpool Farm Nature Reserve loop from Oaksey, a 2.1 miles (3.4 km) trail that takes 52 minutes to complete. This easy route offers a pleasant walk through natural reserve landscapes.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Lake at Cotswold Water Park loop from Somerford Keynes, an easy 3.8 miles (6.1 km) path. This route provides views of the lake and surrounding parkland.
- Local hikers also love the Lake with Wooden Dock – Lake at Cotswold Water Park loop from Somerford Keynes, a 2.1 miles (3.4 km) trail leading through lake and park scenery, often completed in about 52 minutes.
- Hiking around Ravensroost Wood is defined by ancient woodlands, wildflower meadows, and numerous ponds. The network offers options for different ability levels, with many routes suitable for families.
- The routes in Ravensroost Wood are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.3 stars from more than 250 reviews. More than 2000 hikers have used komoot to explore Ravensroost Wood's varied terrain.
Last updated: July 13, 2026
4
hikers
4.31km
01:07
30m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
19
hikers
3.44km
00:52
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.8
(18)
82
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.4
(11)
117
hikers
6.13km
01:33
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(4)
25
hikers
5.88km
01:29
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
The top section of this walk is on a main road, you have to walk on the verge. It's a lovely walk though! The dog loved it
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Popular spot for lunch or snack and a drink. There is both indoor and outdoor seating, the latter having views over the lake. Opening hours: Wednesday 9am–5pm Thursday 9am–5pm Friday 9am–5pm Saturday 9am–5pm Sunday 9am–5pm Monday 9am–5pm Tuesday 9am–5pm Suggest new hours
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Great cafe situated next to a lake. With outside seating on the decking (if you’re very lucky you might get to see otters) open from Wed-Sun 9:00- 16:00
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Open: Wed-Sun 10am-4pm. A beautifully located café with wooden decking platform and glass allowing you to observe the wildlife, while drinking a great warming coffee or tea (on a crisp winters day) and delicious home make cake. A real gem!
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Nice lakeside cafe with ice cream, cake and drinks.
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The Cotswold Water Park is the UK’s largest marl lake system. Covering an area of 40 square miles, it boasts more than 150 lakes set across Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, and West Oxfordshire. Many of the lakes and areas have been designated as nature reserves and are home to myriad wildlife. As the park covers a large area, it is free to enter. However, you do have to pay to enter the beach and activity centre. For more information, visit: https://www.waterpark.org/.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many family-friendly hiking trails are available around Ravensroost Wood?
There are over 60 family-friendly hiking trails around Ravensroost Wood, offering a variety of options for different ages and abilities. Most of these, around 35, are classified as easy, making them perfect for families with younger children or those looking for a relaxed outing.
What kind of terrain can we expect on family hikes in Ravensroost Wood?
The terrain in Ravensroost Wood is generally flat with well-maintained paths, making it very suitable for families. You'll find a mix of ancient woodland, replanted forest sections, and expansive wildflower meadows, providing a diverse and interesting environment for exploration.
Are there any circular routes suitable for families?
Yes, many of the family-friendly trails are circular, offering convenient starting and ending points. For example, the easy Sandpool Farm Nature Reserve loop from Oaksey is a great option for a pleasant circular walk.
What wildlife might we spot on a family hike?
Ravensroost Wood is a haven for wildlife. Families can look out for various bird species like redwing, nuthatch, tawny owls, and woodpeckers. In spring, you might hear a spectacular dawn chorus. The wildflower meadows attract butterflies, including the rare brown hairstreak, and around the ponds, you can spot dragonflies and damselflies. In autumn, over 450 species of fungi can be found.
Are the trails suitable for toddlers or pushchairs?
Given the generally flat terrain and well-maintained paths, many trails in Ravensroost Wood are suitable for toddlers and pushchairs. Routes like the short Hiking loop from Oaksey are particularly good for little legs or those needing a smooth surface.
What are the best times of year to visit Ravensroost Wood with family?
Spring is wonderful for birdwatching and the dawn chorus, while summer brings vibrant wildflower meadows and butterflies. Autumn offers a chance to see a huge variety of fungi. The well-maintained paths make it accessible year-round, but always check local weather conditions.
Are dogs allowed on the family-friendly trails?
Ravensroost Wood is generally dog-friendly, but as a nature reserve, it's important to keep dogs under close control, especially during nesting seasons or near wildlife. Always check specific signage on trails for any restrictions and be mindful of other visitors and wildlife.
Are there any water features or lakes to explore?
Yes, the area features at least eight ponds throughout the woodland, adding to its ecological diversity and scenic beauty. Additionally, some routes venture closer to the wider Cotswold Water Park area, such as the Lake at Cotswold Water Park loop from Somerford Keynes, offering views of larger lakes.
What do other hikers enjoy most about hiking in Ravensroost Wood?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars from over 250 ratings. Reviewers often praise the peaceful atmosphere, the diverse natural features like ancient woodlands and wildflower meadows, and the well-maintained, accessible paths that make it enjoyable for all ages.
Are there any longer family-friendly routes for older children?
For families with older children looking for a longer adventure, there are moderate trails available. The Beach at Keynes Country Park – Cotswold Water Park Lake loop from Somerford Keynes, for example, offers a more extended hike with varied scenery.
Where can we park when visiting Ravensroost Wood?
The Ravensroost Nature Reserve loop from Ravensroost Car Park is a popular starting point, indicating parking facilities are available. It's always advisable to check specific trailhead information for parking details before your visit.
Most popular routes around Ravensroost Wood
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