Kent National Trust Volunteers  (KNTV)

Event Reports

CROPREDY WALK  -  February 2006

Our annual walking weekend had been orgaised for the North Oxfordshire area this year. We met for 10am at our accommodation for the night, the Brasenose Inn. Donning thermals, waterpfoofs, boots, gators & however many layers each deemed necessary, we set off South along the scenic canal, past the civil war battle site.

Although it was a cold damp February day, fields were not too muddy as frost was making them nice and firm. In what seemed no time at all we arrived at our lunch destination but, being a little early, we approached the old church just in time to be shown around by the church warden. Suitably invigorated, we retraced a few steps into the pub where we spent a pleasant hour.

As time was moving on, Nigel took us away from our rest and northward through ancient field systems where the ridge & furrow markings were clearly visible. Joining one of the marked path systems, we were walking along the Oxfordshire/Northamptonshire border. Using a combination of map/gps/good sense we found our path southwards back towards Cropredy. Regaining the canal, we followed the towpath back to the Inn for a well-earned rest after over 11 miles of walking.

We ate in the pub, spent a comfortable night and then had a great British breakfast to set us up for another walk on the Sunday.

Starting earlier this time it was still a warmer day. Going west we soon found the fields were extremely muddy unlike the day before. Climbing enormous styles, we found ourselves crossing a bridge over the M40 before crossing into Warwickshire and climbing again to the quieter villages. Heading north for Warmington, we were getting bogged down in the mud but, we found our intended lunch stop at a pub and squeezed ourselves into a table in the corner having first removed our muddy boots.

Another pleasant time later it was time to find our way to Cropredy again. With only 4 miles left to go we soon found our way there. This had been another 11-mile walk. Stowing our muddy gear in the cars, it was time for the 2-hour drive back home. This pleasant weekend was enjoyed by Martin, Gary, Nigel, Mike, Deborah, Christine & Colin.