The Ridgeway: Wantage to Liddington Hill
Monday 13th July 2020
Finally, the first day of my m uch awaited two day walking and camping trip, to complete my walk along the Ridgeway National Trail, which had been on hiatus since March.
London July 2020
John's Pictures

10:51:30
I got the train to Didcot Parkway, and had a carriage all to myself for most of the way.

12:11:49
At the point where I got dropped off by the taxi. Me looking moronic and delighted to be back out walking again.

12:12:11
Me looking slightly less moronic but still delighted.

12:15:53
I won't try and write comments for all the photos - go and read John Goes For a Walk for more details!

12:18:26

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13:01:34

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13:26:36
The drinking water tap where I decided to stop and cook lunch.

13:29:39

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13:40:51
Today's lunch - vegan orzo bolognese.

13:52:41
I walked a little further down the track as the rehydrated meal needed to soak for 15 minutes.

13:53:54

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13:57:17
This seemed like a nice spot to sit and eat my lunch.

13:57:29

13:58:26
Lunch with a view.

13:59:39
It wasn't bad actually.

14:01:05

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14:10:19
Lots of butterflies on this stretch of the path. Here's a small tortoiseshell.

14:10:21

14:10:55
...and this is a peacock.

14:10:59

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14:18:37
Somebody had lost a water bottle.

14:26:25

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14:41:06
Crabapple tree?

15:04:11

15:04:23

15:04:38
The approach to Whitehorse Hill / Uffington Fort.

15:06:06

15:10:13
The trig point atop Whitehorse Hill. Unfortunately it seemed like it would be too much of a detour to get to a vantage point where I'd actually be able to see the white horse.

15:13:12

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15:14:17
Uffington Fort.

15:17:10

15:17:42

15:17:46
Felt a few spots of rain at this point which encouraged me to press on.

15:24:14

15:27:04
Sheep grazing. Yes indeed!

15:31:09

15:42:45
Intriguing bits of woodland off the path near Wayland's Smithy.

15:47:58

15:48:05
The entrance to Wayland's Smithy.

15:48:28

15:49:23
Wayland's Smithy.

15:49:45

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15:50:29

15:51:18
I rested here a while, and this was one of the nicest bits of today's walk. Very atmospheric and peaceful spot.

15:51:30

15:52:36
I found this stone quite intriguing.

15:52:45

15:54:10

15:58:53
I look a bit glum here but was actually feeling very relaxed and content.

15:59:31

16:09:29

16:09:46

16:10:29
Goodbye Wayland's Smithy - thank you for the peace and quiet.

16:10:43

16:13:24

16:13:28
Back on the track again.

16:27:15

16:30:33

16:31:44
I was quite tempted but a quick check on Google Maps suggested a quarter of a mile was a bit of an under exaggeration. Also country pubs aren't often open in the middle of the afternoon, particularly on week days.

16:33:51
It started raining again, so I thought it prudent to put on the poncho. I felt a bit ridiculous wearing it but it is very weight efficient - half the weight of my raincoat, and also doubles as a groundsheet.

16:44:38
Farm with another drinking water point.

16:45:06
I don't think I actually saw another drinking water tap on the remainder of the route. I'm glad I carried plenty of water with me!

16:46:19

16:48:38
Slightly fascinated by this makeshift dwelling at the side of the track.

16:51:48

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17:04:12

17:10:36
I think that track leads down to Bishopstone.

17:15:37

17:18:38
An appealing old gate.

17:18:48
Bee on a scabious.

17:26:19
Charlbury Hill.

17:28:29

17:30:49
I took a slight detour to go to the top of Charlbury Hill and rested there a little while.

17:30:57

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18:01:03

18:05:08
Nearing the M4 now.

18:07:56
The first time I had passed anything like a pub or restaurant on the route today. I have to admit I was briefly tempted at the thought of a curry, but no, I pressed on.

18:12:31
The Ridgeway followed this road to cross the M4.

18:17:03
The M4. Not very atavistic.

18:21:03
Still following the road for a bit the other side, looking up to Liddington Hill.

18:30:00
This path followed alongside the road for a short section.

18:31:01

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18:32:45
...and finally the Ridgeway left the road altogether to climb Liddington Hill.

18:36:00

18:36:39
Views as I climbed Liddington Hill.

18:39:51

18:45:32
Near the top of Liddington Hill now.

18:58:54

19:00:21

20:17:02
I found an inconspicuous spot to put up my tarp shelter. It took quite a while as I realised my options were a bit limited with only four pegs and four guy lines. It looks very amateurish (because it is!) but it actually did a pretty good job of keeping the rain off, and it seemed to be raining almost all night.

20:37:30
Cooking dinner.

20:56:49
Another rehydrated meal for dinner - this time macaroni cheese. It was surprisingly good.