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.
Getting hotter but wanting a different tac, decided to go in the morning today and to drive a short distance. Set off on the A338 towards Hungerford and turned off for South Fawley. I’d not started a walk here although I did pass through the edge of the village on a previous walk. Bit of a false start with parking as it was politely suggested by a local that I move to a lay-by down the road ! Luckily this only added a couple hundred metres either end of my walk.
Set off in a south westerly direction from the village, down hill and then a gentle rise up again.Excited to see a roe deer come out of the first wood and cross my path but not quick enough to take a photo. Nothing too extraordinary about this path or the next section but good to be out in the open with expansive views.
Accompanied by a red kite calling but again not able to capture a good photo. This was quite an up and down track with the views of these wonderful curved contours, I guess formed by glacial melt waters.
The path went through Maidencourt Farm and met the River Lambourn – not very significant at this point but good to see some water flowing. The path I’ve chosen to take runs next to the river but with limited accessibility. It’s tempting to stop but I’m mindful that it is already heating up and there’s a long way to go.
The ground is so dry everywhere with some large cracks and although the wheat is very golden I do wonder how full the grain is – just when we need a good harvest I’m not sure we will be in luck.
The path comes out in the village of Great Sheffield and then cuts along the edge and next to the recreation ground. A large group pressed together trying to capture some shade from the trees at the edge of the field. It is heating up. Trying to remember to drink enough and also eat a bit.
The path having been very straight turns onto a road by Northfield Farm and having gone around the farm buildings looks to join the main road. The map did look as if there was a path next to the road and I was very glad to see that there was- just the field side of the hedge. This safely carried on, crossed the drive to Trindledown Farm and then turned abruptly left at the perimeter fence of their animal enclosures. This farm is a rescue and rehoming centre specialising in older animals.
Made a bit of a mistake and missed my turning right from this section of path. Followed a track alongside the wood, feared I had disturbed a kite as it was making a lot of noise and kept circling – just a bit disconcerting! The ground has changed to being very stony rather than chalky.
After not too long I reviewed and had to do a back track and then found a couple of bits of wood which was suppose to indicate a stile! More or less straight forward across to the next farm area and track. Very much back into horse country and was passed by a couple that had been ridden out. Came to what should have been an easy junction but ….
Field full of beans and not a path where it should have been. Followed a tractor spacing for quite a while down hill and then was concerned as I was off route that I would be able to rejoin my path. So had to carefully cut through the beans and back track back up hill. Why is it when you find your path it always looks that it should have been easy to spot from the start?
Looks to have been an old village here once according to the map. Now a very large stable block and a rather nice house. There are some exceptionally splendid properties hidden away in some of this countryside. Not sure I’d like the isolation though.
I followed the road out from this complex knowing that I had to turn left quite soon after the buildings. I went passed this pond and realised it was just too far. On my backtrack – again I saw the footpath sign which would have been obvious if I had walked the other side of the hedge, or been taller! the track set off almost through the garden but there was a definite stile and did then go in the right direction.
A hill back up to South Fawley and the edge of the village came into sight. It was getting rather hot now and I would be quite pleased to finish. 13.5km today and out for 4 hours. Good to see somewhere different.
So having promised myself I wouldn’t go out so late the next day I was all of five minutes earlier -18.24, still it is considerably more pleasant at this time of night! Not a particularly novel route today, a few tweaks to routes done before but not necessarily in this combination. An urge to go from the house again, mostly because I couldn’t be bothered to drive anywhere!
Down the track to West Lockinge and up by the Stables and Goddard’s Brook – not a path I have taken up hill much before. I’m basically heading for the Ridgeway.
Needless to say not much water In the Brook but the willow trees marking it’s path are still flourishing.
Everywhere is looking very golden and tonight there is rape seed being harvested, the process throws up quite a lot of dust but unfortunately no surprise wildlife today.
I don’t go up through the field directly to the car park but choose to divert through the wooded area which follows Grim’s Ditch, an ancient earthwork. As this comes out to meet the path down to Bitham Farm the track which I have never taken and looks to be marked as a cycle way or permissive path, also joins at this point and this is my route up to the Ridgeway tonight. A metalled track but with a locked gate at the other end and a private sign. Oh well, no harm done and a quick climb over.
