11 July 1999  Ogbourne St George to Uffington 13 Miles

 After a mediocre breakfast and the late arrival of our packed lunches we were finally on our way. We picked up the path from the top of the lane at the back of our B & B.

We make good progress along the path although the views were pretty much obscured by the hedgerow we eventually came across a water tower which was partly hidden by the growth on the trees, this was a landmark. At this point we turned left along a road for a short distance from which we picked up the path again. The path climbs very gradually up over Liddington Hill where on the left you can see the remains of Liddington Castle which is just a mound of earth. It is at this point that we started to descend, and you have a good view across Wanborough Plain . When we reached the bottom, we encountered the B4192, where a turn left is required this will then lead to turning on the right , continuing along this road for a while until the Shepherds Rest Pub is reached a good place to stop and have a drink or lunch if you prefer, we had a couple of pints. We were soon on our way again but only as far as a suitable resting place was found so that we could sit and eat our lunch.

We then started our climb between Charlbury Hill and Lammy Down, this was not too strenuous , we were then on to a fairly flat area, with a small amount of grassland to walk on. About 2Km past Ridgeway Farm there is a water tap to be found it is at GR264835. On the way through we came across the English Heritage site of Wayland's Smithy which was a Long Barrow, we didn't hang about there too long as we were eager to reach our next night stop .

We were now fast approaching the famous hill at Uffington, this of course is the White Horse Hill. Rather than go directly over the top we took the Lambourn Valley Way which is to the left before the big climb from there we went over Dragonhill Road, the descent was steep but we did not mind that as we could see our next night stop in the distance just 1.5Km north of the Ridgeway was Sower Hill Farm, this was a very comfortable place to stay. First things first we made a drink, then refreshed ourselves. Sylvia then offered to drive us into the village to the local pub, the Fox and Hounds, Lawrence decided to walk but I accepted the lift. The pub was late opening, they had a staff problem, anyway we were eventually served but were told that food might not be on as they were a member of staff short. As luck would have it the lady behind the bar said she could do us a filled Baguette, this we accepted, it was filled with chicken we also had chips, it was very filling, what with that and a couple of pints we were quite happy. We walked back to the farm in the twilight of the evening, this was enjoyable as the evening was warm.

12 July 1999 Uffington to Chilton 12 Miles

 What a wonderful start to the day, the sun was shining, there was a cacophony of sounds from the farm animals. It was time to refresh ourselves and get downstairs for breakfast. The table was laid, the toaster was ready on the corner table, we helped ourselves to cereal and then had our fry up, this was followed by toast and butter. I signed the Visitors Book with suitable comments. Had a final chat with Sylvia went and packed, collected our packed lunches which were more than enough, and we were on our way.

We made good progress up to the White Horse Hill, where we picked up a pathway that was contouring the hill, from the top we again picked up the Ridgeway. It was along this stretch that we encountered three young people one Man and two Women, believe it or not one of the women was pulling her rucksack along on a set of suitcase wheels, she said it was because the rucksack contained food for the dogs, of which there were three, anyway we wished them well and went on our way, we were now contouring Rams Hill. At last we had found some more water , it was at GR 338853 this is close to Hill Barn Reservoir. There is a plaque by the tap to the effect 'This tap was placed here in memory of Peter Wren aged 14 Years, he loved the countryside' what a nice thought by his parents. It wasn't long before we approached the B4001 which we crossed and made our way over Letcombe Bassett, I was disappointed in not seeing any horses on the gallops, not surprising I suppose as the horses are usually out early in the morning.

It was around Folly Clump and Warren Down that we encountered a nice stretch of grassland to walk on again, we continued across Parsonage Hill past the old Segbury/Letcombe Castle Fort to the A338, we turned left to-wards the Youth Hostel ( which was closed, but at least we could take in water ) we aslo ate our lunch there, it was then straight across the road to pick up the trail again. Eventually we came across a monument which was erected by the wife of Baron Wantage VC, KCB in his memory. Just passed here there is more water at GR430845 it is as you cross Ridgeway Down. Not long now before we take a path leading off from the left, this will take us down to Chilton, it is 2.5Km north of the Ridgeway, firstly it is a very rutted path but eventually leads on to a descent track, straight and narrow, not very likable as you can see the end of the road, I tend to like the surprise of not knowing what is around the corner.

