Geocaches - 21
Walk Inspiration
Distance on Ridgeway - 4.7 Miles
Starting Point - Free parking at Barbury Castle
I never for a moment expected a potential walk of the year to be starting just outside of Swindon. I suppose I shouldn't have been too surprised, I have been to Barbury Castle once before. This was for a works social event that involved the use of shotguns. It could have gone very badly wrong. I remember at the time thinking that this looked like fine walking country and vowed to come back.
Its taken over two years to make this happen and the reason is that its stage 2 of the Ridgeway, as I try and break down this Long Distance Path into a series of day walks.
A bank holiday and excellent weather. What are the chances. I didn't feel too bad getting up at 5:50am to get down here, as there was no traffic and a relatively quick drive on deserted motorways. By 7:30am, I am parked up, booted up and have my hands on the first cache of the day.
As an extra bonus, this section of the walk is loaded with caches. They are mainly in excellent condition and easy finds. I could be here all day talking about them, so I will leave it with just a "thanks to the cache owners" for boosting my numbers so significantly.
The walking is simply superb. No need to worry about directions, as I follow an excellent path South East.
Just follow the Chalk Road |
Never mind the Gallops |
Not as many standing stones as Stage 1 in Avebury |
Unexpected Church |
Pond Cottage on the other side of the road |
Tuck Into That |
By the read of the description, it is a massive boulder in a field full of boulders, all moved here by Glaciers in the ice age. It's the largest field of Sarsen Stones in Great Britain.
I bet Sonia can't believe she missed out on this for an extra hour in bed.
Sarsen, as far as the eyes can see |
And a handy place for lunch |
Straight on, Avebury - Right fr the Ridgeway |
Views in all directions |
These clumps of trees are known as Hedgehogs and scatter the route. Burial Grounds. |
Nearing the End - Just the ramparts to go |
I plod on back to the car, happy that another plan is turning our so well. Simply stunning walking today.
But wait, I hear you cry. There is something missing from the Blog. The remote walking today has not bought into contact with any pubs.
Don't worry - I spied one on the way there. Always Patriotic, me. |
Wow! 21 in a day. My best has been 13 - well done. I've always fancied walking The Ridgeway. It looks great from your photos.
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