WITH the over-indulgence of the Christmas period starting to take its toll, getting some fresh air on Boxing Day has become tradition for many families.

Oxfordshire is home to plenty of beautiful walking spots, from the rural fringes of the county to green spaces within the Oxford ring road.

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Here is a list of some of our favourites: 

  • The Dreaming Spires walk

Oxford Mail:

The two-and-a-half mile circular route in Boars Hill, overlooking the classic 'dreaming spires' view of Oxford, launched in 2016 with signage and a new footpath.

Landowners Oxford Preservation Trust have more information about the route on their website, encouraging people to see the view that inspired poet Matthew Arnold.

  • Shotover Country Park

Oxford Mail:

Situated just outside the ring road near Headington, Shotover covers 117 hectares of woodland and fields.

Most of the park is a designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

  • Uffington White Horse walk

Oxford Mail:

The circular walk around White Horse Hill, at Uffington in South Oxfordshire, attracts visitors from all over the country to see the iconic chalk horse.

No one knows who created the horse or why. 

Those who manage to climb to the top of the hill will be rewarded with spectacular views of some of Oxfordshire's most picturesque countryside.

See National Trust website for more information about the route.

  • Wittenham Clumps

Oxford Mail:

The Wittenham Clumps, in Little Wittenham near Didcot, are one of South Oxfordshire's iconic landmarks.

They comprise of Round Hill and Castle Hill and visitors can walk a figure-of-eight loop or explore Little Wittenham Wood.

Many people gathered there earlier this year to see the demolition of Didcot Power Station on the horizon.

See the Earth Trust website for a map of where to go.

  • Christ Church Meadow

Oxford Mail:

Just steps from the bustle of Oxford High Street and St Aldate's lies one of the city's most popular attractions; the beautiful riverside meadow in the grounds of Christ Church.

Enclosed by the Cherwell and Thames, expect to see lots of wildlife, rowers and tourists.

  • Port Meadow, Oxford

Oxford Mail:

Another popular riverside walking spot in the city is Port Meadow, stretching from Jericho to Wolvercote along the Thames.

The landscape has not changed much since prehistoric times, and is home to deer and of course the Port Meadow ponies.

Pubs surrounding the meadow include The Perch and The Trout.

  • Otmoor Nature Reserve

Oxford Mail:

A walk around the RSPB's nature reserve near Beckley is a great choice for wildlife lovers, with great views around the wetlands and bird hides to stop at along the way.

Wear a pair of wellies to get around the 1.5-mile trail around the heart of the reserve - see the map on the RSPB's website.

  • Blenheim Palace grounds

Oxford Mail:

There are many walks to enjoy around West Oxfordshire's most famous stately home, including a 4.6-mile walk around the park perimeter recommended on Blenheim's website. 

While entry to the private estate requires a fee, there are public footpaths crossing the park that can be accessed freely.