We eventually reach our next destination which is the Horse and Jockey. We were met by Pam, shown all the facilities and then to our room, which was spacious, en-suite we also had a settee in the lounge/bedroom. After a good wash and brush up we ventured to the Rose and Crown pub in the village, where we had a couple of pints and a very good Thai Green Chicken Curry, extremely hot, in fact I just could not finish mine. Back for a good nights rest.

13 July 1999 Chilton to North Stoke 13.5 miles

After a good nights rest, it was up with the larks, shower and breakfast, again this was a gigantic affair. We had a chat with Pam, after which we paid our dues and were delivered of our packed lunches for the day. This consisted of two large filled rolls, some crisps and a piece of fruit. She also gave us a packet of sweets to enjoy on the walk ( a nice touch ).

We were now on our way again, we picked up the path via a different route rejoining it further down the route. We continued along passed some more gallops and then down to Warren Farm which is just East of Streatley. At the farm we met and talked with a couple who were about to have their lunch, we were then on our way again. We soon went down through Streatley, where we found a nice little pub called the 'Bull.' Inside we go and who should we meet there but two girls (Julie and Jill ) that we had been leapfrogging all along the route.We sat and had a chat with them and had a few drinks. We continued on our way, the girls having left the pub before we did.

At Goring we walked over the bridge that crosses the Thames, where there is also a lock, stopped an had a look at the long boats, which a very pretty with all their nice painted structures.. Just after this Lawrence went off in search of a shop that sold plasters as he had a blister under the heel of his foot which needed attention, I continued along the riverside path, Lawrence eventually caught me up. We stopped and ate our lunch before going too far. At this point it started to rain, the first we had experienced so far, this however was short lived it only lasted about five minutes. So it was off with the waterproof. The route was now well flat as you can imagine alongside the Thames, we made good progress, so good in fact that we caught the girls up. We continued on together until we reached our destination at North Stoke. They had to go on to Wallingford.

Our B & B was a pretty little cottage, we were met by Mrs Tanner, shown to our room, she then suggested that if we required to eat we should get a taxi to take us to Wallingford. She ordered the taxi for us.

Well, we went for a meal but at what cost, the taxi cost us £5 each way which makes for an expensive meal, so readers beware, take you evening meal before you arrive at North Stoke!. Again it was time to rest.

14 July 1999 North Stoke to Bledlow Ridge 15 miles

After a restful night it was up with the larks, shower then down to a full English breakfast, had a chat with Jeremy who was walking East to West he said he had done a 20 miler the day before. Up then to the room to pack, collect our packed lunches, pay the bill and we were on our way.

We headed North to-wards Wallingford, where at Mongewell there was a slight diversion as the path was closed due to burrowing anilmals, we took a path to the East, this was straight and was to lead us to Nuffield. But before that we had to walk along Grims Ditch and it was in fact a ditch in places, we came out of the other end only to meet the two girls that we seemed to be leapfrogging all the time. They were trying to decide which way the path went and after consulting the books and the map we decide on the route, however this proved to be wrong, but it did not make that much of a difference as we soon found Nuffield, and picked up the path again. This time it took us over Nuffield Common which is a Golf Course that was nice walking, we were now heading more or less North, after a few twists and turns we ended up at North Farm which is South of Britwell, we sat there and ate our lunch..

We then continued on the Ridgeway which also ran into the Swan's Way taking us to the south and east of Watlington continuing to travel in a North Easterly direction we went under the M40 and went on towards Chinnor. Just after Bledlow Cross which we contoured we then dog legged around to come back on a South Easterly direction which was to take us to Bledlow Ridge and Old Callow Down Farm.

We were met at the door by Mrs Gee, then her husband came out introduced himself and said he would make the Tea this was taken to our room. The accommodation was I think first class, we had our own room with beds and chairs, plus our own Bathroom. We enjoyed our Tea then refreshed ourselves before going out for a meal ( Mrs Gee will sometimes cook but it has to be by arrangement ). Mr Gee offered to take us to the 'The Lions' Pub at Bledlow where on arrival we were entertained by the Towersey Morris Men, we had a good meal and a drink. We walked back to the farm via a footpath which had been pointed out to us by Mr Gee, it didn't take us very long. We were ready for our beds by this time