Well the last walk of this group of 50 and more momentous than that 150th since starting on the 21/07/2021, very nearly a year ago.
I had the choice of the Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday to complete my challenge- the first two of those were due to have record temperatures but I knew I already had commitments for the cooler Wednesday – did I dare leave it?
As I had to drive to Blewbury on Monday morning, I knew I was in a position to start walking at 08.30 so decided that was my plan. Also it rounded off the challenge nicely as my first walk had been from Blewbury Village Hall Car Park. I didn’t plan a huge long walk but had worked out a route I hadn’t walked before after the first section.
So off down the track towards the old sewage works and passed the Quaker Cemetery Stone. I glanced back towards the Ridgeway and down at the plants growing beside the track.
Not turning left down Frog Alley as I did that first time when I felt pleased to walk 5 km ! Once over the first stile, a right turn and then almost immediately a left. Slight but well used path diversion around the edge of the next field and here my route will differ as I’m turning left down this track. It’s quite chalky but very dry and rutted. Across the fields I can see the line of the old railway track and then the path passes underneath through a rather splendid arch.
The path touches on the edge of West Hagbourne into an illusive corner which you don’t see when driving through the village. My first sighting of other people out walking – two different older people with their dogs, trying to fit in a walk before it got too hot. Almost a right angle turn to leave the village and head for Upton. Poppies by the track side and another tunnel as the path doubles back under the railway again. The railway itself is a designated cycle track – so good to see it being used to promote sustainable transport.
My path comes into the village and passes along the road with the church, I’ve come out at this point before and also at the next turn from Frogalley. A familiar place with several people I know but no one is out and about! The quick way back would be to go along the old coffin route back to Blewbury, but not today, I’m going right through the village until I come to the main road and then across towards Upton Lodge.
I do wonder quite what I’m doing as I trudge up hill in the heat but the tarmac road branches off and I’m on a grassier track with views across again towards the Ridgeway. I reach a crossroads of footpaths where I’ve been before but from the other direction. I stop for a drink and have a look around at what is growing.
Unusual that this is barley rather than wheat growing at this point. Last little section of this walk as I go across the hillside and back down towards Blewbury.
The track looks towards Blewburton Hill and I’m always amazed at how hidden the village is from above. There are lots of trees and green spaces but from up here they work together to hide the houses.
So I started this challenge at a golden time of the year and finish back at the car park 363 days later. I do meet a couple of ladies in the village who have been to an early Zumba class and are now heading home to retreat from the heat. I meet another couple of people by the post office, always good to catch up and know that past acquaintances are still well.
Just a bit less than 2 hours walking and luckily quite a breeze as I walked down across the hill and only 7.7 km but again great to be out and to finish my self inflicted challenge.
Marion's 50 Walk Challenge 