It seemed a long time since I last went for a walk – a week of zoom meetings!
So having done some walks in preparation the time had come for me to lead the Wantage walk that I had devised for SPR. Originally 4 people had booked but sadly on the day two had had to drop out. So my participants were Anna with whom I had completed the long distance paths and David who I had not met before.
I arranged to meet at Waitrose car park, I’d walked and the other two had come in the van from Millets. We set off on our walk at about 8.30 – still quite chilly. Our first stop was the statue of King Alfred in the middle of the square, reputed to have been born a few hundred metres from where we were standing.
Next passed the church and through Betjeman Park where we were able to see various quotes from the once Poet Laureate. Then down the path that goes alongside the grounds where he once lived, ‘The Mead’.
Further along we could hear the water rushing under the Mill House at the bottom of Locks Lane and the ford that would once have been used for vehicles going up to the Priory at the top of the slight incline. We walked passed this area now converted to homes and around the back of King Alfred’s School. Once visited more frequently for plays, parent teacher meetings and a few interesting interviews with senior staff!
We are now going to head across to our first spring line village – Letcombe Regis.
The name may come from the Old English Ledecumbe meaning the “lede in the combe” – i.e.”the brook in the valley.” “Regis” may derive from the Latin ‘rex’ meaning ‘Royal’ with ‘Regis’ meaning The King’s, giving, perhaps, “The Kings brook in the valley.”
The twin village is Letcombe Basset – the village being at one time in the manor of Richard Bassett. Best known more recently for links with Thomas Hardy.
Passing through the start of the village we walk alongside the church and come out on the road to Bassett – after a short distance we cut up to our left and over Letcombe Brook. Our path initially runs quite close to this meandering stretch of water and it is beautiful to see. We take advantage of the permitted path which runs next to a hedge and we come out on the alternative track from Letcombe Regis.
We traverse along this towards the Ridgeway. First a pleasant field which often seems to have sunshine and then through a copse before we get to a steep decline followed by an even steeper incline. Slightly bizarrely there was a white cat in a wooded area alongside this field.
Next across a wide open field and on to the ancient path that is the Ridgeway. A certain amount of artistry in the designing of this stile.
We decided to divert on to Segsbury Camp – an Iron Age hill fort used between 600 and 200 BC. There has also been evidence found that Anglo Saxons used the area- not improbable as Alfred was fighting the Vikings along this stretch and winning. Ultimately he became the Anglo Saxon King rather than just for the West Saxons (Wessex).
Our route took us along the Ridgeway until we reached the monument – where we lunched. The next decision re the route was discussed by the group. More Ridgeway and down by Betterton, straight down to Lockinge or doubling back and then alongside the gallops, Goddard’s Barn and brook until we reached West Lockinge and the stables of Henrietta Knight. The last option was the one chosen and we experienced a varied walk along and then down with an very full brook, amazing willow trees and skylarks.
Round passed Best Mate which was only fitting as it was Cheltenham Gold Cup Day! Then through the church yard with the banks behind transformed from the white carpet of snowdrops to a bed of yellow daffodils. The fishing lake comes into view and we climb up above it and follow the track round towards Ardington.
Heading towards Ardington Church we were able to see the base of the tree that had fallen and blocked my path after the last storm – also evidence of smashed fences- all now neatly cleared. Anna was able to reminisce as we passed Ardington House where her daughter had her wedding reception. Evidence of spring everywhere.
The group declined a chance to stop at the shop/ cafe and we doubled back and under the arch to come out on the curved road which turns towards the pub and the church. One last part of the walk as we head uphill towards the Millenium Stones and we try to work out how they work! Each is actually a pair of stones with a gap between for sunshine to emerge through.
So back along ‘no conker Alley’ and the lane towards Larkhill. As we are about to emerge the van pulls up. Excellent timing! Good company and a route that was just short of 14 miles / 22.38 km
Marion's 50 Walk Challenge 