So off along the Ridgeway, never really tire of being up here and again it is a beautiful evening with a slight breeze and the temperature has dropped a little. the sun is beginning to set and once again quite a long way to go!
Above Pew Farm the Ridgeway splits, the main path to the left and an alternative that leads to the Ridgeway Youth Hostel to the right. This is quite overgrown and it seems a long time since I walked this way with a group of children on route from the hostel to Lattin Down Farm and back. I’ve taken the track down towards Furzewick Farm before but it does look quite different today. Last time no crops!
The ‘chalk mine’ seems to have got bigger, I do wonder where all the chalk that is dug up goes to?
Before too long I’m down on the track that will take me back to the B4494 and the intersection with Larkhill. Again really enjoying being out in the evening, although I realise I’ve set myself up for another late meal! I’m secretly hoping for another good sunset but no such luck. A promising start but then faded to nothing!
I do really enjoy the mauves of the flowers out at the moment.
So six minutes longer walk tonight and further, not so many false starts and hidden footpaths! This time 13.38 km. Just two walks to go now in four days and lots of preparation to do for a food stall at ‘Truck’ music festival and the temperature is ramping right up!
After a week of emptying out my study ready for redecoration and spending two and a half days on a residential, helping out a friend, I realised I had a race on to finish my 50 walks before a year was completed- 4 walks to do in 6 days!!!
It had been really hot all day and various tasks had got in the way of my going out, so nearly 18.30 when I set off! Still trying to find slightly different routes from my house.
I set off across the A417 and into Charlton village, passed the church and along the lane and up over Crab Hill – so dramatically different with the housing, school and I notice now a sign to a cafe, on my right. The track is still intact but I wonder how long it will be before the new road cuts across it.
Onward until I find the route of the old canal and along a stretch that looks quite different today – how life has changed for farmers as a large area on my right is now a ‘solar panel’ farm! The path from Grove joins from the left after I’ve passed through a gate and from there goes on to meet the road. From here I’m venturing into new territory. With the first section unfortunately along the road, still not too busy.
I’m turning up a track by Neville’s Farm and heading Northward towards the railway line , although I won’t go that far today. Rather disturbing local news recently about young people playing around at footpath crossing points near Grove. My turning right partly along here is not so obvious but do find the path and come out on a track over a very rickety stile.
The path should have been slightly diagonally opposite and passing on the left hand side of Pinmarsh Farm but it wasn’t there! A very large horse who was being quite lively in his field in front of the house was! Went back to opposite the stile and there was an entrance next to the hedge and alongside the ‘horse field’, separated by tape fencing which appears quite common beside horses. It was a really rough path and I did my best to traverse it as hastily as I could. The horse really was very big! Came out in the garden courtyard of the house but there then was a stile on to the next section of the path. Seemed a bit strange to have to walk so close to their living room window! A much more comfortable stretch followed.
Where this path entered the wood it crossed the old canal again.
There should have been a path straight across at this point but no! One had not been left when the field was planted, felt a bit cross at this point after the earlier path change. No choice but to walk down the side of the field and cut across at the next field boundary, a slightly longer two sides of a quadrilateral. One bonus I did see these two with their heads popping up from the crops.
Quite a few streams in this area and at the next field corner had to fight my way through and over a stone step to regain my path – not a farmer that encourages walkers !
Quite a straight forward stretch continuing across fields. Heard an owl in a beautiful oak tree, in fact there were a couple along this way. A bit disconcerted to see that the sun was beginning to set and I still had a way to go!
A more or less straight forward stretch which is joined by the road to Ardington Wick. This comes out to the main road and a bus stop opposite the main road into Ardington village. Chance to enjoy the light on this wonderful evening.
So back though the village, no diversions up to the stones this evening and back along the track to home. So pleased I was out this evening to enjoy this dramatic sunset. Rather a late evening meal though!
Out for a minute short of three hours and 11.85 km.
