This was my first proper walk in some weeks owing to shorter days and rubbish weather, so I've been itching to get out for a while. I packed a good lunch, my medium fleece, gloves and hat and got picked up by my parents at 9.30am.
We made our way over to between Woodstock and Witney to Stonesfield and started on our way. Immediately we were greeted by a kite and a couple of buzzards which set the tone for much of the wildlife we'd see on the walk, along with a cold Scandanavian wind rushing toward us. The first section was a straight mile and a half of old Roman road heading east towards the outskirts of Blenheim Palace, then a muddy twist and turn in a southerly direction within Blenheim's walls and under cover of bare trees.
After the woods and hills and a brief stop for refreshments, we headed west on the road through the pretty and tightly-packed village of Coombe for a mile or so, then north back towards Stonesfield. As we descended out of another hilly copse, mum announced 'a surprise' approaching.
The surprise, although less of one since it was indicated, was a stop for lunch at the very visible remains of North Leigh Roman villa. Low walls encompass a large courtyard and a beautiful mosaic is covered with a modern building for preservation. We took a filling if chilly lunch and headed back the mile or so to the car.
This was a beautiful walk full of distant views, little streams, bridges and minor hills. It wasn't particularly challenging - despite pushing myself hard up a couple of hills - but I appreciated that after so long out of practice. It felt great getting home and I slept very well. This if definitely a walk to take daughter on sometime in the future.
