Spiceball Country Park

Riverside Rambles and Parkland Play: Spiceball Country Park, Banbury

Location: Spiceball Country Park, Banbury, Oxfordshire, OX16 2AY (This postcode is for the park's main entrance and car park.)

The Walk: A Loop of Play and Peaceful Water (Approx. 1.5 miles / 2.5km)

This walk offers flexibility, with a core loop of approximately 1.5 miles (2.5 km) that can easily be extended. It's a great option for a short walk that's packed with fun.

1. Starting from the Car Park: Begin your walk from the car park, heading into the wide-open spaces of the park.

2. Parkland Play: The large fields are perfect for games of fetch and for burning off steam. This area is great for your dog to enjoy some supervised off-lead fun. Be mindful of children playing in the open spaces.

3. Riverside and Canal Strolls: For a quieter experience, head to the banks of the River Cherwell or the Oxford Canal. This section of the walk provides a more tranquil atmosphere.

4. A Quick Dip (with caution): If you're by the river, you could let your pup have a quick dip to cool off, but always supervise them closely and ensure the water is safe and not fast-flowing. It is generally not advisable to let dogs enter the canal due to potential debris or safety issues.

5. Extending Your Walk: You could easily extend your walk by looping around the large park or heading out along the canal towpath for a longer linear journey. The park is centrally located, making it easy to walk to from the train station or local buses.

6. Dog-Friendly Cafes: After your walk, you're only a short stroll away from the plentiful cafes in Banbury town. Cafe Nero, Cafe Venato, and the Pinto Lounge are all dog-friendly and ideal for a pit-stop for a drink and cake.

Important Considerations for Your Walk

• DOGS ON LEAD: Keep your dog on a lead near the car park, children's playgrounds, on busy paths, and on the canal towpath, which is a shared path with cyclists.

• WATER SAFETY: Supervise your dog closely around the river and canal. Do not let them enter the canal.

• WATER FOR DOGS: Bring plenty of fresh water for your dog, or visit a dog-friendly cafe.

• DOG WASTE: Please be a responsible dog owner and always clean up after your dog. Bins are available throughout the park.

• SHARED SPACE: Be courteous to other park users, cyclists, and families.

Why Your Dog Will Love This Walk

• VAST OPEN SPACES: The large fields are perfect for running and play.

• RICH SCENTS: The mix of grass, river and canal provides new smells.

• EASY WALKING: The wide, flat paths are great for a comfortable stroll.

• DOG-FRIENDLY STOPS: A chance for a well-deserved rest at a welcoming café.

Overall:

Spiceball Country Park offers an outstanding and versatile dog walking experience in Banbury. With its wide, flat paths, extensive fields, and convenient location, it's a fantastic local option for a daily walk with your four-legged companion.

Image: © Copyright Steve Daniels and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.