Decided to return to the stretch above Streatley and the Ridgeway today, partly as I was already in Blewbury so thought it was worth extending my drive a bit.
So I drove almost to Streatley and doubled back along the Ridgeway, passed the golf Club and along until I reached the end of the metalled road where there is a designated parking area. So the same place that I started a previous walk and to begin with the same route, back towards home on the Ridgeway and then turning right almost doubling back. This is an area of sweeping undulations and huge hollowed out areas. The path starts by Streatley Warren.
It’s strange but although I walked this way earlier in the summer it doesn’t seem that familiar, so much more overgrown. Soon I find the recognisable path from before with a wide clearing on the right and woods on the left and I can remember stopping for coffee. I’m looking for a path off to the left as I’m not following through to Moulsford today but staying on this side of the main road. I have a different track in my sights.
Today there is an abundance of flowers, almost an avalanche in that everywhere I look there is something different. What a pleasure!
I thought I could remember the path turning off but according to my map I had already gone too far. I thought I’d found a track started to follow this to a fence and then along but then it disappeared and I was in the middle of a wood. Checked my map and I was very off track – thank you GPS. Undeterred I thought I could probably cut through until that is I heard a rather loud and aggressive dog barking. Not my favourite situation and especially not by myself off the track in a wood!!
Turned and back tracked and found another ‘sort of’ track which was more in the correct direction and then came out on my intended path! A little adventure. More flowers, quite a relief really and a few good views through the trees.
A bit of up hill with woods on my left and vast sweeping fields on my right. Not sure I ever saw Devil’s Ditch but after my last near encounter didn’t look too hard! I can see the sweep of the track going towards Starveall Farm and the grassy track going up the hill Kingstanding Hill. This should take me almost to the road and I will be able to double back on to ‘The Fair Mile’. First a field of pale blue flowers- not flax, so not sure what they are or whether it is an intended crop.
In Cholsey across the main road there used to be a mental hospital called Fair Mile. I’d been aware of it for much of the time I’d been in the area but one day when I was a deputy head in Abingdon it would come to have a greater significance. It’s no longer there – now a housing estate!
One day as I’d nearly arrived at school there was a traffic hold up and much happening around an end terrace house or should I say the remains of. To my horror when I arrived at school a couple of minutes later I was greeted by the grim news that the fire that had destroyed the house had also killed two of our pupils and their mother.
The reason that Fair Mile provoked this memory is because the fire had been set by the live in child minder. A young man who was part of the ‘care in the community’ scheme from Fair Mile Hospital.
Apart from the grief and shock around this situation, I will never forget the granny coming to collect some of the belongings from her granddaughters school tray and the media hanging outside the school gate. This person had been known to us and we had raised concerns with social services over issues of being hit with wooden spoons but no action was taken and because we were in Oxfordshire and the hospital was in Berkshire there was no cross reference of this person. Luckily we had kept all our notes as there was also a Home Office Enquiry.
So even long before this I had been intrigued by the name and always wondered at the significance of this route way. Turns out it was a bit of a boring track – well not significant anyway! There must be some ancient reason for the name. Any way more flowers to brighten my way after some rather solemn reflections!
It is a very straight track and I suspect it may be linked with the Roman Temple that was on Lowbury Hill. Just before the base of the hill I take a turn to the left, skirting underneath it with Dean’s Bottom on the other side. Another one of these wonderful scooped out dips which predominate in this area. The photo doesn’t really show the exaggeration of the curves.
Soon I am down to the Ridgeway again and all that is left for me to do is to walk back towards Streatley and my car. This has been a warm walk which got increasingly hot and I’m glad it was no longer. I hadn’t thought about the incident described above for a long time but it’s extraordinary how the mind works and remembers very specific details. A couple more flowers to finish and a wonderful golden field of wheat. Just over 12.5 kilometres today and out for about 3.5 hours.
So no walks for nearly a week after a busy birthday weekend and somewhere different today. Nearly didn’t include this but then decided that there was quite a lot of direct walking as well as some wandering!
