Best Dog Walks in Abingdon
Abingdon has plenty of excellent footpath trails and is very popular for its heritage walks, with group walks even taking place on New Year’s Day. If you prefer to combine a slice of history with your walks, then Abingdon is certainly the town to discover.
Here are 4 of our favourite walks, from historical trails to easy ambles up the river, all rated by the Nag’s Head team! Remember, if you build up an appetite from all your substantial walking, we offer a real hearty pub lunch, and of course, we’re always dog friendly & have treats for your furry friend too.
The Island & Back
Abingdon
Rating: 5 Stars
A delightfully pleasant walk through Rye Farm Meadows, right next to the river Thames. Enjoy river wildlife and pass fisherman as you stroll up and back downstream. With dogs allowed to rain completely off lead, it provides the perfect quick stroll for anyone looking to stretch their legs.
Walking Duration: 40 mins
Starting Point: The Nags head
Terrain: Flat and easy
Distance: 1 mile
What’s There: River, lock, and fields
Abbey Meadows
Abingdon
Rating: 5 Stars
Again, starting from The Nags Head and heading up and over the lock to Abbey Meadows, the route offers just that little bit more. The meadows are most popular through spring and summer time due to the wildflower maze and interactive water fountain – perfect to cool off with on a hot summer’s day.
Walking Duration: 48 mins
Starting Point: The Nags Head
Terrain: Flat and easy
Distance: 2 miles
What’s There: Interactive water fountain, wildflower maze, lock, river and car parking.
Culham Old bridge & Back
Abingdon
Rating: 4 Stars
This pretty walk right on the river, overlooking Abingdon town across the river. With fields to the left as far as the eye can see, this route provides enough space for dogs to explore and roam free. Built-in 1416, Culham Old Bridge is a grade 2 listed building with a vast amount of history from travelers passing over the bridge, to the parliamentarians seizing the bridge in the Civil War, in May 1644.
Walking Duration: 40 Minutes
Starting Point: The Nags Head
Terrain: Flat and easy
Distance: 2 miles
What’s There: car park, historical bridge, riverbanks, fields & all off lead walking.
Swift Ditch Circuit
Abingdon
Rating: 5 Stars
A much longer walk in a circular route, with half the route by the river and the other through meadow and farmer’s fields, providing plenty of off-lead areas. Swift Ditch is the backwater feeding into the river Thames, it’s a quick flowing canal (hence the name), so be aware of currents.
Walking Duration: 1 hour and 45 minutes
Starting Point: Bridge Street
Terrain: Flat, with flood plains & a little uneven footing
Distance: 5.3 miles
What’s There: Culham Old Bridge, The Nags Head, Abingdon lock & fields galore.
If you decide you’ve had enough walking for one day and need a refreshing beverage or a jolly-good heart-warming meal, pop into The Nags Head, with your furry friend. With friendly faces, a beer garden on the river for sunny days, and enough space for you and all your family, The Nags Head is the perfect place to unwind. Offering a range of dishes, from the Winter Ploughman’s sharing board to a remake of the nation’s favourite dish, Ale-battered haddock with chunky chips, there is something for everyone! Oh, and don’t forget we’re experts in the Great British Institution that is the might Sunday Roast.