Blog 19, Clifton Hamden Bridge to Abingdon, Sunday 10th August

Another lovely walk with Richard and Jackie, approximately 6 1/2 miles across meadows and tree lined paths on a rather hot day. We took our time and stopped for an ice cream at Clivedon Lock, before setting off for Culham Lock. Richard was taking the photographs, so no odd hands and arms appearing out of nowhere. 

The first picture is of Clifton Hamden Bridge, Richard insisted that Jackie and I appeared in the photo.

 

Our walk to Clivedon Lock was quite short from our starting point but nevertheless the ice cream was much appreciated. The lock proved to be quite busy, lots of boaters out enjoying the Sunday sun.

On we went across meadows offering very little shade. As the path was narrow we were walking single file, so no chatting. I found myself out front setting the pace, not a position I really like, but was reassured with Richard and Jackie saying the pace was fine. Richard estimated we had about 2 1/2 miles to go to Culham lock at this stage. 

Walking through the meadow path, lots of Cranesbill edging the field. It reminded me of  walks with Elizabeth in Somerset close to where we lived.  We used to name a wildflower for the year. I remember it was Marsh Marigolds one year and another it was Cowslips and one year it was the Cranesbill. The ones on the river path were a really dark blue. We also saw very hot sheep trying to find shade in the long grass. We heard a lapwing making its distinctive cry but no sign of him or her. As the field was protected by an electric fence we thought this was good protection for ground nesting birds. The shade was in the form of clumps of trees on the riverbank, shedding some shade on the path which was very welcome. Eventually we came to a shaded path which was very inviting. Wide enough to avoid tree roots and stinging nettles.

By this time we were about a mile from Culham Lock and seeing more people about pick-nicking and a group of young lads swimming and setting up a BBQ. Too hot for dog walkers just human's like us daft enough to be out in the mid afternoon sun. This picture is a lovely stretch of river.

Eventually we came to Culham Lock and just beyond it took photos of swans enjoying a quite inlet in the river. Jackie was particularly interested in the swans and it made her day when we saw two flying over our heads.

At this point we were about 2 miles from Abingdon. We were due to meet Jen and Richard and Jackie's friends at the Nags Head at 6pm and estimated we would arrive around 5.30. 

We came out of the wooded area and came onto meadowland where we could see Abingdon Marina and the houses marking the  beginning of Abingdon coming into view.

So much better with Richard taking the photographs. We were able to find the energy for a final spurt to Abingdon Bridge passing boats, paddleboarders, families enjoying the river as it was a little cooler by this time.

We completed the walk in approximately 3 hours from Clifton Hamden, and congratulated ourselves walking through the heat of the afternoon to achieve our goal.

I really appreciated Richard and Jackie for accompanying me and for Richard supplying photographs to make this blog more interesting.

Next walk is from Abingdon to Oxford. I intend to do this early Thursday morning, and will walk from Sandford Lock back to Abingdon to meet with friends for lunch, This will be the second stretch I am doing back to front.

I am hoping to reach the Trout at Wolvercote for lunch on Sunday, 17th of August.