Naseby and Sibbertoft historic Battlefields Ride

View across the Brampton Valley

It's good to be back on my bike again. I've done a number of short rides all with varying degrees of pain Now I feel that my injury has healed sufficiently to venture a little further afield !

All of course while abiding with the current safe social distancing policy This involves keeping a good  two metres distance from anyone else.

My plan is to get to the historic village of Naseby where the most famous battle of the English Civil War took place in 1645.


Leaving Moulton I went out passed the College through the village of Pitsford.Turning right I joined the A508 Harborough Road. Not ideal but less busier I thought than the cycle track that goes all the way to Market Harborough. It was a beautiful Spring day so I took the opportunity to take a picture from one of my favourite beauty spots pictured above. Almost opposite the entrance to Lamport Hall and just before the village of Hanging Houghton. The view across the valley is superb.

 I pass Hanging Houghton and Lamport before reaching Maidwell. I'm nearing my turn off point but not before I have to negotiate a monster of a hill. I have to dig on all my energy reserves for this twisty beast.

After the hill there is respite as I turn left passed 'Scotland Wood' and the road is flat once more as I head towards Haselbeach. I stop again to photograph the wind turbines rising majestically thorough the golden fields of oil-seed rape crop.



Haselbeach is your quintessential sleepy English village. It might even be classified as a hamlet? I do know the population would be less than a hundred. I don't see anybody around , except for numerous cyclists of varying abilities.

I approach Naseby with some excitement, I can feel the air of being somewhere historic and I want to take it in.
A sign points to a monument commemorating the Civil War battle.  I take the road towards Clipston for about 400 yards and on my right is the Obelisk.  The sun is directly behind it so taking a half decent photo was tricky.

The monument was erected in 1823 by John and Mary Fitzgerald, Lords of the manor. It is one of two monuments in the village.

It's probably an appropriate time to introduce some of the leading characters involved in the battle.

King Charles I was head of the Royalist army (Cavaliers).
The Parliamentarian New Model Army (Roundheads) were supporters of Parliament and were lead by Sir Thomas Fairfax and Oliver Cromwell.  Prince Rupert (Kings nephew) deserves a mention too as a prominent Cavalry Commander.

The Obelisk Memorial

Battle of  Naseby information sign

All Saints Church

You are here

I headed back into the village passing the All Saints Church on my left. It is thought a Church has been in Naseby since 1086 as he Domesday recorded a priest being there. A 17th-century table, known as "Cromwell's Table", stands in the north aisle.Most of the current church building was erected in the 13th and 14th centuries.

Cromwell Memorial - Battle of Naseby

Yours Truly

The fighting took place on the morning of the 14th June 1645. In the open fields of Naseby and surrounding area.This was like the 'Grand final' after three years of fighting. The Royalist (King Charles I) army was heavily outnumbered. They amassed a total of  10,10 (4,600 foot soldiers, 5,550 horses) .This compared to Parliamentarian (Sir Thomas Fairfax) forces of 13,576 (7,500 foot soldiers, 5,400 horses and 676 Dragoons). Unsurprisingly perhaps , the Royalists were defeated. 

It was a massive defeat ,Royalists had suffered 6,000 casualties,1,000 killed and 5,000 captured.Compared to just 400 Parliamentarians  either killed or wounded. Among those killed on the Royalist side was the bulk of Charles’ veteran infantry, including 500 officers. The king also lost all of his artillery, many of his arms and personal baggage. Today it is hard to imagine all the carnage and bloodshed of that day. The skies are clear blue, lush greenery and their is birdsong. Today it is a scene of perfect calm in this most tranquil of settings. 

Emptiness on the Al4

With some reluctance I leave Naseby and begin the journey towards home. The feeling of history seeps into you and it's hard to let go. I cross the deserted A14 again destination Welford via Sibbertoft. 

It's a steep old climb up through Welford and I'm blowing a bit at the top of the hill. I'm half tempted to veer off on some side tracks but stick to the main road. I don't want to abuse the government restrictions on suggested physical activity during the lock-down. Also its always a joy to pass Hollowell Reservoir from the A5199 on a sunny day.
The views are another of the county's best !

I stop at a deserted 'Red Lion' at Thornby. The picnic benches are still outside but the pub is all shut up. I make do with a banana and some cordial.

Beautiful Holowell Reservoir

Heading towards home I decide to leave the main road and detour down 'Merry Tom Lane'. The plan being to follow the 'Brampton Valley way' back to Kingsthorpe. It was a nice idea but the track was just too crowded with walkers and cyclists. I veered off at the Brampton Halt and tackled another big hill up to Pitsford. From there it was a nice ride on to the finish line of home. I had covered over 38miles!

Pitsford, Boughton and Moulton Circular Walk

It's been a while since I last walked or even posted on the blog. Not surprising though really with the Corona-virus imposed lock down. Not to mention my recent shoulder/neck injury.

