Oxleas Wood and Shooters Hill Walk
London
Oxleas Wood is one of London's last surviving fragments of ancient broadleaf forest, sitting on top of Shooters Hill above Eltham with views all the way to the Kent Downs and Canary Wharf. This dog friendly circular leaves the cafe in Oxleas Meadows, climbs through the woodland network of Castle Wood and Jack Wood to Severndroog Castle (London's only dog friendly historic tower), and loops back across the open meadow.
Dogs are very welcome and Oxleas Meadows is a classic London off lead playground, with a water bowl at the cafe and plenty of fellow dog walkers. The cafe enclosure itself is fenced off as dog free (apart from guide dogs). Terrain is undulating: short steep climbs through the woods to the high ground at Severndroog and gentle grass paths over the meadow. Free parking is available behind the cafe accessed from Shooters Hill (Kenilworth Gardens).
At a Glance
- Distance
- 6.3 km (3.9 miles)
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- 1 hr 40 min
- Walk Type
- Woodland, Historic, Park
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- High
- Livestock Risk
- None
- Facilities
- Oxleas Wood Cafe (with dog water bowl outside, dog free indoor enclosure), public toilets and a kids playground at the meadow.
- Parking
- Free car park behind Oxleas Wood Cafe accessed via Kenilworth Gardens off Shooters Hill. Limited free parking on Rochester Way.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Oxleas Wood and Shooters Hill Walk dog friendly?
Oxleas Wood and Shooters Hill Walk is rated 9/10 for dog friendliness, making it one of the better spots in London to bring your dog. Dogs are very welcome throughout the woodland and meadow, and there's even a water bowl outside the cafe for thirsty pups. Do note that the cafe enclosure itself is dog free, with the exception of guide dogs.
Can dogs be off lead at Oxleas Wood and Shooters Hill Walk?
Yes, Oxleas Meadows is a great spot for off lead dogs and is described as a classic London off lead playground. The open meadow offers plenty of space to roam, and you'll usually find plenty of fellow dog walkers doing the same. The woodland sections of the route are more undulating with some short steep climbs, so it's worth thinking about what suits your dog.
What should I know before visiting Oxleas Wood and Shooters Hill Walk with my dog?
The circular route takes in ancient woodland, open meadow and the historic Severndroog Castle, which is London's only dog friendly historic tower — a nice bonus for curious dogs and their owners. The terrain is varied, with short steep climbs through Castle Wood and Jack Wood before gentler grass paths across the meadow, so it's worth bearing that in mind if your dog struggles with hills. There's free parking behind the cafe off Kenilworth Gardens on Shooters Hill, and public toilets are available at the meadow.
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