Explore the Great Outdoors
University Parks- Oxford:
The University parks are situated in the heart of Oxford University and consist of approximately 70 acres of parkland on the west bank of the River Cherwell. The park includes sports areas, gardens, and a collection of plants and trees in landscaped surroundings.
The parks are beautifully quiet at this time of year, and the range of colours on the trees are simply breathtaking. A quiet stroll around the paths, admiring the landscape and surrounding University buildings is the perfect way to spend a quiet Sunday afternoon. While you’re there, why not have a look at their some 150 different tree varieties
The parks recently won an award from the Oxford Preservation Trust for the contribution made to the preservation and enhancement of Oxford’s heritage. It is home to a quaint sitting bridge across the River Cherwell in the East corner of the park and is said to be one of the first pre-stressed fixed arch bridges in the world. It is now the middle bridge along the cycle track to Marston which opened in 1994. The parks are also home to the man made ‘lily pad pond’ which is iver 50 metres in diameter.
Christmas Common- Watlington
Christmas Common, aptly name it is thought, because of the abundance of holly trees that grow there, is perched on top of a hill on the border of Oxfordshire and Berkshire. With a gorgeous country pub and miles of beautiful English countryside everywhere you turn, this little village is full of exploration for any family. Anything from a 3 mile walk starting and ending in the village, to the Ridgeway and also some stunning woodland with a massive amount of character.
A continuuing favourite with families, is the Chiltern scultpure trail in the Cowleaze wood at Christmas Common. With a total of 21 scultpures in the shape of benches, wing mirrors, painted steel, aluminium a(and the list goes on) following the trail and finding the next sculpture will keep the children entertained for hours.
For more challenging walks that encorporate steep inclines, distance in the double figures and a variety of woodland and field a simple Google search will present you with many options.
Keep your eyes peeled at Christmas Common for their most famous residents- the beautiful Red Kite bird.
Shotover Park- outskirts of Oxford
Shotover park is a whole hillside of hidden valleys, sudden views and varied habitats which are open to the public all year round. The park falls into two main parts- the southern slopes of Shotover Hill and the predominantly wooded land near the Oxford bypass.
The landscape of Shotover is mayeb what makes is so interesting to explore- with a series of traverse slopes, small valleys woods and clearings…with so much to offer you could visit hundreds of times and see something new every time.
Maybe one of its biggest features for generations of children is a natural sandpit where youngsters spend hours building castles or damming the tiny stream.
The ECCO Walking boots that fit the exploring bill:
A less heavy duty walking shoe- in Mens and Ladies
ECCO Wells III
A light weight ECCO trainer style walking shoewith EPR 4.0 performance rubber sole for grip, durability and flexibility. Uppers in Oiled NuBuck and a textile lining for breathability with cushioned ankle pads and tongue for extra comfort
Available in mens and ladies
Sayan Lo II GTx
This shoe is made in Yak leather oiled NuBuck- a strong yet supple material. It has a Gore-tex membrane which is 100% guaranteed waterproof and a direct injection PU sole for shock absoprtion. It is a superior performance shoe with superb fit, comfort and excellent traction.
This walking shoe with colour burst comes in both mens and ladies
ECCO Outing
A fabulous looking shoe with colour detail- Purple for men and Green for ladies. With Gore-tex membrane to ensure it is waterproof, and receptor technology for stability during walking.
See the ladies shoe- the Outing
See the mens equivalent- the Celebrity
