LIFETIME of WALKS by DEREK HARWOOD

After breakfast at Tesco's we travelled by bus to Mickleton, via two connections. We didn't think we would make it due to a bus cancellation caused by road works. It was a steady climb up Baker's Hill via Mickleton Church and a temporary sheep shearing paddock. There were good views across the Vale of Evesham to Bredon Hill and the Malverns. We crossed Baker's Hill Lane to a steep bank and open fields near the top of the hill. The Way crossed from the edge of fields to the edge of Baker's Hill Wood, skirting the top of the hill. We exited the wood into a field near Starveall Farm and stopped for refreshments with good views across to Malvern Hills, at the same place as Walk 718 – Hidcote Bartrim. As we rested, three light aircraft passed in formation, towards Evesham. With energy levels renewed, we continued along the Way which joined with The Monarch's Way as we walked the single track lane to Furze Lane. It was a short walk along Furze Lane, dodging the cars, to Farm Road which lead to Mickleton Hills Farm. We discussed the Way with a German lady tourist and marvelled at the size of several tree mushrooms. As we rounded the farm and the railway tunnel entrance, we were surprised not to see the railway, because of the thick tree foliage. Just after the railway we passed a harness on a gate post. How was it left there, we could only guess. It was a steady descent across the fields to Chipping Camden School and Church. We carefully navigated the traffic along the one way system to High Street, passing an example of a wonderful stone terraced Alms Houses and the Eight Bells Public House. At the High Street we passed the village water pump and walked to the market place and town hall. We waited there for the bus, but unfortunately it had broken down and the replacement was over an hour late.

Location Map: - www.streetmap.co.uk, - Start: from Mickleton Village