Training walk – July 2017

Mortimer circular - 26 July 2017

It was T’s turn to plan a “training walk”.  (You would have thought we would know how to walk by now but it is quite easy to get out of the habit and the joints start to protest at anything more than five miles). We sought a walk that could be accessed easily by public transport, which is code for involving a train ride somewhere in the planning. Turning to “Rambling for Pleasure around Reading” again T found a combination of walks (rambles) around Mortimer.

St Mary's Church, Stratfield Mortimer

Our route would start at Mortimer station, (Grid Ref: SU6723 6411) which is really in Stratfield Mortimer and head northwards towards Burghfield Common and then working south again through Mortimer itself to return to the station, this was mostly one of the Berkshire Circular Routes as marked on the OS Explorer sheet 159.

The weather didn’t look too good and heavy rain was promised for early that Wednesday morning so we delayed the start and met each other on the platform at Reading. P’s train from Didcot was held up while they split the train and he only just made the stopper to Basingstoke. Hardly any time to catch his breath before we arrived in Mortimer as it is only seven minutes down the line.The rain held off (just about), though it looked like we might get drenched at any moment for most of the time we were out. It was probably cool for July but by the time we got walking it was muggy and humid. 

Lunchtime view

Our route took us across Tun Bridge on Foudry Brook and up a gentle slope towards Wheat’s farm (now a riding centre), SU6651 6484. So far so good, the route was surprisingly undulating and while the area could not be classed as hilly there was sufficient variation in elevation to make the views interesting. We stopped fairly soon to have our sandwiches, it was a late start so soon lunchtime. There was a view to the east of Wokefield Park and the gentle wooded hills near Spencers Wood. To the north we could make out the southern estates of Reading.

Pullen's Pond

The path carried on down to cross the Lockram Brook and then up to Wokefield Common. We crossed over a relatively busy road and passed Pullen’s Pond, (SU6586 6637). The booklet made this out to be a nice spot but it looked rather dismal suffering from close proximity to the sub-urban area of Burghfield Common. The path, now in woodland headed roughly westwards and we emerged to cross the busy road again by yet another pond (SU6522 6618) this one was equipped with a car park and cars.

Wokefield Common

The path wasn’t too obvious, but we made our way through Starvale Woods and came out at a small lane near Bridge’s Farm, SU6528 6543. On the climb up from the Lockram Brook again we curved eastwards and came out opposite a crescent of what were known as “Council houses”, now privately owned.  There were 14 houses and evidence of at least nine satellite TV receivers.

Anyhow we found what we thought was the path and headed across to Lukin’s Wood and came out on the wrong road, SU6576 6517. Never mind still unsure how we had made such a basic mistake we headed on southwards along a road and eventually came out near the Mortimer Cricket Club. We crossed the road near the Horse and Groom pub which from a distance didn’t look open and headed southwards again away from the main village of Mortimer.  We reached Drury Lane and followed the lane gently downhill parallel to the county boundary with Hampshire.  At the junction we opted to head back towards Stratfield Mortimer church.

Deer field

St Mary's church (again)

We saw a couple of deer in the wheat field as we approached the Foudry Brook and then turned towards the church. There was considerable evidence of historical water engineering and features, millponds mill races, SU6688 6410. (Somebody has been watching Time Team).

Back to the station and a short wait to catch the train back to Reading and departure home.

 

This was a surprisingly interesting walk in an area that neither of us knew. We manged 6.5 miles in three hours and didn’t get wet!

Mortimer station (looking towards Reading)

Cross-Cotswold Pathway: Stage 9

Tetbury  to Luckington – Monday 10 July 2017

Well here we are again trying to remember what happened on our last ramble along the Cross-Cotswold Pathway. It was a lovely day weather-wise though by the time we arrived in Tetbury the clods had built up and there was a risk of a shower. The usual GWR train to Kemble was unfortunately running late so it was going to be touch and go whether we would catch the bus to Tetbury. Dashed over the footbridge at Kemble and into the car park where thankfully the Pulham's Coaches bus turned up (luckily a bit late). We arrived in Tetbury and set off at roughly 11:30.

