Other Walks and Rambles
Here is a list and short descriptions of walks and rambles that don't fit in with the main contents of the website.
Avebury
Avebury Circular Walk - 14 October 2017
This fascinating walk from Avebury took us around some of the main archaeological sights in the area. It was also an introduction to the Ridgeway for my grandson (one year old). He was not doing any walking himself but enjoyed the ride in the backcarrier. After admiring the magnificent stone circle in Avebury and the pretty cottages we headed out along a track to reach The Ridgeway at Overton Down. The day was a little overcast and windswept but nonetheless we had some great views across the downs. After a picnic lunch we followed The Ridgeway to its official start at Overton Hill. After admiring further prehistoric wonders, e.g. a number of bronze age burial mounds and, after carefully crossing the busy A4, another stone circle (The Sanctuary), a tree and shrub lined track led to the village of East Kennett. Soon after leaving the village we encountered a muddy section as we followed a track used by farm vehicle or 4x4s (judging by the state of it). However, things were much improved soon after as a footpath turned away from the track and we enjoyed the peaceful countryside before reaching the track that leads up to the West Kennett Long Barrow. Starting to feel a little tired (not because of the distance, but the 'burden' of carrying a now sleeping child) we deliberated whether to take the uphill track detour but didn't want to miss this archaeological wonder. The effort was well worth it as we enjoyed walking around this New Stone Age burial ground, which has been preserved magnificently We were even able to enter a stone covered chamber. The views from up here were quite stunning. We then continued our walk, passing Silbury Hill, before returning to Avebury for another highlight: a cream tea!
PS: Took the idea for this walk from the Ridgeway National Trail Guide but altered it slightly to take in a bit more of The Ridgeway to shorten the next stage when walking The Ridgeway proper.
This fascinating walk from Avebury took us around some of the main archaeological sights in the area. It was also an introduction to the Ridgeway for my grandson (one year old). He was not doing any walking himself but enjoyed the ride in the backcarrier. After admiring the magnificent stone circle in Avebury and the pretty cottages we headed out along a track to reach The Ridgeway at Overton Down. The day was a little overcast and windswept but nonetheless we had some great views across the downs. After a picnic lunch we followed The Ridgeway to its official start at Overton Hill. After admiring further prehistoric wonders, e.g. a number of bronze age burial mounds and, after carefully crossing the busy A4, another stone circle (The Sanctuary), a tree and shrub lined track led to the village of East Kennett. Soon after leaving the village we encountered a muddy section as we followed a track used by farm vehicle or 4x4s (judging by the state of it). However, things were much improved soon after as a footpath turned away from the track and we enjoyed the peaceful countryside before reaching the track that leads up to the West Kennett Long Barrow. Starting to feel a little tired (not because of the distance, but the 'burden' of carrying a now sleeping child) we deliberated whether to take the uphill track detour but didn't want to miss this archaeological wonder. The effort was well worth it as we enjoyed walking around this New Stone Age burial ground, which has been preserved magnificently We were even able to enter a stone covered chamber. The views from up here were quite stunning. We then continued our walk, passing Silbury Hill, before returning to Avebury for another highlight: a cream tea!
PS: Took the idea for this walk from the Ridgeway National Trail Guide but altered it slightly to take in a bit more of The Ridgeway to shorten the next stage when walking The Ridgeway proper.
This is not how it's supposed to be!
An Alpine Ramble with a difference - 9 September 2017
Today I walked in the Swiss Alps from a little place called Wengernalp to the Kleine Scheidegg, located at the foot of the Eiger, from where trains rattle up to the Jungfraujoch, the highest train station in Europe (maybe even the world). On a good day this would be a beautiful walk through wildflower meadows and to a background of amazing snow-capped mountain views that brings tourists from around the world. Today it was foggy and wet. Visibility was poor and any sane person would keep away from walking in the mountains. But I had a reason for this trip. My daughter and her partner were running the Jungfrau marathon and as I joined them on the trip as a birthday treat I was not willing to alter my plan because of a little bit of rain. After all, they couldn't postpone the run either. I saw them, wet, cold and exhausted, suffering from the effects of the altitude, but determined to finish the race. I followed in their footsteps - no competitors were running at this stage, those that can run up steep mountain paths, had reached the finishing line a long time ago. I eventually reached Kleine Scheidegg, mud-spattered and cold. Soon I was reunited with Chrissie and Phil and, after congratulating them and admiring the medals, we sustained and warmed ourselves with a delicious hot goulash soup and tea. Then, as the rain turned into sleet, we headed down the mountain munching Swiss chocolate. What a day! Must return here soon to remind myself that it is a beautiful area with fantastic walking.
