The next 50! Walk 43 – 07/02/2022 – Marion's 50 Walk Challenge

Not a very long walk today and part of my potential planning for a Wantage walk which will be offered by SPR.

As I’m advocating the Spring Line Villages I thought that walking close to Letcombe Brook nearer its source might be good.

I made the decision to walk from Letcombe Regis village hall and to try out a couple of permissive paths. I headed along the road passed the cemetery and then turned left and over the brook. This area has been developed, cleared and is well maintained with boards and various paths. I stayed low and nearer to the water, this eventually climbs up to join the higher route.

Just before this point as I was checking the map I turned and saw someone who looked familiar. As soon as he spoke to ask if he could help we both recognised each other – an old family friend. We walked together for a while and then split as he doubled back and I continued along a narrowed track which was heading for Letcombe Basset but which I hoped would provide the path I wanted along the way.

The permissive path came into view and I crossed a field by the hedge boundary until I met my more familiar path up from Letcombe Regis. At a field corner was my usual route marked with a large style and on the other the gate that led to the permissive path, my route for today. I could see across to Hackpen Hill but that was not my aim for today.

My route took me across a wonderfully curvaceous field, next to some woods and then off up to Segsbury Camp.

Having reached the top of this section I was able to look back over the vale. The shadows help to show the beauty of the day!

I walked across another field before climbing over a style and on to Segsbury Camp, a large hill fort also called Letcombe Castle. From where I started I walked in a clockwise direction, covering about a fifth of the circumference before dipping down to cross the road which runs through the area. Back up on the ramparts again and around another three fifths before descending and joining the ridgeway.

Now the familiar white chalk track between Segsbury Farm and the main road. Decisions to be made – down the road to the youth hostel and back to the car or just carry on for a bit – amazing weather.

So I crossed the road and dog legged to continue along the Ridgeway. At Black Bushes Farm I took a left turn along a well defined track .

This crossed the main track from the Youth Hostel (an alternative Ridgeway Path) About half way down this descending field I could see the sign to my left to where I needed to branch off from the main road. Fortunately a strong track across. Saved walking next to the main road. This cut through to Court Hill Road, just below the hostel and I started my trudge down the hill. I could just about see across to Hackpen Hill again- tall hedges and lack of height are not a good combination!

I was feeling a bit annoyed at my route and wished I had left the car at home as then I would have been able to have had a more pleasant descent when I thought I could spot a track in the field on the other side of a wide bank to my right. When I found a good way through I ventured – yes a much more pleasant path and one which I could have taken from the beginning of this section. Credit probably to local dog walkers rather than the OS map!

Back down in the village and passed old houses and a rather quaint building which has become a small shop and tea room at the entrance to a rather expensive retirement village.