Golden Opportunities

It has been unusually hot and sunny, so we decided to head the nearest high spot, White Horse Hill to cool down. We have been visiting for 9 years, and the hill, with it's chalk horse draws locals and tourists to The Ridgeway, which is an ancient road. Imagine our surprise to see an almost empty car park with a couple of these installed. I would not mind paying a charge, if there were facilities, though it does seem a real coincidence that this gets installed just as everyone is trying to save money by taking days out closer to home.

There is little option, but to pay up or drive away, as the roads are really narrow, so we fed the machine and set off on a walk described by the local council as "strenuous" and steep.

It was a really pleasant way to spend a couple of hours, marred only by worrying about being back at the car before the ticket ran out.

Flaming June

Apparently, the expected rainfall for the month of June has fallen in 8 hours. Never mind, after last years' flooding, the council and landowners put in many hours work opening up drainage channels and clearing ditches, so the village would not get flooded in the future. Observe the results of their efforts.

The Ridgeway

As it's a Bank Holiday in the UK, we decided to take a hike along the Ridgeway. It's an ancient road, and recently motor vehicles were banned from using it, so conditions have improved for hikers and bike riders.

We started and finished at White Horse Hill, which was busy with tourists, hang gliders and model aeroplane enthusiasts.

After walking round the Fort, we hiked as far as Waylands Smithy, which is a Neolithic Long Barrow burial mound, decided that there were too many tourists around and headed back to White Horse Hill.

Just time to take in the scenery and then off home for lunch.