Holloway, Bloxham, Hatchet Lane. 4.75 miles.
Date: Thursday 22nd August
Time: 10.00am - 12.45pm
Location: The Chains, Great Bedwyn (the island opposite The Londis, High St, Great Bedwyn SN8 3NU)
This was the first wet monthly group walk in a while but rain soon cleared and 9 of us set off from the village centre, through the churchyard to join the towpath. We left the canal at the second lock to take the direct path up to the holloway, along a path recently cleared by our volunteers. From the top of the holloway we crossed the fields struggling against a strong head wind to come to the Roman Road where we turned right down to Crofton. After crossing the railway and canal we continued across the road and on through the farmyard. Then we returned home beside Haw wood and down Hatchet Lane to the village. Both these tracks can get muddy and flood in bad weather.
The incline down to recross the canal and railway at Crofton is fairly steep and needs care because the chalk surface can be slippery if wet. No stiles.
Our walk was on the right day of the week to be able to visit the Thursday Club on our return for a welcome lunch of soup and cake.
This route is based on our published walk route no 9. A copy of it can be found on our website walk pages here.