West Marden walk 23rd March 2022

For the second week running Jennifer (assisted by Jean) was kindly leading our walk, this time with no proposed follow up in the afternoon. We were joined by another Jennifer who joined us on the day as a guest walker. Starting out from The Victoria Inn in West Marden, we travelled a short way up the road before turning right onto a footpath. This took us through Lostlabour and Bottom Copse before we took the slow climb up Drift Road Plantation towards Compton Down. Drift Road Plantation is actually devoid of any trees, so we had some splendid views on a beautitfully clear day. We turned before reaching the top of the Down and instead took a path downhill through Robin Wood to a pleasant drinks break spot near Old Idsworth Farm. Suitably refreshed we walked on and met several other walkers near Idsworth Church, one notable walker doing a pre-walk for Winchester Ramblers of around 12 miles. From there we went through acres of wild garlic to find South Holt Farm before heading back through farmland to reach the Victoria Inn for lunch. A very pleasant walk with sunshine all morning.

Starting out up the hill

As we walked up through Lostlabour Copse, we were entertained by 2 buzzards high up above the trees.

Bottom Copse

Walking up past Bottom Copse

Beautiful views over the Mardens

After a long climb we stopped to admire the view (and recover?!)

Descending through Robin Wood

Drinks break at last, near Compton Down Road

St Hubert's Church, Idsworth. King Harold's father, Earl Godwin, had the church built around 1030 AD. The settlement it served ceased to exist in the C14th, probably as a result of the Plague. Another 400 years would pass before the first vaccine (for smallpox) was invented.