Today I walked in the Swiss Alps from a little place called Wengernalp to the Kleine Scheidegg, located at the foot of the Eiger, from where trains rattle up to the Jungfraujoch, the highest train station in Europe (maybe even the world). On a good day this would be a beautiful walk through wildflower meadows and to a background of amazing snow-capped mountain views that brings tourists from around the world. Today it was foggy and wet. Visibility was poor and any sane person would keep away from walking in the mountains. But I had a reason for this trip. My daughter and her partner were running the Jungfrau marathon and as I joined them on the trip as a birthday treat I was not willing to alter my plan because of a little bit of rain. After all, they couldn't postpone the run either. I saw them, wet, cold and exhausted, suffering from the effects of the altitude, but determined to finish the race. I followed in their footsteps - no competitors were running at this stage, those that can run up steep mountain paths, had reached the finishing line a long time ago. I eventually reached Kleine Scheidegg, mud-spattered and cold. Soon I was reunited with Chrissie and Phil and, after congratulating them and admiring the medals, we sustained and warmed ourselves with a delicious hot goulash soup and tea. Then, as the rain turned into sleet, we headed down the mountain munching Swiss chocolate. What a day! Must return here soon to remind myself that it is a beautiful area with fantastic walking.
Walking in the Speen Valley
Three Summer Walks
Newbury to St Mary's Church, Speen - 25 June 2017
This is one of the 'having to get somewhere' walks. I had to find a way from Newbury train station to St Mary's church at Speen and was delighted to find that the church is located directly by the Lambourn Valley Way which starts in the centre of Newbury and follows the Kennet and Avon Canal for a little while before joining the Speen Moors Walk. The Lambourn Valley Way then turns north and after a pleasant uphill walk reaches St Mary's Church in its splendid setting. There is a lovely view from here across the Speen Valley and towards Highclere Castle. The Lambourn Valley Way continues to Bagnor where it reaches the River Lambourn and follows the river to Lambourn. It then continues to end at the top of the Lambourn Downs at Uffington Castle. The whole route is about 20 miles. There is a bus service from Newbury as far as Lambourn (stopping at many of the villages along the route) and there is also a bus stop near the northern end. As usual when mentioning a rural bus service, a note of caution has to be added as these are being reduced at an alarming rate in the present climate of austerity. A quick internet search tells me that currently the (X)47 Wantage-Uffington-Swindon bus runs three times a day Monday to Saturday (no Sunday service). There used to be Ridgeway explorer bus in the summer but I'm not sure whether that is still running.
Newbury to St Mary's Church, Speen - 25 June 2017
This is one of the 'having to get somewhere' walks. I had to find a way from Newbury train station to St Mary's church at Speen and was delighted to find that the church is located directly by the Lambourn Valley Way which starts in the centre of Newbury and follows the Kennet and Avon Canal for a little while before joining the Speen Moors Walk. The Lambourn Valley Way then turns north and after a pleasant uphill walk reaches St Mary's Church in its splendid setting. There is a lovely view from here across the Speen Valley and towards Highclere Castle. The Lambourn Valley Way continues to Bagnor where it reaches the River Lambourn and follows the river to Lambourn. It then continues to end at the top of the Lambourn Downs at Uffington Castle. The whole route is about 20 miles. There is a bus service from Newbury as far as Lambourn (stopping at many of the villages along the route) and there is also a bus stop near the northern end. As usual when mentioning a rural bus service, a note of caution has to be added as these are being reduced at an alarming rate in the present climate of austerity. A quick internet search tells me that currently the (X)47 Wantage-Uffington-Swindon bus runs three times a day Monday to Saturday (no Sunday service). There used to be Ridgeway explorer bus in the summer but I'm not sure whether that is still running.
California Country Park (nr Wokingham) - 21 June 2017
On this very hot day (the hottest June day since 1976) my daughter, little grandson and me decided to go to California Country Park because it has got a pool. Unfortunately it was not open yet! Similarly a lot of the woodland paths were closed, which was a shame as I have fond memories of walking through the woods and on boardwalks in the marshy areas. So we decided to have lunch at the café (nice but quite pricey) and then walked around the lovely lake. The heat was not too oppressive here because of the surrounding woodland. We also found a shady lakeside spot to spread our rug and watch the ducks which little Jesse delighted in.
