We
revisited this walk last weekend for the first time in five years. It is a circular walk much of it through wooded terrain. The last couple of miles are along the valley
floor. (link to map). The sun was shining
and it really felt like spring was on its way.
We parked the car in the quaint village of Hambleden. Leaving the village we crossed the main road
and followed the footpath sign up into Ridge Wood. We saw a herd of deer – the most we have ever
seen in one group. (The photos aren't great!)
We continued walking now
through Great Wood. The path descended
into a valley where we follow a main track.
This track used to be rough and stoney, but is now tarmacked. We saw lots of Red Kites soaring through the
air (tried to take a photo, but missed!) The path took us back into Great
Wood and then Kimble wood. One section
was extremely muddy and the going was slow as we clung to anything we could to
stop us sinking and sliding. The final climb is rewarded with views of the
windmill at Turville (the village where they filmed Vicar of Dibley). The path then descends to the road at
Skirmettt. As we descended into Skirmett
we could see the swollen Hamble brook twisting below us. There
is a good pub at Skirmett – the Frog. The walk continues along the valley floor back
to Hambleden.
It’s
funny, although we haven’t done this walk for many years, the route soon came
back to us.
The
walk is about 10 miles in length and took us 4 hours (including a break at the
pub – of course!)
