The Shakespeare's Avon Way - Ryton On Dunsmore, Bubbenhall & Wappenbury (8)

Another lovely early Autumn day and we are back on the Shakespeare' Avon Way. Starting point is the village of Ryton on Dunsmore. 

Leaving a residential area we quickly moved into a more familiar and rural environment. Walking in an anti-clockwise direction we were on a shared path with the Centenary Way and the Coventry Way. 

Nice open fields, a farmer is busy in his Tractor, flanked by numerous Gulls. We are headed in the direction of Bubbenhall.  

As part of a giving something back to a greener environment I will be randomly planting about two dozen conkers at suitable points on the walk.

Bubbenhall wood has been here since at least 1600 and is mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086 listed as 2 furlongs long and two furlongs wide (approximately 16 hectares which is about 12 football pitches)We won't be exploring it today though.

It's a beautiful quiet little village with a Church that has two 'Green Men' dating from the 13th Century. Would have liked to have seen those but sadly as is the way these days, the doors were firmly locked

Passing a smallholding with Goats and Donkeys I plant the first of my Horse Chestnuts (Conkers). Hopefully at least some of them will grow up be strong trees and help the environment. 

A very friendly Donkey comes to the gate to say hello. It must be his lucky day as he is the grateful recipient of a large carrott!

We pass a field full of Lavender bushes. There is a lady out with a wheelbarrow cutting the flowers by hand. 

 Warwickshire Lavender Farm is a beautiful farm on the edge of countryside, close to Bubbenhall. This land was about to be sold to a housing developer, but the new owners managed to grab the land last minute to protect it, giving this unproductive farm a new lease of life growing and processing lavender into natural products.

 

Our next port of call is Weston Under Wetherley. The most notable building is the Church of Saint Michael, there is an absence of a shop or pub .....One other notable absentee today would seem to be the River Avon! Nowhere to be seen anywhere. Well nowhere obvious anyway? I did hear some water a while back, perhaps that was it hiding?

Our next stop is Wappenbury, another great sounding name. Wappenbury is almost entirely inside the ramparts of an Iron Age hill fort.  

There are rich pickings to be had of the masses of ripe Damsons. We pick a large bag full in between mouthfuls for making Damson Gin. Just in the nick of time too as the hedge trimming machine is only yards behind. They will make an alternative to the usual 'Sloe Gin'.  

Not the Avon, the River Leam

We had just missed at wedding at St John the Baptist Church Wappenbury. We had though caught up with a large group of Ramblers... 

One of which suggested that I must look at the memorial dedicated to 'William Lyons' in the churchyard.

 

 

Who is 'William Lyons' I hear you ask? Known as 'Mr Jaguar' he was the founder of Jaguar Cars after WWII . In 1956, Lyons was knighted for his services to British industry and for the fine export performance of the company.

In 1966 Jaguar was bought by the British Motor Corporation (BMC) and in 1967 Lyons retired as managing director but remained as chairman of Jaguar Cars. He finally retired in 1972.

He retired completely to Wappenbury Hall in 1972, and continued in a consultative role to Jaguar until shortly before his death. Lyons died on 8 February 1985 at Wappenbury Hall,

His wife Greta, Lady Lyons, died the following year; they were both buried in St. John the Baptist churchyard close to their home.

It's a pity in a way that the memorial isn't in the shape of a Jaguar car, or even the Big Cat Jaguar logo. 

The lady Verger who I had been speaking to earlier pointed out Wappenbury Hall, a fine looking property opposite the church.

The house is pictured left and a fine abode it appears too. The Ramblers have re-assembled and are soon marching off into the distance. We give them a few minutes to get ahead of us. Ironically the first car we see coming along the road is a rather nice Jaguar XJF!

I spot a nice and iconic Toadstool growing on the grass by the church. The 'Fly Agaric' or 'Fly Amanita'. Although classified as poisonous, human deaths are very rare. 

They are very striking though with their white spotted red caps. We were to see several more as we progressed through Wappenbury Woods.       

It's an uphill climb to the wood which is a large semi-natural ancient woodland. It is rich in plants, butterflies and birds.

By the end of the 15th Century, the wood was known by its present name and provided a source of fuel, building materials and hunting opportunities for the local community.  

I plant a few more 'Conkers' in a few gaps around the wood. Bizarrely the Ramblers have disappeared completely? Still no sign of the River Avon today though.  

It's a nice place to visit with different footpaths veering off in different directions. 

Historically, an impressive 88 species of birds have been recorded, with plentiful sightings of warblers, woodpeckers and tawny owl. On a sunny Summer's day you may spot butterflies like white admiral and purple hair-streak.

 

The path leads into Ryton Wood and Country Park. Although part of Ryton Wood was lost to sand and gravel extraction in the 1960s, the wood has been returned to its present excellence though traditional management practices, and is one of the county's largest surviving semi-natural ancient woodlands.    
Parts of Ryton Wood date back to the 11th century, so the land may have been wooded since the end of last ice age. Finding coppiced, small-leaved lime stools is evidence to support this. Once the most common tree 5,000 years ago, the species is no longer so common.

