15th August
It’s been quiet a while since we were walking in The Chilterns proper. A holiday in The Forest of Dean and, before that, some walks around Ruislip Woods, have distracted us. So this is an opportunity to get back to some typical Chiltern scenery. From Christmas Common this walk drops down off the escarpment and heads west before steadily climbing to the Ewelme Park Estate. Harvest is in full swing as we pass through and tractors scurry backwards and forwards staking hay bales. There’s rain in the forecast.
The way back takes in some great views of the Stonor Valley (and it’s estate) before clipping the edge of Paul Getty’s Wormsley Park estate and the long, straight walk along Hollandridge Lane. It’s good to be walking along a footpath that’s at least 1,000 years old…although, even then, I suspect most of the land around here was owned by the local lord or baron. Plus ça change, plus c’est la même chose!
Nevertheless an enjoyable 14.6 mile walk.
Watlington picture gallery (more pictures on Flickr):
Distance: 14.6 miles ; Difficulty: Moderate
Coordinates for Satnav: OX49 5HS
Watlington walk profile
