Shotover Country Park and Jumps

Shotover Country Park and Jumps

Shotover Country Park is 289 acres of ancient woodland, heath and grassland on the eastern edge of Oxford, and its eastern corner is a well used local spot for informal mountain biking: a 5km waymarked bridleway loop that also suits gravel bikes, three or four short downhill tracks, and a small dirt jump area near Horspath. The park is a Site of Special Scientific Interest shared with walkers, so stick to the existing lines, and download a route or use GPS navigation before you set off, since the downhill tracks and jumps are not signposted.

The Trails

Cross Country

• A 5km bridleway loop starts near the main car park at Shotover Plain and is waymarked with blue arrows, confirmed on Oxford City Council's own Shotover Country Park page.

Downhill

• Three or four short downhill tracks run through the woods on the park's eastern side, built and maintained by local riders rather than the council.

Dirt Jumps

• A small jump area sits near Horspath at the edge of the woods: a handful of smaller jumps at the top of the line leading into a few bigger ones further along.

Gravel Riding

• The 5km bridleway loop from Shotover Plain has a hardpacked surface that suits gravel bikes as well as mountain bikes, and it links into a wider network of bridleways and estate tracks across Shotover Hill for riders wanting a longer ride.

Beyond the Trails

• Shotover is also a popular walking spot. Three way marked walking trails start from Mary Sadler's Field near the car park: red (30 minutes), yellow (45 minutes) and green (around two hours). There is also an orienteering course, geocaching, and a natural sandpit for children. There is no cafe or public toilets on site.

Getting Here

• Main car park: Shotover Country Park Car Park, Old Road, Headington, Oxford OX3 8TA. Free parking. Old Road climbs from Headington over the Eastern Bypass and ends at the car park.
• Alternative parking: Horspath Sports Ground, with a walk up into the park to reach the jumps and downhill tracks.
• By bus: services run to Headington, but it is a 15 to 20 minute uphill walk from the nearest stop to the car park.

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