A NEW walk could encourage more people to explore Oxford's 'increasingly precious' green spaces and enjoy the city's amazing views.

The two-and-a-half mile circular route in Boars Hill, overlooking the classic 'dreaming spires' view of Oxford, was opened earlier this week complete new signage and a new footpath.

It is the hoped the route, made possible by the Trust for Oxfordshire's Environment (TOE2) and landowners Oxford Preservation Trust, will attract more people to take in the views.

Fiona Danks, director of TOE2, said: "It's the classic view of the dreaming spires as written about by Matthew Arnold and this walk will make those views more accessible for all sorts of people to enjoy.

"Green spaces around Oxford are becoming increasingly precious given the development pressures we are facing across the county.

"We are delighted to be able to support a project like this so more people can enjoy this part of Oxford and the amazing views."

Oxford Mail:

Mrs Danks encouraged residents and visitors to make use of the city's natural beauty amid the threat of 100,000 homes planned for the county by 2031.

The footpath links two bridleways and takes walkers to the 'Signal Elm' tree made famous in Matthew Arnold's poem Thyrsis.

In his poem, Arnold described the view from here '...and that sweet City with her dreaming spires'.

A new board on the crest of the hill marks the spot of the famous tree.

Funding for the project came from Grundon Waste Management and the Cooper Charitable Trust who were both thanked by Oxford Preservation Trust.

The trust owns 200 acres of land on Boars Hill, all of which is open to the public and a further 450 acres in and around the city, with the aim of protecting Oxford's views and green setting.

Director, Debbie Dance, said: "This has been such a great project, opening up more of our land and making it easier for everyone to enjoy the dreaming spires.

"It is thanks to TOE2, Grundon Waste Management, the Cooper Charitable Trust and our local supporters that we have been able to do this – great partnership working"

The beginning of the route can be accessed from Berkeley Road, opposite the Open University's Foxcombe Hall campus - where walkers will be greeted by an information board.

A map on the board then directs amblers down the Old Berkeley Golf Course to a new pedestrian footbridge from where the route is clearly marked.