On Saturday 18th August, Julie B led her first walk for the BWWs. Julie and Mark have led walks together in the past but this walk was all hers. Fifteen of us met up at the car park by St Mary's Church, Eversley. A good mix of BWW regulars, newcomers and guests from other groups such as the Berkshire Walkers 20s & 30s and a group from Staines.
We started by following the Three Castles Path through Warren Heath. The footpath went through mixed woodland and then it became a wide track through a pine plantation. There were some low jumps at regular intervals alongside the track, but the only horses we saw were being ridden gently along the main track.
Leaving the Three Castles Path near Hatts Cottage, we passed through an archway in a tall hedge and past a large pond. This was private ground so we stuck to the footpath as it continued north-westward through Hazeley Heath.
We stopped in front of an imposing gateway to Bramshill House, which has quite an interesting history. This Jacobian mansion, built in the early 17th century has changed hands many times over the years, but most recently it has been home to the Police Staff College. It is said to be haunted by a bride who accidentally locked herself in a chest on her wedding night and was not found until 50 years later.
We stopped for lunch in a silver birch wood, where we found a few fallen trees to sit on. After lunch we left the woodland for the Shoulder of Mutton pub in Hazeley. Suitably refreshed, we made our return journey through farmland and then woodland at Heath Warren Wood.
Here we strayed into the territory of Gunman Airsoft where an organised skirmish was taking place. A whistle was blown and proceedings came to a halt while we made our way back to civilisation, taking their advice not to stray from the path.
Leaving Heath Warren Wood, we passed through some farmland before emerging behind the St Mary's Church, from where we had started. See our route on Google Maps.
Thanks to Julie B. for leading her first walk
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