Leading a walk for SPR today that in my diary I called ‘Short Wantage’ but advertised as a walk to visit surrounding villages. Meeting at 08.15 but luckily about 100 metres from my house! Supposed to be leading three people but only two have turned up.
So we set off down the lane – my familiar route and along the road newly planted with Lime trees for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee- no more conkers! Apparently, whilst talking to a wood turner, horse chestnut is a very soft wood and not particularly good for turning which is probably why all the trunks were chipped.
As we go passed the stables I can explain about racing success stories and the design and structure of the ‘social’ villages of Lockinge and Ardington. Fliss and Mirella are my companions today and we are also able to discuss other route ideas. Nearly opposite the church these plants caught our eye. Possibly young Acer seedlings but whatever they are they add a great vibrancy to the area.
We loop passed the gates and church yard and head up a private road / footpath which has a wood running alongside. Whilst taking a ‘natural’ break I notice a path and we decide to continue along this as it will come to where we wished to go. Wonder why I haven’t used this before? We rejoin the road and turn to the right before setting off on the high path which leads across to Ginge Brook.
Half way along we meet another couple of walkers at a cross roads, I made a mental note of this route! As we come over the rise in the hill we can see back over to Ardington – our last village on this route.
Next down to the brook and we start to walk alongside it, having scoped it out I was sure of how far we could go before it became a scramble challenge. Worth a look at the wonderful fast flowing meanders.
We come out by the church and then turned left, taking an interesting path away from the road which lead behind several houses and let us into some of the secrets of life in the village. In order to make the most of our visit to East Hendred we completed a third side to a rectangle so that we could walk next to some exciting new barn builds and down a road with much older houses. There was a general appreciation of the architecture and an agreement that there was something satisfying about mixing crossing fields, going through woods and passing through villages.
We decided to stop outside the shop for a drink and snack. Then refreshed we walked through the village, spotting an alternative use for a bus stop!
Now passed the recreation grounds where voices could be heard- it was still the Easter holidays. The path, one I have used before cuts from this no through road which once led down to a mill. From the path the mill, once owned by a potter looks as if it is being renovated. We go over East Hendred Brook and cross fields to a farm at the edge of West Hendred. As we emerge into the village I’m able to point out the apple picking ladders on the side of the barn. This area was once key for Apple and cherry growing due to the underlying soil and also because it is in a dew dip.
A contrast now as we walk across a series of fields towards Ardington. At least two have broad beans growing in them. This is not a market garden area so I can only assume this is for animal feed.
We come down into the village and walk to the ‘ Ardington Stores’ – unfortunately closed for refurbishment so no drinks and no loo! We did see a rather unusual hedge though!
The group agree to walk up to the wooded area – ‘Christopher’s Wood’, planted in 1993. We walk across to the stones, always special. A wonderful patch of cowslips as well. We decide not to go straight down the hill for the last stretch and take a path that leads into the wood. Just a bit of a wriggle and then after a look in the Parkinson.me garden we walked the last stretch and it was time to go home.
Just short of 9 miles today/ 14.39 km. A route that was enjoyed by all.
Marion's 50 Walk Challenge 