Marion's 50 Walk Challenge

Many of my walks have been routes I’ve generated myself and then I realised I had a copy of 50 walks in Oxfordshire sitting on my bookshelf! So I thought I’d give one of these a try. Walk 28 – Abingdon.

The walk actually started in Sutton Courtenay – another village with a Norman name, by the village green. Some very old, attractive and expensive houses in some parts of this village. The path was tree lined, next to the road and had been cleared to expose the cobbled pathway. A turn towards Drayton and Milton and then quickly alongside Ginge Brook – a continuation of this water source which starts below the Ridgeway.

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Having made a couple of poor path choices, I really wasn’t concentrating I returned to the side of the Brook and was thinking it would be a great place for children to play- turned the corner and they obviously had the same idea!!

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Having left the water, followed an unspectacular track, walked along a road where I felt obliged to keep climbing onto the verge, I crossed the Drayton road again and set off for Oday Hill. These flowers did brighten my way and it was interesting to see gravel pits that had become naturalised.

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Here the path diverted across fields towards South Abingdon. So far I hadn’t been very impressed with the route but as I negotiated chickens my memory flashed back to a time when I had taken my Ranger Guides to a riding stables very close to my path.

I was by far the shortest of the group but because I was the grown up I was given the biggest horse! We were doing various exercises on them and I got told off because I hesitated and didn’t dismount backwards over it’s huge behind quickly enough. – I was much more comfortable with the idea of Italian cooking which was their next request!!

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The path led across several fields and I was struck by the way that trees can regenerate themselves from a seemingly dead trunk. Also the variety of greens in this array of trees – looking for positives!

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The path eventually led to the bottom of an estate, once well known to me, as this was where I was a deputy head teacher. Certainly not the most attractive of areas and certainly one of the most deprived.

As has often happened on these walks memories are dredged from the depths and I recall walking through this estate with groups of children – one time to go to the fair which was in town and look at the mechanisms used to drive the rides so we could replicate these in a design and Technology lesson.

Also a child came to my mind who at 6 during circle time and talking about aspirations said he wanted to be a robber when he grew up. Having explained that might mean he went to prison he replied that that was okay as his friends would get him out! I did seem his years later and he did say hello!!

And then the route emerges by the River Thames! What a contrast.

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As I’m walking along this stretch into Abingdon itself I suddenly recall this is where the deputy head from my first school- at the other end of Abingdon used to live. He diversified and wrote Oxford Reading Tree books – a diet which has helped many children to learn to read. Well done Biff and Chip!

A last look along the river before diverting into a strange and interesting triangle nestling under St. Helen’s Church. The town seems to have become accomplished at putting out information boards since I last had a wander round.

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The dark header bricks are a local design also found in Wantage. They almost have a layer of dark shiny glass on the exposed surface due to being fired at a higher temperature. So many times I had been to this church for services with the Guides but not stopped and looked for a while.

I walked up West St Helen’s Street but diverted down Edmund’s Lane towards the site of the old Morland’s Brewery that closed in 1999. ‘Old Speckled Hen’ may be a familiar name. I quite like the architecture of more industrial buildings and I also reflected that this little row of cottages was probably built to house important workers.

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Back out onto Ock Street and the County Hall comes into view. This now houses a museum, somewhere I haven’t been for a long time. On special occasions the local councillors throw buns down from the roof for people to catch.

My lasting memory was not of buns but very cold feet. A Guide Association cake sale for my group 2nd Abingdon, in about November – standing on stone slabs under the arches – my feet really were like blocks of ice and it took all afternoon to thaw out – frost bite must be terrible!

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Around the corner are St.Nicholas Church and the Guildhall and then towards the river the old Gaol – reminding us that Abingdon – on – Thames was once the county town of Berkshire. It has charters for markets and fairs and is one of the most ancient sites of a town in the country.

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There is also a site of a medieval abbey ruins which includes a small very unique theatre, all next to a small diversion from the Thames which included a water wheel.

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Over the bridge well almost before cutting down some steps to the tow path and under the bridge. First a glimpse towards the lock. Salter Steamers run boat rides to Oxford from this area.

There are often boats moored near the bridge but this drew my attention due to the obvious liking of ducks!

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The Thames path now follows the river towards Culham and on one of my walks I traversed in the opposite direction. The wharf buildings, now regenerated serve to show that this might have been quite a busy area in former times.