So I started my day in Clapham Junction and walked down to the station, venturing to one of the furthest platforms before setting off for Hampton Court. The train was absolutely packed – not good for Covid! Quite a walk from the station over the river towards Hampton Court. There are two entrances I can use and I decide to take advantage of the one that goes into one of the formal gardens and quite close to the house.
So right up close to the house before entering into RHS (Royal Horticulture Society) Hampton Court Flower Show. I’ve come on one of the two Members only days courtesy on a Christmas present – the tickets are still quite expensive but this is a new experience
There is an extensive map and I can see I will have to concentrate hard to visit all of the sections. There are a huge number of stalls selling everything you could ever possibly imagine wanting/ needing for your garden – most of which would have to be huge!
Having walked down this first ‘boulevard’ of ostentatious garden furniture and the like I venture to the Floral marquee and plant heritage- much more calming and reasonable. Just sad that I’m travelling by train and feel envious of those with pull along trolleys that are being loaded with luscious plants. I did buy a few packets of heritage seeds which I must remember to sow next year!
After more wandering I venture to the allotments which are on this side of the water- quite refreshing to be near here. Some fun and quirky ideas and not really like any allotments I’ve ever seen!
On my way did call in at the Rhino Greenhouse stand to ask about fitting their very narrow gauge drain pipes to water butts – must remember to follow up his advice!
Back over to the larger part of the arena to catch a few show gardens before finding some lunch. They all have very different designs and purposes and I feel I should at least be taking notes- instead just enjoying the colour and harmony of the planting and intrigued by some of the ‘furniture’ which helps create sculptural effects.
Well an ice cream was delicious and expensive, the Fortnum and Mason Hamper van was not my lunch place of choice! Really wished I’d bought a sandwich before going in to the show. Ended up with a very good and large almond croissant and a cup of tea. Filled a gap and tasted good!
Whilst I’d been in the ‘Country Living ‘ tent I’d bought a very good, strong set of French secateurs – can’t wait to use these! So many things in here I’d never dream of buying – different world.
I ventured to the children’s exhibits where schools had considered sustainability and habitats – more my style and yes I did give in and sign up to subscribe each month to the Woodland Trust and later the Ramblers!
So of to see more show gardens. Some great ideas, some set up by garden designers on behalf of charities, others telling stories of loss and grief. The Finnish forest area did remind me a little of the tranquility of parts of my own garden.
I must admit to getting a bit ‘lost’ trying to make sure I’d gone down every aisle and found everything. Did call in at the tent about botanicals in cocktails but decided I probably would never use his words of wisdom so moved on! There was some good music playing at times so a great sunny day vibe but really having seen everything it was time to make my way to the Thames gate and another area of excellence where I couldn’t buy! Some of the perfumes in the Festival of Roses were beautiful.
So an enjoyable day finished with a walk along the Thames before going over the bridge and back to the station. Added a bit to my walk as I had to go back up to the flat to get my belongings and then back down to the station! I did buy a sandwich on the way – definitely take a picnic if I did this again!
I covered just over 12.5 kilometres so a good wander!
So back to exploring an area of north Sussex that I feel I’m beginning to know quite well. No route suggestions to follow this time so the planning is mine and I have a few criteria in mind. I need to visit Furnace Pond as the refurbishment has been completed, I want to include the area of woodland to the East of the Haslemere/ Midhurst road and I want to follow some more of the Serpents Trail and New Lipskin Way. I also decided that I was better starting in Fernhurst as walking from Haslemere would add unnecessary mileage to my route.
The free car park behind the shops is remarkably busy, I don’t stop to buy a sandwich as I had a cooked breakfast, I might regret this later!
My route takes me across the road and passed the church to the village green. I’ve driven through here so many times but it wasn’t until my last walk that I came through this way! Today I’m walking beside the green and then along the road a short way, looking for a turning off to the right. There’s a r track next to the road to begin with but I do find the path that leads down next to and between properties and passed some ponds.
The track runs through a field and then there is a turn left to take me back to the road. Obviously not concentrating as I turn the wrong way. I was suspicious when I didn’t recognise any features as I was expecting to do along this route – whoops time to pay a bit more attention. So double back and I’m on the correct road and looking out for a right turn. Bit concerned to see a road closed sign and hoped that wouldn’t apply to me !
