Tar Lakes in Witney is perfect for a little impromptu jaunt. It’s beautiful and, aside from the lakes themselves, there’s endless bridleways and public footpaths leading to other villages in the area – including one to the Masons Arms pub.
Perfect for a pram walk or doggy paddle (literal doggy paddle), we saw lots of people out enjoying the paths and throwing balls into the lake for dogs to retrieve. The main lake has a 650 metre surfaced footpath which is good for wheels, whilst the other lake is accessed via mown paths on foot only. Bring binoculars to spot wildlife including swans, cygnets, dragonflies and damselflies and voles.
Rushy Common Nature Reserve is next to the car park but can’t be accessed by the public as it’s a haven for wildlife. You can buy a key for the bird hides for £15 – see the website for more details.
