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Day's Lock – Wittenham Clumps loop from Dorchester-on-Thames

Routes

Hiking trails & Routes

Day's Lock – Wittenham Clumps loop from Dorchester-on-Thames

Moderate

4.8

(37)

186

hikers

Day's Lock – Wittenham Clumps loop from Dorchester-on-Thames

02:25

9.11km

90m

Hiking

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: May 9, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

North Wessex Downs National Landscape

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

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1.32 km

Day's Lock

Highlight • Structure

Located just across the river from the small town of Little Wittenham is this lock that provides glorious views up and down the River Thames.

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2.85 km

St Peter's Church, Little Wittenham

Highlight • Religious Site

Little Wittenham has a very pretty church. It is surprising to find that it is not terribly ancient, for it was almost entirely rebuilt in 1862. The original building was built for the monks of Abingdon Abbey who held a monastic grange next door.
The 14th century tower is original, as is its 'Ace of Spades' window - a reminder that this playing card paid for its erection when it brought a huge win to a local merchant! This may be a variant on the old story which suggests that the last of the Dunch family at the manor gambled away his home to King James II. The Dunches once had a family chapel on the south side of the chancel. Their fine monuments are now squeezed into the space under the tower. The great treasure of the church is the large monument to Sir William Dunch (1612) and his wife, Mary, the aunt of Oliver Cromwell. The Tudor brasses surrounding it include the first William Dunch (1597). There is a good collection of earlier brasses in the chancel: Geoffrey Kidwelly (1483) has an altar-style monument. His wife (1472) is on the floor with other members of this Lancastrian family from Wales who entered into the service of King Henry VI.

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4.08 km

Little Wittenham Wood

Forest

4.43 km

Little Wittenham Wood

Highlight • Forest

Beautiful woodland below Wittenham clumps. Good paths and lovely nature.

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5.29 km

Wittenham Clumps

Highlight • Natural Monument

The Wittenham Clumps are one of South Oxfordshire’s most iconic landmarks. Rising high above the landscape, you are afforded breathtaking views over the River Thames and the surrounding countryside. The Clumps, which comprise Round Hill and Castle Hill, are steeped in history; with evidence of Bronze Age, Iron Age, and Roman occupation. The curved ramparts of Castle Hill date from the Iron Age, though archaeological work has shown that it was also a Bronze Age settlement. The area is also very rich in wildlife.

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