The Iron Age hillfort on Castle Hill encompasses approximately 12 acres of defensive earthworks.
The beech trees on the summit of Round Hill were originally planted as part of a landscape design project in the 1870s.
The site contains a section of the Thames Path, a 184-mile long-distance walking trail following the river.
The Clumps act as a crucial landscape marker, visible from many parts of the surrounding South Oxfordshire district.
The area supports rare species including the chalkhill blue butterfly and various orchids that thrive on the south-facing slopes.
Wittenham Clumps are two prominent wooded hills, Round Hill and Castle Hill, situated in the Oxfordshire landscape near the River Thames. The site is managed by the Earth Trust, an environmental charity focusing on land conservation and sustainable farming. The hills are recognized as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to their unique chalk grassland habitats. Archaeological excavations have revealed evidence of an Iron Age hillfort on Castle Hill, dating back approximately 2,500 years. The site is also famous for its connection to the poet Samuel Palmer and the painter Paul Nash, who both frequently depicted the clumps in their work. The summit of Round Hill is crowned by a distinctive grove of beech trees planted in the 19th century. Visitors can access a network of paths that wind through ancient woodland and wildflower meadows. The area serves as a significant carbon-sequestering site within the Thames Valley.
The summit of Round Hill, framed by the beech trees looking toward the River Thames.
Bring binoculars as the elevated position provides a 360-degree view of the surrounding Chiltern Hills and the Berkshire Downs.
Wear sturdy, waterproof footwear, as the paths can become muddy and slippery during wet weather.
Check the Earth Trust website before arrival for any temporary grazing closures to protect local livestock.
Attempting to climb the steepest banks of the earthworks, which can cause erosion and damage the protected archaeological site.
Keep dogs on leads when livestock are grazing in the meadows, and adhere to the 'leave no trace' policy.
