Today was the first walk that I completed with SPR Expeditions Ltd – this is a small company with an office based in a shepherd’s hut in Millets Farm, Frilford Heath. They offer local walks, National and International. Transport to and from walk venues is included which was a particular advantage as today’s walk was linear.
The walk started in the north west of Witney and led down to the River Windrush. There is quite a lot of new housing in this area and a large restraint wall has been placed to try to prevent flood damage.
Our first discovery was the site of a Victorian bathing pool which was used until the leisure centre was built.
There were three of us on the walk today – the leader Steve and another lady called Beryl. This was quite a restful section of the river.
There are a great number of mills in this area and traditionally the Cotswolds has been a producer of wool. There would once have been roads/ tracks from this area down to the south coast where wool was sent to the continent- often Belgium/ Netherlands ( the Low Countries) for weaving.
In Witney the wool was used to make blankets. The last blanket factory closed in 2002. Another significant difference is the use of the local stones not only to build houses but also intricate stone walls.
As we leave Crawley there are wonderful views over the valley and after crossing several fields Minster Lovell Hall comes into view. The path is on higher ground above the river but there is always a sense of it’s presence.
A stop to eat at the ruins is very atmospheric and it is good to look out for signs of the original design of the buildings.
After our break we continued through the village taking the road north. This soon splits and we take the left fork. Right is signed to Field Assarts – asserting was apparently the cutting down of forest to convert it for arable farming.
Not only is the stone used for building but ‘Stonesfield Slate’ is used for roof tiles. Very many years ago during my training I was on a residential trip based in Charlbury, we rode bikes out each day. (Reference in a previous walk of me learning to ride a bike for the purpose.) One of our trips was to the slate mine. Ourselves as adults and 15 children climbed down a vertical ladder into a dark opening and then crawled along a tunnel for quite a distance. We even turned out all the torches to experience pitch black. I’m sure this would be prohibited by health and safety now!!!
This house does look a little like a face with a beard. (Faces in places)
As we go through Astall Farm we cross a Roman Road -Akeman Street, there are several sections of this road that are still used. We skirt the village with it’s dominant Manor House and cross the river again where a road passes over a stone bridge.
We cross fields again near to the river until we reach the village of Swinbrook. Here we follow a path near the church and head off across fields again. We can soon see a small church sitting isolated in the field.
This tiny church of St. Oswald was built in the 12th century on the site of a previous Roman Villa in Widford. Although this was quite a rich area due to the Wool Trade it was hit by the Black Death Plague in the mid 13 hundreds and the medieval village surrounding the church was abandoned. The uneven ground still shows signs of former civilisation.
A final stretch along the river before coming out on one of the smaller roads into Burford.
Many of the houses in Burford show signs of wealth – built from cut stone rather than rough stones. The splendid church spire also has an air of grandeur.
Our walk finished in Burford car park where we were picked up to return to Frilford. The walk was 16km long and had a good variety. It was even warm enough to take off my fleece!!
Marion's 50 Walk Challenge 