# 🥾 Walk 540 - Cholsey, South Moreton and the Astons

Seven of us set off from Cholsey Station on a fine Sunday morning. I was concerned at first when thirty-odd walkers descended down the stairs at the station, but they were part of a meet-up group from London who organise "walks by water". They pay five pounds for this opportunity apparently - but I'm available for free so perhaps this is indicative of my leading ability!

We first headed to Saint Mary's, a  large historic church which was an Abbey Church that was established in 975. We then headed down Church Road before turning off onto a footpath that headed across fields, crossed over Hithercroft Road and down to Mill Brook. As we crossed the fields we were fortunate to have excellent views of the Wittenham Clumps in the distance.

![A distant view of Wittenham Clumps.](https://www.berksww.org.uk/scrapbooks/volume42/images/wittenham_clumps.jpg)

We then followed the brook towards South Moreton, passed under the railway line and made our way to The Crown Hotel where we stopped for tea, coffee and substantial servings on hot chips. The pub had been closed for a period and is now owned by locals who are shareholders. Recommended for a visit.

After passing South Moreton church we headed west and continued to follow Mill Brook before turning South along the oddly named "Vale of White Horse".  We decided to take the shorter route back home in view of the time. We then took the opportunity to explore Blewburton Hill, the site of an old hillfort, before heading east, towards the Astons

![An interesting way to cross a stream.](https://www.berksww.org.uk/scrapbooks/volume42/images/river_crossing.jpg)

Here we decided to check out the offerings at the newly re-opened Chequers Hotel. It is jointly owned by Tim Henman and other local families and has been renovated extensively. Another recommended stop off where we enjoyed our cool drinks whilst sitting in the sunshine.

We then made our way back to Cholsey passing through St Marys where we checked out the grave of Agatha Christie. A pleasant walk of nine miles - a short walk for the leader who usually underestimates his distance!

![Ian making friends with the locals.](https://www.berksww.org.uk/scrapbooks/volume42/images/ian_and_pony.jpg)

![Agatha Christie's grave at St Mary's Church.](https://www.berksww.org.uk/scrapbooks/volume42/images/agatha_christies_grave.jpg)

*Thank you to Ian for leading this walk and writing it up.*

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