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LIFETIME of WALKS by DEREK HARWOODDerek Harwood's Walking Records If you have any queries about the pictures or descriptions e-mail me at: derek@harwoodonline.com | ||||
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| BT GROUP WALK BRAILES Friday 16th March 2007 ........................................Walk No. 693 |
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Unclassified Walk No 44 Total 1091.5 miles BT Walking Group No. 8 --- Walk led by Bob & Brian Time Taken: 2.25 hrs Distance: Enjoyment: Weather: Mild & Bright 9:50 am - Noon 13.5 miles 80% Little Breeze, Clear Temp: Cloud: Rain: Visibility: Ground Conditions: Wild Life: Blossom 12oC 45% None Clear Average daffodils & Deer Total AA: Total MH: Total LD: Total AW: Other: Total Distance: 1027.5 mls 931.5 mls 1823.5 mls 162 mls 1091.5 mls 5036 miles Companions: (Derek) Bob, Brian, Martyn, Colin, Will, Kev, Tony, Paul etc. (19 walkers) Points of Interest and LINKS: Brailes Village Compton Wynyates Windmill Hill - Tysoe Macmillan Way Shenington Gliding D'arcy Dalton Way Shenington Village Brailes Church Thatched Cottages Windmill Hill : 594 feet (181 metres)General: Started walk from the layby in Upper Brailes Warwickshire. Early spring walk in the mild March sunshine. We followed Bob and Brian, the walk leaders and organisers north through Upper Brailes, past the first public house to a path through the village allotments. We past Castle Hill and crossed the Whatcote Lane to a small spinney, where we encountered the first of many stiles and gates throughout the day's walking. Over the fields, circumnavigating Springfield Farm to Windmill Hill, passing to the west of Winderton Village and Compton Wynyates Estate. As we walked up to the Windmill on Windmill Hill we passed an isolated derelict house with only an old washing mangle inside. The ascent to the summit was worth the fine views of the surrounding Warwickshire countryside and a close up inspection of the well preserved windmill. After a well earned rest be descended to the picturesque village of Tysoe with its many well kept thatched cottages. Many of the thatched roofs featured a straw dolly on the top, usually a bird, but sometimes another animal. From Tysoe village we joined the Macmillan Way, up and over the adjacent hill to Shenington Village. Many fine views of the Cotswolds rolling hills and wildlife, including a cross country horse jumping course, a rookery and a deer which disappeared up the hill and into the woods very quickly. We stopped at the Bell Inn Shenington for a welcome pint and pub meal. Leaving our boots and rucksacks outside, trying to be as sociable as possible to the landlord and the local villagers. After a good break and natter we reluctantly continued towards Epwell Village on the D'arcy Dalton Way, passing the local gliding club. Again more fine views of the rolling Cotswold countryside, but unfortunately the sun was more scarce as the sky became more cloudy. We passed many trees and hedgerows of blossom, brightening the scenery even more. Another example that spring is round the corner. We entered Epwell village past a well kept period Cotswold cottage into the main street. Here there were more beautiful houses and cottages with well kept gardens. Martyn patted the stone dog statues in the entrance to a cottage. As we left the village we saw a glider displaying the flying skills of the local Shenington Gliders Club. Just after the lane junction by the White House, we found an isolated old Citroen Car in the woods. It was covered with plastic sheets but the wind had blown them off the car. We carefully covered the car again to protect it from the weather. Across more muddy fields to Winderton Village, with a picturesque village church situated on the hill overlooking the valley to Lower Brailes. We continued past the church and into Lower Brailes, with its large church and tower, housing the third heaviest bells in England. Proof that the village was once an important local centre for the booming wool trade. Back along the main road from Lower Brailes to Upper Brailes and the cars in the Layby. Thanks to Bob and Brian for organising a good day's walking in the beautiful Cotswold countryside. The pint went down a treat. Location: www.streetmap.co.uk , - Start & Finish: Brailes 430490/239450, - via: Windmill Hill 433145/242650, - via: Shenington 437155/242820. (Click on location and use Zoom). Hazards: Extra care required in the muddy conditions at this time of year (late winter, early spring). The areas around the stiles and gates are usually very muddy, the constant use from the popular pastime of walking and rambling. Due to the heavy usage to the stiles, they sometimes become fragile, wobbly and slippery. It is not uncommon for a walker to slip off the stile into the mud. Take care folks. Click Here to Return to 'Lifetime of Walks' Homepage | |||||
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Derek Harwood: Copyright 2006 Devised: March 2007 | |||||