Stonesfield to Kirtlington via Blenhiem Palace

Walking the Oxfordshire way in Spring definitely has a lot more to recommend it than a damp February!
The sun was shining and the terrain provided easy walking.
We set off from Stonesfield down towards the bathing pool and then across the fields towards Blenheim.
The route takes you across a common with ancient hedgerows and steep hillsides and on to Akeman Street with views over the Evenlode valley. Eventually we came to Stonesfield steps – a high wooden ‘stile’ over the stone wall surrounding Blenheim estate.

The path leads you up and over the wall surrounding Blenheim estate

The path leads you up and over the wall surrounding Blenheim estate


Once in the park we deviated off the Oxfordshire Way on a footpath leading up towards the Palace along an avenue of trees which provided welcome shade for the, by now, strong sunshine. It led us to the monument
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Then it was a walk down towards the lake and through a door in to Woodstock. We had a very good lunch at Hampers deli and cafe with a menu that seemed to suit everyone and provided the opportunity for a rest.
Back towards the Oxfordshire way, the detour had added about 2.5 miles, we headed off over the river Glyme and towards Kirtlington once again.
There are numerous footbridges along this stretch of the route
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You pass a beautiful watermill on the way to Pigeons lock on the Oxford canal
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and then it was the long lane up to Kirtlington where we had left some cars in the morning.

Walking the Oxfordshire Way in February

The intrepid group set off from Bourton on the Water one grey day in February with rather grey skies and a 3 day trek ahead. We planned to do the majority of the route, leaving the final bit to Henley on Thames for another day.

Jock, the spaniel, was unaware what was in store and rushed around as if it was an hour’s walk when in fact due to the mud the first day took 8.5 hours!

Bourton on the Water is very different to the Chilterns

Bourton on the Water is very different to the Chilterns

Impossible to keep dry

Impossible to keep dry

Muddy feet

No escape

No escape

Walking was the order of the day with no cheating

Walking was the order of the day with no cheating

There were a few of these

There were a few of these

There were some nice bits even on the first day

There were some nice bits even on the first day

Just to prove it is not always like this

Just to prove it is not always like this

We found the route easily with very good directions provided by Oxfordshire County Council and were kept motivated by the ‘interesting facts’ provided. It was not all mud and the first day there were some lovely bits and thankfully mostly rain free but it was a pretty tired and bedraggled group that tripped in to Charlbury in the dusk. The last 2 fields we encountered first some very excitable horses and then some happily sleepy and docile cattle so we were very pleased to see the car and get home to a hot bath.

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The path leads you up and over the wall surrounding Blenheim estate

The path leads you up and over the wall surrounding Blenheim estate

Coming through the door on to the Woodstock Road

Coming through the door on to the Woodstock Road

We encountered numerous footbridges on the route

We encountered numerous footbridges on the route

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No extra miles

No extra miles

I forgot my poles

I forgot my poles

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Day 2 was really good starting from Charlbury we were soon walking through Stonesfield and down to the ford and ‘bathing pool’ which was lovely but not tempting for a swim! There was no mud to speak of and the day continued with dry weather and fast walking, taking us through the grounds of Blenheim Palace and other lovely places. There was a nasty moment when the hotel was found to be shut but a little exploration and we found a very friendly shop who made us sandwiches and looked after us for a short while. Day 2 took 2.5 hours less to do the same distance due to the conditions – a little rain as we arrived at Islip confirmed the decision to call it a day and not carry on to Noke until the morning.
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Pleased to arrive at the Swan at Tetsworth

Pleased to arrive at the Swan at Tetsworth


Day 3 – the final stretch until the spring
The last day as a mixture and the feet were getting tired and in some cases blisters and pain were creeping in. We went through some lovely places – Noke a very pretty village and round Ottmoor which was a very long detour around a marsh. There was a fallow deer which had been adopted by some cattle – a rather unusual sight.
We trundled across golf courses, encountered more horses, visited Waterperry gardens where a nice lady saved the day by producing some pain killers and ended up tired but elated at the Swan at Tetsworth.
The crisis had been that I had forgotten my poles so I can now say from the heart that poles really do help!!!!

Nordic walking in the Chilterns in Winter

Winter has hardly shown us its worst so far but wrap up warm and dry and there is nothing to worry about.
We have had the most wonderful autumn and winter walks with more than our share of sunshine. Even if it does not quite have the warmth of summer the sun provides a wonderful glow and there have been spectacular views, becoming more far reaching as the trees lose their leaves.
The morning frost produces wonderfully clear air and wildlife becomes more visible with fewer places to hide.

