On a damp, drizzley Sunday 6th June 18 walkers, including one guest who was our guide for the day, set off from the Rugby Club car park in Cricklade.  Passing through Cricklade's Millennium Wood we reached the Thames Path and passed under the A419.  We followed the Thames east til we reached a bridge crossing this and climbing over a stile we followed a path to Eysey Manor.

We then walked along a metaled road and S bend till we reached a footpath into a wood, then arable fields til we reached the perimeter track, all that remains intact of the former RAF Down Ampney.

After a short refreshment stop we walked to Down Ampney church. After viewing the RAF Down Ampney Memorial Garden we walked on past imposing Down Ampney House.  The route continued to the Memorial Monument commemorating all who served at the airfield and all who flew from there to take part in the airborn landings on D-Day (Operation Market Garden and Operation Varsity in 1944.)

After a short talk by the leader we had lunch then proceeded through the village to Latton passing two medieval preaching stones. We then crossed a bridge over the A419 to Latton Basin where the canals meet. Following the canal we then reached the North Meadow at Cricklade and passed through the town back to the car park.

Signpost by Millenium Wood

River Thames flowing nicely near Cricklade

New member joins us on the walk

Group on Down Ampney Airfield

Memorial Monument

At the Memorial Garden