So back to Menmarsh Guide Post – only the three of us again. We had to start a little later today, but at least the journey to the start of our route was quicker than the nightmare we had had the previous evening getting back around Oxford. By mutual agreement the short section travelled in the van last night, was not walked! However Annie did greet us with the joyous news that it needed to be about 15 miles again today! It was actually just about 1.5 km shorter than the previous day!
A track set off directly from the road junction and there was no rain ! A rather strange feeling.
We have a forested area on our left although we are walking on a track and then through fields or rather one field which circuits around the wood and was probably 1.5 kilometres long. We are heading for Drunkard’s Corner. This is an open access area Brentwood Forest with many distinct paths cross crossing this large area. I’m reminded that on of the Guide Districts was Bernwood
Nothing to distinct about this area, we pass alongside Park House Farm and then drop down to a track which obligingly crosses the M40 over a small bridge. The fact that we have a section on metalled road means that we can keep up a good pace which should help later in the day.
Our first major landmark is Waterperry Garden’ s and farm. Having escaped the dog in the farm yard who really didn’t want to let us through, the farmer apologised and pointed out that there was a farm shop in the barn. We decided to take a look and all bought something from their excellent bakery. We could have deflected into the Gardens and house proper but decided we ought to keep going.
So we continued to Waterstock and over Bow Bridge, this time we were crossing the river Thame which leads down to the Thames. The path skirts the lower part of the village taking in the church before it goes alongside and then through a golf course.
This comes out on to the A418 and after a very short distance along the road crosses fields again and a disused railway before quite a sharp left turn into the very linear village of Tiddington. There is a more wooded area to our right and we cut across to Albury. This is a climb up to a much deserted village but with a church remaining.
The path drops down and up again and there is some feeling of purpose and grandeur about the area. Our path meets with the Thame Valley Way but drops down towards Rycote Park and it’s house. Once a place frequented by royal visitors, Henry VIII, Elizabeth 1 and Charles 1 included. The path takes us next to Rycote Chapel which is apparently of significant interest but unfortunately is locked. It does however have benches and some sunshine so makes for a decorous lunch break!
From here is a pleasant section of woodland walking before crossing the A329 and passing along the edge of the Oxfordshire Golf Club , very decorative lakes can be seen to our left. Having reached the summit of this undulating area we drop down to Tetsworth which as a village is dissected by the A40, in fact half the village is squashed between that and the M40. We are all glad to see that our route across this to the south is via an underpass!
We are crossing more fields but noticeable less wet than at the beginning of the week. We travel south and follow a path with lakes to our left and through a short area of woods. We reach a small road and are able to quicken our pace, still warm and no need for my jacket. Next to Wheatfield, which was our original destination , this is a deserted village with a church still standing and farm buildings around a courtyard which once belonged to a much bigger house.
We are crossing fields again and the light is fading a little but they are well marked and start to follow closely to the field boundaries. We surprise a large deer with a very white rear, identifying itself as a Roe deer; also lots of prints evident at this point. We are heading towards Model Farm.I’ve often seen this signed when I’ve been in the area. This was a farm set up by Lord Macclesfield in the mid 19th century and was reported to be very technologically advanced. This is an area very dear to me having completed two big County Camps at adjacent Shirburn Castle. A slightly crumbling home built in 1377 complete with moat. Lady Macclesfield was a kind and generous natured County President for the guides – very down to earth and practical.
We can see the Chiltern Hills on the horizon as we approach this area and as it gets darker it is possible to see the lights from the cars coming through the Chiltern Cut on the M40.
We are pleased to come out on a track which takes us down to some farm buildings which are positioned at the north end of Pyrton Village. We know that our lift should be somewhere in the village. It’s quite dark by now but several cars coming through the village so we phone to get the vehicle to us rather than walking through the village – we’ll save that for tomorrow. We did get a little rain about half an hour before we stopped, sufficient to put a coat on but almost stopped by the time you’d zipped up!!
Marion's 50 Walk Challenge 