Barley Hill

Hill, Mountain in Oxfordshire West Oxfordshire

England

Barley Hill

A bend in the road to Chadlington Credit: Steve Daniels

Barley Hill is a small hill located in the county of Oxfordshire, England. It is situated near the village of Wheatley, approximately 8 miles southeast of Oxford. Despite its name, Barley Hill is not a mountain but rather a modest elevation in the landscape.

The hill itself stands at an elevation of around 150 meters (500 feet) above sea level, offering visitors and locals alike stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The area is characterized by its rolling green hills, picturesque farmland, and charming rural landscapes.

Barley Hill is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and hikers, as it boasts several well-maintained trails that lead to the summit. These paths wind through fields, meadows, and woodlands, providing opportunities to observe the local flora and fauna.

The hill is also home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, rabbits, and foxes. Nature lovers can often spot buzzards soaring overhead or catch a glimpse of deer grazing in the distance.

Barley Hill and its surrounding area have historical significance as well. The nearby village of Wheatley has a rich heritage, with several historic buildings, including the 13th-century St. Mary's Church and the Wheatley Manor, a 17th-century manor house.

In conclusion, Barley Hill offers a serene and picturesque setting for outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs alike. With its stunning views, diverse wildlife, and nearby historic sites, it is a destination that encapsulates the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Oxfordshire.

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Barley Hill Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.908081/-1.5413742 or Grid Reference SP3123. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

A bend in the road to Chadlington

Steve Daniels

Squires Clump tumulus

This monument includes an Anglo-Saxon burial mound, or 'hlaew', situated in Squire's Clump, 500m south west of Iron Buildings. The barrow lies on a false crest overlooking the land to the south, east and west, including the present village of Sarsden. The barrow mound measures 23m in diameter and stands up to 3m high. It has a flat top with an otherwise conical profile. The mound is surrounded by a dry stone revetment wall which sits on a narrow 0.5m wide berm. This is surrounded by a quarry ditch from which material was obtained during the construction of the mound. This has been redug and survives as a 4m wide and 0.8m deep feature. The Squire's Clump barrow was used as a landscape feature during the 18th century when beech trees were planted around it and the wall was rebuilt. The name Squire's Clump can also be attributed to this phase in the monument's history. (ancientmonuments.uk)

Nick Barber

Sarsden Estate wooden sign

Nick Barber

Bridleway through Sarsden Woods

Nick Barber

Nursery Plantation

Seen from the track.

Michael Dibb

To the woods

The track leads into Nursery Plantation.

Michael Dibb

Access track

The bridleway crosses this track which gives access to Castle Barn Farm and Castle Barn Cottages.

Michael Dibb

Across the field

After following the edge of woodland for some distance, the bridleway crosses the open fields.

Michael Dibb

Three ways to go [1]

Within Sarsden House park, the bridleway from the A361 makes a T junction with another bridleway. This view is looking north east towards Kennels Belt.

Michael Dibb