We had two walks on the weekend of 24th/25th April, but I didn't make it to either. However, Keith (who led the walk on Sunday) has kindly written up his walk and provided some pictures:
Starting at Bury Down car-park in bright sunshine, but with a fresh wind, we headed west along the Ridgeway and a brief halt to view and cogitate on the nature of Scutchamer Knob (originally called Cwichelm's Barrow - see Wikipedia for details). Then we carried on until turning south through Whether Down and a relief from the wind so a short coffee stop.
Heading south along Old Street and enjoying great views in the sunshine of the oil-seed rape blooming yellow and on to see the blue-bells flowering in the surviving woodland at Old Street's highest point.
Further south and onto Illsley Downs Riding route before turning east toward Stanmore village and taking lunch on a windy but scenic field boundary.
Through Stanmore, then north and back to East Illsley where we noted The Swan had sadly not yet re-opened, so not much chance of a swift half before heading back up to the Ridgeway and under the A34 back to Bury Down.
Thanks to all for such good company and sticking with the steady pace. Some healthy, glowing faces in the sunshine back at Bury Down after all the wind and sun.
The walk was approximately 12.5 miles, with 230 m (650 ft) of ascent and a stile count of 3.
Thank you to Keith for leading the walk, taking the photos and writing it up.
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