Wittenham Clumps is one of South Oxfordshire’s highly recognised landmarks, if not THE most highly recognised landmark in the region. With the two iconic chalk hills being the star of the show for the free access green space, it is undoubtedly a county staple. 

All year round, no matter the season, the clumps are always filled with many types of wildlife & nature hidden away in the long grass fields and wildflower meadows. Take in the wonderful (but sometimes icy) winter views. Then, in summer, experience the most magnificent sunsets with buzzing bumblebees and beautiful butterflies. Make friends with the local cows as birds sing sweet songs in spring or maybe admire the vibrant autumnal colours swirling around you in the blustery wind. The Clumps always has something to see whenever you visit them, but the one thing that never changes is of course those ‘clumps’ of beech trees which sit proudly on top of the two hills. 

Wittenham Clumps (belonging to the civil parish of Little Wittenham) are the oldest known planted hilltop beeches in England, dating back to over 300 years ago and that is why they are packed full of history! Evidence has been found from all sorts of different centuries ranging from Roman, Bronze Age and even the Iron Age – Castle Hill curved ramparts were both an Iron Age and Bronze Age settlement and have now been classed as a Scheduled Ancient Monument. The Clumps are managed by The Earth Trust team and have been since 1984, with their visitor centre being just along from The Clumps, a resource which is used by many local clubs and schools. South Oxfordshire has always been brimming with such a variety of history, it’s so easy to get fascinated by it and The Clumps is no exception. 

I have always been inspired by the clumps, and I’m not the only one. Many different poets and artists have used The Clumps as a source of inspiration over the years. Famous British artist Paul Nash constantly painted The Wittenham Clumps, the view from The Clumps and lots of other variations throughout his career. Now, I may not have the artistic skill to paint The Clumps, but I certainly know how to capture some of the stunning scenery with my camera. The summer sunsets are exceptionally vivid in colour and their beauty is enthralling. Being an avid Clumps enthusiast, I have supplied you all with a few of my own photos taken on some of my visits to the beech-filled hilltops to give you a taste of what you can experience in person. 

I’m honestly so grateful to have a place which holds such a (in the words of the Paul Nash and The Wittenham Clumps website) compelling magic this close to my own home. And with it being so close, I love having the opportunity to take a long, scenic walk through the farmlands and forests pathways which lead up to The Clumps. Anyone looking for a nice, slow-paced (or fast-paced depending on your walking speed) walk on a summer day with friends or family? Go for a hike up to Wittenham Clumps!