Bernwood Forest
This large area of woodland is located a few miles north east of Oxford city centre. It's a nice peaceful place to go for a walk if you are visiting the area. In the woods you'll find a number of footpaths including a Butterfly trail where you can look out for over 40 species of butterfly.
You can start the walk at the car park on Oakley Road (postcode below). From here you can pick up the trails heading through Oakley Wood, Shabbington Wood and Waterperry Wood to the south.
The Bernwood Jubilee Way also runs through the forest. This waymarked, long distance trail was devised to celebrate the Queen's Golden Jubilee. It runs for 61 miles and explores the area that was once The Royal Hunting Forest of Bernwood.
Postcode
HP18 9UR - Please note: Postcode may be approximate for some rural locationsPlease click here for more information
Bernwood Forest Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Bernwood Forest Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Bernwood Forest OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Bernwood Forest Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Pubs/Cafes
The little village of Oakley is located just to the north east of the woods. Here you can enjoy some post walk refreshments at The Chandos Arms. The pub does very good food in a welcoming atmosphere. There is also a garden area to sit out in if the weather is fine. You can find the inn at 8 The Turnpike, Oakley with a postcode of HP18 9QB for your sat navs.
Dog Walking
The woodland trails at Bernwood are ideal for dog walking so you'll probably see plenty of other owners on a fine day.
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
The Oxfordshire Way runs past the western side of the woods. You can pick up the waymarked trail and follow it west through the countryside to Beckley and Islip on the River Cherwell. If you follow it south east it will take you to Tiddington where you can join with the Thame Valley Walk and enjoy a riverside stroll along the River Thame.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
Old gate in Shabbington Wood
Enclosed meadow in Shabbington Wood, Bernwood Forest.
Bernwood Meadow, Bernwood Forest. A BBONT Nature reserve. A Site of Special Scientific Interest and a haven for butterflies.The grass is mowed once a year.
Entrance to the forest. Taken from just inside the entrance on the Oakley road. Bernwood Forest is an ancient forest dating back to the 12th century. At one time it covered many parishes. Nowadays it is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and several species of Butterflies may be found here.
Track in Oakley Wood
Bird hide in the woods where you can look out for a variety of winged visitors