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Just when I was returning to my thought of was this a good route I found there was something of interest to see! There were cars parked on the flood plain fields and then an intensity of fishing gear, expensive trolleys and then a group all standing around a net being weighed with a woman recording the score – this was the only woman evident amongst this group along the banks. There were pegs with numbers at regular intervals.

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Further along towards Culham I was told by one fisherman that this was a three day competition. He had arrived at 8.00 am and didn’t get to his plot until 11.30 – a big process of draws for three sections of river! Not much luck today but the heavy rain of the morning had stopped and he assured me it was better than being at work!!

Other people used the river in a more leisurely way. Plus another majestic swan – well they are all property of the Queen!

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I did start to make a mental note at this point that it was getting dark earlier and I must take this into consideration over the next couple of weeks. It certainly was quite dull as I walked towards Culham Cut, with trees creating a gloomy arch way and water on both sides of the path. The bridge over the cut to the lock was soon reached.

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My last stretch was across to Sutton Pools where the Thames splits and there are numerous channels and backwaters before re-emerging after the lock. To negotiate these there are a series of weirs to cross, probably not somewhere to be in the dark. I did spot a heron again! Some of the houses from Sutton Courtney village have great gardens leading down to one of the back waters. Lots of boats moored along here!

One final bridge and I was back out onto the road and close to my car. As I walked passed one of the pubs I noticed it had adverts for a Deli counter – that clearly says something about the level of affluence!

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So the walk today was 13.4 km, dull to begin with, I enjoyed Abingdon and I hadn’t walked by Sutton Courtney Pools for a long time. Yet again a route that evoked many memories.

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A different starting place and a very different start! The day started with myself and Pete Evans catching the 07.32 train from Clapham Junction to Kew Bridge. Alex was racing in the gardens and was due to set off at 08.20.

We managed to get within about 200 metres of the start as they set off and therefore had to try and negotiate where on the route we could spot him and cheer him on. This was between 7 and 8 km.

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None of that about 5.5km was part of the official walk !!

Once Alex had completed and ‘cooled down’ the three of us set off around the gardens. Not really a route today but there were a few elements that we aimed for!

First stop was a tree I had noticed as we had been making our way to the finish.

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This was a truly magnificent tree and not one I’d seen before. There are often art installations in the garden and I noticed a particular ‘display’ earlier. It turned out to be a group of planters all with woodland plants.

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There were an extraordinary number of squirrels around as well as geese, plus parakeets squawking in the trees. Some of the Cedar trees have a magnificent structure.

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We headed towards the pagoda at the bottom of the garden and saw another installation, this time it was about sea dune plants. These have been created by Vaughn Bell.

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Our next observation was a completely different type of installation which was next to one of the glasshouses. ‘Please be seated’ was created by architectural designer Paul Cocksedge. It would have been rude not to have take a minute here!

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It was not the right moment to have an in depth look at various borders so we headed for the high walk which is always a good experience. Here we were able to get up close to the top of sweet chestnut trees and look down around us. The design incorporates many circular areas as well as linking straight sections. In each of these there are plaques with botanic information. This helps to express how important Oak trees are to our ecosystem.

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One more art installation – hedgerow plants -before we head for the lake and some natural sculpture in these immature cones.

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During these walks I have often captured swans on or beside water – mostly the Thames. Today was no exception.

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Having crossed the lake we made our way towards the river and the view of Syon House before making our way back towards the Brentford Gate entrance which is next to the river. Before we left the garden there was time for a quick coffee stop and a thank you Muffin from Alex for getting up so early to support him. I managed a couple more shots of trees to show the huge range and diversity and one of the children’s area. I liked this idea of a subliminal message portrayed in these little houses.

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The next part of our walk was along the river to Richmond – I really must plot all these different sections of Thames path that I’ve explored! Richmond was holding an entire weekend of running events which included a half marathon on the Sunday and a walking route which we observed some participants. There were various distance markets along this riverside path. Such a contrast to the softness of Kew but also some interesting views.

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As we got closer to Richmond there was greater evidence of human interaction with the river. Although there weren’t many boats operating on that particular day the demand presumably is quite high during a more normal summer period. As often happens with the Thames there are changes of level and locks are needed. This seems slightly incongruous with large bridges and traffic overhead.

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We were soon to reach the edge of Richmond, as the town meets the river and officially stop our walk and go on a quest for lunch. It ended up being very quintessentially British, at a pub called the Cricketers, next to the town green, with a cricket match being played!

