History & mystery in and around Wallingford
14 people attending
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Overview:
Join us for this pleasant walk mainly following the course of the River Thames as it winds its way through South Oxfordshire.
Route details:
The walk starts in the village of Cholsey and we will make our way down to the riverside, where there are often canoers and kayakers enjoying the water. We will walk north and cross over the river to pass the 12th century church at Newnham Murren (no longer in use).
We will then get to the pretty village of Crowmarsh Gifford and cross back over the Thames into Wallingford, a delightful small town with plenty of history, where we can stop for lunch. We will visit Wallingford Castle, most famously used by Empress Matilda in the 12th century then destroyed after the English Civil War.
After returning to the riverside briefly, we pass Winterbrook House, previously owned by crime author Agatha Christie and where she spent her final months. We will then walk out of Wallingford towards the old railway line, now preserved as the Cholsey and Wallingford Railway heritage line.
We follow the tracks back to St Mary’s Church in Cholsey, where we can see the final resting place of the Queen of Crime herself, before making our way back into the village.
Distance: 15km/9.5m
Time walking: approx 4-5hours.
Don't waste that space!
With less autumn walks please only book if you know you can make it. If your plans change please free up the space for someone else.
Is it dog friendly?
Dogs are welcome on the walk, but unfortunately they aren’t allowed into the gardens at Wallingford Castle and please abide by the Countryside Code (https://tinyurl.com/rlqvp3h). Please also remember not everyone loves dogs as much as you do so please be mindful of other members.
New Members
Please feel free to join this as your first OutdoorLads event. If you have any questions then feel free to message me, or go to the "My First Event" section under "About Us".
Image / photo credits:
Wallingford Castle (Peter Reed) - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0
Fields (Howard Stanbury) - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.0/
Bridge (Wikimedia Commons) - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.0/
Want to Get Out More?
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IMPORTANT! - Participation Statement
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What to bring
For your comfort and safety please be prepared for the anticipated weather and the terrain of the walk - keep in mind the following:
Boots: Hiking boots that are waterproof and breathable whilst providing good ankle support. Cross trainers/approach shoes may suffice in good weather and flat routes.
Socks: Proper walking socks keep your feet dry, and help prevent blisters.
Walking Trousers: (ideally water resistant) will be more comfortable than jeans which can be heavy and cold when wet.
Layered clothing: allows you to quickly adapt to changes in the weather as well as body temperature. e.g., a base layer or a cotton T-Shirt; a mid layer like a micro fleece, or a rugby type thick shirt, and in cooler weather an outer layer consisting of a windproof jacket or a thick fleece.
Hat: essential in summer to prevent sunburn and heatstroke.
Small Rucksack: One that is comfortable to wear is essential so that you can use your arms freely. Place valuables in water proof bags inside.
Sunglassses: Comfortable sunglasses enhance your pleasure and keep insects out of the eye
Medicines: If you have allergies, are diabetic, or have minor ailments don't forget these!
Food & drink
Water:
- It's essential to bring enough water for a walk that will see us outside for 4 or more hours. Please review the weather forecast the day before the walk so you can plan accordingly.
- 500ml/hr is a good rule of thumb - so approximately 2 litres.
- If you fail to make up water lost via perspiration you'll get dehydrated which can lead to headaches and other problems. A hydration bladder is easier to use than bottled water, but higher maintenance.
Food:
- A packed lunch is required. There are several places in Wallingford that you can purchase sandwiches, drinks and other snacks from.