SP5606 : Seat in the Woods

Shotover Hill

171m Elevation
107m Prominence
England Country

Good walks are even better shared.

SP5606 : Seat in the Woods

Des Blenkinsopp Photo source

Explore routes near Shotover Hill

Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.

Route planning notes

These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.

Shotover Country Park Circular Walk

A scenic loop that takes you through woodlands and open fields, providing a gentle yet rewarding stroll.

4.5 km ~1.5 hours Easy

Summit Approach from the North

A more direct route to the summit that includes some gentle elevation gain through pleasant woodlands.

2 km ~1 hours Moderate
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Make a day of it, together

Find someone to share the walk with, or organise a day out along a route you like.

Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Hump 100-199m hill

Elevation

171m

561 ft

Prominence

107m

Coordinates

51.7522, -1.1850

SP563062

OS Map

164

Explorer: 180E

At the Summit

The summit features a trig point, providing a perfect selfie spot for those who want to remember their trek.

Terrain & Geology

Wooded and grassy areas with some rocky outcrops near the summit.

Shotover Hill consists primarily of Oxford Clay and limestone remnants, showcasing a tapestry of geological history laid bare for the curious.

Views & Scenery

Stunning vistas of Oxford and the surrounding countryside, particularly beautiful at sunset.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Shotover' is believed to have originated from the Old English 'Scēot,' referring to the shooting of animals in historic hunting grounds.

Historical Significance

During the English Civil War, Shotover Hill served as a strategic lookout point.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There is parking available at the Shotover Country Park car park, which offers ample space for cars and easy access to the trails.

Public Transport

Buses run regularly from Oxford city centre to the nearest bus stop, a short walk from the park entrance.

Nearby Facilities

There are limited facilities within the park; however, public toilets are available at the visitor centre and various cafes in Oxford offer a warm cuppa post-hike.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Watch out for mud after heavy rain; it can turn trails into slip-and-slide adventures.

General Safety Tips

  • Check weather conditions before setting out
  • Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
  • Let someone know your planned route
  • Take a map, compass, and GPS device
  • Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch

Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Shotover Hill?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Shotover Hill through the maps

Are there other walkers around Shotover Hill?

Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Shotover Hill search or of course create your own walk for Shotover Hill

Can I organise a walk to Shotover Hill?

Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.

If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Shotover Hill.

How do I find a walk up this hill?

There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.

Can I suggest a new route up Shotover Hill?

Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.

Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to Shotover Hill here

The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?

We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible

Location

View the hill's mapped position and surrounding paths.

Grid reference: SP563062

View on OpenStreetMap

Opens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.