Quite a few years ago as training for the Challenge, Lord Elpus, Miss Whiplash & I used to struggle around the six mile Three Churches walk in Suffolk. The highspots of the walk were Miss W kicking huge clods of heavy Suffolk clay over the back of Lord E's anorak and having a choice of three excellent pubs to visit.
Withdrawal symptoms have prompted the creation of my own Berkshire version; shorter in churches by one, longer by five miles and, sadly, shorter in pubs by one. But with the Church of England & public houses in sad decline and distance in plentiful supply that's the way it goes.
My brothers and I were choirboys at this joint - Holy Trinity - a church that liked singing and swinging burning handbags.
Then it's a stroll northwards to the last hilltops before you plunge into the Thames.
If you right-click on the above picture and open it in a new window you'll spot a couple of dancing red kites.
That's handheld with twenty times zoom. If you open it in a new window you should be able to see the Clangers.
There are no Munros, Corbetts or towering clifftops, but parts of the walk are delightful. England has some wonderful footpaths; a precious historical legacy.
One spot affords great views of both Ascot Racecourse and Bracknell town centre. From here it's clear why Bracknell is a Forest Council.
And lastly another picture of Warfield Church - a little gem.
Two churches, two pubs, eleven miles and no passes. Happiness.
posted from Bloggeroid
Despite being a Suffolk resident I had not heard of The Three Churches Walk. A quick search online gave me the answer and as its not far from us, and I nice area, me thinks it deserves a go!
ReplyDeleteThe Affleck Arms is a little honey: The day after Princess Margaret died they served us a “Princess Margaret Special” – a discount large G&T accompanied by a free Benson & Hedges cigarette. We drank to her memory and enjoyed the free smoke. Some people tutted, but I don’t think she would have minded.
DeleteSee HERE for more details.
Ahhhh.
ReplyDeleteThe 3 Churches Walk.
One of my favourites.
Apart from that one ****ing Suffolk Clay Field of Clag.
Tis a wonderous walk though...
We do it most Christmas's.
Haven't been for a while since I bumbled it with Phil & Carl.
Must go again..
Another little gem of a wet place springs to mind - the walk alongside the river on the way back from Dalham to Moulton. I recall with great fondness Phil jumping in all the puddles in his new booties to splash Miss W and I and then witnessing him screaming like a gurl as one leg disappeared up to its shin in a water filled pot hole.
DeleteWe did laugh...
Churches are always worth a visit, they provide the ideal atmosphere for reflection. Pubs are scarcer than hens teeth where I live. However, local walks (or any walk) is always rewarding, no matter what the scenery is.
ReplyDeleteHi Roger.
DeleteThe sad thing is that both churches seem to be locked these days. It's a terrible pity really.
All this walking and fitness is more than a little worrying. Miss W has forced me out on a weekly 7 miler, but you, sir, are walking daily. This could result in your attaining a wholly unaccustomed level of fitness by May.
ReplyDeleteI am worried - very worried indeed. I might have to nobble you with large quantities of that Scottish electric water that you like ... at huge expense. So, I'll end up staggering into Montrose knackered and broke.
Oh, hang on, that's how I always end up ;-D
Fear not, Sir. Since 1st January I have only managed real walks of 3.22 miles per day (that extra 0.22 miles are so important - they show I am ahead of my target of 3 miles a day) and I am still dithering over the selection of footwear. At this rate I'll be plodding across Scotland barefoot.
DeleteThe good news is I am 13.2 miles ahead of the same point in time last year. Will those 13.2 miles make a difference? Will I have peaked too soon? Who knows, and it won't matter as I will be slumped in a peatbog somewhere drinking your electric water.
Happiness.
Ah! Yes, but what shoes did you wear.
ReplyDeleteAha - that's the million dollar question.
DeleteI chose my Ecco Ulterras. I'm leaning more strongly towards these babies. So it's now down to three - my Scarpa Nepals, my leaky Salomon 4DQuestGTXs (with petrol injection) and my Ecco Ulterras. Or, just possibly, coming up inside on the rails, a new pair of Walsh PB Elite X'tremes.
Who dreams up these names?
My opinion for what its worth: Forget the Nepals. Not needed for the challenge. Leaky boots will leak even more. I like the Walsh and i like the Ulterras. If the Walsh dont get a good few outings quickly then its the Ulterras for me. Keep your eye on heel rub with the Walsh btw.
DeleteI did 2000 miles in my first Nepals and this pair's done a couple of Challenges. They're really comfortable and waterproof with no nasty Gore-Tex.
DeleteI've had my current Walsh PBs for nigh on twenty years and adore the little devils. You're correct though Al as you have to work the top of the heel cup to stop it digging in. I suppose they are designed this way to ensure a good fit.
And yes - the Salomons will leak like buggery but this will be no worse than wearing shoes.
Ho hum...