🥾 Walk 270 - Brightwalton, Leckhampstead and Peasemore

There were nine of us on today's walk, enjoying some fine weather. Starting from the 1863 Gothic style All Saints Church at Brightwalton we crossed crop fields to Spray Wood where we were treated to a lovely display of bluebells.

Continuing on through grassy footpaths and pastures, we passed Chaddlesworth House and a distinctive pink thatched cottage as we approached Chaddleworth. In view was the late 12th century St. Andrews church nearby and then walked on into the village of quaint thatches and bungalows.

From there following lanes, crop fields and tracks we reached Leckhampstead, past the impressive Manor House, varied bungalows and early Victorian St. James church. We then stopped to enjoy our picnic lunch on the village green.

Leaving the village we followed the road to reach the main B4494 crossing and meet with an old highway track and open nature reserve. The track led through thickets, a meadow, over further crop fields and colourful fields of rape to emerge in Peasemore.

Here the Victorian church of St Barnabas, a lovely backdrop, and on this occasion we elected to stop and take a look inside. The village itself is famous as the childhood home of ex PM David Cameron. Our refreshment pub-stop was here at the Fox at Peasemore.

Some pleasant lane walking brought us down again to the B4494. Crossing over onto field tracks, past cottages and thatch, before heading across a meadow to join the path through Malthouse Farm lawn and ornamental gardens. Through the other side led us back into the village of Brightwalton and our start point.

This was a mostly flat walk, with only a couple of gentle inclines, and encountering only five stiles. Each village provided interesting, picturesque charm, and much history whilst the working countryside had many great views and vibrant spring colours.

Thank you to Ann and Kathy for leading the walk and for writing it up.

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