Starting from Blewbury again, I need to pick someone up late afternoon so went early to do a walk first.
Earlier in my walks I made reference to Pilgrimage Services which we did each May, from school. A few times we went up to Blewburton Hill which is an Iron Age Hill fort overlooking the village and was inhabited before a community was set up by the brooks in the present village.
It did seem a little strange walking in the direction without the chatter of a group of children. Last time was with a year two class and a student teacher who were learning about the Iron Age!
Reflection – loved supporting teachers with this period of history. My tasks were often setting up a brick kiln to fire pottery, creating a large weaving loom which groups could work at and turfing a bit of the field so we could light a fire and make ‘Iron Age stew’
Walking can provoke strong memories of things you haven’t brought to mind for a while.
Reflection – on one occasion we took two visiting Ugandan teachers with us to the top of the hill for our service and on another occasion at least one European guest. So important for children in a mainly mono cultural school to widen their experiences.
The soil is very chalky at this point – hence the natural springs and the brooks.
Looking back towards Blewbury and the ridgeway I noticed the strip lunches on the side of the field – really noticeable today.
This time the path led round the base of the hill until it crossed the road to Aston Uptborpe (Aston Tirrold is the adjoining village – Norman place names). The path is very straight for at least 1.5 k and runs next to a series of meticulous paddocks. This is part of Aston stud and I was reminded of the family that lived there and the four children I had taught.
A thought of Cricket came into my mind and the boy who was in the team the year we won the county final, playing on the sports field in Oxford next to the iconic Iffley Road running track. ( First four minute mile)
There is an abundance of fruit in the trees this year – wild cherries I think but I also saw damsons and yellow plums during my walk.
Walking along this path there is a clear view of Wittenham Clumps and Castle Hill, the later is another Hill Fort. It’s position close to the River Thames was significant as it bordered the regions of Mercia and Wessex.
Enough reminiscing, I was pleased to have my slightly battered 1:25,000 map with me at this point as I need to use all the features to find the right path.
The straight on path wasn’t quite that but I found the way before turning left down a path next to a ditch connecting some brooks. The map shows the site of many mills and this well watered area has obviously been rich arable land for many centuries. There is also the remains of a Roman Villa by the Ridgeway up above this land.
Another turn to the left as I start on my journey back, only one false start mostly due to crops. The path now runs next to Mill Brook. ( Not quite as an exciting name as another nearby- Hakka’s Brook – I wonder who he was? )
Very peaceful, I had met two people so far today! I wouldn’t say this was the most well used path but with out the pressure to get back by a certain time there were some tempting spots to cool feet. By this time it had turned out very warm and I was regretting not changing into shorts!
The path did eventually come out on the Hagbourne road with one of those helpful and reassuring footpath signposts. The one on the opposite side of the road was more hidden. There was a sign, a tiny path and much undergrowth – now glad I’d kept to trousers!
Again some tricky navigating, the crops had been cut but the path!!! Eventually convinced I was on the right track I was able to enjoy the final stretch back into Blewbury. A helpful yellow sign and a decent gate were very reassuring before I popped back out onto one of the ‘main’ roads in Blewbury and the car was a couple of minutes away.
I’d estimated two hours and it took an extra 2 minutes ! Did forget to turn off the app again as I drove round the corner and up the school drive!!
So this walk was marginally over 9km long.
Every time I look at the map I see somewhere else I fancy walking. Perhaps it will have to be Marion’s 75 walk challenge!
Marion's 50 Walk Challenge 