Only spent an hour here, waiting for someone who was at Churchill Hospital, perfect spot to wait, only 10 mine away! Seems very popular with dog walkers, lots of footpaths to choose from, no facilities but still plenty to find... Was quite muddy the day I visited so be prepared! Can you find the Treehouse? Dog-friendliness: Lots of dogs, walking their owners!

This was a nice walk. Plenty of parking, lots of people and dogs. The only bin was in the parking lot so prepare to carry dog poo the whole walk. Can be a bit muddy so bring a towel to wipe your pup’s legs after the walk. Plenty of paths to have some privacy and enjoy some peace.

Lovely walks. Can get very muddy though

On the whole I wouldn't describe this as wheelchair accessible. But try the large stony path to the left of the car park. We did it with a Q200 and an Alber e-fix. Definitely a nice place for anyone with autism though you come face-to-face with friendly dog walkers and their dogs. So not for everyone.

An absolutely beautiful, massive place to get away from it all, and lost in! It is well sign posted so even I fared well, which is saying A LOT! Lots of varying walks, and difficulties to go on. Whatever you choose, appropriate clothing, and suitable sturdy footwear is advisable! All are welcome, and it's a great place to walk the dogs. As always, please be courteous, and mindful human companion. We thoroughly enjoyed hiking through the woods, appreciating the greenery. The information dotted about the place is really helpful, and good to know too. We will certainly return more regularly. Alas, the "road" leading up to shotover is still in a hideous state of disrepair, very steep, narrow, and generally unpleasant. Please drive slowly and carefully! There is ample parking at the top, and some bins for any rubbish. Benches are dotted around the place. As are signs, information, and volunteer schemes to get involved in. In my opinion, it isn't suitable for buggies or wheelchair users. Also, no toilets nearby! If you need the toilet, the nearest one will be one of the couple pubs but these are subject to their opening hours. That's is only detractor. As always, if you see us, please stop and say hello. We're always delighted to have a chat. Dog-friendliness: Dogs are more than welcome. Lots for them to sniff, and investigate. Please be mindful of them, that this is a nature reserve. Also, that some people may not be keen on dogs. Picnic area: Some park benches, and tables, relatively level green openings to have a picnic or to sit and rest.

Very nice area to ride a bike or simply go for hike or Sunday walk with free car park and amazingly fresh air

What a lovely place this is. Spent a couple of hours wandering through beautiful woodland and glades, up & down the hill, getting my daily steps in (3.5 miles) while soothing my soul. Met many delightful dogs (and owners too).

An extensive woodland full of character just asking to be explored. Parked at the free car park located on Old road. There is a large map and information board at the entrance from the car park with informative leaflets. There are some inclines/declines which can be a touch slippery in adverse weather conditions. The paths are not way marked but easy to follow.

A lovely morning spent here. Quite the hill to get there but it was well worth it! They have designated cycling paths which is great if you have a bike. It's an expansive area so it will take a couple of visits to fully explore. I look forward to it.

This is a quickie review about the Shotover section of Old Road. It’s an excuse to show some of my favourite views of this part of Shotover and some of the countryside which can now been seen to the north of Old Road. In the past, it was much more difficult getting access to such views but these days they are much more accessible. I would say this has been one of the biggest changes to Shotover over the last couple of decades. Shotover Countryside Park is categorized as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. I have no idea about the ecological value of this park. My primary interest is that it plays a major role in extracting carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and thus stabilizing the climate. Scientists tell us we are in a climate emergency. In my opinion, what this means is that the ecological aspects of this park are secondary to its contribution to the stabilization of the climate. This will continue to be the case until humans have managed to stabilize the climate. When people talk about a climate emergency I tend to feel this is just another manifestation of their anthropocentrism - humans supposedly playing a heroic role in putting the climate back to what it was. In reality, what is at stake is not the climate but whether humans have the ability to survive and flourish i.e. our humanity. At present we acting too much like those legendary frogs - luxuriating in the warmth as the temperatures continue to rise. In my opinion, as the Earth’s life support system disintegrates there is nothing to stop it from developing a runaway global burning climate like its Venetian sibling. When I explore any green site I relish its aesthetics but my primary focus of concern is the degree to which it is fulfilling its capability for stabilizing the climate. If maximizing this capability means impairing the views that I enjoy so much, then so be it. Oxford needs to become more like Shotover rather than Shotover becoming more like Oxford. Let Forests grow on the Meadows. I’m hoping to do a second review of Shotover focussing on Monks Wood