We are nearing the end of our stay at Cholsey Grange CL, it is amazing how the time has flown. The weather on this year’s trip has not been as good as previous stays, but we have still thoroughly enjoyed our time. After one last ride on Ted’s mower to ensure the site is pristine for his return I lace up the boots to head out for a short stroll with Lynnie and the dogs.
Today’s route is a slight variation of a walk I blogged last week, however, it is worth sharing because it offers an alternative, easier, option to the final section. We leave the site through the gate at the far end to join the footpath and turn left heading downhill into the woods of Twigside Bottom. At a junction of paths we turn right following a route signed to Fingest. There are options to leave the path on the left and the right but we ignore these and continue on the path along the bottom of the valley. Soon we spot an amazing “forest” of fungi growing on a tree.
Shortly before reaching a road we turn right following the path uphill. On reaching a stile we cross and turn right to follow the road for a few yards before crossing and going through a kissing gate to enter the downs above Turville. We walk diagonally to the right across the downs to go through another kissing gate. Here there are clumps of Chiltern Gentians, which as the name suggests are only found in these parts.
We carrying on downhill to reach a junction of paths and go slightly right to go through a gate into woods and follow the path as it gradually climbs uphill to another kissing gate. We follow the fence line uphill and then along the top of a field. We stop to look across the valley at the deer; meanwhile Dexter and Crosby munch away on blackberries.
It is amazing that they only pick the ripe fruit and manage to do this without getting prickles in their mouths. We ignore a path on the right and continue to the end of the field where we turn right and then very soon left following the path through Beech woodland. After a hundred yards or so we take a footpath that veers to the right. This is the first time I have walked this path, usually we follow the path through the lower section of the woods.
The path is clear and well marked and arrives at the edge of Ibstone village. Today we choose the option of walking back along the road through the village to return to Cholsey Grange. At just four and a half miles this is a pleasant stroll, once again we have seen some amazing things. It is astounding what can be seen if you look and listen whilst you walk!
To view this 4 mile walk on OS Maps Click Here
To follow this walk you will need Ordnance Survey Explorer Map 171 – Chiltern Hills West
23rd August 2017
© Two Dogs and an Awning (2017)
Love the beech woods here.