After last week's detour via East London we're back in the Chilterns. As last week, the weather is dull as dishwater and it's left to the autumn colours to lift our spirits. As per normal we meet few people, which by and large, is the way we like it! The odd dog walker with an over-excitable puppy, a young couple with rucksacks who look like they mean serious business and 'Tory Boy' landowner!
Oxfordshire
Wheatley
We park in Beech Road and head across the fields to Cuddesden. Rain's in the forecast but for now the sun's out and we can see the full length of the Chilterns stretched out from Ivinghoe to Woodcote. I get the feeling a clear evening's view, with the sun in the west, would be spectacular. From Cuddesden we skirt Garsington and Horspath before the steep climb into Shotover Country Park.
Shiplake
An early Autumn walk along the Thames near Henley. It's been a while since we last walked and we'd been looking forward to getting out again all week. If the weather let us down the walk itself had plenty to keep us interested. The Thames, river boats and posh houses mean we do little talking.
Goring
This really is a walk of two halves and, on the hottest day this year for walking, we're glad the first 7 miles are mostly through woods. From Goring we follow the gentle climb through Great Chalk Wood, Cray's Pond and Goring Heath. It's noticeably cooler in the shade and we have the paths to ourselves...the heat seems to have selected for mad dogs and Englishmen. We pass a charcoal making camp at Cray's Pond but even they've stopped today!
Mapledurham
We need a break so return to South Oxfordshire. This time we plan to walk to Mapledurham by way of the wonderfully named Gallowstree Common and Kidmore End and back via Cane End. The last time we visited Mapledurham was 1992 and the intervening years have dulled my memory. The house and watermill are only open on Bank Holidays and Sundays and arriving at lunchtime the place is deserted, so much for the ice cream I'd been promising myself. We eat a rather forlorn lunch (cheese and crackers) in the graveyard before heading back.
Maidensgrove
It's a special feeling knowing that you're enjoying yourself while everyone else has to work. I imagine this is what it feels like to be retired! The footpaths are quiet and there are times when birdsong is all we can hear, including the mewing of Red Kites. The good weather has them out in numbers, wheeling and swooping over the Ridgeway.
Stoke Row
I read blogs written by other walkers and our adventures are all together more prosaic. Perhaps I should invent a few stories of 'daring-do in the Chilterns'...but really, the charm of these woods and lanes is that nothing much has happened here for decades. I'll not be contributing any stories themed on UNTAMED, ON THE EDGE or ADRENALIN.
Nettlebed
In spite of the dull weather, today's walk was enjoyable. Quiet lanes, views over the Thames Valley and South Oxfordshire and a descent from the Ridgeway along Grim's Ditch. If I'm feeling old this particular earthworking is over 2400 years old.
Christmas Common
11th December There's a pithy C S Lewis quote (from The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe) that I love ... 'Always Winter but never Christmas' Hope's an essential component of being human, particularly relevant at this time of year. Time to go where it's always Christmas! No one seems to know how Christmas Common … Continue reading Christmas Common
Where Angells Tread! 