Tuddingway (3)

…Walking towards Whitchurch, we decided, was the most scenic part of the trip.  But there were more gasps to come – we gasp quite a few times on these walks – once we were over the tarmac stretch.  Approaching Mapledurham, a name as beautiful as the place it defines, came another great stretch (#1) – as you see, I’ve run out of adjectives – before The White House, an old drovers’ inn (#2).  It was mentioned in 1844 as being an “ancient hostelry”, and there couldn’t have been many customers besides travelling men; it’s in the middle of nowhere at 671771.  Clay pipes galore have been found in the garden, but when I knocked no one answered the door.

There was another great stretch (#3) after Mapledurham House (which I haven’t included because you can look it up) but the stretch after the house is just as good as all those splendid stretches of path before it (#4).


On our left as we approached Cavertsham was Chazey Wood; on our right Chazey Court Farm, home to the de Chauceys in days long gone.  Their fishery and chase was on our right, and straight ahead is The Warren - now part of Caversham, but fewer conies there today, many more humans.

And so through Caversham, which felt tiring on a summer’s day, until we reached the bridge and found the ferry.  I seem to remember we were only just in time (#5).  The Captain was Welsh.

You find them everywhere!

Wonderful end to a wonderful trip.  Recommended to all.