Sunday the 15th brought us to the scenic village of Hurley on the banks of the River Thames for a relatively short but scenic 7 mile walk along the river then through some of the woodland to the south of the village.
As we set off in a westerly direction along the south bank of the Thames we came across Frogmill Farm where we turned a sharp 90 degrees left to head south (definitely south!) through a fairly overgrown but easily navigable path.
Heading further again south we moved into woodland on the Knowl Hill Bridleway Circuit which eventually brought us to Ashley Hill Forest. As there was clearly a hill here, and the walk description did grade the walk Easy/Moderate, we decided to mosey on up as on the prewalk we noticed a trig point at the top although the mysterious marker seems to have vanished and may actually be in the garden of the Keepers Cottage.
From Ashley Hill we then struck out in an easterly direction towards Burchetts Green via The Chiltern Way, stopping off at The Crown in Burchetts Green for our lunch stop and a beverage of choice. Interestingly, the oak tree opposite The Crown was planted in 1952 for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth the Second but does look to be quite a bit older judging by the width of the trunk.
Coincidentally, we then proceeded out of Burchetts Green towards Berkshire Agricultural College where we may have received some advice on the growth rate of oak trees if anyone was in. :-) Passing through the college we then proceeded on the route back toward Hurley.
Once the group negotiated the steep descent back to Hurley we then took a straight road back to the start point by the historic church, St Mary the Virgin, which contains the oldest wooden cross in England and is estimated to be over 1000 years old.
A few of the group stopped off at The Rising Sun pub in Hurley for an optional small refreshment before setting off on the straight road back to the start point. Thanks to all who came out on the walk today, I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did.
Thanks go to Karen for leading a very enjoyable walk, and to Stephen for writing it up.
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