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Olney Circular Walk

4 miles (6.5 km)

Ordnance Survey Map Open Streetmap This circular walk takes you around the popular market town of Olney near Milton Keynes in Buckinghamshire. Along the way there's a riverside stretch along the River Great Ouse, nice countryside views and a visit to the pretty lakes in Emberton Country Park.
The walk starts in the town centre and heads east across the sports ground to meet with the river. Follow the riverside footpath south and you cross the water before turning south west to visit Emberton Park. It's a lovely spot with 5 lakes, wooded glades and meadows. The park is a good place for bird watching with a number of water loving species regularly visiting the lakes.
After exploring the park follow the same countrt footpaths back to the river. You'll pass the ford before turning north and heading back through the town centre.

Olney OS Map Ordnance survey map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking

Olney Open Street Map Open Streetmap - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Pubs/Cafes

The Cherry Tree on the High Street is a nice place for some post walk refreshments. They do very good food and also have a nice outdoor seating area. You can find the pub at postcode MK46 4EB for your sat navs.

Dog Walking

The area is a good place for a dog walk and The Cherry Tree pub mentioned above is also dog friendly. It's advised to please keep them on leads in Emberton Country Park though.

Further Information and Other Local Ideas

The Milton Keynes Boundary Walk passes close to the town and provides another opportunity for exploring the area. The circular path could be followed west to visit the expansive Salcey Forest where there are miles of woodland cycling and walking trails.
The Three Shires Way runs just to the east of the town. This shared cycling and walking trail can be picked up in nearby Clifton Reynes. You could follow it south toward Milton Keynes or north towards Bozeat.
On the eastern side of Milton Keynes there's Newport Pagnell to explore. There's some lovely riverside trails, a fine local park and several historic buildings to see in this nearby town. The town is well known for being the original home of the exclusive sports car manufacturer Aston Martin. There's also a Grade I listed iron bridge dating from the early 19th century to see here.

Photos

High Street South in Olney (geograph 5820494)

High Street South in Olney

Olney, Bucks - geograph.org.uk - 1535289

Olney, Buckinghamshire, with the tower and spire of SS Peter and Paul parish church

The River Great Ouse at Olney - geograph.org.uk - 1535280

The River Great Ouse at Olney

Great Ouse River - Olney - geograph.org.uk - 195504

Great Ouse River - Olney. A view east from the Olney road bridge

Ouse bridge near Olney - geograph.org.uk - 1540139

A view across the meadows towards the town.

Footbridge over the Ouse - geograph.org.uk - 1530631

Footbridge over the Ouse. The bridge provides a link for walkers and horse riders between Olney and Clifton Reynes.

GPS Files

GPX File

Olney.gpx (On Desktop:Right Click>Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold>Download Linked File)

Memory Map Route

Olney.mmo (On Desktop:Right Click>Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold >Download Linked File)