A walk by myself again and starting just a short drive from home. After a bit of map searching I decided to drive to Farnborough which is just off the the B road to Newbury. A village with some attractive housing which I have driven through before on my way to West Ilsley which was to be part of my destination in a ‘circular’ walk.
Firstly where to park and luckily as I drive past a lay-by next to the church there is a couple removing there walking boots – a quick turn around in a farm entrance and I lurk until they are ready to leave and I can take their slot.
Back up the road to the farm and then off across a huge open field with a very obvious muddy path.
At the rise of the hill the path meets a very obvious track which on the map is called ‘Old Street’ – a quick dog leg with a left turn and then to the right across more fields. The view as in so many of these areas is vast. The track skirts Starveall Farm which has been very well refurbished and a track leads to the Farnborough to West Ilsley road with a track alongside.
After a short while the road enters the village of West Ilsley, a linear development. There is a pub next to the road called ‘The Harrow’ which overlooks the sports ground. Reknowned for it’s siting and views of cricket matches.
It looks like an ideal venue for multi sports – football nets with rugby goals on top next to the cricket square!
An idyllic setting of a duck pond was a good place to stop to eat before walking past the church – noticeable for its flint.
A track leads off from the village towards a very distinct area which accommodates the very large West Ilsley Stables. This follows the Berkshire Circular Route and eventually joins with the ‘Downland Villages Riding Route’ – that really shouldn’t be a surprise in this area. At least no fields containing horses so far today! The track ways are very much of the sunken path, high side style. I always wonder how old these are?
On the first section of track out of the village I saw two people approaching and thought I recognised them before I could see their faces. People have a really strong shape and gait identity. It was who I had thought and had a really great conversation with one of my ex teachers and her husband. They were the reason I used to visit the village – a great interlude but I was also aware that time was getting on. Rather a long way to go and quite a dull day!
A great track next to a wooded area and then through a section on a well defined path. A short section on ‘Old Street’ again before meeting a metalled road junction. Much of the last section had been on restricted byways – good fun in the right sort of vehicle! A slightly unnerving spate of gun shots and also several noisy pheasants taking off from the edge of the path. Not necessarily good for the nerves whilst travelling alone!
Another distinct but muddy track next to a thicket of trees along one side and then alongside a copse. Quite pleased that the last section approaching the village was in an open field, giving a little more visibility as the light was fading. Quite a long stretch up a wide spur of a hill before a very muddy patch as two paths intersected and a helpful stile was in sight. The very last stretch was in a field close to my car with the church appearing on the horizon.
To my right as I’m almost back is a splendid house which has a haha and the road between this village community area I’m crossing. A quick peak at the church before getting back in the car. Slightly lighter at 16.15 than a few weeks ago!
A good stretch out and an enjoyable walk. About 11.5 kilometres.
Marion's 50 Walk Challenge 