Can't see Highgrove

It was one of those awkward summer days, too hot and humid really for a jacket but always the threat of a shower. The path took the four of us south-west from the town along Longfurlong Lane. We were still on the Monarch's Way with the aim of rejoining the Macmillan Way near Westonbirt. The metalled lane soon became a grass track and then a footpath across meadows with grazing horses (polo ponies we suspect). The route skirts Highgrove House (country residence of the Prince of Wales), but we couldn't see the house itself as it was hidden behind trees and fences. The only evidence that we were anywhere near a royal house was the rather officious security notice found on a fence. We can't recall the various laws we would have broken if we had stepped across the fence but it was the only sign of Highgrove that we ever saw.

Pony family

As we approached Hollybush Clump we came across a field of young cattle displaying the normal inquisitiveness of young animals. They didn't give us any great problems and A demonstrated how a clap of the hands could stop the steers being too bold.

On the outskirts of Westonbirt (Grid Reference: ST8610 ) we rejoined the official route and walked along the northern boundary of Westonbirt Arboretum passing next to yet more polo ponies.

In Westonbirt Arboretum

It was time for lunch so we found a convenient sunny spot just inside the Arboretum (ST8459 9018). The clouds were starting to clear and the temperature and humidity was beginning to rise.  The path took us onto “The Broad Drive” that headed roughly south through the park. The trees were splendid. We passed several groups of visitors enjoying the trees and countryside walks. After just over one kilometre we left the park land and rejoined the footpath to Sherston, ST8437 8888.  We crossed the A433 and soon afterwards were passed by a lone walker who had been steadily catching us up since the Arboretum. She stopped for a while and chatted and explained that she had parked nearby and had taken a quick spin through the woodland before going to her allotment in Sherston. She headed off and by the time we reached the lane she was zooming off to attend the said allotment in the village.

Wheat - nearly ready for harvest

It was warming up as we crossed various fields towards Sherston. At one point we came across a couple of off-road cyclists, which resulted in various putterings about cyclists on footpaths. Still puttering we missed the footpath into the village and had to walk all of an extra 150m to the B4040.

Sherston welcome

It was 14:30ish, it was hot, we were tired and there was an open pub. So we called in and had a drink. The Carpenters Arms was pleasant enough and we sat in large comfy arm chairs in what some wag had labelled the “Man cave”. Beer was good but can only rate it 6 out of 10 on account of the labelling.

Refreshed we carried on through this large village with its adverts and bunting ready for a boules weekend – how very Wiltshire. The road dropped down to the small river Avon (the Bristol Avon) though this tributary is known as the Sherston Branch of the Avon. Across water meadows and up through a community nature park known as “The Grove”, ST8502 8544.  We joined a lane on the ridge which the wound its way down a gentle hill and via a ford to Luckington Court.

Avon water meadows, Sherston

We skirted the main village and headed up to the main road and found a suitable bench on the village green to call for a taxi to get us to Malmesbury. We met the taxi at the Old Royal Ship Inn (not open) and during our wait investigated the community shop round the back of the Inn known as the “Old Royal Shop and Moor” because it is moored up behind the Royal Ship! So we were told.

Wiltshire stile (style!)

After a wait of about 35 minutes the taxi whisked us back to Malmesbury. A very pleasant and friendly driver, as we arrived into the town the bus to Swindon was just leaving, our driver stopped by the bus and spoke to the driver through an open window and decided to whip us round to the next stop on the bus route. We got there just before the bus. Well done. Fifty minutes later having seen more of NW Wilshire and Royal Wotton Bassett we arrived at Swindon station for the train back home.

Extra (for the pony lovers)

Another day of good walking, we managed 9 miles again. We were very lucky with the transport. We are now out of the Thames catchment and have never been this far west! What single letter to use? H-day? Hot and Humid (at times), hidden Highgrove and a Helpful taxi driver.