The walk starts from Burford, one of the most picturesque Cotswold towns and takes you across fields, through woods and past a farm ...
... great sign, isn't it?
We stopped for a picnic, saw a buzzard and I got stung by a wasp. Naturally, I made a lot of fuss about this. Why does a wasp sting feel nothing like a sting and more like being punched hard?
One of the most beautiful parts of the walk is the wonderfully named Dean Bottom where we met these ladies ...
At the end of that line of trees you get the first glimpse of the highlight of this walk.
Yes, that's right, it's a church in the middle of a field. It was once part of a medieval village but now stands alone. This is St Oswald's which dates from the 12th Century and was once part of Gloucestershire, despite being firmly within the county of Oxfordshire.
Before going inside, we visit the grave of the Rector of my daughter's old college which we discovered our first time here. His epitaph reads 'A humanist, bon viveur and, above all, a wise and constant friend.'
Anyway, would you like to see inside the church?
It's a tiny building with early nineteenth century box pews, Roman mosaic underneath the flagstones and medieval wall paintings.
You can read more about St Oswald's in this guide which also has lots more pictures; it's really interesting so do have a look. Despite the fact that the church is only accessible on foot, services are still held here once a month (Sunday Evensong, Easter to October).
The rest of the walk could seem a bit of an anti-climax after that but luckily you walk alongside the River Windrush back into Burford which is lovely - I once saw a kingfisher here and always hope to see one again.
I do this walk in all seasons and there's always something new to see.
And now I must get back to work. I'll leave you with a glimpse of the crochet baby blanket I'm finishing off - pattern coming soon.
Oh Frankie! I am so inspired - I have just now discovered you, your blog, and your Ravelry patterns. (The actual discovery was in reverse order.) You are SO creative. And so amazingly productive - you've left me wondering if you are perhaps a compilation of, perhaps seven? friends, (all sleepless) due to the sheer output you cast out to the world. Thank you for taking me along on your walk, and for telling me about St. Oswalds. I have read back a way through your blog... and yes, please, could you please share some of your Victorian era books? And could you recommend a book from which I could best learn tatting? I've had "crafters block" (like writers block) for several months now; I'm hopeful that your writings and photos will push me into action after dithering for so long. You have brought joy to me - thank you!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely comment! I'm glad you've discovered me and yes, I am just one person. Actually the work is getting too much for me, I'm planning to cut down a lot next year - I want time to do other stuff. Like write my blog for example (I'll get some of the Victorian knitting books out to remind me about those). As for tatting, I'd recommend the 'New Tatting' book I used, it has lots of good illustrations to help with the techniques. The only thing I don't like about it is the suggestion that you cut and glue the ends, I always sew mine in. Tatting is wonderful, I'm particularly obsessed with making Ice Drops - another thing I must blog about. I hope you conquer the crafter's block - if in doubt, try some gentle garter stitch with lovely yarn. That's what I do.
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