![\"Entering](\"https://www.berksww.org.uk/scrapbooks/volume41/images/bradfield_avenue_of_trees.jpg\")
The weather on 21st August was perfect for a seven mile walk and considerably more comfortable than the heatwave of the previous weekend. Fifteen of us, including two members from the Pang Valley Ramblers and two from the Berkshire Walkers met outside the Bladebone Inn in Chapel Row. The sign at the entrance to the inn is most unusual and local legend would have you believe that it was from a mammoth which terrorised the local inhabitants until as one, they trapped and killed it, burying the beast on the banks of the river. However, the bone is actually from a whale that was found at the beginning of the 17th century in the Kennet valley and the bone is now encased in copper. The fact that it is hanging outside the inn is a mystery, but might suggest that the inn sold whale oil which was used in the 19th century as oil for lamps.
\nBefore starting the walk, we learnt a few interesting facts about the area. The road to Chapel Row from Bradfield is lined with huge oak trees, which were planted to commemorate the visit of Elizabeth I to Bucklebury in 1568. Additional trees have since been planted in celebration of victory at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815 and again in 1972 to welcome Queen Elizabeth II. More recently Princess Anne planted an oak as a birthday present to the Queen Mother on her eightieth birthday and further rows of oaks were planted to commemorate the Millennium and to mark the marriage of Prince William to Catherine Middleton.
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For the first section of the walk, we headed northwest along the edge of Chapelrow Common to take a path northwards, past St Anne's Farm and St Crispin's Farm, enjoying lovely views over the Pang Valley. After passing a wonderful row of poplar trees, we then headed east, crossing a field to follow the path up through Kings Copse.
\nOn leaving Kings Copse, we passed some pretty cottages before continuing downhill along a shaded path. We soon arrived at a road, from where we headed east and then uphill through Jennetshill Wood, which is reputed to be haunted by a veiled woman who walks under the shelter of the trees. We soon arrived at a small cluster of houses in the picturesque hamlet of Rotten Row. Leaving the hamlet, a short but steep ascent led to a pathway between banks, creating the impression of walking through a tunnel.
\n![\"Walking](\"https://www.berksww.org.uk/scrapbooks/volume41/images/bradfield_college.jpg\")
Continuing through fields, we then reached the extensive grounds and golf course belonging to Bradfield College, which dominates the centre of Bradfield and village life there. A footpath led us through woodland and an avenue of large trees, before joining the road into the village.
\nAt the crossroads we made two left turns and passed by the art department where we paused momentarily to admire a lovely display of miniature clay houses, arranged as a small settlement. Just past the village church, our route then took us along the River Pang, where we enjoyed a pleasant lunch stop. Continuing to follow the river and following paths along the edges of fields past Bradfield Hall Farm, our next stop was for very welcome refreshments in the garden of the Old Boot Inn in Stanford Dingley.
\n![\"Walking](\"https://www.berksww.org.uk/scrapbooks/volume41/images/bradfield_river_pang.jpg\")
From Stanford Dingley, we followed the road to the west before taking a footpath south. A short stretch across fields took us back to the Bladebone Inn along the bridleway from which the walk had started. By the time we arrived back at Chapel Row, it was several degrees warmer than when we set off and we were all grateful that the majority of the walk had been through woodland and under the shade of tree lined paths. See our route on Google Maps.
\n![\"Miniature](\"https://www.berksww.org.uk/scrapbooks/volume41/images/bradfield_miniature_settlement.jpg\")
Thank you to Sue from leading this walk, for writing it up and providing the photos.
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