As we leave the greenery of the woodlands and head back towards the start, we pass two other points of interest. Firstly Ryton on Dunsmore Police Training College. A little further on is a different kind of training ground for Coventry City FC. 

The last of the 'Conkers' planted, not on the Roundabout as suggested, and we are back to the starting point. A great walk with plenty of interest. A total distance of 11.25 miles! Never did see the River Avon ...

 

 

 

Faxton and Shortwood House walk from Old

Another beautiful early Autumn day, the sun is shining and It's T shirt and shorts weather. Starting off today in the village of Old, re-tracing part of the walk last week that started in Walgrave. 

I had noticed previously a rich crop of Blackberries waiting to be harvested. So that was the basic plan, load up with Blackberries and head out towards Faxton and back to Old.Things took a slightly different turn though into a longer and interesting walk.  

I was happily engrossed in the picking process when an over friendly dog came bounding over. 'Don't worry, he just finds you interesting' cried the laid back owner. She wasn't the one wearing shorts with a sharp clawed hound jumping all over hear. Eventually the errant creature aptly name 'Trouble' lost interest and skulked off looking for the next victim. 

I didn't fancy going through 'Old Poors Gorse' again. It was very muddy last week and not much to enthuse over really.

 I decided to veer off the marked path and take my chances. First signs were good as there was a cut strip to the left of the huge field. The problem was getting out! All potential escape routes had been blocked by giant bales of hay. Furthermore a tractor was going up and down in the next field.. Time to go into stealth mode. Waiting until the Tractor was at it's furthest point travelling away, I crawled under the hedgerow into the next field. 

I always have an image of being berated by an angry Farmer with a shotgun. I suspect it is more to do with the prevention of Hare Coursing as there are a number of signs warning of prosecution.

Back on familiar ground I emerge on the road next to 'Old Lodge' and continue downhill towards the deserted village of Faxton. Deserted as recently as 1960.

Annoyingly the gate on the Public footpath has been padlocked... The climb over is a further test for my Badminton sustained groin injury. I take an unfamiliar route, turning right towards 'Claridge Spinney'. This really is 'the middle of nowhere' territory and it is awesome! Nobody around , no sound just perfect peace and relaxation. I decide to try and make my way to 'Shortwood House'.

Shortwood House

I've said before that there is something special about navigating from a paper O/S Map. Today is one of those occasions. The views are fantastic and you can literally see for miles. A lone horse rider has a quick chat before trotting off . Following the edge of 'Short Wood' it is just the Pheasants that I have for company. Thankfully there is no shooting today and the birds are in relaxed mood.   

I had wanted to see Shortwood House at close quarters, with Its Hawking Tower for a long time. The three- storeyed Tower dates back to 1720. To the south, the boundary of the grounds is formed by a 'ha-ha' so as not to interrupt the stunning views of the finest Northamptonshire countryside. 

There are some fantastic trees out this way too. Amazingly they are all still in full leaf and only just starting to adopt their Autumn colour. It is always the Horse Chestnut trees that go first. Interesting fact of the day Horse chestnut leaves are used for treating varicose veins, hemorrhoids, and swollen veins (phlebitis). Something to keep in mind I suppose.

The path starts to take me back towards Scaldwell. The one on the map is closed off and there is a redirection in place.I must be in the right place as a Farmer in a Tractor goes by with a cheery wave. At least I think it was a wave? It's a bit muddy underfoot where the Tractor has been back and forth. Thankfully the next field is pretty dry, useful as I have to go diagonally across. I seem to recall walking around the edge of this huge field the last time. 

A couple are coming towards me as well as their dog I now know is called 'Paddington'. Who once again makes a 'bee line' straight towards me. He seems friendly but I've made that mistake before of course. I'm literally once bitten twice shy. I always feel I have to explain myself, why I'm not on the floor fussing their pride and joy. 'Been bitten, keeping my distance' lightning can strike twice where dogs are concerned.They were a very nice couple, I showed them my Blackberries..... Easy.. that was not a 'Carry on Rambling' euphemism.   

They carry on, you might be able to make them out in the picture on the left ..(Maybe not). 

I emerge into someones front garden! At least that seems like the case. A man is coming out of his front door. 'Always wondered where this path came out' I offered. 'Well now you know' was the reply as he got in his car and disappeared. 

Opposite the path was an Apple tree overhanging a garden wall. Just what the Doctor ordered, I availed myself of half a dozen to go with the Blackberries.Definitely going to be a large Crumble in the 'Arthur' household tonight.

Church of St Peter. & St Paul Scaldwell

 The Church in Scaldwell is Grade 2 listed and dates back to 1213.

Further down in the village a cricket match is taking place on someones front lawn. It's a bit late in the season though and the wicket is very green. Definitely a good toss to win and have a bowl I suspect. 

The bowler has the right idea coming down the slope. I don't have time to watch the match unfold though. Slightly distracted I walk up someone else's drive missing the footpath. 

Last leg of the walk now as I head back towards the starting point of Old.

