Leg 2: Will we get there in time for tea and cake?

 


Although it was unseasonably cold, little or no rain was forecast for our second walk. Deborah, Alison, Lily, Di, Rod and Steven left a car at Hidcote, and drove to the start at Long Marston. We stopped briefly to look at The Kings Lodge, where Charles II spent a night on his flight from the Parliamentarians in 1651.

Ben & Julia, who had driven up from London, joined us, and we set off shortly after 11.30.

 The route was slightly more complicated this time, and we had to negotiate a number of rickety stiles, one or two of which made little or no provision for dogs. Poor Lily had to be manhandled over a couple, which she found a little undignified.

After a couple of miles we came to the village of Lower Quinton, and beyond that Upper Quinton where there is a lovely village green, with an inviting bench, just right for a lunch stop. The black cloud which had been coming closer finally caught up with us, but we only had rain for about five minutes, and then the sun came out.

Until Upper Quinton our expedition along the Monarchs Way had been level, but after we left the village, we started to climb the lower slopes of Meon Hill. There’s an Iron Age hill fort at the top but we didn’t feel the need to explore this; we were also mindful that the hill has been used for witchcraft in more recent times, so pressed on.

The higher ground and the Spring sunshine gave us the opportunity for some glorious views back the way we had come, and photos were taken.


 From here the path crossed numerous fields, with numerous stiles (again with various  degrees of dilapidation) to negotiate. Many of the fields contained sheep with young lambs, which we enjoyed watching, with Lily under control on her lead.


 After another steep climb past some golden gorse, the Hidcote car park was spotted. By this time it was gone 3.30, and we knew the Hidcote cafe closed at 4, so Rod & Di powered ahead with the tea (and cake) order. 

They got to the cafe in plenty of time, bought the tea and most of their remaining cake, and took the provisions back to the garden entrance where the rest of the party were waiting.



Another enjoyable walk with good weather, nice company, and lovely scenery.

 Next stop, Broad Campden!


Blog written by Rod Holliman

We are walking in aid of Grassroots Suicide Prevention




 


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