Eight members and 2 guests set out along the Ridgeway towards Uffington Castle stopping briefly to look at Waylands Smithy, a prehistoric long barrow. After walking round the ramparts of the castle and admiring the views across the Vale of the White Horse, we noted The Manger, a combe carved out by glaciers and Dragon Hill where St. George is said to have slain the dragon.
We discovered a group of people scouring the Uffington White Horse, one of five situated on the Wiltshire Downs. This involves renewing the surface of the chalk from which the horse is formed.
We then descended into the valley and stopped for a very welcome cream tea at the pretty Teapot Tearoom. Suitably refreshed we continued through the valley, visiting the villages of Woolstone and Compton Beauchamp, where we had a refreshment break in the church of St Swithuns, a delightful little 13th century church.
It was then a steady climb back up to the Ridgeway and to the start.
Passing by Waylands Smithy (Long Barrow) near the start of the walk
Group on top of Uffington Castle
Some views from the top near the White Horse
Maintenance crew clearing and repairing Uffington White Hlorse
Cream tea at Teapot Tearoom and St Swithuns church in Compton Beauchamp
Walking through Woolstone on the way back