Today’s walk started at Rye Farm car park in Abingdon and started by walking along the River Thames towards the lock. I haven’t been here for a while and it was good to see people busy on the river. I continued past the lock until I found a good lunch spot.
The lock used to be a more familiar place when I lived in Abingdon. Doesn’t seem possible how long it is since I moved to this area from Sussex.
The route continues along the river and takes a sharp turn parallel to the railway line. I was just wondering how much further this was when two trains rather surprised me the other side of the hedge!
This path is next to a motocross site and also where I went several times for cross country races with Alex – the course was renowned for its hills.
Another turn almost parallel to the river and along Thame Lane. Now this is a blast from the past. 50 years ago this summer I had to learn to ride a bicycle by cycling along the lane. I was about to start my second teaching practice in the September. It was to last for four weeks, two of which were based at Charlbury Youth Hostel and involved cycling to various places with about 15 children. A great experience – we travelled there in a cattle truck or removal van ! Now that wouldn’t happen now.
After a while the European School can be found – this used to be Culham College and where I trained.
It’s strange when walking by yourself, it gives opportunity to reflect and remember and things like a train hooting or the app talking can make you jump!
The app telling you how far you have gone and at what pace can be quite motivating and when you don’t hear it you suddenly realise you’ve forgotten to turn it back on after lunch !!!
The lane meets the main road, which I crossed to go by Culham cut and lock. Lots of great plants here and all along the river- Rosebay willow herb, Bull rushes, Himalayan balsam and many more including water lilies.
A stretch of river which brought back memories of walking with school groups from Thameside, when I was a deputy head
As the river approaches Abingdon there are views of the Marina, the rowing club and a pub that used to be a favourite Friday afternoon drinking spot when I taught in south Abingdon. Also the Malthouse which used to be a hall of residence for the college. Also some memories of the church with the guide company.
Abingdon used to be the county town of Berkshire until the borders changed on 1st April 1974. The old gaol was also the county facility, later a leisure and sports facility and now Luxury serviced apartments!
In January 1974 I bought my first house in Abingdon- three couples all friends from college bought somewhere to live – ours was the only house and the most expensive, an Edwardian terrace for the grand price of £8,500. Doesn’t seem possible, how crazy.
About 10.5 km today and some rain half way round. A completely new route again.
Marion's 50 Walk Challenge 