Walk 13 – 04/08/2021

Today had an ancient focus starting with a visit to the Broch of Gurness which was a historic site with the remains of the Broch – another shared habitation and some surrounding houses. Even part of the staircase was intact.

Again complex housing systems from over 4,000 years ago.

Thoughts – how well insulated would these houses have been? I wonder if the photo below helps to give an answer.

We next walked along the isthmus of land to visit various Neolithic sites. These plus the one just visited and Skara Brae are designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

We started at the Ring of Brodger and then walked on to a complex which is still being investigated and was possibly a temple complex or a celebration site. Archeological digs have had to be very limited during COVID 19.

We then walked on to the Stones of Stenness.

Our final visit before walking back to our vehicle, along the shoreline, was to see another complex of living spaces. Could this have been somewhere to stay whist attending a ceremony?

After returning to our bus we drove to Stormness. We walked about 10.5 km on our main walks today.

Highlights – the atmospheric feel of the stones and the enormity of their size.

Plus being able to visit the Vintage Paper Company in Stormness – having purchased book making materials from them in the past.

Walk 12 – 03/08/2021

Today started with a visit to Skara Brae which is the most complete Neolithic village in Europe. This settlement has eight houses which have complex designs including bed areas, storage, dressers and a hearth.

Interestingly the homes were all the same size. All approached through passageways and underground. The use of local stones probably from the beach area was amazing to see with many thin upright stones used as dividers. These are created as the local stone splits down easily – like slate.

It was time to set off for our walk which was to take us along the western coast of the mainland island. About 12km with much undulation between Skara Brae and Outertown.

Some amazing cliffs and rock stacks, exciting shapes and colours.

Chance to look at the Broch of Borwick which was an impressive site where families lived in a tower with a central hearth and a staircase.

A very accurate circular shape.

Reflection – Some of the stacks are so impressive- wonders of nature and always worth a second look when you go round the corner.

Reflection and highlight – seeing an amazing village site which was over 5,000 years old and also seeing how organised they were socially.

Walk 6 – 28/07/21

Starting today at Blewbury School and along the track as far as East Hagbourne. Here the path turns to the left and emerges at the back of the church. Having walked through the churchyard and on towards the disused railway embankment there are several alternatives.

Today’s walk took me back towards Upton ( perhaps I’ll visit West Hagbourne another day) and comes out by the church. Back then along the coffin path and out onto Westbrook Street Blewbury.

A very beautiful wild flower bank in Upton.

I did get very wet at one point, sudden very heavy showers seem to be a frequent occurrence at the moment but I did wonder if it might be good preparation for the Orkney Isles!

Reflections of the day – we used this route a couple of times for a school sponsored walk – a very different experience today – perhaps a little too quiet!

Passed the meadow at the back of Upton Church – left to be wild currently – we did use this a couple of times for a May time Pilgrimage Service – all walking from school and joining together for worship out of doors.

Note to self – perhaps I should also walk to Churn Knob and Blewburton Hill – both used for Pilgrimage services. Happy memories of all being together and on several occasions including overseas visitors.

7.5 km today – trying to be ready for Orkney without overdoing it – left hip a bit sore today – but so much better than before.

Walk 5 26/07/21

Off from the house again for an evening walk. Set off up my road – Larkhill , which heads towards the Ridgeway.

The route meets the road to Newbury, for this walk I turned left here and doubled back ultimately walking past the stables of Henrietta Knight – ‘Best Mate’ fame.

Back down ‘conker alley’ and the track back to the house. 7.5 km this evening.

Highlight – Beautiful sound of Skylarks and really interesting light.

Walk 3 – 23/07/21

Still in West Sussex – set off for Midhurst and on towards Woolbeding. Great parking space just of the main road to Petersfield. Quick walk down the road and over the bridge which spans the River Rother.

The path leads along the side of the river and on towards Stopham Mill. Lots of bird song and quite a fast flowing river. Peaceful and only saw one person in the distance at the mill.

Only disadvantage was having to reverse rather than a circular route but great walk.

Again a bit of an error with the app recording the route but about 8 km.

During the afternoon I visited Woolbeding Garden which is an excellent National Trust property.

Walk 2 – 22/07/21

Somewhere completely different. Stop over at Haslemere on the Surrey / West Sussex border having visited my mum for her birthday.

Really lucky to be taken on to Blackdown to explore and see the Temple of the winds and experience an amazing sunset and hopefully hear nightjars.

Didn’t set out to count this walk but as we covered about 7 km I couldn’t really waste the experience.

Highlight – actually hearing the amazing sound of nightjars. Thank you Sam.

Walk 1 – 21/07/21

Having thought for a long time whether to go for distance, steps or time spent walking I suddenly thought during my first walk that I could go for 50 walks.

So my walk starting from Blewbury Village Hall car park became -Number 1.

The walk took me past the sewage farm, along Common Lane and past Frogalley Farm and into Upton . Then back along the coffin path, behind the school and back to the car park.

Just 5 km, one of my criteria. Messed up my tracking app by turning it off whilst taking a photo!!!

Highlight meeting 4 friends I hadn’t seen for a while who were travelling in the other direction.

Hip! Hip! Hooray Marion’s 50 walk Challenge

Following two successful hip replacements and a newfound freedom, I’m giving myself a walking challenge.

Since retirement I have become a trustee of the Batemans Trust, which supports children in South India.

Due to the pandemic some of our usual fundraising sources have been put on hold, so to help compensate I’m taking on 50 different walks AND hopefully some of you will sponsor me!

Each walk will be at least 5km (3 miles) and must be different either because of the route or the company. Suggestions for routes or offers to join me are most welcome.

My target is to raise at least £500 by completing my challenge between 21st July and the end of September.

To document my challenge I will be writing a blog about each walk, giving an idea of distance, routes and possibly maps or photos.

Please read about the work of the Trust, in Chennai, by following the link above and help me to provide opportunities through my challenge.