Feet First Walking

 

I followed this walk from the Cicerone book, Walking In The Chilterns, Walk 26. I really enjoyed the varied terrain, but I can imagine it would be quite muddy on a wet day or after a lot of rain.

I parked by the wondrous cricket pitch and set off across Cow Common. On this occasion it would have been more apt to rename it Canine Common, on account of all the dogs and their owners.

 

After crossing a narrow lane I headed up Grindon Lane, a broad track with pine chippings that soaked up the worst of the mud.

 

The view across to Ewelme Downs.

 

A muddy section just beyond where the route crosses the Swan's Way.

 

The lovely chalky downs, en route to Ewelme Park.

 

 

 

At Ewelme Park I turned left and joined the Ridgeway Path.

 

The winding path through the beech trees next to Straights Plantation.

 

Swyncombe Home Farm and the Old Rectory.

 

St Botolphs is an early Norman church, and offered 3 delights: a bench in the sun for lunch, snow drops in the grave yard -- an early sign spring is on the way...

 

....this modern 'building' had to be the best of the three delights. I went to investigate thinking it was the modern porch of a lychgate. But low and beyond I had a moment of great clarity and comfort, my burdened mind and anxiety was lifted as the clouds parted and a bright light shone on me in the church yard. What was revealed was a much needed TOILET, not a lychgate!! I spent a good 20 minutes in there and the wait/weight was gone. No crouching in a wood for me then, with only a broad, shiny dock leaf for ablutions!

 

A short walk down hill was followed by a longer uphill walk into Dean Wood.

 

I turned left and walked on the edge of the wood, parallel with a dyke, not dissimilar to Offa's Dyke.

 

More broad views.

 

I turned left here and was back in Ewelme a short while after.

 

The church and alms houses at Ewelme. It's the final resting place of Jerome K Jerome.

 

The village primary school. A quick search shows there are about 80 pupils at the school!