# 🥾 Walk 630 - Curridge and Hampstead Norreys

On the 23rd March on a sunny and blustery morning, fifteen walkers met up in the car park of The Bunk Inn to set off on a ten mile walk.

The footpath passed alongside some of the fields of Curridge occupied by horses before we branched off along Crabtree lane to exit the village. Denison Barracks on the edge of Hermitage seemed very sleepy in comparison to the hustle and bustle of the upgraded Hiller's Garden centre which we skirted around.

The path across fields into the woods just below Oare Common presented the first muddy challenge which some managed better than others. Certainly the mud has reduced but it was still very squelchy and a fun obstacle.

![Heading into woods just below Oare Common.](https://www.berksww.org.uk/scrapbooks/volume47/images/oare-common-path.jpg)

The walking became easier once we reached the disused railway line between Hermitage and Hampstead Norreys and fast progress was made to the path leading off the railway and up to a lovely viewpoint looking back over the valley.

When we reached the beautiful, historic village of Hampstead Norreys we took a little break, grabbing some hot drinks and homemade cakes and basked in the sun for a few a few minutes.

We left Hampstead Norreys and disappeared into the woods, passing the Motte and enjoying the crunch of beach nut shells underfoot. Unfortunately as we exited the wood and entered the exposed path on the way to Eling, the hail started and soon gave way to some good old fashioned heavy rain. This made for a fairly chilly and wet half an hour and made the motorway which had to be crossed (via a bridge) sound extremely loud for a while.

![Arriving in Hampstead Norreys by the church.](https://www.berksww.org.uk/scrapbooks/volume47/images/hampstead-norreys-church.jpg)

The rain eased up and stopped after we reached the shelter of Parsons Piece so we took the opportunity to have another quick break for some lunch.

A few fingers were turning rather numb so we set off at a pace to try and warm up and by the time we reached Pheasants Hill the sun was again making an appearance.

The last part of the walk took in the magical woods behind Hermitage which reminded some of the Narnia Chronicles. Finally we emerged back in Hermitage, close to their Church and had a very easy walk back to Curridge.

![Stopping for lunch in the woodland of Parsons Piece.](https://www.berksww.org.uk/scrapbooks/volume47/images/parsons-piece-lunch.jpg)

Goodbyes were said before a few of us sampled the delights of the lovely Curridge pub, The Bunk Inn. Certainly the weather gave us four seasons in one day and some muddy boots but overall everyone seemed to have a smile on their face by the end.

![In the magical woods near Hermitage.](https://www.berksww.org.uk/scrapbooks/volume47/images/hermitage-woods.jpg)

*Thanks go to Anne and Hazel for leading this walk, to Anne for writing it up, and to Emma for the photos.*

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