Anyway the sun is shining brightly today, albeit slightly windy.I'm in determined mood to make the most of the time allowed for exercise. I will be adhering to the safe distancing policy laid out by the government.

Starting point is the village of Moulton. I walk through the village past one of the three Public Houses 'The Telegraph'. Turning right past the Agricultural College I pick up  a footpath that takes me away from the road. Not that it's a busy road of course but it's still nice to get amongst the fields and hedgerows.

 

Quiet fields and Hedgerows

All you can hear is birdsong, a Red Kite glides above pursued by an angry crow. Not satisfied until It has seen him 'off of his patch'. It's a common sight that I imagine is played out on a daily basis I suspect. With sun beating down and the blue skies it almost feels like being on holiday. The reality being far different of course , but all the problems really do seem a world away right now.
The power of walking should never be underestimated and the effect it has on a persons mental health. It's in our DNA to walk , from centuries ago when hunter gatherers would walk up to twenty miles a day in search of food.

Rainwater coming off the field

The footpath ends in the pretty village of Pitsford . Had the pubs not been closed down I would have been tempted to pop into the 'The Griffin' for some refreshment perhaps. Instead I don't venture far into the village and double back up the hill roadside passing Pitsford School leaving the village behind.
I take the style on the right side of the road that is near to Pitsford Quarry also known as T's Wood. Recent heavy rainfall has lead to a steady flow of water draining downhill off the fields.I was tempted to walk through to the village of Boughton, that was the original plan. However the path along the fields seem pretty well laid out and clear. I remember walking hear a few years ago in the winter an it was all completely overgrown.

Following the path a gentle stream bubbles alongside . I follow it as far as it will take me not knowing  quite where it will come out?

Eventually a gateway appears and I realise that  I've arrived at the Ford that crosses 'Spectacle Lane' or 'Spec's Lane as it is better known.

The Ford was fairly shallow but always passable for cars. It always brings back  back memories of my youth. Paddling in the water and falling off my bike as I hurtled through.

The Ford at 'Specs Lane'

     

Continuing the quite steep climb up the hill of the lane I come across a very interesting site!  A Gate arch that is a grade II listed Gothic folly, erected  in 1770 by the second Earl of Stafford. I imagine it was once the entrance to a long driveway. It now stands alone and  and just a reminder of it's passed glory . I like it though, and to me and my lost youth it will always be something to treasure and appreciate.

'The Spectacle'

'Holly Lodge'

At the top of Spectacle Lane is a lovely house called 'Holly Lodge'. Built in 1861 by the Chemist Philadelphus Jeyes whose brother 'John' was the inventor of  'Jeyes Fluid' would you believe?
The story goes that Philadelphus was so fascinated by the 'Spectacle' that he copied the design for the entrance to his house. You can definitely see the similarity if you look at the two pictures above.
Another unusual feature is the farm implement gate, made up of twelve different tools. These include;  a spade, scythe and a Shepherds crook among other tools.  Unfortunately the gate was open ..so a photo wouldn't have done it justice.

The walk back into Moulton is on the road and not a lot to report  really until you reach the village. The welcome sight of the Church  dedicated to St Peter and St Paul looms large amongst the blossoms. Sadly the spire is long gone, taken down in the seventeenth century when it became unsafe.

The current building dates back to the early 14th Century but it is thought some kind of preaching took place on the site in the 9th Century.

Just time to pop into the village CO-OP to pick up much needed and essential supplies. As is the norm at the moment there is a queue outside . It makes a change from the queue that you usually get inside I suppose!
It's not too bad though and they let one person in, as one person comes out.  Generally speaking I have found people to be understanding and tolerant with the situation.


Armed with bread and milk and perhaps a bar of chocolate I take the scenic route back to base. This involves cutting across our very own Nature Reserve

Covering 8.7 hectares the area is mainly grassland
which has surviving medieval ridge and furrow..

It's a lovely area with plenty of mature tress to attract bird life and other wildlife in general. At the moment the hedgerows are full of flower. 
Its been a lovely little walk and great to get out of the house . 

Colourful Hedgerows

Walking The Ridgeway - Marlborough Downs & Barbury Castle

Our Route

Very much looking forward to this leg of the walk , the penultimate one of our quest.
Another Iron Age Hill Fort, more racing gallops and potentially another White Horse to track down. What more could a rambler wish for?

We started the walk in the pretty village of Ogbourne St George this time . We walked through OSG on our last walk and got very muddy crossing the river.
According to the sigh the River Og is a 'winterbourne'. For the uninitiated as I was, a 'winterbourne' is a stream or river that is dry through the summer months. A winterbourne is sometimes simply called a 'bourne' from the Anglo- Saxon word for a stream flowing from a spring, although this term can also be used for all-year water courses. 

Winterbournes generally form in areas where there is chalk.  When it rains, the porous chalk holds water in its aquifer releasing the water at a steady rate. There was an awful lot of water flowing through the village from all the recent rain.

