Dummer
I was fortunate that my hosts were walking with me to Dummer this morning, a section of 4.5 miles. The beginning followed a Roman Road which also is the edge of Basingstoke. On the left hand side housing estates and fields on the right hand side. We came to a farm and teak garden furniture factory, who had an old petrol pump in front.
Fortunately we did not need any!
After that we had a complicated cross of the A30 and M3 which run in parallel there. and then we entered Dummer and had a break all Saints Church
To Preston Candover
At Dummer my hosts returned home and I went on only to return as I forgot my pole. From here the walking was more difficult it were main stony tracks with a grass in the middle. The latter walked best as it was more gentle for my now sore feet. Blisters playing up!
I did not go into the village of Preston Candover, as that would cost more time and I hoped to arrive in good time for a gathering at Alresford Methodist Church with tea and cakes! So I carried on
To Upper Wield
This was a long stretch on road, harvested cornfields (with deer) and road again, going up a the time even in the village as it is Upper Wield.
But the church St James was lovely (11C Norman)
I had a bit of a break there and then went along the
Oxdrove Way
This is a four mile track just outside of Upper Wield going to Old Alresford. Beautiful scenery but a bit difficult walking.
Alresford
I went straight from Old Alresford to New Alresford, passing by their famous watercress meadows, which in the past went on a special train to London.
By now I was seriously late for the tea & cake as I arrived at 5pm at the Methodist Church. Most people had left except for the Senior Steward and my new host. However I could still enjoy a cup of tea with a scone, cream and jam!
Below you see some pictures of the types of road or tracks here.
Tomorrow is of to Winchester, but also looking after my blisters... So public transport may be needed..
