It was a warm but cloudy Wednesday evening in August when six of us (including two newcomers) gathered outside the Bull Inn in Arborfield Cross for what might be the last of this year's evening walks. Yes, sunset times have already receded to 8:30pm in the eight weeks since the longest day. Doesn't time fly!
We set off along Swallowfield Road to the footpath by recreation ground, which we followed until it emerged on to the A327 Reading Road by Pudding Lane Nursery. This normally busy main road was unusually quiet as it was closed up ahead of us while repairs were being carried out to the bridge over the River Loddon near Shinfield.
Turning off the A327 onto a side road, we found the entrance to Pound Copse and the footpath through it. This then led us through numerous fields belonging to Kenney's Farm, White's Farm and Tanner's Farm. A short stretch of road walking was required before we entered Great Copse and New Plantation, by Farley Hill. Here we found the only noticeable incline on this otherwise flat walk.
This footpath eventually became a quiet lane lined with beautiful (and no doubt very expensive) cottages and houses. Turning off the lane, we entered more woodland that then opened up into a field by Ducks Nest Farm. Here we stopped to admire the view to the west with the sun setting over Shinfield.
Further on we passed Arborfield Court before returning to Arborfield Cross, just opposite the footpath by the recreation ground where we had started. It was a short walk back to the pub. See our route on Bing Maps. We stayed for a quick drink at the pub, sitting in the beer garden as the remaining twilight faded to darkness.
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