On this very hot day (the hottest June day since 1976) my daughter, little grandson and me decided to go to California Country Park because it has got a pool. Unfortunately it was not open yet! Similarly a lot of the woodland paths were closed, which was a shame as I have fond memories of walking through the woods and on boardwalks in the marshy areas. So we decided to have lunch at the café (nice but quite pricey) and then walked around the lovely lake. The heat was not too oppressive here because of the surrounding woodland. We also found a shady lakeside spot to spread our rug and watch the ducks which little Jesse delighted in.
Theale to Aldermaston Wharf - 31 May 2017
I have walked this part of the Kennet & Avon Canal many times - in all seasons. This time was different as I carried my grandson on my back (in his new carrier). It was also quite hot so we were very disappointed to arrive at the canalside café at Aldermaston Wharf, tired and thirsty, to find that it had already closed for the day! That's the problem with cafés - they always close too early for me! Luckily there is a pub in the village and we spent a lovely half hour sipping a refreshing glass of wine spritzer and munching salt and vinegar crisps before returning to Theale by train.
Canal walks along the Kennet & Avon are always a great standby for a walk. With train stations at regular intervals as far as Pewsey, the scope for linear walks are numerous. There are also plenty of good circular walks that can be undertaken from the train stations. I have walked from Kintbury, Great Bedwyn and Pewsey. Newbury and Hungerford are also great places to visit and include a good walk.
I have walked this part of the Kennet & Avon Canal many times - in all seasons. This time was different as I carried my grandson on my back (in his new carrier). It was also quite hot so we were very disappointed to arrive at the canalside café at Aldermaston Wharf, tired and thirsty, to find that it had already closed for the day! That's the problem with cafés - they always close too early for me! Luckily there is a pub in the village and we spent a lovely half hour sipping a refreshing glass of wine spritzer and munching salt and vinegar crisps before returning to Theale by train.
Canal walks along the Kennet & Avon are always a great standby for a walk. With train stations at regular intervals as far as Pewsey, the scope for linear walks are numerous. There are also plenty of good circular walks that can be undertaken from the train stations. I have walked from Kintbury, Great Bedwyn and Pewsey. Newbury and Hungerford are also great places to visit and include a good walk.
Bluebell Walk - 23 April 2017
Sulham Wood
One of the great joys of the English spring is walking through a carpet of bluebells accompanied by birdsong. Today was one of those perfect April days - not too cold, not too hot - alternately sunny and cloudy. The wonderful thing is that in the south of England most people (I think) live within walking distance of a park or woodland in which there's a patch of bluebells. I am lucky enough to live within an hour's walk of a large area of joined up woodlands to the west of Reading (Sulham Wood, Beale's Copse and Boxgrove Wood) where there are many places and good paths to admire the bluebells. I walked downhill through the picture perfect woods and continued walking to Hogmoor Copse Nature Reserve where there was yet more beautiful walking to be enjoyed. I then followed the River Pang to Tidmarsh before returning home via a slightly different route.
A Seaside Ramble - 2 October 2016
Cliffs and Beach at Bournemouth
Is there a nicer way to spend a beautiful early Autumn Day than walking along the seaside? Bournemouth certainly turned on the style for its Marathon Festival. I am so glad that Chrissie and Phil signed up for this marathon, giving me a reason for the trip down south.
I travelled by train and after the short walk from station to pier I joined the throngs of people cheering on the runners. I started walking towards Boscombe along the marathon route and it wasn't long before I spotted Chrissie and Phil. They were running strongly - I didn't expect them to reach this point so soon. Therefore I changed my walk plans and started walking westwards towards Sandbanks. This would allow me to see them again as they returned along the seafront to the finishing line by the pier. I enjoyed the walk to Sandbanks a lot - the sea was beautiful, so too was the sky with a few fluffy clouds painting a lovely picture. Away from the sea the marathon runners provided additional entertainment.
I travelled by train and after the short walk from station to pier I joined the throngs of people cheering on the runners. I started walking towards Boscombe along the marathon route and it wasn't long before I spotted Chrissie and Phil. They were running strongly - I didn't expect them to reach this point so soon. Therefore I changed my walk plans and started walking westwards towards Sandbanks. This would allow me to see them again as they returned along the seafront to the finishing line by the pier. I enjoyed the walk to Sandbanks a lot - the sea was beautiful, so too was the sky with a few fluffy clouds painting a lovely picture. Away from the sea the marathon runners provided additional entertainment.
