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To the White Horse and Lambourn (part 2)
A weekend in Oxfordshire
(Photos/words © urban75, 17th-18th April, 2010)
Getting ready for the walk to Lambourn.
On the move towards White Horse hill, owned by the National Trust.
I'd like to bring some 'change' to that sign.
Looking back at our campsite.
Up White Horse hill. It's a fair climb. Well, it is if you've got a hangover and have barely slept because of the ruddy dawn chorus and bellowing cows keeping you up from 3.30am onwards!
Dragon Hill, said to be the site where St. George, England's patron saint, slew the dragon. The blood from the dying dragon supposedly poisoned the ground, leaving the chalk scar on its side.
Wind turbines in the distance. To the left is Swindon.
Two cyclists battle a steep hill.
Old fella takes in the view.
You can't really see the White Horse from the ground, so here's an image from Google Maps.
Checking out the view from the top of White Horse hill.
At the top of the hill used to stand Uffington Castle, an Iron Age hillfort built to a simple design of one rampart and ditch.
At 857ft (262m), the castle can claim to be the highest point in Oxfordshire.
Waving from the top of the castle.
Onwards to Upper Lambourn, past loads of horse stables and race tracks.
Drinks at the Malt Shovel, Upper Lambourn. The place was very friendly, but the beer selection was rubbish (only one real ale!).
Passing Big Lane.
Into Lambourn, a village closely linked to all things horsey. Neigh!
Dating from 1502, the Isbury or Estbury Almshouses were built after John Estbury was granted a license by Henry VII to found a chantry and almshouses for ten old fellas in Lambourn.
Now reduced to eight houses but with the buildings in good repair, the Charity continues its good works.
The parish church of St Michael and All Angels. The church dates back ver 500 years and boasts a perpendicular tower, stained glass windows, small churchyard, and an attractive lychgate that opens up on to Market Square.
George Hotel, Lambourn - a friendly, non-nonsense boozer. We liked it here.
Getting stuck into the Arkells 3B ale.
Feeding frenzy!
We were going to walk back to the camp site but it didn't seem such a great idea after loads of beers. So we got a minibus cab instead!
« Walks home Part Three »
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Part two
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