13th May 2011

Shady Byways and Red Kites

Get away from the traffic, the hustle and bustle of urban life and discover one of the most rural parts of the Blackwater Valley on a five-mile circular walk organised by the Blackwater Valley Walker’s Link  on Wednesday 25th May.

Starting from Swallowfield Parish Hall car park, the walk will give participants a chance to discover some of the more rural paths and country lanes to be found in the area, with an opportunity to enjoy the peaceful countryside landscapes and attendant wildlife. The route will take in many shady byways, including the Blackwater Valley Path, crossing the river at Thatcher’s Ford, part of an old Roman road and the boundary point between Berkshire and Hampshire. It will cross fields, pass along country footpaths and take in some of the architectural landmarks of the area including Swallowfield Manor, All Saints Church and the possibly the distant Madejski Stadium home of Reading Football Club.

Don’t forget to bring along your binoculars because there’s a good chance you’ll see some Red Kite, a very graceful bird of prey with a reddish-brown body, angled wings and deeply forked tail. By the late 1700s Red Kite were virtually hunted to extinction, but following a reintroduction programme in the 1980s numbers are gradually increasing.

Anyone interested in coming should meet for a 10am start at Swallowfield Parish Hall car park, Church Road, Swallowfield SU 726649, the walk itself will last about 2½-3 hours. Wet weather clothing and sunscreen plus suitable footwear are recommended. The going will be relatively flat, and there are no serious hills, so the walking is relatively easy, but be prepared to cross about six or seven stiles. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.  For more details ring 01252 331353 or visit www.blackwater-valley.org.uk.

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For further information contact:
Christine Reeves, Visitor Promotions Officer
Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership, Ash Lock Cottage, Government Road, Aldershot GU11 2PS.
Tel: 01252 331353.