A bit like Buses I wait all walk for a 'Footbridge' and then two come along at once. I do like a good 'Footbridge' as regular readers will well know.   

Got to be careful now this next part is tricky in several ways. The arrows seem to take you on the wrong side of the hedge. Then it is impossible to get back so you have to come all the way back up. Secondly there are usually horses in the field too. I always find horses very unpredictable at the best of times. On this occasion I am so relieved to have passed them without incident I don't spot the rather large Bull lurking in the shadows. At this point I'm ready to sacrifice the remains of my 'Whispa' chocolate bar in a dash for the stile.He is a proper Bull too , a ring through the nose any all sorts going on.

Feeling slightly braver from the other side of the fence I venture to take a photo of our friend. 

The last obstacle is the large Sheep field and plenty of land mines to be avoided if you see what I mean? They too seem quite menacing but soon scatter as I near them. Over the style and I'm back by the Pub in Old.
      

Another really enjoyable walk that comes in at just over 9 miles. One or two hair raising moments as always. But a tranquil and mindful walk that I will definitely do again in the future. 

I'm off to wash my Blackberries..... please not again ....

Warners Gin 'Sloe Amnesty', and Harrington to Arthingworth Triangular Walk

 

Over the last couple of weeks I have been busy scouring the local hedgerows in search of Sloes. Sloes are the fruit of the Blackthorn (Prunus Spinosa). I've got a few scratches too, as a result of the long sharp thorns. My foraging travels have taking me to Strixton, Walgrave, Sywell Woods, Brackmills Woods and my home patch at Crow Fields Moulton. 

Armed with a 25 litre container full of of the precious Sloes we made the short journey to the village of Harrington. We are at the home of the famous 'Warner's Gin Distillery' 'Falls Farm'. 

Since 2012 the good people of Warner's have been producing high quality Gin from the family farm. Many of the ingredients and botanical's are grown on the premises too. In exchange for our haul of Sloes the good people of Warner's will exchange for bottles of their own produce, hence a 'Sloe Amnesty'.  

The first step on arrival is the 'weigh in'! The container goes on the scales and the reading comes back as 16kg which is a bit more than I had expected actually.

Once weighed the Sloes are then tipped unceremoniously into a huge vat of Gin. Here they will stay for a good 4-6 weeks as they infuse with the Gin providing wonderful flavour and colour. It is often said that Sloes shouldn't be picked until the first frost has been. However the same effect can be achieved by freezing and this also saves the tedious process of pricking or forking individually.

The exchange rate for the sloe amnesty worked out as follows.

Up to 5kg - A 5cl bottle

5kg - 9.9 kg - A 20cl bottle 

For every 10kg - A 70cl bottle

We received a 70 cl bottle of Sloe Gin, and a 20cl bottle of the Harrington Dry Gin. I also purchased a discounted bottle of the Lemon Balm Gin. The ingredients of Lemon Balm, Lemon Verbena,Lemon Thyme, Juniper, Coriander Seed, Lemon Peel, Angelica Root, Liquorice, Bee Pollen, Pink Peppercorn, Grapefruit, Cinnamon and Lavender were too much to resist!

Rhubarb in the Botanical Garden

It's lovely sitting in the Botanical Garden enjoying the sunshine with a 'Hot Toddy'. Of course it's no ordinary mulled wine being Warner's. This is a beast of a beverage with Sloe Gin, Apple Juice, Star Anise, Orange pieces and cinnamon sticks. 

I catch up with owner Tom Warner too who tells me that there is a Fete going on at the Village Hall next door. I like a tombola as much as the next man so popped in to check it out. After getting several quizzical looks from those gathered a well spoken Gentleman inquired as to why I had gatecrashed the village get together! It was clear that I was definitely 'persona non grata' Neither the offer of a sausage roll let alone a drink were forthcoming. 

I made my exit trying to remain as dignified as possible. Thanks Tom !

 

The scenery around Harrington is spectacular there is no doubt about it. Moving on from Warner's we picked up the footpath almost opposite and headed towards Arthingworth. It is a lovely early Autumn day. The trees are still in full leaf as we cross the old bridge over the River Ise. 

 

We continue into the village of Arthingworth, past the church and to 'The Bull' for a pint.

We back tracked to the same field but took a different path back across fields. I have done a similar walk before I'm sure, there is probably a blog write up somewhere on the list.

Lots of open countryside and big skies and nobody else around, perfect. Just the odd Red Kite and Buzzard circling the blue skies above.

The path takes us to the road, which goes to Thorpe Underwood if you choose to carry on. We take the bend and make the uphill climb back into Harrington passing the Tollemache Arms and the church. The festivities at the Village Hall all seem to have died down now. Not an empty Chardonnay bottle or 'Vol Au Vent' to be seen. Can't help but think if it was Moulton it would be just getting into it's stride!

It has been a great afternoon though. Enjoyed visiting the Warner's Farm Distillery for the first time. Hopefully the 'Open Days' will start soon and we can pop over for a proper tour. 

The 'triangular' walk was very enjoyable too and came in at just under 5 miles of fairly easy walking.