Oxford Parks and Spires

Oliver O'Brien

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The route starts at Carfax, the central crossroads in Oxford and a busy junction. It passes through the city's old quarter, down High Street and past University Church, the Radcliffe Camera, the old and new Bodleian Library and the University Science area.

Next it tours the University Parks, which include a lake, then follows the River Cherwell downstream into East Oxford. The next stage crosses Headington Hill Park, which is next to Oxford's second university, Brookes. It skirts South Park, a large recreational area and heads back into the city centre, passing Magdalen Bridge, Deer Park and College, plus the University Botanic Gardens.

Finally, it tours Christchurch Meadow, a huge expanse of wild land. The walk concludes with a walk beside the River Thames to Christ Church itself and from there back to Carfax.

England - Central England - Oxfordshire - Town or city

Features

Birds, Church, Flowers, Lake/Loch, National Trust, Pub, River, Toilets, Wildlife

28/04/2012 - Patricia Daw

Oxford is the place I was born and lived in for 22 years and still returned there frequently until recently and therefore I knew we could park in Warneford Lane in Headington for free, with no restriction at the weekend. From there we walked into South Parks and followed the walk. We walked on a very wet day but nevertheless the punts were out with people holding umbrellas and the Thames was full of college 8s - great sight. We had lunch in The Turf Tavern in the centre of Oxford - find it if you can off Holywell Street! We went in The Pitt Rivers Museum which I hadn't been in since I was a child - lots of things to be amazed at and to touch. The Cherwell was very full but this didn't spoil the route at all. Oxford is a lovely city and this walk takes you past many fantastic buildings and into some of its lovely green open spaces. Highly recommended.

05/09/2009 - Adrian Perkins