Sandbanks Beach
At Sandbanks the marathon route turned away from the beach and continued along Poole Harbour for a short stretch before turning round and returning to Bournemouth along the seafront promenade. Having seen both Chrissie and Phil still running strongly I felt it was time to leave the runners. I walked along Poole Harbour towards the ferry crossing at the end of the Sandbanks peninsula until I reached the Sandbank Beach car park. Here I crossed to the other side and arrived at the most gorgeous beach. I now understand why the properties here are among the most expensive in Britain. I followed the paths through the sand dunes to the reach the end of the peninsula by the Haven Hotel. The ferry from Studland arrived at the same time as me and I was almost tempted to board it for a brief cruise but thought it was time to head back.
Bournemouth Pier
I kicked off my shoes and socks and returned to Bournemouth, walking barefoot in the sand, loving the surf washing over my feet. The water felt pleasantly cool but not cold. A few brave souls were swimming.
After an hour and a half walking on the beach I arrived back at Bournemouth Pier. Here I met up with Chrissie and Phil (who'd already celebrated finishing yet another marathon with a glass of wine) and after eating fish and chips and enjoying the beautiful early evening sky and sea views we returned to Reading.
Bushy Park and Hampton Court Palace Gardens - 17 April 2016
Bushy Park
My daughter had tickets for a baby show at Sandown Park and invited me to go along with her. After two hours or so in crowded exhibition halls we were more than ready for some fresh air and where better to go for a walk in the spring sunshine than in the nearby Bushy Park and the beautiful Hampton Court Gardens. Parking the car was frustrating - the Hampton Court Palace car park was full and so was the main car park in Bushy Park. Eventually we did find a space in a different car park but arriving by train would be preferable (though not straightforward from Reading). When I resumed my Thames Path walk last Autumn at Hampton Court I took the train to Twickenham and then walked through Bushy Park. That added a good two miles to the walk but was preferable than travelling to Hampton or Hampton Court stations (which would have involved two or three train changes).
Hampton Court Palace
We started walking through the delightful woodland area in Bushy Park. There were brooks and bridges, lakes, beautiful trees and flowering shrubs to enjoy. The birds were singing, parakeets shrieking and a rabbit scampering about. I spotted signs for the London Loop here - a walk which is firmly in my plans. We then passed a herd of deer in the open grassland before leaving the park and entering Hampton Court across the road. We headed straight for the Tiltyard Café for a delicious cream tea (with Cornish clotted cream - yummy!).
Refreshed we continued the walk through the informal garden where fading daffodils jostled for space with emerging bluebells. What can be nicer than walking in the spring sunshine among flowering shrubs and trees and flowers carpeting the ground.
Back in Bushy Park we walked along the long lake before returning past another herd of deer to the car for the drive home. I'm looking forward to returning here - maybe when 'doing' the London Loop!
Refreshed we continued the walk through the informal garden where fading daffodils jostled for space with emerging bluebells. What can be nicer than walking in the spring sunshine among flowering shrubs and trees and flowers carpeting the ground.
Back in Bushy Park we walked along the long lake before returning past another herd of deer to the car for the drive home. I'm looking forward to returning here - maybe when 'doing' the London Loop!
Berkshire Circular Route (Padworth and Aldermaston Wharf) - 28 March 2016
Who would have thought that a sunny bank holiday ramble in spring time through the gentle Berkshire countryside could turn into an adventure necessitating the fording of streams and wading knee-deep through a flooded meadow? Well, Storm Katie has a lot to answer for!
We (Chrissie, Phil and me) set off from the car park at Tyle Mill to follow a Berkshire Circular Route. The path headed uphill and it was not long before we encountered the first muddy field. The horses were looking at us in astonishment, probably wondering what we were doing here. The path had disappeared in the trodden and sodden field. Phil eventually found a signpost which led out to a road. The sun had now disappeared and soon we had to shelter under some prickly shrubs as the heavens opened and showered us with a mixture of hail and heavy rain. As the rain eased we continued walking gently uphill at first and then westward towards Padworth. The sun has now made a reappearance and as we reached the picturesque church at Padworth with its war memorial and 300 year old yew tree I knew why I adore walking after a spring shower: the air was crystal clear and raindrops sparkled like diamonds in the shrubs and trees. The birds were singing their best songs. Alas, the magic didn't last long. We now had to walk downhill to the rain sodden valley. The sun had disappeared and more clouds were on the horizon. We passed some riding stables and the path again led through a paddock. The horses assembled by the gate were obstructing our way but were really friendly, nudging us gently. Maybe they were trying to tell us something about the route ahead!