Reflection – last time I came to Kew to watch Alex run, two years ago I wouldn’t have been able to walk this far and climbing up to the top of the aerial walk had been really, really tough!

So the official walk was 12 km today. However with the first part of our walk in Kew and subsequent walks to and from stations the total for the day was 21.7 – well I was with Alex so 28,389 steps is about what I would have expected!! Thank you for the company today Alex and Pete and great to see you run again Alex, even if we only caught you once!

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Today was the fourth walk with SPR Expeditions and started in Woodstock just north of Oxford. This was a walk with just Steve the director of the company and myself. We were transported to the start at the ‘Black Prince’ pub in Old Woodstock, by Jane – this is a good aspect of this company especially if a more linear walk is to be considered.

The path starts in a northerly direction and to the east the land drops down to the ‘R.Glyme’ valley. Rather unusually the path was bordered by hollyhocks- a garden flower! The route continued until the path reached Stratford Lane which is a continuation of Akeman Road – built by the Romans.

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Having turned left onto this very sunken road we soon had to cross the busy A44. There is a gate on the other side which leads into a community orchard and a large entrance gate in the tall stone wall which surrounds Blenheim Park Estate. The path passes Furze Platt which looks as if it was once a farm complex but is now rather desolate. Across to the right the impressive avenue of planted trees becomes apparent, whilst the Roman Road crosses Grim’s Ditch – a Neolithic earthwork.

is now rather desolate. Across to the right the impressive avenue of planted trees becomes apparent, whilst the Roman Road crosses Grim’s Ditch – a Neolithic earthwork.

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We now turn in a southerly direction along the Avenue towards the Column of Victory. The whole park is a World Heritage Site and Blenheim Palace was built throughout the 18th century. The area originally formed part of the Wychwood Forest and was home to Woodstock Manor which was a Royal Hunting Lodge.

The monument was one part of the recognition by the crown of John Churchill, later 1st Duke of Marlborough. He had had much military success in Europe and in particular at the Battle of Blenheim in 1704. Queen Anne wanted a national monument but John’s wife Sarah also wanted a ‘comfortable’ home. After a great deal of falling out both with the Queen and architects the splendour that can be seen today was accomplished.

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Our route took us down towards the famous bridge designed by Vanbrugh and towards the house but diverted steeply towards the lake before reaching the former.

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The landscaping of Blenheim has a very natural feel and it is not surprising to find that this was one of the great works of Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown. He instructed much earth to be moved in order to create a roundness to the landscape and the River Glyme was routed so as to form the lake. This also caused the lower rooms in the bridge to be flooded.

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Reflection – a few years ago the lake was dredged and it was interesting to see the rooms reappear.

Our path led us down to the side of the lake and next to a splendid cedar tree. This was planted in the 1760’s and still portrays a sense of grandeur. A plaque tells us it was used in one of the Harry Potter Films. My memories are closer to home of two young boys climbing inside and peering out for photos!

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Having had a short snack break we continued passed ‘Fair Rosamund’s Well’ this marks a spring and a pool where apparently the mistress of Henry 2nd bathed. (See also walk 31). We go to the far tip of the lake before the path reaches a dry valley with steep sides and we cross through New Park towards Coombe Lodge.

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On the way a rather splendid seat! After a short section of road walking we set off along some tracks towards the village of Combe. Having diverted around the edge of one field whilst the farmer was busy at work we were confronted by his past day’s labours. Luckily he had flattened some earth and it hadn’t rained!

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The church was open and there were some great surprises inside in the way of wall paintings and this rather unusual stone pulpit.

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A classic view as we round the corner towards the village green and a cup of tea in the pub. It really was a cup of tea!

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The track leaves the village and climbs to cross over the railway line – this line eventually goes to Hereford and is apparently well worth the ride. The rather spectacular part of this bridge is it’s height above the railway.!

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We are now in the Valley of the River Evenlode before we climb up the side of Abel Wood and turn towards the East along the Wychwood Way. This takes us into the far western side of Long Hanborough – a very linear village.

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As we approach the main road running through this village somebody has decided to spread wild flower seeds along the side of the path – a very cheering sight. Then the Methodist Chapel now a dwelling, which architecturally is in stark contrast to the cotswold stone along most of the route.

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The walk today was 16.5 km and was a great stretch. No rain until we were waiting for our lift and then only a few spots but quite damp on the ground initially. It would be possible to create a circular walk but it would involve going along the main road to Bladon – where Winston Churchill is buried. He was born in Blenheim Palace.

