Binfield Heath and Crowsley Park
This circular walk from Binfield Heath visits Crowsley Park, owned by the BBC in South Oxfordshire. Since the Second World War, the park has been the site of a signals-receiving station used by BBC Monitoring. In 2018, the BBC began a further modernisation of the facility, including the installation of 18 new satellite dishes.
The walk starts from the small village of Binfield Heath and follows the Chiltern Way north to explore Crowsley Park Woods. You continue to Gillsmithers Woods before turning south west to skirt the edge of Crowsley Park. You can enjoy views towards the 165 acre estate which includes an 18th century mansion house and three very large satellite dishes.
After leaving the woods you can follow a country lane south east to return to Binfield Heath.
Postcode
RG9 4JT - Please note: Postcode may be approximate for some rural locationsBinfield Heath and Crowsley Park Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Binfield Heath and Crowsley Park Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Binfield Heath and Crowsley Park OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Binfield Heath and Crowsley Park Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Pubs/Cafes
The Bottle and Glass is a lovely place for some post walk refreshment. The country pub includes a fine garden area to relax in on warmer days. You can find them on Bones Lane with a postcode of RG9 4JT for your sat navs.
Dog Walking
The woodland and parkland on the route make for a fine dog walk and The Bottle and Glass mentioned above is also dog friendly.
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
Just to the west of the park you'll find Sonning Common where there's some more nice trails. Head north east and you can pick up the Thames Path at Henley-on-Thames.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Oxfordshire Walks page.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
Crowsley Park. The park consists of slightly rough pasture and plenty of gnarled trees. It is currently grazed by a relatively small herd of cattle. This shows one of the footpaths through the park.
A relatively small herd of cattle were gathered in this part of the park. I believe that they are White Parks, similar to British Whites but with horns. This shows the view across the dry valley of Harpsden Bottom.
The Bottle and Glass at Binfield Heath
Crowsley Park House. Among the park's former owners were the Baskerville family. Stories about the family and its association with fierce dogs were among the inspirations for Conan Doyle's 'The Hound of the Baskervilles', a famous Sherlock Holmes story.
These satellite dishes belong to the BBC which operates this radio monitoring facility in conjunction with Caversham Park, three miles to the south.
View across the park.
Farmland, Binfield Heath
Binfield Heath Congregational Church