As a frequent visitor to Cholsey Grange CL I have done many walks from the site. However, there is such an extensive network of paths it is always possible to create a new route not previously travelled.
The forecast today is again showery so with a waterproof in my rucksack I set off leaving Cholsey Grange by the farm track heading downhill to the footpath leading into Penley Wood.
Once in the woods I turn left following the path through the trees.
I stay on the main track through the foot of the valley until I reach a stile, which I cross, and head towards Stokenchurch on a farm track that skirts the edge of the crops.
As I near the M40 I cross a stile and then take the Chiltern Way footpath on the left and follow this around Coopers Court Farm.
The footpath is well way-marked and I am soon walking besides crops.
After passing through a small copse and heading besides another field the path divides. Here I take the option that carries straight on, leaving the Chiltern Way which forks to the left.
After crossing the driveway for Studdrige Farm I cross a field and enter Commonhill Wood. There is a network of tracks in this area of woodland, but I follow the way-markers painted on the trees, which lead me to the Ibstone Road.
I turn right along the road and then within a short distance take a bridleway on the left this clear way-marked route heads steadily downhill into the Wormsley Estate. On reaching an estate road near Wellground Farm I turn left.
I stay on the estate road following way-markers, after passing the cricket ground the road becomes a track. At a fork in the path I go right and head along the bottom of the valley.
I stay on this track, ignoring a path that would take me onto the Chiltern Way.
, until it nears an estate road; here I turn left and cross a field to enter Hale Wood. So far I have managed to avoid the rain, but as soon as I enter the wood it starts to pour down so I take shelter under a tree.
Fortunately it is only a short sharp shower so I am soon resuming my walk by crossing a narrow field to enter Great Wood. The path is clear as it climbs steeply through the trees; despite the rain it is a warm afternoon this adds to the intensity of the ascent. Emerging from the trees I cross a field.
I then follow a path between the gardens of houses that brings me out onto a tarmac lane where I turn left and walk besides Ibstone Common to reach the village cricket ground.
I am now back at the driveway to Cholsey Grange CL. My wander around has been close to six miles, which is just about right for Crosby and I on a muggy afternoon.
To follow our walk you will need Ordnance Survey Explorer Map 171 – Chiltern Hills West
10th August 2019
© Two Dogs and an Awning (2019)