A grand day out
Alan and Pauline’s Midweek Ramble, 8 April
After sorting out the best deal for rail tickets we boarded the 9.35 am train from Evesham to Charlbury. As we stepped down onto our destination platform, we were warmly greeted by Peter, Chris and Aileen from Oxfordshire’s first ‘Walkers are Welcome’ town, plus several others who were to join us on the walk..
The weather was glorious, ideal for walking with dry conditions underfoot and skylarks singing overhead in a clear blue sky. We headed on a good track with extensive views towards Chadlington and Clarkson’s Farm before arriving at Shorthampton and All Saints Church with its historic 15th century wall paintings.
We then climbed gradually towards the edge of Wychwood Forest where we had a short coffee stop, admiring the extensive views over rolling countryside. We were now entering the Cornbury Estate, owned by Lord Rotherwick, where the bluebells were just beginning to show, in contrast to the abundance of flowering primroses.
We followed an undulating track for a couple of miles through the woods to eventually reach the village of Finstock and our lunch at the thatched 18th century Plough Inn. Over lunch it was pleasing to discover that several people from different parts of the Cotswolds had previously participated in Evesham Walking Festivals.
The afternoon walk began along open tracks as we re-entered Cornbury Estate, now crossing parkland with a large herd of deer in the distance. Chris told us that this was the venue of the eclectic ‘Wilderness’ Festival held annually at the end of July.
As we crossed the River Evenlode on our way back to Charlbury, we discovered that our return train was delayed by some 45 minutes (which increased to over an hour!). This meant that there was time for us to enjoy the hospitality of several pubs and cafés in the town before taking the short walk back to the station for our journey home.
Chris, our joint leader, later emailed to say “how enjoyable our group was to walk with, very relaxed and all out for a nice day’s walking”.
Charlbury Station photograph by “Ros Atkinson of RJA Photography, Charlbury”
Alan & Pauline
11.0 miles.
Mickleton and the Hidcotes
Matthew’s Short Ramble – 15 April
Departing from The Three Ways hotel we walked past St Lawrence’s Church to the bottom of Baker’s Hill. .
After a steep climb we entered Baker’s Hill wood and followed Monarch’s Way southwards before heading east towards the villages of Hidcote Boyce & Hidcote Bartrim. Passing Hidcote Gardens and Kiftsgate Gardens we walked downhill back to Mickleton.
Matthew
5.0 miles
Fladbury Flat Four
Paul & Fran’s Friday Evening Ramble – 24 April
27 enthusiastic ramblers gathered on the green at Fladbury on a lovely warm spring evening. After introducing the 4 guests and one new member, Paul gave a potted history of the village – a church, world war II participation, D-Day landings participation, a pie shop, a crematorium and two pubs, which are doing a roaring trade in wake buffets all featured.
The ramble was intentionally short, flat and on good surfaces and we set off through the village and out in the direction of Lower Moor. On our left, Bredon Hill was a wonderful sight, bathed in the sunshine.
We soon reached The Springs park home site and its swanky ‘park homes’ dotted around the six flooded gravel pits where watersports and fishing are the thing. After a brief history of the site, a few participants recalled its early days as Aztec Watersports where they, or their children, learned to sail/windsurf/canoe. As we walked around the lakes and through the park, some of our party were distracted by a show home with a displayed price north of £200,000. I didn’t see anyone get their cheque book out…
We left The Springs, passing by the sewerage works and entered the village of Lower Moor, passing Bill sitting on a wall – or was it Ben? While having a short break, participant Val Taylor – a long term resident of the village, gave a potted history of the village.
We then moved on, circling the village green and headed back towards Fladbury. This time Bredon Hill was on our right, still looking wonderful bathed in sunshine. We followed the Cotswold Railway line, in time to see a train heading towards Pershore fairly close up. A proper Francis Bourgeios moment (Google him if you don’t know).
We arrived back into Fladbury, circled part of the village before arriving back at our start point, the village green, just in front of the Anchor Inn pub, which was serving great beer in the pub and great pizza from a food van outside. Which was nice. This walk wasn’t just thrown together you know!
Thank you to all who attended, a great turn out, and everyone seemed to enjoy it.
Paul & Fran
4.0 miles
Charming Charlton & Cropthorne
Janet & Michael’s Sunday Ramble 26 April
On Sunday we returned to Gloucestershire, not far from where we had the lovely daffodil walk last month. This time it was to see the bluebells, and what a sight they were in the glorious sunshine.
As promised there was something for most people. A hill (perhaps a little steeper and longer than was anticipated), llamas and belted Galloways, wildflowers, picnic stop with a view and an opportunity to lie back and enjoy the warmth of the sun.
After lunch it was mostly down hill firstly through woodland including probably the largest redwood plantation in England. Then a big disappointment, to a pub which was closed -indefinitely. The beer garden looked so inviting I think we could all picture ourselves sitting there with a cool drink in hand..
Onwards past a wild camping and swimming spot which can be hired for days/weekends, I’d love to take my paddle board there. We left the woodlands to walk through farmland and a little extra walk through a lovely blossom filled apple orchard.
Unfortunately there are no cafes open in Newent on a Sunday, but there was an ice cream van in the car park when we returned.
I’m so glad the group hadn’t set off without Michael and me, I should have hated to miss the day. I realised 15 mins into the journey that I’d left my boots at home. Poor Michael had a white knuckle ride home and back. Believe it or not we were only six minutes late. Will Michael accompany me again? I think he needs time to recover his nerves and patience before I dare ask.
Janet & Michael
4.5 miles am 5.5 miles pm