Several workman on this metalled road which is not a main thoroughfare and then some digging up of the road but plenty of room to get through. This is becoming even more rural and at last I leave behind any housing and cross over a stream area. At last some woods and that familiar feeling of being comfortable in my surroundings. I love the way that borders are marked with trees in this area.
I’m looking out for a turning right where my path will join the Serpent Way. So through the wood along the side of the hill – good to explore on this side of the road. I eventually come out opposite the pub in Henley. Last time I was here was in September 2019 having Sunday lunch as part of a Midhurst Grammar School reunion. One of the most expensive lunches I’ve ever had but very good. Who’d have known as I looked out from the terrace that I’d begin to know this area more by walking it.
I have to turn left up the road a little and then the path leads through somebodies garden and steeply up some steps and onto the main road. The undergrowth has been cut back and then straight on the road, luckily not too busy. The exit is almost exactly opposite and my path is up above the road at the top of a bank but out of sight and runs parallel to it for a short distance until the road curves away and then takes a straighter route. I come out on a track which is just a short distance up from the main road and one that I used back in November during my first walk in this area. This time I’m more accurate in my navigation and manage to follow the Serpent trail up through an area which has been cut back but is more overgrown than on my first walk. An abundance of fox gloves as I work my way up hill.
Nearly at the top of this section and I turn back to look out towards Blackdown, the highest point around here.
I quite like the familiarity of recognising I’ve been here before and soon I’m on to more open land and a track passed Scotland Farmhouse and a gate into a more wooded area again. Last time I had turned right at this point but this time more of a left direction even though this is going to take me in a big loop and down hill, in order to come back up again! Another one of these wonderful ‘hollow ways’, I really wish we could wind back time and see who has walked this way before and for what purpose.
The path runs down to the road which I turn on to and although it is a road it’s a quiet peaceful, flat stretch before I turn back up to my right and climb the hill again. This area is Woolbeding Common and my third walk at the very start of this series was by the river in this area. How much more I know now about the way that the landscape fits together! A great climb back up and not quite as steep as I had anticipated, either that or I’m fitter? So from the top views over the common and towards the South Downs. The South Downs Way is still on my challenge list.
I emerge out where I think I met some people last time at a bench with good views. Last time I went on to Older Hill. This time I’m going straight across next to Telegraph Hill and I’ve swapped to the ‘New Lipchis Way’. I soon recognise this section as I remember a particularly muddy downward steep section where I got out my poles. Today it certainly wasn’t very muddy and didn’t seem as steep!
This is a wide track in places and very narrow in others as it descends down into the valley on the Fernhurst side. At one part a huge tree has fallen across the path, somebody has very cleverly cut through it to make a passage way so that everybody can pass.
This track leaves the wooded area and comes into open fields – no horses today! The farmers have been busy though. The black plastic covered bales don’t have the same feel as the smaller more traditional ones. I cast my mind back to pre college after sixth form and working on a farm that summer. Stacking whole fields of bales into rows standing up against each other. I remember the hay being very heavy – the straw bales were much easier. Later in the season my job was to stand on the trailer and load them onto the elevator so they could be stacked in the barn. Dusty, tiring work but very satisfying in a way.
At the end of these fields I’m back into woods again and I notice dog roses.
I’m nearly at my final must see on this route. So having seen Fernhurst Furnace before any restoration and having come this way and my path having been blocked, I was excited to see what had happened. I was a little shocked when I saw the area as I approached as the shrubbery and vegetation had been cleared but then after the first renovated southern sluice I was able to see the restored area of the furnace. https://www.fernhurstsociety.org.uk/furnace.html. Great to see such an important piece of local heritage being preserved.
Now back out of the woods and across fields towards the road at Lower Farm where a candle factory is now housed. I was shocked at the perfumed smell being omitted and had absolutely no desire to visit their showrooms! My route takes me up towards Shulbrede Priory where I met geese on my last walk, but this time I’m turning off into the woods and walk on a path which is vaguely parallel to the road back into the village. The path then dips down to almost meet the road and here I turn back up hill, I’ve walked this path and the next section before. After Greenhill House I make the decision to carry straight on and not take the path up hill as I did the first time I ventured this way. For much of this way I can still smell the perfume- certainly somewhere I would not want to work!
