Having looked at the local map I realised I hadn’t ever walked the Thames Path between Culham and Clifton Hampden. Not wishing to just walk there and back I worked out a more circular route. This was a total of 10.5 km.
There is a large free car park by Culham Lock so this was my starting point. Across the main road and along Thame Lane, behind the European School. Once Culham College and my place of study for Teacher Training. This rather unspectacular ‘restricted byway’ continues over the railway line that runs between Didcot and Oxford. I hadn’t ever walked this way before and it is not a very attractive route. It runs next to a large wire fence around a compound which includes the Culham Science Park – this used to include JET which was a joint European project – hence the school. Now part of Science Vale UK.
This concrete track does go on a long way but there are always positives to find. Several oak trees and sweet chestnut.
Something to cheer the soul. A great tit flew in front of me and landed in a tree giving me a view of it’s dominant black head.
I am wondering if this area was used during the war perhaps I’ll do some research. Having mentioned rewilding before I did notice how quickly the grassland turns to scrub and then a wooded area. Much of this will probably have happened naturally.
These teasels caught my attention. Oxfordshire schools used to be well known for using drapes on displays and having calming colours and natural objects to add to the ambience of the classroom. I was fortunate enough to become part of this culture in my second school. The importance of making classrooms and schools welcoming was something I never lost – even if I adapted style over the years.
The track continued round and I was struck by the enormity of these giant hog weed seed heads and then the colour and shape of a much smaller variety.
Further on and I could see the source of this spectacular pink, natural piece of art!
Just when you wonder if a never ending track will cease you find a sign. Hear and see a green woodpecker and go on a bit for some more reassurance.
Then all of a sudden you are on the main road and queues of cars for the traffic lights. Crossing over there was a narrow signed path which gave an intriguing view to the back gardens of some of the cottages of this little village nestled next to the River Thames.
The traffic queues again to cross the bridge- only wide enough for single file, and I set off along the Thames Path towards Culham.
This walk has been very quiet so far, met one walker in the first section, spoke to one other that had just emerged from the Path by the river.
The first stretch leads to the lock, the path is quite close to the edge at this point and there was a lone fisherman who’s kit had to be negotiated!
Some interesting vegetation. Amazing reeds, almost blue, balsam with it’s complex flower and I think wild Michaelmas Daisies. I was reminded of my early days as a head teacher – we always had a church service near to St. Michael’s Day and one of the teachers always brought along these particular daisies.
About half way along this particular curved stretch of the Thames the river passes under the railway line, so having gone over earlier in the walk, I now go under. Rather giant Meccano like in structure, love the engineering of bridges.
This next stretch was not very exciting so pleased to have a phone conversation. Just when I was beginning to think ‘Am I nearly there yet..?’, I had a great sighting. A heron was across the field from me and I managed to capture it on my phone.
Probably sensing I was there it made a squawking cry and took off. I suddenly realised that this was the cry I’d heard earlier and didn’t recognise.
Not long and the bridge for Culham and signs for the lock came in view. I met three people in total whilst by the river and only about three boats went passed. It’s a strange feeling when you can hear people talking and keeping up with you on the other side of the undergrowth.
My walk had finished, not very exciting in terms of terrain but a few good sightings.
Marion's 50 Walk Challenge 