SUCCESSFUL FIRST WALK TO INAUGURATE "WALKERS ARE WELCOME" STATUS
Over 30 walkers enjoyed a successful walk on Sunday 25 Aug. to mark Charlbury's admission to the network of 'Walkers are Welcome' towns and villages.
By permission of Lord Rotherwick the route included parts of Cornbury Park and Estate not normally available to the public. Having left Charlbury along the Park boundary and past the fisheries, we were able to leave the right of way and turn along the lime avenue through Little Park. Rejoining the right of way on Patch Riding took us to Vista Gate. Then we were able to follow the wide grassland of the Grand Vista up on to Newhill Plain (home of the 19thC Wychwood Forest Fairs). There we were intrigued by the large patches of Toadflax (see picture) and made a short refreshment stop near the single yew tree in the middle of the plain. From the plain a change of scenery took us in to woodland and the mature beech avenue of Tower Light to the Park wall. After entering through Vista Gate, the final section of the walk took us across Cornbury Park to its ice house and then to North Lodge. Watched warily on the way by two large groups of the Park's Sika and Fallow deer.
All agreed, in spite of the dull (but dry weather): an excellent walk for the occasion.
Tony Graeme · Sun 25 Aug 2013, 18:44 · Link