Up on the The Ridgeway the skies started brightly enough, however the forecast was a very mixed bag indeed. The chance of heavy blustery showers were forecast , with the threat of sleet and thunder and lightening thrown in for good measure. 

We are on Smeathes Ridge in the heart of the Marlborough Downs. Perfect horse racing country but not perfect weather I'm afraid. One of those blustery showers has blown in at rapid speed and hardly any time to get the waterproofs on .

What I love are the big open skies, the expanse is awesome and the rain doesn't matter.

It's one of those times when you feel alive and at one with the elements.   

Massive rolling skies

The rain arrives

We soon reached Barbury Castle Country Park and thankfully as quick as the rain blew in , it blew out again. I believe this part is commonly known as 'Cowpat Hill'. The White Horse Kite Flyers Club were out in force with some amazing designs. There was an Orca Killer Whale, a pair of footballers legs and a rather stunning Lionfish amongst others. It really was the perfect location to fly a kite for sure. 

Lionfish Kite

Barbury Castle

Kites in the breeze

Steep earthworks

In my opinion Barbury Castle is the best of the Iron Age Hill Forts seen so far on The Ridgeway. In perfect weather conditions The Cotswolds and River Severn can be seen.  It has two deep defensive ditches and ramparts. The Ridgeway runs right through it. The site was first occupied around 2500 years ago. Strategically placed on top of the hill there are great views across the Wessex Downs.

Barbury Castle in the distance

Our walk takes us right by the racing stables of Neil King Ridgeway Racing , and a very noisy guard dog. The yard has over 40 horses in training and is the former stronghold of Trainer Jim Old. 

It was here that Jim trained Collier Bay to win the 1996 Champion Hurdle and Irish Champion Hurdle, as well as the previous year's Imperial Cup.  

 We begin to loop back round and quickly Barbury Castle in long in the distance. It's very up and down as we make our way back towards Ogbourne St George. It's a long walk today at over 12 miles. We pass through the small village of Rockley with it's pond and Duck Island. 

It's a welcome sight though to see the Church spitre of OSG come into view. It's be a great walk , perhaps one o the most enjoyable so far.   

View looking back

 A welcome sight

Walking The Ridgeway - Ogbourne St George circuit

Back on The Ridgeway for the first time in 2020 ! Been a whole host of reasons for the delay,  not least illness on all parties involved and atrocious weather. It was a bit of an effort to remember where the last walk had actually finished

We started on the other side of our old friend 'Liddington Castle' The weather was much clearer today affording a better view of the site mentioned in my previous blog

The weather on the way down was mixed with some very heavy showers The forecast though was encouraging but still the chance of a shower or too.

It was only a short walk from the car parking space to get on to The Ridgeway , always prefer to get on it early really.

 There was some very nasty black cloud quickly moving our way , thankfully we only caught the edge. I was particularly grateful not to have to unpack all the waterproof gear.

Looking to our right we had views of Swindon in the distance. The track was particularly rutted and with all the recent rain very muddy. 

A path cut across The Ridgeway leading to 'Upper Upham' one way and you guessed it Lower Upham' the other . I find things like that mildly amusing. I chuckled to myself at the irony.

Another prominent landmark is the Radio mast at the 'Snap Crossroads'.

We avoided the first turn off to Ogbourne St George thankfully.The mud was horrendous although there was a particularly nice view of the Golf Course.

Our route took us around the Village of Ogbourne St George, rather than through it.
The  name refers to the River 'Og' and the Church of St George. We are about 3 miles north of Marlborough, Wilts.

There isn't much to see in the village , but apparently there is a pub somewhere.

Its a pretty little village though  and we actually walk past the old Manor House. This was built on the site of a Benedictine Priory dating back to 1149.

The house is Jacobean and the date 1619 is inscribed on one of its chimney stacks.

From there we cut through the churchyard, another Grade 11  listed building of possible Norman origin. 

Church of St George -Ogbourne St George

The footbridge over the River Og was just about passable but was flooded. The River rises near the hamlet of Draycot Foliat and flows through Ogbourne St George , Ogbourne St Andrew and Ogbourne Maizey , where it joins the River Kennet.

Quagmire by the bridge

I may have forgotten to report that we had three dogs in tow with us today. All impeccably behaved I'm pleased to report. As well as being flooded , the footbridge was also rotten and sinking fast.
I quick cut across a relatively dry by comparison field, took us on to the cycle or walking route along the now disused Chiseldon and Marlborough Railway line.

The path starts in Marlborough where you cross the River Kennet and head into the countryside. Passing through the pretty villages of Ogbourne St Andrew and Ogbourne St George before finishing at Chiseldon.

Its about 15 miles in total and nice and easy for cycling and walking.  We follow the path all the ay back to where we left the car. A very enjoyable walk and now just two legs left to complete our quest of walking The Ridgeway.