We started with a good ebike ride to get the ridge started. Liane is based in Compton, so we’re around the midpoint on the trail. We weren’t sure which way to tackle it but for a day one we started at home base and decided to head from Compton to Ivinghoe. We’d probably then head to Avebury and head to Compton, that way we’d be going West to East all way through.
This was a cycle across unimproved chalk grassland, traditionally grazed bringing plenty of wild flowers including orchids, butterflies and farmland birds. Round here, there are numerous Corn Bunting, which I hardly ever see up north. Also good numbers of Skylark, Meadow Pipit and a few Yellowhammer. Plus, of course, plentiful Red Kite.
There are LOTS of information signs on the walk. Pointers to the local villages, facilties pointers, QR codes and more.
The tracks here are wide and easy, with fantastic views over open, rolling countryside. A complete contrast to the Pennines, and West Pennines, which I know well. The ground is much harder and smooth. One of the River Pang’s tributaries, the Roden, starts here – this is Wind in the Willows country.
We crossed the railway bridge over the abandoned and disused Didcot-Southampton route.
Gallops and horses…
Matt Writtle
Streatley Warren field systems, neolithic, SSSI
Tree down on the route
