A bit of a stuttering start to this part of the challenge – decorating got in the way of walking! Mindful of petrol usage and already needing to drive to Blewbury I decided to start my walk from the village hall car park. Unusually for me I started the walk at 08.37!
Firstly down Westbrook Street and then turning right up a little track which cuts off a corner of the village and usually allows access into a back gate into Savages – Garden Centre / Farm shop. Not my destination on this occasion- the path comes out on the main road A417, an old London Road. There’s even a mile stone Wantage 9 which is obviously significant enough to be marked on the map.
My path took me across the road and headed across to Chilton – not quite in a straight line. As I looked across it was possible to see Wittenham Clumps.
The path crosses several tracks that lead down from the Ridgeway area and finally across the route of the dismantled railway before reaching Chilton. The path I’m heading for which runs almost due south, forms a perimeter around the edge of the village. So upwards towards the area just below the Ridgeway – this area is a maze of paths
The path up meets a track which links back to an interchange on the A34 and it appears to be the route that skip lorries take to empty there loads. Thankfully within about 30 metres of joining the main track my path carries straight on and the lorries turned back along another track- phew! Very dusty and noisy. My path which now becomes grassy again runs close to the old railway line. It becomes apparent that this route is metalled as a car drives along and back again later.
There are some sections which are made of concrete and I wonder if this is linked with use of this area for troops during WW2. Over the railway again and now the track is up above Churn Hill. There are gallops everywhere and as I look out whilst eating a snack I can see horses galloping on the horizon.
Looking up towards Churn Hill I am aware that this is a busy area at the moment with closed footpaths and large marquees. This is currently the site of a Ridley Scott film based on the Napoleonic Wars. A sign by Lower Chance Farm shows which paths are shut currently.
It really is very windy along this stretch and hard work walking into the wind. The views are quite impressive. Several horse riders and dog walkers along this section.
I’m suddenly overtaken by two slightly fluffy black dogs and I can hear men talking behind me. As they move to walk passed me I turn and recognise one of them as he recognises me. The husband of one of my former colleagues, a tall distinguished man who used to the head of the Farmers Union. A great chat and catch up then time to part as paths separated.
I’m going along the path under Lowbury Hill, the site of a Roman Temple. I can see out over Aston Upthorpe Downs and Oven Bottom.
There’s a distinct cross roads and due to the wind I was quite pleased to turn in a different direction. The path goes down alongside Langdon Hill and there’s actually some sunshine and I was able to sit on a bank to eat my lunch. Looking out on the other side where still undulations. plenty of chalk still demarcating the path.
The track then closes in and descends a little more steeply as it approaches the A417 opposite the turn to Aston Tirrold. I am impressed by the range of colour that is becoming apparent- spring is beginning.
Not the best place to cross a road and I have to listen carefully as well as look. Into the edge of the village and passed the playing fields, I wonder if any of these big houses are where Tim Henman of tennis fame lives? A little path tucked next to a house takes me to another part of the village and then I am on the track which leads below Blewburton Hill. This is the muddiest section of the whole walk and I have to concentrate really hard.
No donkeys in evidence today! I wind my way back through the village of Blewbury using paths that I had taken with groups of children. I am now in the middle of the village on the play close and I spot a seat in the sunshine. A good spot for a final snack as I look out over this grassy area and remember…..
The Queen’s diamond jubilee parade where we all stopped for a photo, walking through for our own school 300 year celebration, outdoor church services, racing boats on the brook and organising maypole dancing and selling ice creams for Blewbury Brass Band 100 year celebration. And probably much more – quite a special place.
As I emerge from the play close, over the bridge and alongside one of the very special thatched cob walls the path take me back to Westbrook Street. A quick turn right and back to the car.
My walk today has been about 19 kilometres. Bit of a mistake with the OS map as it also recorded me on my way to Didcot – operator error! So the route should start and finish in the same place !
Marion's 50 Walk Challenge 