Hid's Brake

Wood, Forest in Berkshire Vale of White Horse

England

Hid's Brake

Fields north of Youlbury Wood
Fields north of Youlbury Wood Credit: Nekisa Gholami-Babaahmady

Hid's Brake is a beautiful woodland located in Berkshire, England. This enchanting forest is situated in the heart of the county, providing a serene and picturesque escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Covering an area of approximately 500 acres, Hid's Brake is predominantly made up of ancient oak and beech trees, creating a dense and lush canopy that stretches as far as the eye can see. The forest floor is adorned with a variety of wildflowers, ferns, and mosses, adding to the ethereal and magical atmosphere of the woodland.

The name "Hid's Brake" refers to a traditional term used to describe a hunting ground for deer. In fact, the forest is known for its diverse wildlife population, including deer, badgers, foxes, and a wide array of bird species. It is not uncommon to catch a glimpse of roe deer gracefully leaping through the undergrowth or to hear the enchanting chirping of birdsong echoing through the trees.

The woodland offers numerous walking trails, allowing visitors to explore its natural wonders at their own pace. These paths wind through the forest, leading to hidden clearings, babbling brooks, and peaceful picnic spots, perfect for immersing oneself in the tranquility of nature.

Hid's Brake is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts, photographers, and families seeking a peaceful retreat. With its ancient trees, vibrant wildlife, and serene ambiance, this Berkshire woodland is a true haven for those seeking solace in the beauty of nature.

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Hid's Brake Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.744938/-1.3171766 or Grid Reference SP4705. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Fields north of Youlbury Wood
Fields north of Youlbury Wood
The A420 Botley
The A420 Botley
The A420 Botley Looking south across the town.
The A420 Botley
Looking south across the town.
Faringdon Road, Cumnor
Faringdon Road, Cumnor
Cycle Path beside the A34
Cycle Path beside the A34
The Vine Inn in Cumnor
The Vine Inn in Cumnor
Footpath in Cumnor
Footpath in Cumnor
Footpath in Cumnor
Footpath in Cumnor
Footpath through barley, Cumnor The footpath heading towards the village from Henwood Farm.
Footpath through barley, Cumnor
The footpath heading towards the village from Henwood Farm.
Looking down Tumbledown Road towards Farmoor Reservoir
Looking down Tumbledown Road towards Farmoor Reservoir
Tumbledown Hill in Cumnor
Tumbledown Hill in Cumnor
Tumbledown Hill to Farmoor
Tumbledown Hill to Farmoor
Red Field on Hurst Hill The upper section of this field is covered with a flowering plant called Sheep's Sorrel (Rumex acetosella)
Apparently it is edible and has various medicinal properties too.
Here it is also a geological indicator. You see where it suddenly stops at the break of slope halfway down the field. This is where the Lower Greensand, which forms an acid soil cap at the top of Hurst Hill, gives way to the underlying limestone.
The lime intolerant gorse, centre left, also stops.
Red Field on Hurst Hill
The upper section of this field is covered with a flowering plant called Sheep's Sorrel (Rumex acetosella) Apparently it is edible and has various medicinal properties too. Here it is also a geological indicator. You see where it suddenly stops at the break of slope halfway down the field. This is where the Lower Greensand, which forms an acid soil cap at the top of Hurst Hill, gives way to the underlying limestone. The lime intolerant gorse, centre left, also stops.
Tree Stump Seats Quite a lot of trees have been taken out of the southern part of Hurst Hill Wood.
These stumps have been carved into chairs, a good place to sit and look out over the view to the south.
Tree Stump Seats
Quite a lot of trees have been taken out of the southern part of Hurst Hill Wood. These stumps have been carved into chairs, a good place to sit and look out over the view to the south.
Track on Cumnor Hill In the shallow dip between Hurst and Cumnor Hills.
Track on Cumnor Hill
In the shallow dip between Hurst and Cumnor Hills.
Louie Memorial Playing Field
Louie Memorial Playing Field
Gate to Hurst Hill A short walk through woodland takes you to the trig point and overlook on the  top of this small hill.
Gate to Hurst Hill
A short walk through woodland takes you to the trig point and overlook on the top of this small hill.
Micro Topography In a tiny bunker on the golf course at Westminster College, wind and rain have created this small sandscape.
Micro Topography
In a tiny bunker on the golf course at Westminster College, wind and rain have created this small sandscape.
Show me another place!

Hid's Brake is located at Grid Ref: SP4705 (Lat: 51.744938, Lng: -1.3171766)

Administrative County: Oxfordshire

District: Vale of White Horse

Police Authority: Thames Valley

What 3 Words

///served.year.beams. Near Oxford, Oxfordshire

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 51.744938,-1.3171766
Turning Circle
Lat/Long: 51.7480585/-1.3151506
Turning Circle
Lat/Long: 51.7483721/-1.314906
Turning Circle
Lat/Long: 51.7461292/-1.3131201
Dean Court Social Club
Club: yes
Note: Not sure if they're licensed. Sign advertising pool in the window.
Lat/Long: 51.7480206/-1.3122023
Parking
Access: customers
Fee: no
Parking: surface
Source: photograph
Lat/Long: 51.7481969/-1.3121817
Turning Circle
Lat/Long: 51.7460969/-1.3145799
Turning Circle
Lat/Long: 51.7460673/-1.31572
Turning Circle
Lat/Long: 51.7463565/-1.3167574
Barrier: stile
Lat/Long: 51.7488248/-1.3183006
Barrier: stile
Lat/Long: 51.7486813/-1.3192276
Barrier: stile
Lat/Long: 51.7486813/-1.3193048
Barrier: stile
Foot: yes
Lat/Long: 51.7459917/-1.3181233
Barrier: stile
Foot: yes
Lat/Long: 51.7464208/-1.3184022
Barrier: stile
Foot: yes
Lat/Long: 51.741424/-1.3216278
Barrier: stile
Lat/Long: 51.7411882/-1.318927
Barrier: kissing_gate
Lat/Long: 51.7427792/-1.3200965
Barrier: kissing_gate
Lat/Long: 51.7427194/-1.3200374
Turning Loop
Lat/Long: 51.7433581/-1.3126438
Power: pole
Source: Bing
Lat/Long: 51.7428991/-1.3174888
Power: pole
Source: Bing
Lat/Long: 51.7448123/-1.3163676
Power: pole
Source: Bing
Lat/Long: 51.7423062/-1.3178482
Power: pole
Source: Bing
Lat/Long: 51.7438242/-1.3169416
Defibrillator
Defibrillator Location: Left front, on wall by bike parking
Emergency: defibrillator
Indoor: no
Lat/Long: 51.7480179/-1.312106
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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