Jim Asher
Chinnor Hill
Location
OS Map Reference
SP 767 002
Know before you go
Entry fee
NoParking information
Surfaced car park at the end of Hill Top Lane (OX39 4BJ)Grazing animals
YesWalking trails
1 mile Wildlife Walk. Ridgeway National Trail passes along the foot of the reserve.
Access
Sloping; steep and stony in places, muddy in places; kissing gates, gates. Rest benches.
Wheelchair and mobility vehicle users can gain access to top of reserve with a RADAR key - call 020 7250 3222 or go to www.radar.org.uk
Dogs
When to visit
Opening times
Open at all timesBest time to visit
All year roundAbout the reserve
The panoramic views from Chinnor Hill, which crowns the Chilterns escarpment, are breathtaking.
Spring and summer flowers
The chalk grassland here contains an amazing variety of flowers in spring and summer, including several species of orchid and the nationally scarce Chiltern gentian. Pretty harebells can be found here, and if you look closely, you might spot the tiny white flowers of eyebright - once made into herbal remedies for eye disorders.
Birds and berries
Hawthorn, juniper scrub, yew, whitebeam and the wayfaring tree have colonised the once open area of grassland at the top of the hill. In spring, this scrub is alive with birdsong and in autumn, migrant bird populations are attracted to the banquet of berries. Chinnor Hill is also a great place to watch red kites soaring in the sky, as well as kestrels hovering above the slopes looking for prey.
Prehistoric past
Chinnor Hill falls steeply to the Icknield Way, part of the ancient Ridgeway. Made up of prehistoric pathways that follow the chalk 'spine' of England, the Ridgeway is thought to be Britain's oldest road.
Things to do
Try our circular Wildlife Walk (1 mile). Just follow the badger waymarkers. Look out for our seasonal guided walks. We run regular work parties on the reserve.