๐ Ouzel Valley Car Park โ Milton Keynes Riverside Walk & Recreation Access Guide
Free all-day parking at Ouzel Valley Car Park, Newport Road โ your gateway to tranquil riverside trails, angling spots & The Parks Trust green spaces in MK6.
๐ Type: Free Public Off-Street Car Park (The Parks Trust)
๐ Open: 24/7 (no enforced hours)
๐ Rating: Not publicly rated
๐ฐ Pricing & Permits
| Cost | Payment | Return Restrictions | Blue Badge Holders |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free | Not required | None | Exempt (no display needed) |
Unlimited stay; no pay machines or permits.
๐ Capacity & Physical Features
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total Spaces | ~50 marked bays |
| Surface | Tarmac with gravel edges |
| Lighting | None |
| Security | Open-air, no CCTV |
| Height Limit | None (van-friendly) |
โฟ Accessibility
Disabled Access: Level surface throughout; no designated bays but badge holders may use any space.
Nearest Adapted Parking: South Willen Lake Car Park โ 5 min (0.5 mi), 2 marked bays.
Drop-Off Zone: Small lay-by at car park entrance.
๐ EV Infrastructure
On-Site Charging: None.
Nearest Options:
Simpson Drive Car Park (Simpson) โ 7 kW Pod Point bays, 2.3 mi
Haversham Road Car Park (Wolverton) โ 22 kW rapid bays, 3.5 mi
๐ Peak Times & Occupancy
| Timeframe | Occupancy | Typical Users |
|---|---|---|
| Weekdays 9โ11 am | 40 % | Local walkers & anglers |
| Weekdays 12โ2 pm | 25 % | Picnic visitors |
| Saturdays 10 amโ2 pm | 80 % | Families & hikers |
| Evenings after 6 pm | 15 % | Bird-watchers |
Pro Tip: Arrive before 10 am on weekends to secure a bay for a full dayโs exploration.
๐ถ Walkability Score
| Destination | Walk Time | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Ouzel Valley Park Entrance | On-site | Direct access to 7 mi of riverside paths |
| Walton Lake (southern end) | 8 min | Picnic & bird-watching facilities |
| The Parks Trust Visitor Information | 10 min | Maps, toilets & refreshments at The Hub, Willen |
| Milton Keynes Central Station | 25 min | Trains to London & regional destinations |
๐ Nearby Amenities
Public Toilets: South Willen Lake Visitor Hub (5 min walk)
Refreshments: Mobile cafรฉ van at visitor hub (weekends)
Picnic Tables: Scattered along riverside path
๐ ฟ๏ธ Alternative Parking Comparison
| Site | Distance | Cost | Max Stay | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barge Car Park | 0.1 mi | Free | Unlimited | Closer to Newport Road cafรฉs |
| Cricket Green Car Park | 0.1 mi | Free | Unlimited | Adjacent to riverside picnic area |
| Pattison Lane Car Park | 0.2 mi | Free | Unlimited | Larger capacity & easy canal access |
โ ๏ธ Important Notices
No Lighting: Car park unlit after duskโbring a torch for late returns.
Surface Condition: After heavy rain, peripheral bays may poolโuse central bays to avoid standing water.
Unmanaged Site: No patrols or CCTVโsecure valuables and lock vehicles.
๐ Expert Tips
Riverside Loop Hack: Park here and follow the circular route via Walton Lake for a 5 mi scenic loop.
Wildlife Watch: Early mornings offer best chance to spot kingfishers and herons along the Ouzel.
Footwear Advice: Paths can be muddy in winterโwaterproof boots recommended.
๐ฎ Future Developments
2025: The Parks Trust consulting on installing 4 EV charging bays across Ouzel Valley car parks.
2026: Potential introduction of low-level solar lighting and improved wayfinding signage under The Parks Trust masterplan.
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