I've been trying to describe where visitors to Oxford (such as our students) might find nice places to run after slaving away on the present continuous all day, and I've already made a few suggestions for people living or staying in North Oxford or the City Centre. By the way we sometimes get a very famous jogger in the City Centre, and that's Bill Clinton who does his jogging (complete with bodyguards) from the Randolph Hotel when he's in town - but I'm sorry I can't tell you exactly where he goes. Perhaps we could discreetly follow him and his entourage next time!
WEST OXFORD
Again I would recommend Port Meadow if you're not too far out of town; just follow the path beside the various Thames bridges to the north of Botley Road and you should get there, or you can go along Binsey Lane, which is also off the Botley Road to the north, not so far from Oxford Station. After the excitement of seeing the OISE head office you can stop off for raspberries at the 'Pick Your Own' at Medley Manor Farm, or a drink at the Perch; but as I said last time if you run around the whole Meadow (i.e. via the Trout Inn) it's quite a way back to West Oxford via Wolvercote.
If you are further out there is Cumnor Hill to exercise the lungs, or, especially if you would like to see the dreaming spires, head for Raleigh Park. This used to be a famous viewing point in the 19th century, but now you have to look over the industrial buildings of Osney to see the ancient towers and spires of the University. Incidentally, talking of views, the view of St Barnabas Church and the University beyond from Port Meadow have sadly been affected by the erection by the University itself (of all people) of those ghastly flats near Oxford Station.
SOUTH OXFORD
If you're anywhere near the River Thames then there is a convenient access point to the tow-path at Folly Bridge. The tow-path is an ancient track beside the river which has fairly recently been made into a proper footpath all the way to London, if you head downstream. You first follow the river along towards Iffley Lock, passing the college boathouses and various canoe and rowing clubs. In fact it's a hive of activity until you get downstream of the lock when you very suddenly find yourself in deep countryside. If you're very fit you can run to the attractive old town of Abingdon, but then you've got to get back again so it might be better to put your feet up and go by Salter's Steamers which do regular trips from Folly Bridge.
Upstream along the tow-path is also an attractive run these days; what used to be a rather scruffy part of Oxford has now been renovated and it's quite fun following the various twists of the river to Botley Road and beyond.
The main park in South Oxford is Hinksey Park; this has lots of paths and trails and is off the Abingdon Road not far south of Folly Bridge. It's got one great advantage if this warm weather continues: it's got a swimming pool!
If you are a little further out of town on the south side of the city, I would strongly recommend Boar's Hill; this provides tremendous views over the ancient university and is the spot where the poet Matthew Arnold coined the phrase "dreaming spires".
I'll cover East Oxford next time and meanwhile good luck with your running!
