Rapley Lake

Our first proper walk for 3 months held hope of sunshine and bluebells.  After so many months of snow, rain and just general chilliness, we were happy to get out and walk in the sun.

Lots of clear streams which were very enticing on such a lovely day.  We even saw some fish which, at 6 or 7 inches, seemed quite long for such a shallow brook.

http://www.bagshotvillage.org.uk/walks/rapley1.shtml This 3 mile walk was easy to follow, apart from the area closest to Bagshot Park which had been totally churned up by logging vehicles.  The paths were unrecognisable.  We were lucky enough to meet a couple who were doing our walk in reverse and advised us which way to go.

Churned up paths and not a bluebell in sight.

The state of the paths did add some interest and hilarity when the mud kept hold of DH's shoe!  He  regrets not wearing his boots!  It became quite obvious that this area was not going to be the stroll we'd expected so we short cut the right arm of the walk and followed the stream to catch the returning path.  The path improved greatly after this.

We reached the lake and the boys recognised the lake immediately, having usually approached from the opposite direction.  It's a shame that more of the lake isn't accessible, but perhaps it wouldn't be as unspoilt in that case.  We look forward to returning when there is more colour in the trees.

Waterlilies on the lake last August

A gentle stroll downhill returned us to the felled trees and more churned up paths, before following the track back to our car on Conaught Drive.  

It was a lovely day for a walk in the woods and I think we picked just the right walk (apart from the state of some of the paths).  It was close to home and short enough to get us back into the spirit   and leave enough time for everything else we had planned for the weekend.  Looking forward to next time - and hopefully we'll find some bluebells.

Wendy Booth - Portrait Artist

Chapel Green and Luckley Path

New year and finally a dry clear day.  What a beautiful day for a walk!

Another one from "Rambling for Pleasure in East Berkshire".  Having found 3 -4 miles getting easier we decided to do 4.5 miles.  It was a gorgeous day and we just enjoyed strolling through fields and along lanes - passing several others enjoy the New Year's sunshine.

 Hardly a cloud in the sky - and finally a break from the rain which had barely stopped for weeks.

The ground was, of course, incredibly wet and fields and paths were still flooded.  The path running parallel to the railway line is tarmacked.  Most paths were tarmacked or gravel so we didn't have too much trouble.

After the Gorrick Cottage we turned in to Gorrick Plantation.  We had walked in this area in July and spotted a slow worm - it was golden in colour and we were all quite excited!  No such wildlife today though.

Passing through Gray's Farm (pick your own fruit), which is currently closed for winter, we wondered what these plants were growing in rows.  They didn't look particularly healthy, but what do we know?

The sun low in the clear sky produced long shadows and beautiful views across the sports fields and meadows of Ludgrove School.

There was no escaping the mud and sludge on these very wet paths.  It would take more than a morning without rain to dry up these footpaths.

On the route through Langborough Park, we stopped at the playground for a short play on the park before heading back to the car through Huntley Palmer Gardens. 

A very enjoyable walk - quite an easy 4.5 miles - mostly on the level.