Again from home and trying to plan a shorter walk from Wantage but with village interest as well as variety of terrain. I will also need to consider what information to include when offering these walks.
So off down the lane and round through West Lockinge and the stable and around the wall towards the church.However before I get to gated entrance I am cheered to see the familiar site of snowdrops in the area surrounding the church and on the bank by the wall and path that I’m walking on. With a few attempts at lifting the bottom of the fence and holding the camera I was able to capture the joy that these first brave blooms express.
As I continued around the path edged by the perimeter wall of this part of the estate I glimpse a different view of the church and the surroundings.
On passed the church and to the bridge which crosses a Brook which has been artificially enlarged at this point., partly to enable some fishing. It has been recently dredged, probably to prevent the flooding that occurred last winter. The water was really still today giving a great reflection.
I curved round on the road, ignoring the track to Lockinge Stable and took the private road with permitted footpath use which diverts to the left. This rises steeply and very quickly the church down in its secluded spot is out of view. This metalled road soon joins a road which ultimately drops down into Ardington but before too long at a neat corner there is a grassy track leading off. This is the next section of my walk as I go towards Ginge Brook. The sun is shining again!
I like this track, not as high up as the Ridgeway but still an on top of the world feel. A bit of a muddy descent towards the brook and the new cycle track to the Harwell Science Site. Lots of people out today- cyclists, dog walkers and runners.
In the interest of variety I decide to take the well worn path next to the brook. This section is great and goes next to meanders and ox bows – a mini geography lesson. I can remember a step bank when I went this way before – managed to scramble round the first obstacle but then the sharp decline was just a little too much- I had to remember two things. Firstly I was by myself and it wouldn’t be helpful or convenient if I slipped and hurt myself and secondly I was planning this as a potential group walk so I had to be relatively sensible. So a steep scramble up the bank to the edge of the field, where many had walked before and along. Near the end of this section I could drop down into the wood again – I now have a date to potentially lead this walk in April so note to self to explore this section again.
My woodland trail met the path over the little bridge and along to West Hendred Church, several more walkers in this area. Today I was going straight across the road to a path to East Hendred. Before I had taken a left turn as I met the village and walked passed the school. Today I wanted to continue straight on until I came to the main road in the village.
For some reason I forgot to take photos even though there is some great architecture! I didn’t realise that a metalled hut had been changed into ‘The hive’ – somewhere that sells sustainable products and where bottles can be refilled etc. Next the church, the shop, the pub, the chapel and some splendid barns. Plenty to see as I go round Chapel Lane and on passed the now abandoned Plough Inn. What a pity, a characterful building and once quite thriving
Now down Mill Lane and passed the sports club and football fields. A familiar sound of Sunday morning boy’s football. It brings back memories of a few years spent visiting various places on Sunday mornings!
The path now goes along parallel to the Mill and across fields before coming out into West Hendred – not the most exciting part of the village. Then it’s off across several fields towards Ardington. Not sure what the crop is – cabbage, rape – I’m sure it will become apparent later in the season. At the edge of one field I stop to eat some lunch and I’m entertained by one, then two then four buzzards playing on the air currents. There is quite often a buzzard sitting in the field next to the main road in this area.
Then the familiar cry and a red kite comes into view- the fun stopped and the later was definitely trying to dominate.
A message to say my logs would be delivered in about 30 minutes and I’m quite a way from home! So a rather fast pace back through the village and the normal track to home. Just time to stop and appreciate this other sign of spring.
About 13 kilometres/ 8 miles which is hopefully a good option for those wanting a shorter walk.
Marion's 50 Walk Challenge 