We (Chrissie, Phil and me) set off from the car park at Tyle Mill to follow a Berkshire Circular Route. The path headed uphill and it was not long before we encountered the first muddy field. The horses were looking at us in astonishment, probably wondering what we were doing here. The path had disappeared in the trodden and sodden field. Phil eventually found a signpost which led out to a road. The sun had now disappeared and soon we had to shelter under some prickly shrubs as the heavens opened and showered us with a mixture of hail and heavy rain. As the rain eased we continued walking gently uphill at first and then westward towards Padworth. The sun has now made a reappearance and as we reached the picturesque church at Padworth with its war memorial and 300 year old yew tree I knew why I adore walking after a spring shower: the air was crystal clear and raindrops sparkled like diamonds in the shrubs and trees. The birds were singing their best songs. Alas, the magic didn't last long. We now had to walk downhill to the rain sodden valley. The sun had disappeared and more clouds were on the horizon. We passed some riding stables and the path again led through a paddock. The horses assembled by the gate were obstructing our way but were really friendly, nudging us gently. Maybe they were trying to tell us something about the route ahead!
There was no sign of a path - just a field chequered with clumps of grass and mud. We had to skirt around the worst of the mud, jump across little streams and seek out the most solid bits of grass, all the while worrying about how we would get around the huge puddle (more like a lake) ahead of us. Chrissie was ready to admit defeat but the thought of having to retrace our step through this field and then follow a detour of boring roads was not something I was ready to contemplate. Phil, who it seems also doesn't shy away from an adventure, kindly suggested we take off our shoes and socks and wade through the water. He went first and we watched him walk bravely through the freezing water to reach terra firma on the other side. Not ideal training for the Marathon des Sables he will attempt in less than two weeks! Having seen Phil give the thumbs up, Chrissie and I waded in now and ok, it was cold and the water in the middle was knee-deep, but it was also invigorating and fun. The grass underfoot was cool and soft. We next had to cross two bridges, very pretty in dry summer weather, but now the water covered the wooden planks - not time yet to put the shoes back on. Thankfully the bridge over the main arm of the river Kennet at Padworth Mill was made of sterner stuff and able to cope with the torrent of a river.
The rest of the walk down Mill Lane to Aldermaston Wharf and then along the K & A tow path to Tyle Mill was straightforward and quick and our thoughts turned to food and dinner.
The rest of the walk down Mill Lane to Aldermaston Wharf and then along the K & A tow path to Tyle Mill was straightforward and quick and our thoughts turned to food and dinner.
Windsor - 6 March 2016
Kelly and I decided to go for an afternoon trip to Windsor on this Mothering Sunday. Although Windsor can be reached easily by train (it has got two railway stations!) it is much quicker by car (from Reading).
After a tour of the shopping centre and old town we walked along The Long Walk. This aptly named walk leads in a straight line from Windsor Castle to the Copper Horse - a bronze statue of King George III on horseback. The sculpture on Snow Hill (the highest point in Windsor Great Park) was erected in 1829 and provided a constant focal point on the way there. After admiring the views from the top (including planes taking off from Heathrow Airport) we returned the same way, passing a big herd of deer in the deer park. This time the constant focal point was the castle. Back in Windsor we briefly visited the church of St John the Baptist (re-built in 1822) to view the painting of The Last Supper (advertised outside the church) before returning to Reading looking forward to dinner in a Thai restaurant.
After a tour of the shopping centre and old town we walked along The Long Walk. This aptly named walk leads in a straight line from Windsor Castle to the Copper Horse - a bronze statue of King George III on horseback. The sculpture on Snow Hill (the highest point in Windsor Great Park) was erected in 1829 and provided a constant focal point on the way there. After admiring the views from the top (including planes taking off from Heathrow Airport) we returned the same way, passing a big herd of deer in the deer park. This time the constant focal point was the castle. Back in Windsor we briefly visited the church of St John the Baptist (re-built in 1822) to view the painting of The Last Supper (advertised outside the church) before returning to Reading looking forward to dinner in a Thai restaurant.