I wanted to walk without a drive today and also needed to post some letters so decided to start by walking into town and then on towards Letcombe Regis – a path taken before.
Not the most exciting route out of the village but out of necessity to prepare for some future walks, the route went up hill, along Court Hill Road. To my right the top of the hill came into view. There is some abundant colour in the hedgerow.
My first major goal is Court Hill Youth Hostel. A very special place built from repurposed barns on the site of a rubbish tip. This is now a privately run hostel but much on the lines of the YHA.
Highlight and reflection – this is a place I have used many times for residential visits, usually for seven/ eight year olds. It offers accommodation just for the group, sleeping in loft areas with little nooks for each bed. The outside has a great play space, including a wonderful wood which has been used for orienteering, out of place trails, shelter building, hide and seek and general fun.
This was also a venue used for initiating children in to their first experience of watercolour paintings in situ.
One of the last groups was an international one with children from Spain, Germany and Holland. Activities involved book making and watercolour painting.
Somewhere I always feel comfortable and never tire of.
I also have fond memories of a birthday camp out in teepees for one of Alex’s birthdays.
My route crossed over the A318 out of Wantage and onto a path which links with the Ridgeway Long Distance Path.
After about half a kilometre there is a path off to the left which runs down hill and on to a track which runs more or less parallel with the Ridgeway. On the approach there are some earth works which show just how chalky it is.
The track comes out on the road to Newbury, B4494, at the junction with hill from my house. I decide that I want to carry on walking a little longer so crossed the road and went straight across before turning left after another half a kilometre.
Passed some gallops and Charlton Field and down towards Goddard’s Barn. Then on towards west Lockinge. The path runs alongside Goddard’s Brook and Arn Hill can be seen to the side.
The stables at West Lockinge has been walked passed many times on a Sunday afternoon.
The path bends to the left and through ‘Conker Alley’ and back home.
Today’s walk was 15 km and was a surprisingly warm afternoon having been quite cold in the morning.
The next few walks will be somewhere rather different.
Marion's 50 Walk Challenge 