St Birinus Part 2, short version: Blewbury Circuit North
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The village of Blewbury, nestling below Churn Hill, boasts 'chocolate-box' cottages with thatched roofs and colourful gardens. Even the walls to some footpaths are thatched, an unusual feature of this area. Passing through the churchyard, cared for as a wildlife reserve, it's worth looking inside the ancient church, especially on some summer Sunday afternoons when tea, coffee and cake are often served! Walk alongside the crystal-clear streams and out via a farmyard to Blewburton Hill, with its Iron Age fort. The path crosses the shoulder of the hill, but it is worth taking advantage of the open access to climb to the top, for the view which enabled King Alfred to keep a lookout for invaders trying to cross the Thames at two possible fords. From here to South Moreton the flat Thames Valley provides both arable farmland and grazing for several beautiful horses. Near South Moreton you leave the route of the St Birinus Pilgrimage to loop back to your starting point. Crossing further fields with hedgerows and drainage ditches, you reach the outskirts of East Hagbourne, from where it's an easy walk back to Blewbury.
For more information about the St Birinus Walks please go to St Birinus
England - Central England - Oxfordshire - Thames Valley
Features
Ancient Monument, Birds, Butterflies, Church, Flowers, Mostly Flat, Pub