Highlight (Segment) • Forest
Hiking
5.0
(36)
Cowleaze Wood is a picturesque 70-acre woodland nestled within the Chiltern Hills, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in South East England. Located in Oxfordshire, near the village of Lewknor and close to the Buckinghamshire border, this forest is particularly celebrated for its spectacular bluebell displays each spring, transforming the woodland floor into a vibrant blue carpet.
Visitors are consistently captivated by the immersive natural beauty of Cowleaze Wood. The immense display of bluebells in late April and May…
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Tips
Nearby routes
Best routes near Cowleaze Wood Bluebells
5.0
(5)
23
hikers
22.8km
06:29
490m
490m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.3
(3)
25
hikers
14.9km
04:16
320m
320m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
27
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Details
Informations
Distance 1.14 km
Uphill 50 m
Downhill 60 m
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Thursday 12 March
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Parking at Cowleaze Wood is generally free. The wood features a large car park, but it can become very busy, especially during the peak bluebell season in late April and May, and on sunny weekends. Arriving earlier in the day is recommended to secure a spot.
Cowleaze Wood is primarily accessed by car, being conveniently located near junction 5 of the M40 motorway. Public transport options directly to the wood are limited, making driving the most practical way to visit.
Yes, dogs are welcome in Cowleaze Wood. To protect the delicate bluebells and local wildlife, especially during nesting season and the bluebell bloom, it's advisable to keep dogs on a lead. Please also ensure you clean up after your pet.
Cowleaze Wood offers a mix of wider main paths and narrower trails. The terrain is generally gentle, but as it's located in the Chiltern Hills, you can expect some mild inclines and descents. The paths are suitable for leisurely walks and family outings, though some can be muddy after rain.
Beyond the spectacular bluebell displays, Cowleaze Wood offers stunning views over the surrounding Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire countryside from its elevated position. Keep an eye out for red kites soaring overhead, a common sight in this area. The wood also features sculptured benches designed by Fred Baier in its picnic area.
While the wood has wider main paths, the presence of mild inclines and potentially uneven or muddy surfaces on some trails may make it challenging for wheelchairs or pushchairs, especially after wet weather. It's best to assess conditions upon arrival.
The bluebells at Cowleaze Wood typically reach their peak bloom in late April and early May. This period offers the most vibrant and extensive 'blue carpet' experience. However, the exact timing can vary slightly each year depending on weather conditions.
Cowleaze Wood itself does not have on-site cafes or pubs, but it does offer a picnic area. For refreshments or accommodation, you would need to venture to nearby villages such as Lewknor, Stokenchurch, or Christmas Common, which offer local pubs and other amenities.
Besides the abundant red kites, Cowleaze Wood is home to various woodland bird species. Hikers might also encounter common woodland mammals such as deer, squirrels, and badgers, though these are often more elusive.
The monument in Cowleaze Wood commemorates a poignant historical event. On March 31, 1944, a Handley Page Halifax Mk III bomber aircraft crashed in the wood while returning from a raid on Nuremberg, tragically killing all seven crew members. The stone plinth from Lincoln Cathedral serves as a memorial to these lost airmen.
While there isn't one officially named 'Bluebells Circular Walk' within Cowleaze Wood, the network of paths allows visitors to create their own circular routes. Many hikers enjoy combining the wider main paths with narrower trails to explore different sections of the woodland and experience the bluebells from various angles.