Having spent much of the day on spread sheets I decided I needed a walk, not really pre planned, just went from the house. My classic route of down the lane and along conker alley which is currently true to it’s name! Bit concerned about the state of some of the trees though, the leaves seem to be dying early this year.
The colour of the landscape is beginning to change and I was hopeful that there might be some colour in the sky later on in the walk. There are some beautiful trees as Lockinge Church is approached but being rather short the fence was in the way for most of the path!
As I got closer to the church I was very much struck by these amazing seed heads. So much art in plants!
Major works by the church where the water goes through under the driveway. It’s damed on one side to create a small lake and on the other a waterfall. Last year however it just flooded everywhere, obviously some restructuring needed.
The light is good over the church and then following the path around the cyclamen are out. I guess someone must have planted theses several years ago near the base of a tree but they spring up each year. It was great to see that a wedding took place here back in the summer with bouquets of flowers fastened to the fences to mark a way to walk to the reception in the next village.
The estates around Lockinge and Ardington once belonged to Lord Wantage and many of the wonderful tree specimens must have been designed into the landscape. Too late for Capability Brown but I would guess inspired by his ideas. My path goes passed the back of Barton House and the newly planted orchards.
Next passed Ardington House, no weddings today but it’s early evening and some extra marquees are being put up – perhaps preparing!
As I go to the end of this track and start heading back towards the village I decide not to go along the path with the arch but to go the long way round to the far end of the village before I head in the direction of home.
Not the quick way though but up the hill to my right and emerge into Christopher’s Woods. Always a different path to be taken, I optimistically hoped for some wildlife as dusk was approaching. My path led on for a long time – definitely not one I’d taken before and I must say to my surprise I suddenly realised I was very close to the Millenium stones.
A different path again from one I had taken before and then back to the conker lined road and lane to my house. Popped into the back garden to see if there were any good shots of the sky to be had – alas no, so took these instead!
So my impromptu late afternoon / evening walk was 9.26 km. Note to self – key, camera and water next time!
Marion's 50 Walk Challenge 