Hermitage

Oare church

An impromptu local walk. We set out from the Fox pub in Hermitage, a few miles north east of Newbury, and walked through the pleasant Roebuck Wood to reach the hamlet of Oare. The church of St Bartholomew is small but very attractive. Pevsner describes it as "a small medieval chapel, thoroughly rebuilt according to Ecclesiastical principles in 1852". In the church yard is a fine yew tree.

The route looped back to pass north of Hermitage and passed near to a cottage where D H Lawrence lived for two years and then looped southwards passing a rather lovely flower meadow. A good number of Green-veined White butterflies could be seen as we passed by.

At the end we crossed a road and followed a path through Box Wood. At the other side we crossed another road and entered a densely wooded area where we somehow managed to follow the detailed instructions to emerge at Grimsbury Castle. There are the remains of an iron age fort, and a rather charming 18th century folly house, late extended.

This is the view from the road.

It remained only to walk along the road towards Hermitage, turning right at the disused railway bridge to return to the start.

Conditions: pretty grey.

Distance: 5.5 miles.

From: Berkshire and Oxfordshire Pub Walks for Motorists (by Les Maple for Countryside Books).

Rating: three stars. A pleasant stroll.