Kingsclere: Hollowshot Lane and Hannington Village 3

The North Hampshire Downs

We wanted to show a friend who was staying for the weekend how nice the walking could be near us, and what could be better than the Downs near Kingsclere. I did both the short version and the full version of this walk in 2007. Today we decided on the short version.

You walk up from the village centre, across the playing field and along Hollowshot Lane. Plenty of butterflies and flowers in view as we passed by. There were lovely views along the line of the downs.



After the long climb to Plantation Farm, the short route turns right along Plantation Hill, descends for a while and then follows Freemantle Park Down, just below the Hannington TV mast, a landmark for miles around. We loved the curious bands of colour in this field.



The route back to the village follows some horse gallops. Drama here: I was stung on the leg by something, I didn't see what, and the day after had a absolutely vast and rapidly growing inflamed swelling. Cue contact with the doctor and assorted drugs. Seems to be going down now (Tuesday).

From: Rambling for Pleasure: Kennet Valley and Watership Down by David Bounds for the East Berkshire Ramblers’ Association Group.

Maps: Explorer 144 (Basingstoke).

Rating: four stars. So wide open, quiet, wonderful views.


Sightings

We saw several wild roses with this fluffy growth. Some sort of parasite was the consensus at the time. A bit of internet research later revealed that the red growth is known as a bedeguar, or robin's pincushion. It is the result of chemical interference with an unopened leaf axillary or terminal bud by a gall wasp.



I think I saw some Chalkhill Blues - buy maybe they were just Common Blues. Must try harder to master the differentiating factors!


Flowers of the day

We saw this striking bloom at the side of Hollowshot Lane. It looks to be a hollyhock which has escaped from a garden.



I saw this beautiful little flower in several places on a hillside meadow where I had strayed off the track in my search for Chalkhill Blues. I am pretty confident that it is a Marsh Gentian, apparently quite rare.