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A different starting point again today and with a special person. Alex Jacob is a founder trustee of Batemans which is the charity I am supporting through this 50 walk challenge. Alex lived and worked for about nine years in Chennai and on returning to England she joined the teaching team where I was headteacher.

We had planned to walk from her village of Charney Bassett but our original route idea would have included a long stretch back across some open fields which in consideration of the weather we chose to abandon. We instead drove to Hartford a nearby, very small village.

Our first find was St.Michael’s Church, hidden away next to a large Manor House which could once have been central to the village. Next to the doorway was the circular mark which I think was once a scratch dial. We did try it out with a long stalk of grass and it worked so we felt sure our supposition was confirmed!!

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A very short distance out of the village a path led off to our right and more or less followed the line of Frogmore Brook. This provide some occasional shade from the copse that was intermittent. On our right there are extensive quarry areas, hidden for most of our route.

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The path comes out opposite the back of Wadley Manor which can be approached by the busy A420. The landscape in this area is much more Heath like than in other areas of the Vale of White Horse. This is also evident through names of various features – Hatford Gorse, Sandy Lane, Peat Bottom Wood and Sand Hill.

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We took a turning right at this point,a walk along a wide track until we met a strange zigzag in the road where Barcote Lane becomes Sandy Lane! We continued more or less straight on until we came to an extensive wooded area.

We had planned to come here towards the end of the walk to gain most shade.

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During our walk we had talked non stop about various educational matters but it was as we sat down for lunch that we began the hard work.

We needed to define the role and skill set for somebody to project manage the development and setting up of the new school building in Chennai, which hopefully will be started soon. The plan is to also provide some community health support, wrap around care and some teacher training. As well as, liaise with the Indian architect following the plans produced by the trust and a system for accountability and reporting.

After enjoying our lunch we turned right to follow our final path in the wood before coming out on the road at the edge of Hartford where we had left the car.

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A shorter walk today, just 8.86 km but a very pleasant route and great company! Plus a great venue for a working lunch!

Back to Alex’s house for iced coffee and writing up notes from our conversation.

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I started the day at the Hill End Centre which supports outdoor learning and residential opportunities. A beautiful place and great to meet face to face for an AGM. I was starting the morning off by providing bacon rolls.

Having driven to just west of Oxford I decided to do a walk from this starting point and obviously a safe place to leave the car.

On leaving the centre I first had a busy road to cross and then down a track which was edged by farm fields. This path led to Cumnor, a village which just managed to be separate from Oxford.

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I’m remind as I walk along this path of several times when I’ve walked this starting route with groups of children whilst staying at the centre.

Reflection – children can’t show their skills unless given the opportunity. I always shared maps with the pupils and on one such walk a particular child of 8, showed real expertise and understanding – a skill I didn’t know he had and wouldn’t have discovered in the classroom.

As I approach the village the sound of children out to play can be heard – always joyous. The path comes out opposite the church and a rather attractive small thatched cottage.

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The route takes me through the village towards Farmoor and goes left in front of the Methodist Chapel. This is quite a long track which splits right by this thatched cottages, passed open fields where a farmer is at work and on through a more sheltered area. This was a pleasing reprise on a very hot day.

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After a long stretch a corner is turned and the River Thames is reached. A hot picnic but a pleasant tow path walk. The Thames Path is actually on the other bank – and so is the refreshment – ‘The Ferry’ public house, Bablock Hythe . A very long time since I’ve been there! There used to be a chain ferry across at this point for pedestrians.

On the far bank is an extensive, well laid out caravan park. Many look to be homes with an ever changing view and there are several boats moored alongside and jetties out into the river with tables and chairs strategically placed. The path runs close to the bank with a green field to my right and the river peacefully on my left. A welcome breeze makes it feel slightly less hot!

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The river has many bends at this point and there are areas of bulrushes and helpful info boards have been put up at regular intervals. To the right is Farmoor Reservoir but you probably wouldn’t realise unless you knew. There are willows along the far bank and they are being pollarded.

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It is about now that the first moving boat on the river appears – it is so quiet today. Before turning towards the top of the reservoir, the weir and lock can be seen.

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The path turns and tracks behind the houses of Farmoor. The Himalayan Balsam has really taken hold here. The path emerges on to the road back towards Cumnor.

