This there-and-back route totals roughly 11km. There are some busier sections on main roads as well as uneven pathways, so this route is recommended for an intermediate or advanced cyclist.
You can rent a bike with Bainton Bikes, Brompton Bikes, Byke, or Pony. You can also use Parkopedia to find parking if you have your own bicycle.
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Route overview
C.S. Lewis Nature Reserve is a tranquil piece of nature that once belonged to C.S. Lewis himself, hence the name, of course. It is said that he spent his days wandering through the reserve while writing his beloved children’s book series about Narnia. Even though there is a bit of hustle and bustle surrounding the park, it magically still carries a feeling of stillness. The pond carries aquatic plants and migrated toads in the spring. See fluttering dragonflies and damselflies in the summer and the nesting of the moorhens and coots. Be cooled by the canopy of beech, oak, birch, alder, ash, and hawthorn as they carry the birdsong in spring. Diseased Ash Trees are in the process of being removed as safely as possible; therefore, some parts of the pathways may be inaccessible at different times and days. Please note that there are some steep slopes, wet patches, and uneven ground, so feel free to walk your bicycle if needed. The best times to visit the park are from March to November.
C.S. Lewis Nature Reserve. Credit: The Family Ticket
Leaving Shotover Park, turn into Lewis Close, then turn left onto Kiln Lane. Turn left onto Eastern By-Pass Road, right to stay on Eastern By-Pass Road, then left onto Beaumont Road. Continue onto Quarry Hollow, then left onto Quarry Road.
Part 1 of the Oxford Bookish Cycle Route with Map
Turn left onto Old Road, and when you reach the car park, Shotover Country Park will be on your right. Feel free to ride around on the pathways and find your way back to where you entered. Leaving the park, turn left back onto Old Road for 1.5km.
Part 2 of the Oxford Bookish Cycle Route with Map
Shotover Country Park was once part of a Royal Forest used for hunting by noblemen, fuel, grazing, and timber for Oxford’s historic buildings. This was until 1660, when Shotover was no longer a Royal Forest and only open farmland for grazing or cultivation. During WWII, Shotover Hill was used for military training and tanks built at Cowley were tested there. From the 1970s, the lands were cleared to restore habitats and health of the land. There are a number of things to do, including orienteering, geocaching, a sandpit for the children, and many volunteer opportunities.
Shotover Country Park. Credit: The Oxford Magazine
Turn right into Windmill Road to find Rock Edge Nature Reserve on the right. Leaving the reserve, turn right again onto Windmill Road, right onto London Road, then left into Bury Knowle Park.
Part 3 of the Oxford Bookish Cycle Route with Map
Once upon a time, millions of years ago, Rock Edge Nature Reserve had its own coral seabed. You can still see some of the fossils within the quarry walls; because of this, the quarry is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Of course, some of the activities are fossil hunting, Forest School activities, and volunteering opportunities. Some species you’ll notice around here include bird’s foot trefoil, evening primrose, and lemon balm.
Rock Edge Nature Reserve. Credit: Oxfordshire Geology Trust
Bury Knowle Park Is considered one of Oxford’s most beautiful parks, with Narnia-themed sculptures, a play area, tennis courts and much more. The local library has been housed within Bury Knowle House since 1934, and the storybook wonder continues through sculptures such as The Wheel of Hope and “The Story Book Tree.” These sculptures were based on stories by C.S. Lewis and J.R.R Tolkien, where a book releases a horse, a lion, and a dragon. How magical.
Bury Knowle Park. Credit: Daily Info
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Resources:
If you enjoyed this route, see our 11.5km Cycle route.
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Download the GPX file here.