Resident Jim Brown writes …
We are fortunate in Long Wittenham to have an exceptional network of country walks right on our doorstep, and our local footpath network just got even better.
The official public path running along the west side of Ward’s Field has been cleared and is open for use once again. For years, this stretch had become completely impassable due to heavy overgrowth, but volunteers’ hard work has brought it back into action.
You can easily pick up the trail from two entry points: the path directly opposite Acklings Playground, or the concrete bridge at the corner of Ward’s Field.
What to Expect Along the Way
This reinstated route offers a brilliant variety of scenery, making it a great addition to your regular walking routine:
Seasonal Sunsets: at this time of year, it provides a fantastic viewpoint for catching the evening sunset.
The Grotto: a wonderfully atmospheric, slightly secluded “creepy grotto” area that adds a touch of character to the walk.
Diverse Woodlands: the path leads you through a completely different section of woodland compared to the standard field routes.
Why Using It Matters
With recent discussions surrounding potential changes to the permitted path through the copse, having this official, reliable alternative route secured is a major win for the village.
However, footpaths only stay open when they are used. The primary reason this path became overgrown in the first place was a lack of foot traffic. So, make the most of it this summer; take a stroll, enjoy the evening views, and help keep the path ‘well trodden’ so it remains clear and accessible for the whole community to enjoy for years to come.
What lovely photos and how I wish I could take advantage of such a lovely walk.
A big thank you to the volunteers who cleared the path and hope it becomes well used.
Wonderful. As shown on the ordinance survey maps. John and zi used to use this path when we first came to the village until it got overgrown. Thank you to the volunteers.
This is great to see. Sincere thanks to all involved.
‘All involved’ was a small team of 1, but I did the best I could by myself! There’s still some repairs that need to be made but now it’s cleared I’m hoping the PC will be able to sure up the edges that need a bit of work.
Jim – thanks very much for your hard work. I took our dog around there, and unfortunately it is not very dog friendly… there are lots of dead brambles on the path that are unavoidable. Clearing these up should be added to the things to do if the footpath is going to be used by the maximum number of people. As you say, a job for the PC (at least to organise).
That’s true, and it’s already been added to the list for the village’s maintenance team to dispose of. I’ll see if I can rake it out the way in the meantime.
I’ve cut the brambles back again as they’ve grown very quickly in this heat (!) and I’ve raked everything to one side so you can get by without stepping on a spike.
Many thanks – I will give it another go this weekend.