Luckily there is a grassy track beside the road until the entrance to the Reservoir. This is used for sailing and fishing.

The next section was difficult, only about 400 metres but no path and virtually no verge. Luckily the path back across the fields appeared where I thought it should. It did feel very hot and took a while to track back towards the path where I had started.

There were sections of this walk I really enjoyed, especially by the river but overall it was really too hot. It was 15.6 km long.

The centre had just hosted a group called Overland for the weekend. This helps subsidised the site.

A completely different starting point for this walk and the third one with SPR Expeditions – just south of Lyndhurst in the New Forest. Today there were three of us walking, Steve the leader and another member called Annie. Part of the attraction of this walking group is that part of the deal involves being transported to and from the walk!

As we parked, having already queued our way through the town, it became apparent that it was going to be a warm walk. Almost predictable as children go back to school the sun starts to shine!

Steve had a route more or less organised in his mind and we parked just off the Beaulieu road in a very sandy area. He wanted us to enter the forest on the southern side of the road and announced the path was in 500 metres. Annie had the previous day led a walk which was the last part of the Cotswold Way and was 17 miles long. It then became evident that he wanted to use this walk as a training experience for her. Asking about double paces to 100 metres he was surprised that I knew exactly what he meant and that I knew mine to be 70. Really pleased to say I was only about 2 metres out when we arrived at the path. He had recommended 65 for Annie and she fell short.

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We started our walk mostly on well defined tracks which are now marked as cycle paths and of course it wasn’t long before we saw the obligatory New Forest ponies!

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The weather was getting hotter all the time and we soon decided to divert onto a less distinct path which genuinely needed more acute navigation skills. The forest is a maze of paths and I know from past experience it is all too easy to become confused.

I have camped in the forest as a Guide myself and also taken groups to Foxlease, one of the Guide Association Centres for weekends throughout the year.

Reflection- some interesting times supervising young people on Duke of Edinburgh Silver expeditions and explorations, in the forest. The later were interesting as they sought to find out more about the area eg origin of names, vernacular architecture.

We continued with Annie busily counting and taking bearings. I by checking on my OS app was able to confirm our position! I did however notice that her steps were much shorter than Steve’s and after a suggestion of 68 double paces she was much more accurate.

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I have to admit to being a bit passive in this process and coming home and looking at the map I wouldn’t be able to plot our exact route!

Having crossed over the busy road just outside Brockenhurst, after walking through Holland’s Wood campsite we were next to a small river and we stopped for lunch. We were joined part the way through! Very friendly though, they obviously enjoyed a quick dip in the water to cool off.

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My sister has for many years stayed in the forest with her caravan, in fact she was somewhere in the vicinity on this particular day. For several summers we joined her for a few days when the boys were younger and enjoyed walks and playing in a very similar river to this one. Looking carefully at the map I believe that was Ober Water which joined our route.

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There was an interesting section by the river where the map shows two fences/ boundary lines quite close together. One was obviously the boundary of Black Knowl which was a large area of mostly unwooded scrub and rough grass but the other was a distinct earthwork type ditch.

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Our path took us around the edge of New Park which is also an Agricultural Showground which allows camping. A very large open field in complete contrast to the various little clearings and discrete corners in the previous campsite.

We walked in a north easterly direction passed Whitely Wood before crossing the main road again and into Park Ground Inclosure.

There are some quite contrasting areas in the forest. Many Oak trees and Sweet Chestnut but then areas of heath covered in heather and groups of Silver Birch.

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Our path lead us back to our original entrance into the forest. We had set off just before 11.00 and returned just short of 16.00 having covered 21.73 km. at times this walk was very warm but extremely enjoyable, having evoked some very happy memories. Our lift was waiting patiently in the car park before we had to face the very busy exit from Lyndhurst.

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Just a short walk today at the end of a day visit to Sussex. I decided to visit Petworth Park which is a National Trust property. There are several entrances to the park which has a tall stone external boundary wall, for this walk I chose the one north of the town on the road to Guildford.

Although I had never walked from that car park before the whole ambience of the park is very special. From the age of seven and a half until I left college and moved away permanently I lived about a hundred and fifty metres from the entrance, closest the town. This is the gate used to also access the sports pitches.

The light at about 5.30pm was magnificent and it was still very warm.

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I can remember visiting what to me was the top lake which is actually called the lower lake on the map – I suppose it depends where you start!!!

