Oxfordshire - Shotover Country Park
A beauty spot right on the edge of Oxford
Shotover Country Park offers everyone a chance to enjoy a place of beauty and history right on the edge of the city of Oxford. Covering 117 hectares (289 acres) on the southern slopes of Shotover Hill, there are spectacular views from the top across south Oxfordshire.
The park is great all year round for walks and bike rides. There are three way marked trails to guide you, which all start in Mary Sadler’s Field near the car park.
The park is an intimate mosaic of hidden valleys, varied landscapes and diverse habitats, and is a haven for wildlife as well as an ideal setting for peaceful enjoyment of the countryside.
There are bridleways around and footpaths across the park. Ride or walk over the Plain at the top of Shotover and drop down to Wheatley. Assuming a relaxed pace the red trail takes around 30 minutes, the yellow 45 minutes and the green about 2 hours.
Because Shotover is a nationally important wildlife site, most of the Country Park is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
The park is open to everyone to enjoy throughout the year free of charge and is ideal for everything from leisurely hikes, strenuous rides, or a gentle a stroll with the dog.
