So a local walk today by myself, some of which was familiar territory but with a couple of new twists. The ground is surprisingly dry for February with actual cracks which is very worrying for this time of year.
A slightly incomplete map of my route as I failed to record the first 4.09 km – probably because I knew the route!
Having taken the familiar route across to Letcombe Regis I then went passed the church, a lot of care has been taken to always ensure that there are wild flowers growing in the churchyard.
Next out onto the road to Letcombe Bassett and a small path up to my right , by the cemetery. This was new to me and I was rather surprised to find I was walking next to a Deer Farm, with venison for sale. Not sure how I had not realised this was here.
Having passed the farm and crossed the Green Road track, the path, still one I hadn’t been on before , curved round the bottom of a distinct small hill. This then came to the road from Wantage towards the White Horse. Crossing this and passing between hedges I soon came to the familiar path from East Challow.
I always seem to time it wrong to get a cup of tea from the village shop in Childrey – one day! Now a familiar bit of route over to West Challow.
So trying to find a different route I started walking through the village to find the footpath that went across a large field and should have taken me to the old Berks and Wilts Canal. Well having walked up and down a stretch of road a few times and no sign of an actual path I decided that as I could pinpoint where it should leave the road I would go into the field anyway. Slightly rough ground and very uninspiring. Luckily I did find my way across to the exit onto the canal path, so that I could continue towards East Challow.
A patch of snow drops was a consolation before I crossed the main road and continued next to the canal and back up into Wantage and home.
About 14.5 km today and although not a very extraordinary walk, good to have found a different local route.
Marion's 50 Walk Challenge 