The Seven Shires Way – Stage 11

Horton-cum-Studely to Thame, Friday 4 October 2013

Alms Houses

A much easier start to the walk this time. We three (P, N & T) all met up in The High in Oxford to catch the 118 Bus to Horton. Minor concern would N arrive in time. His bus from North Oxford (Morse country) was running late. No worries he made it with five minutes to spare which was good because there is  only one bus to Brill via Horton in the morning. We were the only passengers as well!

Weather was a bit wet to start and the threat of showers was ever present until midday. Discovered a bit more of Horton at the top of the hill, some old Alms Houses (built 1639) and rather nice large houses hiding behind towering hedges looking out on a view across Otmoor

We set off in good spirits and took the road from Horton towards Oakley but were soon able to cross fields and get into a BBOWT Nature Reserve on the edge of Bernwood Forest “Hell Coppice”. According to the book this is ancient woodland. Eventually we emerged onto a minor road and continued along the county boundary to Waterperry Common. Started to rain again but just a shower. Straight across some recently harvested and cultivated fields. Luckily not too wet and muddy and then we joined the Oxfordshire Way at Ledall Cottage. We were last here in October 2008.

Yes - it's the M40 again

The path crosses over the M40 (again!). Stopped to talk to some attractive horses and then a dullish road walk into Waterperry.

Friendly horses near M40

It was coming up for lunchtime and it was raining and there are Tea Rooms in  Waterperry Horticulture Centre so what the heck – lets have lunch - and some wine (what’s that P? recent birthday?) – let’s share some pudding – and a coffee. Ok it’s stopped raining so back on the trail. As N said “beats sitting in a field next to a cow pat”.

River Thame

Waterstock Mill Cottage

The weather and countryside improved. Crossed over Bow Bridge near the attractive Waterstock Mill.

Bow Bridge over River Thame

Headed through the quiet village of Waterstock and across sunny fields towards Ickford Bridge to cross the River Thame again. According to the book chaps there is an ancient stone tablet on the bridge marking the boundary between Bucks and Oxon.

Missed it.

Sign says “Bull in Field” along with rather a lot of other cattle. Oh well lets skirt round the area and head towards Shabbington. Saw a couple of Environment Agency employees out to catch insects or something. They didn’t seem perturbed by the “Bull in Field” though we suspect they didn’t see the sign. T informed those present that EA staff have to attend a course on dealing with animals (bulls) in fields. Apparently these two has passed with flying colours.

Bucks stile

Crossed over a few more treacherous and rotten Buckinghamshire stiles and made it to Shabbington church for a sit-down on a welcome bench in the churchyard and time to eat our sandwiches that should have been lunch.

 

The path then went through some horse paddocks. Two attractive horses (fairly young we guessed) then thought it was time to play. The path went through their paddock and T who had taken a wrong turn had to climb back into their paddock. Meanwhile P & N had moved on but the horses were very keen not to let T pass or even get back over the fence.  So eventually T chickened-out and took a  road  to join P & N about 1km further on.  T then discovered that he had a “Eat Natural” bar in his pocket – the remains of the churchyard snack. Could it be that the over-friendly horses sensed this and thought it was a treat? T likes to so!

We made good progress following the Thame Valley Walk across more fields and yet another stile (more like a barrier) that this time collapsed. 

Another Bucks stile

Then more beef cattle (cows, calves and a bull) until reaching Thame Bypass (A418). Crossed with care (as advised by Elaine Steane) and over the River Thame back into Oxfordshire into Thame (village or town).

It was coming up to 5pm - time for a drink.  Found the James Figg pub in High Street (last visited in November 2008) – at least a 6 on the basis of the beer*.  Had a couple of pints before catching the bus back to Oxford and departure to our respective homes. 

 *We tried local ale brewed in Long Crendon (next village). XT Brewery very nice but can’t remember which of their ales it was

Summary: Bucks, broncos and bulls. Our longest walk on the Seven Shires Way (so far), 12 miles. A pleasant, easy going walk with a civilised lunch.  Memories of the Oxfordshire way when we were five years younger. Looking forward to the Chilterns.