Lifetime of Walks by Derek Harwood

Parked on an unofficial car park in Ufton Village near the church, just off the A425 busy main road. Walked across the field from car park to the edge of Ufton Wood with misty views across the valley to Leamington Spa. Skirted the wood to Bascote Heath Lane. Just before the lane we came across a rare breeds farm with some large woolly sheep, two Gloucester Old Spot Pigs and several chickens with chicks. The chickens scurried off before I could take a good photo to identify them. We soon entered the Polo Grounds of Dallas Burston and luckily there were a couple of polo players practicing their skills. As we were leaving the grounds we came across a partly built arena, with a half built pavilion. A group of local ladies exercising their dogs said that planning permission had not been granted. Our next surprise on the walk were the ruins of Stoney Thorpe Hall. The buildings were crying out for re-construction to their former glory. Quick diversion around the pools of the estate, across the River Itchen to the Holy Well. An ancient monument first recorded in 998 AD and recently restored. The well is surrounded by oak posts and supports three gargoyle water spouts. Onwards into Southam Town where adjacent footpaths join our track via a grand footbridge over the River Stowe. Through the town, passing the church (with eight bells), the housing estate and the school to the footpath to Bascote. Over the River Itchen, another grand footbridge and onto the Bascote Manor House drive, passing the flag of Saint George in the adjacent garden. Leisurely stroll down the lane to the Grand Union Canal towpath. Always good to say 'hello' to the friendly barge people. Good views of the rural countryside around the picturesque Bascote Locks. From the towpath we turned left onto the Ridgeway Lane following the path of the Centenary Way back to the car park in Ufton Village. A very pleasant walk with John in the 'Warwickshire Countryside'.

Location:
www.streetmap.co.uk, - Start & finish from Ufton Village 437870/262180 , - via Dallas Burston Polo Grounds 439860/262205, - via Southam Town 441615/261965. (Click on location and use Zoom).

Hazards:
The main road (A425) through Ufton Village is very busy. Take care when entering or leaving the village minor roads, the entrances and exits to/from the main road are awkward and narrow to manoeuvre easily. Also, take care when passing the polo grounds, to avoid low flying polo balls and swinging polo sticks.

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	LIFETIME of WALKS by DEREK HARWOOD Derek Harwood's Walking Records If you have any queries about the pictures or descriptions e-mail me at: derek@harwoodonline.com

	WARWICKSHIRE RAMBLE DALLAS BURSTON POLO GROUNDS Friday 28th September 2007 .............................Walk No. 704
	Warwickshire Ramble No 13 Total 132 miles Time Taken: 3 hrs Distance: Enjoyment: Weather: Dull & Cloudy 9:15 am - 12:10 pm 8 miles 85% Chilly in Breeze Temp: Cloud: Rain: Visibility: Ground Conditions: Wild Life: Rabbits 13^oC 95% None Poor Very Dry Sheep, Pigs Total AA: Total MH: Total LD: Total AW: Other: Total Distance: 1027.5 mls 931.5 mls 1870 mls 162 mls 1133 mls 5124 miles Companions: (Derek) John Ingram Points of Interest and LINKS: Ufton Village Dallas Burston Polo Grounds Stoney Thorpe Hall Gloucestershire Old Spot Pig Holy Well Southam Town Bascote Village Grand Union Canal Centenary Way Ridgeway Lane Southam Circular Walk Blue Lias Rings Moving Barges on Canal: 3 - Charybdys , Malat & Sunrise Canal Locks : 4 (Bascote) Description: Parked on an unofficial car park in Ufton Village near the church, just off the A425 busy main road. Walked across the field from car park to the edge of Ufton Wood with misty views across the valley to Leamington Spa. Skirted the wood to Bascote Heath Lane. Just before the lane we came across a rare breeds farm with some large woolly sheep, two Gloucester Old Spot Pigs and several chickens with chicks. The chickens scurried off before I could take a good photo to identify them. We soon entered the Polo Grounds of Dallas Burston and luckily there were a couple of polo players practicing their skills. As we were leaving the grounds we came across a partly built arena, with a half built pavilion. A group of local ladies exercising their dogs said that planning permission had not been granted. Our next surprise on the walk were the ruins of Stoney Thorpe Hall. The buildings were crying out for re-construction to their former glory. Quick diversion around the pools of the estate, across the River Itchen to the Holy Well. An ancient monument first recorded in 998 AD and recently restored. The well is surrounded by oak posts and supports three gargoyle water spouts. Onwards into Southam Town where adjacent footpaths join our track via a grand footbridge over the River Stowe. Through the town, passing the church (with eight bells), the housing estate and the school to the footpath to Bascote. Over the River Itchen, another grand footbridge and onto the Bascote Manor House drive, passing the flag of Saint George in the adjacent garden. Leisurely stroll down the lane to the Grand Union Canal towpath. Always good to say 'hello' to the friendly barge people. Good views of the rural countryside around the picturesque Bascote Locks. From the towpath we turned left onto the Ridgeway Lane following the path of the Centenary Way back to the car park in Ufton Village. A very pleasant walk with John in the 'Warwickshire Countryside'. Location: www.streetmap.co.uk, - Start & finish from Ufton Village 437870/262180 , - via Dallas Burston Polo Grounds 439860/262205, - via Southam Town 441615/261965. (Click on location and use Zoom). Hazards: The main road (A425) through Ufton Village is very busy. Take care when entering or leaving the village minor roads, the entrances and exits to/from the main road are awkward and narrow to manoeuvre easily. Also, take care when passing the polo grounds, to avoid low flying polo balls and swinging polo sticks. Click Here to Return to 'Lifetime of Walks' Homepage

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Derek Harwood: Copyright 2007 Devised: October 2007