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The Go Active Christmas walk

The Go Active Christmas walk

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Today we arranged a walk for all Nordic walkers in Oxfordshire who were free to come – there was a credible 22 who beat the rain which was threatening as we arrived. The National Trust kindly allowed everyone to meet at Greys Court – a beautiful property in South Oxfordshire www.nationaltrust.org.uk/greys-court/and we set off on a walk taking in woodland, hills and fields and the charming hamlet of Shepherds Green, the impressive Nettlebed estates – home to Ian Fleming’s family, Lambridge woods – ancient beechwoods and back to Greys Court for a well earned cake and coffee in the newly opened tea rooms.
The buzz of conversation and the Christmas spirit were evident and some members were amazed at how they managed a 6 mile route without struggling.

Tribute to Ralph

Ralph was the most inspirational and brave man. He sadly passed away on 31st October and will be missed terribly by many of us.

Ralph set up Waterford Designs – he was a talented artist and his business involved web design and printing.
His son will now take over the design and printing.

Ralph had suffered from a progressive condition but despite this and the physical limitations he endured he continued to offer expertise, professionalism and inspiration to others. He was a great support to me in setting up A Foot in the Chilterns, remaining positive when I was wavering and instilling self belief and optimism.

I was lucky enough to know him for nearly 20 years.

Farewell Ralph

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Autumn in the Chilterns

The unseasonally warm conditions have meant lovely walks among autumn colours with the grass continuing to look lush and green and flowers blooming. Today we walked through Fawley Hill where a new born alpaca cria was sunning itself – it could have been a very different world that this baby had entered if it had been born in last year’s storms.

Mother and babyAlpacas have a long gestation period of approximately 11 and a half months and are induced ovulators so  can breed at any time of year. Most owners try to ensure births occur in the spring and summer when food is more plentiful and warm weather helps the new borns. Alongside the alpacas were deer of all descriptions some native and some from further afield, emus, wallabies and all sorts of other creatures which kept the Nordic walkers entertained.

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The walk took us along the Oxfordshire way, wending our way through the Chilterns, past beautiful buildings and along the Fawley ridge following which 16 of us enjoyed a delicious lunch enjoying the view and the company and planning the weekend.

The scent of the Chilterns in Spring

Walks in the Chilterns are always great but this Spring everything has looked and smelt fantastic. The winter rains and spring warmth have produced abundant growth and early blossom. The trees are looking amazing with fresh spring leaves and flowers and there are insects and birds everywhere.

It makes you pleased to be alive and sets the mood for the rest of the day. Walking in the Chilterns is such a privelege and we owe a lot to the armies of volunteers who give up their time maintaining pathways and landscapes to keep it as we have come to know and love it.

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Oak in May

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Midsomer Murders

The Mayor hosted an event this week on the theme of Midsomer Murders. Many of the scenes for this very successful series are shot in Henley and the surrounding villages and it is possible to walk between the various places and imagine the scenes.

Plaques have been installed in some of the pubs and shops that have been used in the series such as the Argyll in the Market place in Henley.

More recent venues have been Greenlands and Hambleden Weir

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The Chilterns in Spring

Who cannot be impressed by the beauty of the countryside at this time of year. The rains of the last few days have made everything look even more beautiful. Lambs running round the fields, bluebells in the woods, birdsong everywhere – it just makes you feel good to be alive.

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Those of us who are able to access the more remote places are rewarded with special treats but there are plenty of wonderful experiences to be had very close and accessible to urban areas.

Paths are better and the Chiltern Society have invested heavily in gates in place of stiles so that access is possible for those with mobility problems.

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More Bluebells with the health walkers

IMG_0754On Saturday I joined the Goring Health walkers for a lovely walk above Streatley taking in part of the Ridgeway and then visiting a woodland of bluebells and wild garlic. Not only were the woods beautiful but the view from the top of the hill over the Oxford Plain was spectacular.

After the Health walk Graham and I went off to the other side of Streatley to look at more bluebells, the stone circles and gaze over Goring from the top of the hill.

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Health walk Goring

 

Nordic walking through the bluebells

We set off from Bix across the common and into the woods which were full of bluebells, birdsong and fresh green leaves on the trees. The forest floor is still light without the full shade of leaves on the trees and the ground underfoot was ideal having dried out from the recent rains but still soft enough to be easy walking. As we came down toward Bix Bottom farm the tiles on the newly restored barn and the beautiful traditional farmhouse stood out against the green grass and the wheat crop.

The woods towards Nettlebed are a blaze of blue from the carpets of Bluebells all over the woodland. In some other places the brambles have taken over and it shows the importance of woodland management in keeping these lovely places in check. Last week in the woods near Crowsley it was disappointing to see a much reduced show of bluebells due to the encroachment of the undergrowth.

From Bix Bottom we turned up towards Catslip and followed the valley bottom along lovely grassy fields with cattle grazing. The birdsong was wonderful and there were no other walkers anywhere to be seen – we were alone with the wildlife, glimpses of muntjac deer and pheasants. The path eventually turns up a steep hill through wood which had people pausing to catch their breath but then rejoins a bridleway and becomes a wide and level path back toward Bix Common and back through yet more bluebells. Stretches on the common and all felt that they had been well exercised.

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