SEVEN walkers including leader Phil journeyed across to Wiltshire in order to walk the ridges and old byways of an area known as the Lambourne Downs, also known as the Berkshire Downs.

Because of the chalky soil crops could not be grown until the coming of modern fertilisers, so the high ground was used for the breeding of sheep and horses and Lambourne itself is a renowned horse racing town.

They arrived at Aldbourne where the church that is dedicated to St Michael stands on the long village green which is lined with period cottages. Founded over 1,000 years ago as a mainly agricultural area other industries included textile weaving, bell casting, brewing and chair making.

Tramping westwards they passed the Giant’s Grave, a Bronze Age round barrow measuring 135ft by 85ft which is situated within a plantation of trees and Neolithic Bronze Age stone tools and pottery was found in the surrounding area.

Passing High Clear Plantation and reaching the small hamlet of Upper Upham which dates back to Roman times, situated behind the impressive Upham Hall a Grade II listed mansion house that dates back to 1599, are the remains of a medieval village.

Next came the deserted village of Snap which dates back to 1268 and by 1841 was a farming village with a small population who mainly worked on the land. Until 1846 the Corn Laws gave British farmers protection against the importation of grain, but after they were repealed prices fell especially after cheap imports came into the country from America.

As new farm machinery was introduced farm labour was greatly affected and workers were laid off and following the village and surrounding area being bought by a butcher in 1905, who turned the agricultural land into pasture land, people were forced to move out to find employment.

Passing Lower Upham Farm the route led on to Liddington Castle which is a late Bronze Age and early Iron Age hill fort over 2,000 years old and built to command the view over the River Og valley, which was one of the main approaches into Wessex from the north. This area was featured in an autobiography called ‘The Story of my Heart’ by Swindon born author Richard Jefferies (1848-1887) who loved the chalk downs. This was the highest point of the walk at 277 metres and in glorious sunshine they settled down for a leisurely lunch whilst gazing at the 360-degree views.

Crossing the B4192 they tramped towards Sugar Hill, the name of which derives from a 12th century landowner named Segur and the track leading onto the hill is an old Saxon byway called the Thieves Way which indicates it was a drovers road for stolen cattle.

Just to the southwest were Liddington and Aldbourne Warrens, where rabbits were farmed for food in medieval times, but this came to an end when the land was ploughed during the Napoleonic Wars in order to grow wheat.

Following the ridgeway past Aldbourne Warren Farm the Four Barrows lay ahead, three which are bell-shaped 8-10 feet high, whilst the fourth is bowl-shaped and 10 feet high.

Excavated at the end of the 19th century by W Greenwell cremated remains and a skeleton along with amber, beads, flint arrowheads and a grooved dagger were found. Below the hill are the derelict remains of an old Second World War airfield where Easy Company of the US Army 101 Airborne Division were based in 1944 in the months before D-Day and who were featured in the popular television series Band of Brothers. Then dropping down off the ridgeway back into the idyllic English village of Aldbourne a welcome drink was enjoyed in the Crown Inn before the journey home.

On October 3, meet 8.30am at Cogan Leisure Centre for a 10-mile hard walk from Pencelli taking in Bryn and the Talybont Forest; contact Phil on 01446 711533.

On October 4, meet 9.30am at the Barry Waterfront for a five-mile easy/moderate half day walk taking in Cwm Nash and Wick; contact Geraint on 02920 515278.

Wear suitable clothing, preferably boots and carry waterproofs, food and drinks. Some degree of fitness is required and if you are in any doubt, then please contact the walk leader for advice.

To follow the group log onto penarthramblers.wordpress.com. Programmes and membership advice can be obtained from Pam on 02920 255102.