27/05/2026
GET TO KNOW OUR FOOTPATHS - USE THEM OR LOSE THEM!
The network of footpaths and Public Rights of Way linking our villages together is an important part of our local heritage and countryside. Routes such as the Jubilee Way, a recognised long-distance walking route through Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, attract people of all ages to explore the landscape, enjoy wildlife, and connect with neighbouring villages away from busy roads. In our area, the Bernwood Jubilee Way passes through Steeple Claydon, Middle Claydon, East Claydon and Botolph Claydon, continuing alongside Runts Wood and the historic tracks of the ancient Bernwood Forest. Runts Wood itself is a surviving fragment of this once extensive ancient woodland, which for centuries covered large parts of Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire. Ancient woodlands like this are rich in biodiversity and provide a living link to the historic landscape, with veteran trees, layered habitats and a complex ecosystem that has developed over hundreds of years. They support a wide range of wildlife, including several rare and declining species found in the wider Bernwood area, such as the Black Hairstreak and Brown Hairstreak butterflies, along with owls, bats, deer and many woodland birds. These paths are not only valuable for recreation and wellbeing, but they also help preserve the rural character that makes our area special. With increasing development pressures, including Rosefield and other proposed building projects, it is vital that we continue to walk, care for and protect these routes. Public footpaths can easily become overgrown, neglected or even threatened if they are rarely used. By regularly enjoying our local trails, we help demonstrate their importance to the community and help ensure they remain open and accessible for future generations. Please see the map opposite showing our local paths and walking routes. If you spot any issues along the way, such as overgrown vegetation, damaged signage, blocked access, or where farmers have not clearly reinstated a route after ploughing and sowing crops - please get in touch with the Parish Clerk [email protected] or call: 07769 694183 so the matter can be reported and resolved. Working together as a community helps keep these important footpaths open, safe and enjoyable for everyone.If you would like to explore whereour local footpaths and Public Rights of Way are located, you can view them online here:
You are viewing this site in an old version of the Internet Explorer browser that doesn't support many features that modern browsers do.