I set off with no definite route but hoping to see key aspects. J .M.W. Turner enjoyed this venue and there are several of his paintings depicting the park in the house. (Also a NT property)

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The other important aspect of the park is that the landscape was designed by Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown between 1753 and 1765. His style was to make the area look natural, often with groups of trees complementing rolling lawns and serpentine lakes.

Geese have always been a part of the park and it would be unusual not to see them.

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There are several hillsides in the park and I wanted to make sure I walked to the top of the one that provides views of the house and the main lake. There is a painting of a fete happening up on that hill.

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In the far distance the South Downs can be seen. They were the main view from my garden as a child and perhaps that’s why the Ridgeway seems such a comfortable sight.

Some of the trees are magnificent and there is a range of species.

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Although the chair was very random it did give some perspective to the size of the tree.

The house emerges with a huge area of flat ‘lawn’ – designed so the lake could be seen. I walk down the hill onto this flat area and towards the lake. More geese and the sound of a cricket match on the sports pitch.

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Another important feature is to have a strategically placed statue, along with a boat house which was both practical and ornamental. I can remember playing on the boathouse as a child.

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My route took me around the end of the lake. The ground dips down here and there always used to be a cork oak tree but I fear it might have blown down in the great storm October 1987. (Quercus suber)

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The path leads up the west side of the park and the view looks towards the wood where I started. There was a great amount of bird song during this early evening and about three times I saw and heard a green woodpecker.

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One of the very special things about the park are the herds of deer. I had almost given up hope of seeing them when I turned a corner and there they were. I walked through the long hillocky grass to try and get closer and then spotted someone with a tripod and long lens camera – he looked really settled so I thought better of getting closer and possibly disturbing them.

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On the far left is a ‘folly’ with a tower which used to be the home of Simon Sainsbury who later moved to Woolbeding House near Midhurst (Walk 3). Then one last look back before the final stretch across to the wood and the car park.

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This was a beautiful evening walk and I really enjoyed going back to somewhere I had been as a child. it was only 5.7km long but well worth it and gave me plenty to think about on the two hour drive home.

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Today’s walk started at the car park owned by The Earth Trust, and situated below Wittenham Clumps and Castle Hill – Iron Age hill fort. The route was a circuit which went through Little Wittenham Wood to Shillingford and then to Dorchester back to Little Wittenham and the car. 15 km in total on a rather overcast afternoon with the sun only coming out at the very end.

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From the car park the path goes up and quickly reaches the hill fort and follows the line of the earth works around the circumference. The view is extensive but lacks clarity today.

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Dropping away down the side of Sinodun Hill the path runs along the side of a field until a wide path way turns to the left through the wood.

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As I walk down this track I am reminded of the many times I visited this area with school children. The Northmoor Trust a predecessor of Earth Trust used to operate from Little Wittenham, next to the church and this is where we started our days in their education room. From there it was out into the woods for searches, shelter building, animal print hunting, music making and newt hunting. I was reminded of the time I slipped down a bank whist rather pregnant and accompanied by six and seven year olds. No harm done!

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The path continues on through the woods and I was intrigued by this tree. I found a pleasant spot for lunch and noted that it was quite busy and had to guard my sandwich a couple of times from over inquisitive dogs!

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Just a little further along a new pond is being created.

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This path continues until the end of the woodland and then runs along the side of a harvested field. Large bails await collection and I recall my summer working on a farm – stacking bails in the field to keep them dry, loading them on to an elevator for stacking in the barn and being grateful that the straw bails were much lighter than the hay. Again I notice that the hedgerows are well ladened this year. Lots of hawthorn, elderberries and either very large sloes or damsons!

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The path takes a sudden turn to the right and whilst looking at the map note that this is a section of Roman Road. Having manoeuvred around the back of a farm the path cuts back to its original direction but then quickly diverts to the left. The willow trees all along this section would indicate water or at least a ditch – and then the River Thames reveals itself.

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The path stops at Shillingford Bridge and as I emerge by the parking for the hotel I’m recall pre retirement / pre COVID headteacher briefings at this venue. Do I miss them? Yes the interaction between us all but no the sometimes dictatorial nature of some of the directives!

Having crossed the bridge the path quickly leads to the right and slides between sets of expensive gardens on either side. Quite dark and foreboding in places.

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Just before coming out onto the main road there is a delightful sight. A wall made from a local building material – flint and a border of lavender – the bees were really busy. The other side of the path was a field of beans and this brought to mind the slight green tinge that I noticed they gave to the honey that my dad extracted after he had moved his hives to such a location.

