Local today but with a short drives and accompanied by Alex and his partner Pete. The starting point was the parking on the Ridgeway at the end of the long road up from East Hendred, I had parked there once before but this walk was going to incorporate the southern downs below the Ridgeway.
The weather was quite reasonable as we set off and Pete made the choice that we would go along the Ridgeway first- a stretch of about 4 kilometres. There are two paths off down to West Isley and we took the second one which is quite close to the A34 junction. Quite a pleasant track gradually dropping down towards the village. It splits and we take the right hand fork next to a wooded area.
The plan is to walk through the village to the pub and see if we can get some lunch- unfortunately they offer a rather short window of opportunity and we are later than we had intended! Good job we put some snacks in the bag – a drink and crisps had to suffice for the moment ! The village pond looked good though!
We had to backtrack almost the length of the village to find our path which headed almost due south. The start of this was the same as the path I’d taken last time. Just after the large stables there is a set of paths more or less in a rectangle – luckily the boys chose the other two sides than my previous route! AND we did see a hare in the field. There is such an abundance of dandelions in the field next to the path as well as the amazing blossom.
I share the map again and Pete and I agree we will go the longer route at this point, going south westerly along ‘Dark Lane’ and then ‘Red Lane’ before reaching the bottom of a triangle and going north west along ‘Old Road’. These names are fascinating and I really must try to find out more about their origin. Much of the path is either through woodland or alongside trees with the occasional avenue.
This is a long sweeping path which links back up to the road between Farnborough and West Isley. The land is very undulating in this area – rolling hills! The sheep reminded me of an illustration in a children’s picture book.
Then on the other side of the path there were bluebells, these are always so joyous to see. The wood anemones are particularly beautiful this year.
As we reach the path there are route decisions to make again. Alex is already complaining that it’s further than he thought – and isn’t interested in looking at the map! We can see the path in front and to our right which will bring us straight back to the car. However there are two more routes going up towards the ridge and Pete and I decide on the middle one, it’s still not too late and a very pleasant late afternoon!
It proved to be a great route which ultimately led up to the Ridgeway where we could turn right before reaching the car.
19.76 km in the end, just a bit more than the 15/16 I suggested at the start!
Marion's 50 Walk Challenge 