North edge of Cricklade, Latton Close, SN6 6JL
North Meadow, Cricklade
Mixed-habitat reserve
Source image
6.4
Wildland
Under 1 hour–1.5 hours for the marked walks
Time
Check
Cost
Peaceful
Feel
Why it's Wildland
6.4A traditional 44-hectare hay meadow on the upper Thames floodplain, with an extraordinary spring claim: the site’s official description says around 80% of Britain’s snake’s-head fritillaries grow here.
North Meadow is more than a green space on the edge of town: it protects a rare lowland hay-meadow landscape and an exceptional concentration of snake’s-head fritillaries. Three marked seasonal walks make it possible to explore its hedgerows, riverbank and ditches without straying from paths that protect the flowers and ground-nesting birds.
Peaceful · Seasonal · Wild
Find your way
Open mapNorth edge of Cricklade, Latton Close, SN6 6JL
Opening map…
Know this place a little better?
The experience
Choose a marked walk and keep to its path: the Willow Walk takes about 20 minutes, the Reedbed Walk about 45 minutes, and the River Walk around 1.5 hours. In spring, look for snake’s-head fritillaries; at other times, notice the hedgerows, pollarded trees, riverbank and ditches.
Things to do
Follow the Willow Walk
Take the short marked route past hedgerows and pollarded trees; in spring, look for fritillaries from the permitted path.
About 20 minutes
Explore the Reedbed Walk
Follow the marked route through the meadow and beside its riverbank and ditches.
About 45 minutes
Take the River Walk
Make the longer marked circuit, passing the River Thames and River Churn.
About 1.5 hours
Look for snake’s-head fritillaries
In spring, look for the distinctive chequered petals of this nationally scarce flower. Keep to marked paths to avoid damaging flowers and disturbing ground-nesting birds.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · About 20 minutes
Quick escape: the Willow Walk
- 01
Use the marked Willow Walk.
- 02
Take in the hedgerows and pollarded trees; in flower season, look for snake’s-head fritillaries.
- 03
Stay on the marked path and follow current signs.
Half day · Half day; timings beyond the meadow walk depend on your plans
Make a half day of it: meadow and Cricklade
- 01
Choose the Reedbed Walk, about 45 minutes, or the River Walk, about 1.5 hours.
- 02
Explore the meadow, riverbank and ditches while keeping to permitted paths.
- 03
Continue into Cricklade for its historic streets and, if open, the local museum. Check the museum timetable before travelling.
Verified history
North Meadow is described as a traditional hay meadow on the northern edge of Cricklade, covering 44 hectares. The official site says that few comparable meadows remain along the upper Thames, following losses associated with modern agriculture and gravel extraction. It is protected as a National Nature Reserve, a Special Area of Conservation and a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
Hidden details
The fritillary’s snakeskin pattern — The reserve’s official description explains that the flower is named for the snakeskin-like pattern on its petals and the shape of its unopened bud.
Three walks, three different edges of the meadow — The marked routes offer different perspectives: hedgerows and pollards on the Willow Walk, riverbank and ditches on the Reedbed Walk, and the Thames and Churn on the River Walk.
When to go
March · April · May · Check current reserve advice and conditions before travelling; no specific best time of day is established by the supplied sources.
Spring is the season associated with the meadow’s snake’s-head fritillaries. Flowering dates vary, so check current information rather than relying on a fixed date.
Wet weather can make the reserve unsuitable for a visit, and paths may be muddy or flooded. Check current conditions and access advice before setting out.
The route
- surface
- Check before visiting.
- duration
- Three marked walks: about 20 minutes, 45 minutes and 1.5 hours.
- difficulty
- Not specified; check conditions before visiting.
- waymarking
- The three walks are marked from early March until August; follow current signs and keep to the paths.
- route shape
- Three marked walks; the source does not specify whether each is circular.
- start point
- North Meadow, Cricklade; use official visitor information for current access details.
- parking start
- Check before visiting. The source row reports free street parking and a free car park but does not identify a confirmed route start or parking location.
- shorter alternative
- The approximately 20-minute Willow Walk.
- Snake’s-head fritillaries in spring
- Hedgerows and pollarded trees
- Meadow, riverbank and ditches
- Views of the River Thames and River Churn on the longer walk
Worth pairing with
Cricklade town
Pair the meadow with a look around Cricklade’s historic streets and local landmarks. The town guide also suggests the museum, but it opens on selected days, so check its timetable.
What to look for
In spring, look for the chequered, snakeskin-like pattern on the petals of snake’s-head fritillaries. Along the marked walks, notice hedgerows and pollarded trees, then the contrasts between meadow, riverbank and ditches.
The story
Traditional lowland hay-meadow landscape
Best time to go
Spring, when snake’s-head fritillaries flower; check current conditions and flowering updates before travelling.
Spring is the draw for snake’s-head fritillaries, but flowering dates vary. Check current reserve advice before travelling; after wet weather, paths and access may be affected.
How long to spend
Under 1 hour–1.5 hours for the marked walks; allow longer if combining with Cricklade.
Perfect for
Walkers · Wildlife lovers · Photographers · Families
Before you go
Practical information
Opening & access
North Meadow is a National Nature Reserve. Follow permitted public paths and current signs; access conditions can change, particularly after wet weather. Check current visitor advice before setting out.
Check before visiting
Parking
The source row reports free street parking and a free car park, but does not confirm their locations or current availability. Check before visiting.
Check before visiting
Toilets
Check before visiting.
Check before visiting
Food & drink
Check before visiting. Cricklade has places to eat, but availability and opening times are not confirmed here.
Check before visiting
Dogs
Dogs are allowed on short leads, according to the reserve’s visitor information. Follow current signs and keep to permitted paths.
Accessibility
The marked walks are described by the reserve’s visitor information, but surface condition and step-free access are not confirmed. Wet weather can make paths difficult; check before visiting.
Check before visiting
Cost
Check before visiting
Check before visiting
Water
River Thames, River Churn and meadow ditches; no water activities or swimming permission established.
Gallery
Place photographsKeep exploring
Around North Meadow, Cricklade
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
