Walking the Ridgeway - Nuffield

Holy Trinity Nuffield

Our starting point for the next leg of The Ridgeway was the small quiet village of Nuffield. We set off literally from The Holy Trinity Church, built in 1189 the final resting place of William Morris (1877-1963).   The man who formed the mass production car factory producing the 'Morris Oxford'.

Our Starting Point

 The walk today was in doubt up to the last minute because of the weather. It had rained all night long and not abated when we set off. The forecast was for a slightly improving picture with the chance of heavy showers.
 The route today would take us in the direction of Wallingford and North Stoke. We wouldn't get that far as we would be doing a circular route of around 8.5 miles. All of the early Ridgway route today took in 'Grim's Ditch (also Grimsdyke, Grimes Dike or Grim's Bank). Little is known about them , as there are several. Built during the Iron Age and Grim is the Saxon word for Devil. The best guess is that they were built to mark out boundaries , but no one is entirely certain.

Shelter in the woodland from the rain

It was lovely following the course of the tree line ditch and we had some cover from the driving rain and biting wind.

I always feel a little sad when it is time to veer away from the Ridgeway . This has been a lovely stretch with fantastic views to be seen on either side of the path . The rain has now abated and we are treated to some welcome sunshine. We will be picking up the Ridgeway path again soon  though as we head back through Ewelme.  

Superb views

This is probably a good point to show a map of the route and where we were so to speak if you are still following.

You are here

 

The darkening skies and sunshine made for some decent photo opportunities as we made our way north . 
Looking back in the distance the sun was shining on the remaining cooling towers at Didcot Power Station .However black clouds were about to engulf the brightness and rain was not far away.
We passed a very highly fortified area with double thickness fencing , barbed wire and security cameras. Probably the Russians that we had been warned to steer well clear of last time we were here. We pondered what might happen if we were to fly a drone over the premises Not a good outcome I suspect.

 We soon passed the spectacular house at Ewelme Park but no sign of our friendly Gardener this time.

Sunshine on the Cooling Towers

Sunshine and dark skies

We could see the rain coming but it actually arrived in the form of a torrential hail storm. Typically we were right in the middle of a field at the time with no shelter.

After about 10 minutes the rain /hail subsided and we were able to continue.

Making our way back towards Nuffield we passed the now derelict Crown Public House. We then had to cross Hunterscombe Golf Course. Literally crossing the Fairways which were not in the best condition.


All together a really enjoyable and interesting walk despite the weather! A few random other photos.