On Saturday 19th, twelve brave souls, a mixture of BWW members and from other Ramblers groups, lined up on a bright and sunny Saturday morning for a 12 mile walk on the hills around Cholsey. Whilst largely tree less the hills provide an attractive location for a walk on a sunny day. The day did not start well with the station carpark being bituminised, which did cause some concerns re parking. Participants were able to find parking in local streets, and in the additional station parking, and the walk commenced only 10 minutes past schedule.
After heading out of Cholsey, on tracks that had dried out with the recent wind and sunshine, our leader took us up an additional path to provide views over Cholsey and onwards to Didcot Parkway. We then proceeded to Aston Tirrold recreational ground for a quick drink stop before commencing our gentle climb towards Lowbury Hill, the sight of major celebrations for our Queen Victoria's golden jubilee.
After wandering down the Fair Mile we traversed the Ridgeway for a short time before heading up a footpath which is due to be closed for a short time for filming. A couple of the more extroverted walkers were keen to participate in the filming but common sense prevailed.
Next stop Blewbury for a coffee and cuppa stop and the group took the opportunity to buy bread and cakes etc from Blewbury Bakery, a small concern which sells bread locally and had set themselves up in the pub carpark. Next was a short visit to St Michaels, Blewbury, a 11th Century Grade 1 listed building; well worth a visit if in the local area.
Onward to the two Astons where the group checked out the two historic churches before heading onwards to Cholsey. Disappointingly a railway bridge was under repair and this prevented our visit to Agatha Christie's grave. All in all a good walk with minimal mud.
Thank you to Ian from leading this walk and for for writing it up.
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