Dreaming spires, now from the right place

Last week I blipped an unexpected view of Oxford from the south east, and it got me thinking about the 'real' dreaming spires view, which is from Boars Hill, a bit further round and out to the south west.

Today was a bright, crisp, autumn Sunday, so what better time to set out and try to find the original view?

Irritatingly, the by-pass is a real barrier: it's good that it keeps cars out of the centre of the city, but the price seems to be being encircled by a noisy, intimidating ring which puts you off walking or cycling beyond it. If we can't persuade people to get out of their cars, I suggest we need a Boston-style Big Dig and put them all underground!

Anyway, I braved the traffic and it was well worth the effort - leaving the noise and fury behind, the walk up Boars Hill was picturesque and exhilarating. It's great that Oxford Preservation Society have bought the land, and, well, preserved it - and, happily, this view.