It was a glorious autumn day when 16 members of the Westbury Walkers set out on a 10 mile walk predominately within Savernake Forest which is now managed by the Forestry Commission but in the Middle Ages was a royal hunting ground.
Led by Carol Harding and Jenny Mayne, the starting point of the walk was the classical column known as the Ailesbury Monument which stands at the end of a drive to Tottenham House. It was built in 1781 by Thomas Bruce in memory of his uncle Charles Bruce, former Earl of Ailesbury, who left him the estate and procured for him the barony of Tottenham which was conferred on him by George III.
Following the Grand Avenue for a short distance the walkers then took a path leading to the pretty Victorian church of St Katharine’s which despite its remote location suffered major war damage when a nearby ammunition store exploded but was restored in 1951. From here they crossed fields where two sightings of a red kite were enjoyed.
Passing through the hamlet of Durley the road crossed over the Bruce tunnel before the walkers dropped down to join the tow path of the Kennet and Avon Canal which they followed passed Burbage Wharf to Cadley Lock where they stopped for lunch in the sunshine. Some more quiet lanes eventually took them back into the forest where a lengthy stretch of gravelled tracks led them back to their cars. The weather was perfect for this attractive and varied walk.
Report by Paddy Yerburgh