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There is a contrast for nearly a kilometre where the Thames path is along the main road before dropping back to the river. In many places the plants on the bank shield the river from view, only to be glimpsed through fishing spots.

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Annoyingly I missed the turning right beside the River Thame and had to double back as I wanted to include Dorchester in my walk. This is quite a pretty village which unusually has an Abbey. Once the road through from Oxford towards London would have passed through here and it is evident that at least one of the main pubs was a coaching inn.

Again the use of flint, this time as a decoration and an old toll house. Dorchester was once a walled Roman Town – evident in its name but there have also been local Neolithic finds.

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The abbey has an impressive door and is very large inside. Two distinct memories are associated with this place. In my twenties I was part of a contemporary dance group based in Oxford and on one occasion we danced the sermon in the abbey. The other was bringing pupils to perform in a ‘Festival of Voices’ – the building has great acoustics. After looking inside I had a quick snack in the cloister garden.

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My route back towards Day’s Lock and Little Wittenham took me through the river side of the village, passing allotments with an array of vegetables and flowers. The path runs next to Dyke Hills – a Neolithic earth work which is possibly part of Grimms Ditch.

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My final destination can be seen in the distance. I’m heading for the clump on the right.

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The main bridge over the Thames is famous for local Pooh stick competitions and was always a favourite with my own children. The river splits into two or three channels on this bend.

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Passing the church and the old entrance to the Northmoor Trust there’s a gate into a field which was also used for activities. The pond where we used to pond dip is now rather overgrown. The climb up to the clumps is very apparent at this point. A struggle to get some children up this and always a challenge to try and ensure they didn’t go to fast when coming down!

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The climb is worth it !!! The ever changing view – an excuse to stop and look! The church, the river, Dorchester are all revealed and it is very apparent why ancient man would have dwelt at the top- an extremely good look out post.

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Having skirted the clumps the hill fort again becomes very apparent as does the car park!

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So many thistles in this field.

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Reflection – this walk reminded me so much of children exploring and enjoying the out of doors. As well as activities already mentioned, on different occasions and with various groups we searched for Roman pottery in a field, scrapped a deer skin with a flint during an Iron Age day and much more. These sort of activities should be readily available for all children – not just as a one off but as an integral part of their educational entitlement each year.

Highlight – the sun shone. I discovered an area of Oxford I’d never seen before and one of my companions was a teacher, who now taught students for initial teacher training, and recognised me. We had some very good discussions.

This was my second walk with SPR Expeditions. There were four of us today – Steve, Debbie, myself and Laura accompanied by Jupiter – an 8 month old cockapoo!

We were exploring the Shotover area. We were dropped off in The Slade and our path took us straight into the Ley Valley Nature Reserve. This is a wetland area hidden away between two major areas of housing. A revelation!

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Having followed a very long board walk the path emerges onto the Oxford Golf Course. This is another unlikely sight in the middle of the city centre. The route crosses Boundary Brook which used to mark the line between Oxford City and the one time villages of Headington, Cowley and Iffley.

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The brook is crossed again and the edge of Cowley Marsh is crossed before passing the site of the Cowley Barracks. The site has been mostly rebuilt to offer accommodation for Oxford Brookes students. The path then crosses the ring road. Such a contrast !

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Immediately the route enters a more rural area of Slade Meadow and on through Open Braesnose. This whole area was once part of Wychwood Forest and from the Norman Conquest was a Royal Forest.

William Morris, later Lord Nuffield lived at Braesnose Farm and it was from here that he founded Morris Motors.

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In Braesnose Wood we were able to find remains of a building left over from Slade Camp. This was a temporary camp for training troops and tank use and was used as a holding post before the WW2 D-Day landings in Normandy.

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There is a real mixture of habitat along this walk as the path now goes through heathland. Noticeably there are a considerable number of oak trees in this area. The route took us up hill and into a wooded area which had a complex maze of paths.

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After a sunny lunch stop the path continues along on to Old Road which is the original turnpike road between Oxford and London. The path rises steeply up Shotover Hill from Oxford and apparently the passengers had to dismount. Near the top of the hill there is a Mounting Stone to aid their climbing back up on the carriage. The area was renowned for highwaymen.

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Walking north there are views over Oxford to either side of the path.

