Setting off from the house again but this time heading west and planning a longer route today. The weather has started off a little overcast but gradually got hotter. I keep forgetting the sun tan cream and glasses!
Having walked round the edge of town the first section was the path that leads across to Letcombe Regis another pretty village with an array of thatch.
Reflection – the last time I walked along this path – in the opposite direction – it was to return from a New Year’s Eve meal at the Greyhound, 2019/20. I was using walk poles to aid my endeavour and had a promise of a bed, if needed, so I didn’t have to get all the way home. what a difference – my walking app tells me I’m walking at quite a credible pace!
On reaching the village I turned right and had to walk along the road and up hill until I reached the main road by East Challow – across and up the track. This comes out by the school.
I remember when the Stockham football team played there and the ball often used to go over the fence – more than 30 years ago. Think it might have been there that we had hail during one of the games and the stones went down the sides of my wellingtons!
Next a turn left along the path to Childrey – bit of a tick off villages tour today !
Took the path right into Childrey and had to check out the route to the village pond. The pond area was a haven of sparrows and dragonflies and a useful bench for a very late lunch.
A bit of bad map reading led me to a cul de sac by the disused chapel and then I found the track that led to the corner of West Challow with it’s quaint but quite tiny village hall. After walking through the village I headed down the path beside the old Wilts and Berks Canal.
The canal has been partially cleared but is not navigable. A peaceful walk along this path and arrived at the bottom of East Challow village.
After a cup of tea and a ‘comfort break’ at my in-law’s, I rejoined the canal path. Noticed one creaking tree which was peppered with woodpecker holes and moved on quickly. There is a huge new estate out the back of Stockham Park. A rather special part of Wantage having spent just over 9 years of my career teaching here.
Lots of little paths today – the next through Belmont and had a chat with an old work colleague and then along past Wessex Mill – which couldn’t keep up supply when everybody suddenly made bread in the first lock down.
Back home by a rather circuitous route and clocked up just over 15 km (9 miles). I was pleased with the pace but did underestimate how warm it would get!
Marion's 50 Walk Challenge 