As. I set off across fields I wonder if this is going to take me to the beautiful ‘Sussex cottage’ I’ve walked passed before. I’d noticed last time when I was photographing ‘Duckingham Palace’ that there was a footpath sign at the edge of their garden. I suspected correctly and came through a gate at the edge of a garden with beautiful roses. Unfortunately nobody in the garden to say hello to and not much happening with the ducks. Just one sitting waiting to be filmed!
I take the path to the left after this house which will lead me out onto Vann Road and back down to the car park. Another great day in this area and about 19.5 km covered, with good weather once again.
So back to one of my favourite areas to walk in and an afternoon exploring the area around Hindhead Common. Quite a few cars parked in the car park which proved tricky to pay for as I couldn’t get the app to work. Resolved by a warden with a card reader and an opportune use of the loos in the cafe meant I could then set off. I had decided to head off across one of the main paths above the ‘Punchbowl’ and create a circuit round. I was trying not to repeat too much that I had done before although I knew there might be short stretches of overlap.
I forgot to record the map to begin with in my eagerness to get walking but having started in the car park by the information sign, I went straight across. Still not sure if I can work out what this sculpture is representing but decided I had to continue on my way !
Almost immediately I am able to look across and see magnificent views over the Devil’s Punchbowl. I still haven’t walked down the bottom- perhaps next time.
I am at this point following one of the many waymarked trails and I find myself next to the ‘Sailor’s Stone’. From this point the route of the old A3 is very clear.
The Sailor’s Stone
In 1786 a sailor was brutally murdered by three men whilst walking between London and Portsmouth. The stone was erected to mark the spot where this poor sailor met his death.
I purposely decided to divert away from Gibbet Hill as I had visited on the last two occasions and although my route took me down around a spur of the hill and back up again that is part of the charm of this area. That and walking in woodland but then having good views. I was tempted to go to the Temple of the four winds but decided to leave that for another occasion.
I had to do a bit of negotiation with a workman in this area. He wasn’t too keen on me passing his JCB and going down a really rough gully – which in fairness they were trying to repair/ make safer. I genuinely didn’t see the sign which suggested no access to walkers. After suggesting I really didn’t want to double back and promising to be very careful , he let me through!
A slightly strange feeling to think I am giving over the top of the A3 and then I’m quite close to it; walking along an embankment above the road but hidden from view. A little further along here I see a mile stone- not just London but Hyde Park Corner! This track eventually leads to another small car park just off of a minor road running side by side with this major route way. Although not too noisy I’m glad to be turning away from the hum of cars to the song of birds.
Having turned almost a right angle there were still portions of tarmac , suggesting an old road. So having gone up and over and round a spur the path turned again and I was heading down a track towards an area with several farms. Little Cowdray Farm stood out to me, reminding me of my days at school in Midhurst, just a few miles away and our sports field by Cowdray ruins. There is something special about seeing fields that have been cut and bailed.
Another reminder of times working on a farm and stacking the smaller cuboid bales. I do remember that hay was much heavier than straw.
Next a reminder of home with Ridgeway Farm! Then for perhaps the best bit of the walk. Definitely turning back towards the car park and a wonderful woodland trail. Part of me was tempted to cut down to the bottom of the bowl but I was enjoying the path too much for that. I do like the way that trees help to form important land dividers or boundary markers.
All too soon I’m back at the car park – just over 9 kilometres but very pleasant and great to be back walking in this area.
A local walk today by myself. I seem to have been busy at home recently so this was a late Sunday afternoon walk. Not planning to go to far but just great to be outdoors. I start by driving to Childrey and the first part of my walk has been done before in that I’m walking towards West Challow.
I cross over the old Wilts and Berks Canal and on this occasion turn left as I reach the village. This path crosses fields and then turns to join the canal just before it reaches the road. It’s good to see Meadow Crane’s -Bill, a member of the Geranium family, such a pretty mauve colour.
