When I shared my guide to the top 25 outdoor spaces to explore with kids in Berkshire, Oxfordshire & Buckinghamshire, I was given lots more recommendations of places to visit. On our last ‘mummy and me’ day out before the lockdown, my 3 year old and I headed to Snelsmore Common near Newbury in Berkshire.
Snelsmore Common Walking Trails
There are a number of pathways at Snelsmore Common that criss cross so you can take a route that’s best for you. We kept to to the easy access trail which is mainly tarmac and compacted surfaces so my little one could cycle. The kissing gate which leads from the car park is fully accessible by wheelchairs and pushchairs if you fancy a buggy walk. The easy trail is around 1.1km and takes around half an hour to walk depending on how fast little legs go.
There’s also a heathland trail covering 2km that takes in both heath and woodland and perfect if you’re looking to spot Snelsmore Common’s special wildlife. It can however get muddy at times.
If you’re after wet bogs then the Mire Trail is around 1.7km with natural surace trails, flat heath and up and down gullies.
Along the easy access trail that we followed, I noticed little metal plaques which would be great to do a rubbing of if you brought some paper and crayons.
If you’re lucky you might even spots some Exmoor and New Forest ponies wandering freely around. Dogs are allowed but must be kept on leads on the main common during the bird nesting season (1 March – 31 July).
Snelsmore Common Facilities
There are toilets, disabled toilets and picnic benches available.
Snelsmore Common Parking
Snelsmore Common has a large car park located off the B4494, Wantage Road, opposite the Mary Hare School. The car park opens at 8am every morning and closes at 8pm during the summer and 6pm during the winter (check signage on your arrival)
