Training walk - 20 May 2016

Aston Tirrold circular – Wednesday 20 May 2016

Baldon Down from Blewburton

So as to keep the joints supple P & T agreed to do a short “training” walk in between Cross-Cotswold walks. P took responsibility for planning a walk from Aston Tirrold to South Moreton and then to Cholsey and back to Aston Tirrold.

Lids Down from Blewburton

Didcot PS

A good day for a walk, not too hot and looked like it would be dry. T & N meet in AT and headed westwards towards Blewbury before turning up on to Blewburton Hill (110m), Grid Ref: SU5480 8619, which offers 360 degree views across the from the Berkshire Downs in the south to the Vale of the White Horse to the north and of course Didcot power station bearing the scars of the recent tragic collapse of the turbine house during demolition.

Mill Brook, South Moreton

Heading north the path crossed the Hagbourne Road and went through old horse paddocks towards  the Mill Brook which skirts the village of South Moreton.

South Moreton Church

 Past the small church and on into South Moreton which used to have a pub, the Crown which has now been closed for  proposed redevelopment into upmarket housing, much to the disquiet of local residents and the local planning authority.

Freight train freight train going so slow ...

The footpath went out towards the railway and under the embankment. 

 

Took our lunch at SU5652 8840, within sight of the line and mused about how long the electrification of the line is taking and why such massive pylons are being used.

The path went through hay pastures beside the Mill Brook until crossing the Hithercroft Road and up on to the flank of Cholsey Hill and then a plod past a farmer spraying a wheat field and then through a field of rapeseed.  We last passed this way (in the opposite direction) on the Roman Way in May 2012.  A trek along the road into Cholsey and down through the meadows beside the church to have another bit of lunch beside the line of the “Bunk” railway (the branch line from Cholsey to Wallingford).

Cholsey church

 Under the main line again and headed in a straight line towards Lollingdon Farm, SU5703 8540, which is an attractive old farm house sporting a moat. We decided not to do the circuit up and around Lollingdon Hill, even though P declared that the views were good, but headed directly back to AT and a welcome cup of tea.

Lollingdon farm

Overall a pleasant walk of 7.9 miles, with really good views. Look forward to discovering more of this area.