The path is partly wooded before opening out around the edge of fields. I’m walking the sides of a square almost with the fourth side being the route of the old canal. Big open spaces!
I’m still slightly undecided as to my route and my phone starts pinging. Messages from my elder son asking if I’m at home and will be there at 6.30? Somehow I didn’t guess that being given a lift back from a surfing weekend in Cornwall would involve me taking him to the station to get a train to Cheltenham!!!! Well that helped concentrate the mind on longer or shorter route!!!
As I turned a corner on the square I seemed to be walking and you could also say turned to head back to the car, a wide vista of fields and the Ridgeway appeared. Always good to be reminded exactly where you are in relation to this ancient trackway.
A short bit of road / track again and had to step through the middle of some Sunday afternoon tree felling and chopping which was right across the road, it seemed to be involving a whole family. Shortly after this a small diagonal path heads down the side off a field and once again I’m glad for trousers and that I don’t suffer from Hay fever! I do love the variety of grasses though!
I come out into the village and walk passed the acclaimed pub ‘The Star’. Even if it was open , no time to stop! The path departs from the main road through the village and goes behind the housing as I’m steadily making my way back to Childrey! The path will come out onto a road but before it does I’m struck by the wonderful shapes of the trees against the blue sky.
I reach the sign for Childrey and feeling slightly defiant turn into a little side track rather than going straight down the road. It passed the back of the recreation centre and near the school, which I still didn’t get to see and then back to the Main Street and my car parked by the pond. I wasn’t going to get home for 18.30 but 18.50 would have to be nearer enough. Still time to provide food and drink and a lift to the station for the train at 19.55. Once a mum!
So my walk today was very pleasant even though I did feel a little hassled in the middle and was just short of 9 km, one of my shorter walks at 5.5 mile. Still good to be out and about.
Well today was the day of a rather epic walk and the reason I’d pushed myself in the previous walk. So again organised by SPR and this time I’ve spent the night at a rather attractive campsite which although reasonably basic, it did have hot showers. Took my own stove and kettle in a determination not only to have breakfast but also a hot cup of tea! An early start and a transfer down to Horton in Ribblesdale meant that we started walking at 06.57! From my tent I could see our first destination Pen Y Ghent.
So the plan for the day was to complete the three peaks – Pen y Ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough. One of the significant aspects of this walk is that they are not that close together. To help understand my commentary I’m going to put the map near the beginning.
The route did go back to the start but unfortunately my phone charge didn’t!
So having been dropped off in the village we set off towards our first peak. A very short section of flat and then it started to go gently up hill and after not long, not so gently. So we were set on a steady climb with the distinct shape of this first top approaching us. Conscious of the fact that I had got rather shorter legs than my companions I did decide to get one stick out as the angle of ascent steepened.
As you approach the shoulder the ground becomes more rocky and loose and you have to step more carefully. Even though we set off quite early there were a couple of teams of people in front of us – I suggest teams rather than groups as they were wearing named tee shirts and obviously walking to raise funds for a charity. The photo shows quite well the extreme steepness of the final part of the peak and this was basically a bit of a scramble up, well it was for me, although there were some reasonably obvious routes. Definitely a hands and feet task.
So we reached the first summit at 8.30 ish, pleased to have ticked off one but knowing that there was so much more to come. The exit path led off through a squeeze stile in a wall and we followed a well defined track. In places this track had been slabbed or gravelled – this is a very high use areas with a prevalence to wet weather. Erosion can be a real concern and whilst purists might disagree with some of these paths there is a balance to be achieved. We had reached 694 metres and this was the lowest of the three- luckily the way down was more gradual but very long. In preparation I had taken note at this section so knew it would take a while. Part of this long path down coincided with the Penine Way.
I was keeping an eye on our speed and although I had slowed the group down going up I was pleased that we were able to pick up speed on this descent. At the top we had met three ladies having a snack, two had completed the route before and for one it was her first time- this gave me a bit of optimism.
The path takes a long route down over grassy moorland and looking back our first ascent soon seems a distant past. It takes a while before the next peak comes into view. We really have got a long stretch to cover and so are careful about snacking and drinking- I do seem to be the only one that has properly pre planned my food and brought it with me!
