April Day Walk: Goring on Thames
Sixteen members enthusiastically indulged in Mike's new Goring venture desspite the slightly longer car journey time involved. It was a magnificent spring day weatherwise and we all enjoyed the opportunity for local refreshments before and after the 11.5 mile ramble.
The Thames path downstream from Goring includes iconic views of the river from the side of the Goring Gap through the Chiltern Hills. We could see the National Trust Basildon Park mansion on the other side. Further east we walked through Whitchurch and on to Hardwick Stud Farm still on the banks of the Thames. Gorgeous alpaca herds grazed on chalk grassland, which at this time of year resembles closely mown lawn. We then climbed up through Bottom Wood and had lunch near the top among a collection of sawn timber.
The afternoon route over the top of the hills back to Goring had some of the best views. Red kites circled and the first flights of Brimstone and Orange Tip butterflies were spotted. Woodland was full of new hornbeam leaves, catkins and blossom with the beech leaves mostly yet to break forth.
Thank you Mike, again, for your new ideas, careful preparation and cheerful leadership. Liz
Sixteen members enthusiastically indulged in Mike's new Goring venture desspite the slightly longer car journey time involved. It was a magnificent spring day weatherwise and we all enjoyed the opportunity for local refreshments before and after the 11.5 mile ramble.
The Thames path downstream from Goring includes iconic views of the river from the side of the Goring Gap through the Chiltern Hills. We could see the National Trust Basildon Park mansion on the other side. Further east we walked through Whitchurch and on to Hardwick Stud Farm still on the banks of the Thames. Gorgeous alpaca herds grazed on chalk grassland, which at this time of year resembles closely mown lawn. We then climbed up through Bottom Wood and had lunch near the top among a collection of sawn timber.
The afternoon route over the top of the hills back to Goring had some of the best views. Red kites circled and the first flights of Brimstone and Orange Tip butterflies were spotted. Woodland was full of new hornbeam leaves, catkins and blossom with the beech leaves mostly yet to break forth.
Thank you Mike, again, for your new ideas, careful preparation and cheerful leadership. Liz
Over the bridge and we're off, heading towards our one steep climb
Left, Strung out along the hedgerow. Right, a typical Thames tributary
