Today was the fourth walk with SPR Expeditions and started in Woodstock just north of Oxford. This was a walk with just Steve the director of the company and myself. We were transported to the start at the ‘Black Prince’ pub in Old Woodstock, by Jane – this is a good aspect of this company especially if a more linear walk is to be considered.
The path starts in a northerly direction and to the east the land drops down to the ‘R.Glyme’ valley. Rather unusually the path was bordered by hollyhocks- a garden flower! The route continued until the path reached Stratford Lane which is a continuation of Akeman Road – built by the Romans.
Having turned left onto this very sunken road we soon had to cross the busy A44. There is a gate on the other side which leads into a community orchard and a large entrance gate in the tall stone wall which surrounds Blenheim Park Estate. The path passes Furze Platt which looks as if it was once a farm complex but is now rather desolate. Across to the right the impressive avenue of planted trees becomes apparent, whilst the Roman Road crosses Grim’s Ditch – a Neolithic earthwork.
is now rather desolate. Across to the right the impressive avenue of planted trees becomes apparent, whilst the Roman Road crosses Grim’s Ditch – a Neolithic earthwork.
We now turn in a southerly direction along the Avenue towards the Column of Victory. The whole park is a World Heritage Site and Blenheim Palace was built throughout the 18th century. The area originally formed part of the Wychwood Forest and was home to Woodstock Manor which was a Royal Hunting Lodge.
The monument was one part of the recognition by the crown of John Churchill, later 1st Duke of Marlborough. He had had much military success in Europe and in particular at the Battle of Blenheim in 1704. Queen Anne wanted a national monument but John’s wife Sarah also wanted a ‘comfortable’ home. After a great deal of falling out both with the Queen and architects the splendour that can be seen today was accomplished.
Our route took us down towards the famous bridge designed by Vanbrugh and towards the house but diverted steeply towards the lake before reaching the former.
The landscaping of Blenheim has a very natural feel and it is not surprising to find that this was one of the great works of Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown. He instructed much earth to be moved in order to create a roundness to the landscape and the River Glyme was routed so as to form the lake. This also caused the lower rooms in the bridge to be flooded.
Reflection – a few years ago the lake was dredged and it was interesting to see the rooms reappear.
Our path led us down to the side of the lake and next to a splendid cedar tree. This was planted in the 1760’s and still portrays a sense of grandeur. A plaque tells us it was used in one of the Harry Potter Films. My memories are closer to home of two young boys climbing inside and peering out for photos!
Having had a short snack break we continued passed ‘Fair Rosamund’s Well’ this marks a spring and a pool where apparently the mistress of Henry 2nd bathed. (See also walk 31). We go to the far tip of the lake before the path reaches a dry valley with steep sides and we cross through New Park towards Coombe Lodge.
On the way a rather splendid seat! After a short section of road walking we set off along some tracks towards the village of Combe. Having diverted around the edge of one field whilst the farmer was busy at work we were confronted by his past day’s labours. Luckily he had flattened some earth and it hadn’t rained!
The church was open and there were some great surprises inside in the way of wall paintings and this rather unusual stone pulpit.
A classic view as we round the corner towards the village green and a cup of tea in the pub. It really was a cup of tea!
The track leaves the village and climbs to cross over the railway line – this line eventually goes to Hereford and is apparently well worth the ride. The rather spectacular part of this bridge is it’s height above the railway.!
We are now in the Valley of the River Evenlode before we climb up the side of Abel Wood and turn towards the East along the Wychwood Way. This takes us into the far western side of Long Hanborough – a very linear village.
As we approach the main road running through this village somebody has decided to spread wild flower seeds along the side of the path – a very cheering sight. Then the Methodist Chapel now a dwelling, which architecturally is in stark contrast to the cotswold stone along most of the route.
The walk today was 16.5 km and was a great stretch. No rain until we were waiting for our lift and then only a few spots but quite damp on the ground initially. It would be possible to create a circular walk but it would involve going along the main road to Bladon – where Winston Churchill is buried. He was born in Blenheim Palace.
Marion's 50 Walk Challenge 