At long last we can see the viaduct that dominates the valley where the Carlisle to Settle railway cuts through the landscape. We stopped for a lunch break about 3hours and 15 minutes after our first peak. We managed to sit by a small river near a road junction where there was also a lay-by and even an ice cream van – not for us though; although one or two people on our trail did partake.
Some people just come to visit this impressive piece of engineering and there is a path that runs underneath, however we curve away and walk parallel to the rail line. And walk and walk! A very gradual slope upwards in a valley below the huge massive of Whernside. After quite a while the path crosses the railway line and as we look back and along the track we are aware of more smaller viaducts. The track now starts to climb much more steeply- not in the same way as the first summit but a slow continuous increase in height. Several times it seems that we might reach the top but then eventually we do. Views are great but a bit of a massive lump of a mountain. Just 15 minutes short of six hours since we were at the top of the first peak. from the top stretch we can look down and see the viaduct and the route of the path we have just taken.
After a stretch on top which was quite ‘relaxing’, the next section was a nightmare. A really steep descent which they had ‘helpfully’ laid huge irregular boulders into the path to stop erosion. Whilst the two men stride down this quite easily, for me it was the toughest section and the one place I felt a little defeated. Whilst the other two were in front and did wait I managed to diffuse my anxiety by talking to another group who were coming down with a couple of dogs. Sometimes short legs really aren’t helpful! Eventually the path still descending does become much easier and we can pick up a bit of speed again. Ingleborough does look a long way off though!
We are due to meet Jane our driver at the intersection of the road the other side of the block of trees. We are amuse to see a group of army cadets starting to pitch camp at a farm near the road. Some are still arriving with large packs and we muse as to where they have been as we had seen what must have been the same group right at the start of our day.
Jane has some spare water for us and we swop drink containers. She was also my way out if needed but there is no way I’m bailing at this point. After a hundred metres along the road we turn into some fields and start climbing up wards. The path soon levels out and we are walking next to a limestone escarpment. At long last a rock where I can have a ‘wild wee’, thought I was never going to find anywhere! The path continues along across some quite boggy patches which have duck boards across them.
The route up the summit is to the left of a bowl which was nearly vertical and would take us up onto the top on the left side of the summit section.
Near the base it became apparent that the actual path zigzagged steeply up the side. In front of us we could see two people sitting at the base of this section, they seemed to be taking a long break. They did eventually set off and then it was our turn! Really just a matter of keep clambering up, mostly walking but definitely needing to use hands for a bit more leverage. Having got to the top of this section there was a right hand turn to the right to continue upwards to the summit plateau. Again scrambling up through rocks. We were able to see our descent path off to our left which was quite helpful. Unlike the other peaks this does have a truncated top which is a very wide rocky plateau, slightly higher at the far end, marked by the trig point.
Just over 11 hours since we set off before we reached the top. We saw the couple who had gone up before us having another snack and met a group coming down so no one to take the photo this time! Oh and we had seen someone running down our ascent route!
The chances of getting back to the start point in less than an hour was unfeasible, to meet the twelve hour challenge, but finishing was a possibility or rather a necessity! So unlike the other two we had to start by backtracking across the plateau and then back down to the start of the spur off the summit. Here we found our descent path. The path was very distinct and luckily had no odd shaped boulders, although it was still rather rocky and uneven.
I realised the other couple were close behind us and spoke to them. It turned out that they had set off half an hour before us, which made me feel better. We knew from looking at the map that this last section was about six miles and it did begin to feel like it!
It was soon time to look back to our last summit and eventually get back to Horton in Ribblesdale. Total time 13.5 hours.
Too late to order food from the pub so it was a quick trip to Settle for take away Fish and Chips! Drove past the couple we’d just met as we drove towards supper. A friendly wave – I like that attitude that you come across in mountains.
So the deed was done. I had completed the route, not quite as fast as I’d hoped but I was pleased with my perseverance and the fact that although a little tired I didn’t actually ache. I did sleep well though – even in a tent!
Marion's 50 Walk Challenge 