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A small gate indicates a path off of this track and into the C S Lewis nature reserve. The area is in the grounds of his house ‘The Kilns’ where he lived whilst writing the Narnia Chronicles – ‘The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe’ is perhaps the most well known and certainly the one I read several times to groups of children.

This area is a BBONT reserve (Berks, Bucks and Oxon Nature Trust). Sadly the effects of COVID can be seen here and the lack of opportunities for volunteers to maintain the area are evident.

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The path leaves the reserve next to the house and into Kiln Lane. This area called Risinghurst was built mostly to house workers at the Morris Factory. A Roman Road passes through this area and Roman kilns have been found.

The lane meets the bypass which we cross again and we enter a completely different area – that of Headington Quarry. Headington Hardstone was used to build the bell tower of New College in 1396.

As we walk through this area which has a distinct village feel we pass by the ‘Six Bells’ pub. This was an important area for Morris Dancing at the beginning of the 20th century. Cecil Sharp, founder of the English Folk Dancing Society lived here and often organised displays.

Reflection – I had a book at school written by Cecil Sharp with the music for maypole dancing – something I inherited. Each May the oldest children performed maypole dances and every other class learnt a different English Country Dance. We usually shared these with parents out on the playground and it was a good celebratory afternoon. The ‘discipline’ of learning the dances and responding to the music is a great memory and coordination skill.

The very last part of our walk brings us back to Old Road and another SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest). Here the open face of one of the last quarries can be seen.

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Our walk of 12.6 km has been fascinating and we all learnt a lot about the area.

Today was the first walk that I completed with SPR Expeditions Ltd – this is a small company with an office based in a shepherd’s hut in Millets Farm, Frilford Heath. They offer local walks, National and International. Transport to and from walk venues is included which was a particular advantage as today’s walk was linear.

The walk started in the north west of Witney and led down to the River Windrush. There is quite a lot of new housing in this area and a large restraint wall has been placed to try to prevent flood damage.

Our first discovery was the site of a Victorian bathing pool which was used until the leisure centre was built.

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There were three of us on the walk today – the leader Steve and another lady called Beryl. This was quite a restful section of the river.

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There are a great number of mills in this area and traditionally the Cotswolds has been a producer of wool. There would once have been roads/ tracks from this area down to the south coast where wool was sent to the continent- often Belgium/ Netherlands ( the Low Countries) for weaving.

In Witney the wool was used to make blankets. The last blanket factory closed in 2002. Another significant difference is the use of the local stones not only to build houses but also intricate stone walls.

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As we leave Crawley there are wonderful views over the valley and after crossing several fields Minster Lovell Hall comes into view. The path is on higher ground above the river but there is always a sense of it’s presence.

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A stop to eat at the ruins is very atmospheric and it is good to look out for signs of the original design of the buildings.

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After our break we continued through the village taking the road north. This soon splits and we take the left fork. Right is signed to Field Assarts – asserting was apparently the cutting down of forest to convert it for arable farming.

Not only is the stone used for building but ‘Stonesfield Slate’ is used for roof tiles. Very many years ago during my training I was on a residential trip based in Charlbury, we rode bikes out each day. (Reference in a previous walk of me learning to ride a bike for the purpose.) One of our trips was to the slate mine. Ourselves as adults and 15 children climbed down a vertical ladder into a dark opening and then crawled along a tunnel for quite a distance. We even turned out all the torches to experience pitch black. I’m sure this would be prohibited by health and safety now!!!

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This house does look a little like a face with a beard. (Faces in places)

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As we go through Astall Farm we cross a Roman Road -Akeman Street, there are several sections of this road that are still used. We skirt the village with it’s dominant Manor House and cross the river again where a road passes over a stone bridge.

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We cross fields again near to the river until we reach the village of Swinbrook. Here we follow a path near the church and head off across fields again. We can soon see a small church sitting isolated in the field.

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This tiny church of St. Oswald was built in the 12th century on the site of a previous Roman Villa in Widford. Although this was quite a rich area due to the Wool Trade it was hit by the Black Death Plague in the mid 13 hundreds and the medieval village surrounding the church was abandoned. The uneven ground still shows signs of former civilisation.

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A final stretch along the river before coming out on one of the smaller roads into Burford.

Many of the houses in Burford show signs of wealth – built from cut stone rather than rough stones. The splendid church spire also has an air of grandeur.

Our walk finished in Burford car park where we were picked up to return to Frilford. The walk was 16km long and had a good variety. It was even warm enough to take off my fleece!!

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