Ibsley and Part of The Avon Valley Path

23/8/2017

Date:
Location:
Participants:
Distance:
Parking:
Lunch:

23 August 2017
Ibsley
Ray and Peter
8.3 miles
Near The Old Beams
Bat and Ball, Breamore ★★★★☆ (Based on value for money)

We parked by the old beams and walked along the pavement by the very busy A338 to the bridge that crosses the River Avon. It looks nice and simple to follow the Avon Valley path but it wanders around various clumps of trees and is not that clearly marked so we had to back track a couple of times. At Harbridge Farm we had to walk along the drive to the house for a few yards before turning right through the gate and into the fields. There is a lovely old threshing machine at the farm which is pictured on another walk from Ibsley we did on 1 November 2016.
At East Moor Copse there was a large group of cattle at the gate and it looked as if the mud was about three feet deep! We decided to see if we could find a less challenging route and although we managed it it was quite a loop around. The path after the very smart footbridge is pretty damp and would be difficult, to say the least, in wet weather without wellies. We found a convenient footbridge to sit on for refreshments just opposite the sluices.

All That Bouncing Makes You Tired

After the short climb through Midgham Wood we were treated to the sight of two goats resting after their exercises in the trampoline.

We hit a bit of a problem approaching Midgham Farm. There is a style over the fence but the one for the second fence, about ten feet in front, is missing. We turned right and after 50 yards or so came to a wooden paling fence that was easy enough to climb over. The short footpath that is signed with a finger post and looks as if it runs along the edge of the wood is totally overgrown and surrounded with barbed wire.
The style leading off the lane and into the field was also very overgrown. Having fought our way through we had to laugh when we saw a gate about 20 yards further along the hedge!
We found Kent Lane surprisingly busy given that it seems such a minor road so we were pleased to leave it and get back on the Avon Valley Path again. This time we didn't make any wrong turns.
We drove to Breamore for lunch at an old favourite the Bat and Ball (http://batandballinn.net) . The pensioners lunch is great value for £6.45 and it is a nice friendly pub serving food all day.