Broughton – Ascott Walk

A good start to the day with the Sun shining and the slightly warmer temperature it was a great day for a walk. Despite this I found myself tacking a cool shady lane, and battling the ever oncoming traffic due to lack of footpaths! Gingerly making my way along the road I found myself walking past a camping and caravanning site, worth noting for future camping and hiking trips! It was not long before a reached a Hump back bridge. This was crossing the Grand Union Canal, a section I had previously walked, “Broughton Lock”. Onwards from the lock, I passed by the Old Mill House, which was part of the Broughton Farm. The name “Broughton” is derived from the Anglo Saxon meaning “Farm By a Brook”, very aptly named if you asked me! Further along I started walking past a number of houses which made up the small hamlet. The area was officially recognised in C13th when it was part of the Manor of Beirton and this was the next village I reached on my route. Beirton was much older in comparison, with the first official record of the village of Bierton, the Domesday Book in the C11th.

From 2016 – 04.03.2016 – Broughton – Ascott

Walking away from the village the landscape started to evolve around me, opening up with waves of large grassy fields. Following the large roadway, my route was not to difficult to follow. Therefore, I was a little confused, when I approached a unkempt lane en-route, looking quite abandoned. Wondering if it was still existed on any maps or indeed led anywhere, I decided against investigating it. Instead I carried on walking along the main road and was treated to the wonderful open countryside views. It was not long before I reached the Anglo Saxon village “Hrothwulf’s home” or rather Rowsham. A name that would be expected in the series “Game Of Thrones”! Despite its history, it did not seem to have very much except a small number of houses lining the roadside, and not many historic buildings to speak of. Once I had passed through the village I continued my way onwards along and the countryside became visible once more. I really enjoyed this section of the walk, as the open countryside was a welcome distraction from the noisy traffic

From 2016 – 04.03.2016 – Broughton – Ascott

An unusual sight on the other side of the road with a flying wooden chair really caught my attention. Thankfully, this was only advert for painted furniture though and not some strange magic trick. Countryside started diminishing and I soon found myself passing by the Houses on each side of me. I found that I had reached the small village of Wing, which I decided to investigate a bit further. This was a historic village which had been standing since the Domesday Book recorded its existence in C11th. I ambled onto the high street, where I duly observed the “The Cock Inn”. As tempted as I was to stop for a swift drink, I didn’t manage to this occasion. If I had, I would have joined the notable people who have enjoyed a drink here, including Henry 8th, Oliver Cromwell and William Shakespeare. As I turned away from the high street, I discovered “All Saints Parish Church”. A Church has been on this very spot since Anglo Saxons times, making this one of the oldest churches in England. It even has its Famous 15 minutes when the programme makers of the “Meet The Ancestors” filmed here and tried to recreate the face of an Anglo Saxon Girl who was buried in the churchyard!

From 2016 – 04.03.2016 – Broughton – Ascott

Leaving the church behind, I found that the road had taken me around in a loop around the village! Rejoining my original route I decided to turn away from the road and cut across the sports field. As I did so I spotted a Millennium Beacon, something I have not spotted for over a year during my walks! Exiting the field and rejoining the large road I spotted Wing Library residing a very grand building on the other side of the road. This was Wing Hall, which was opened by Lord Rothschild the Lord Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire! I continued past the hall onwards up the road.

From 2016 – 04.03.2016 – Broughton – Ascott

I was very curious when I saw quite a number of people heading towards me, I thought that some sort of fair or festival had just finished. I soon discovered that I had reached “Ascott House”, the countryside residence of Lord Rothschild. Going through the entrance it really seems to hide its true potential, with woodland all around, I walked onwards and found the Tudor House, dating back to C16th the house looks magnificent and the outside gardens are amazingly well kept! The whole estate is 4,400 acres in size, comprising of Arable land, grassland, woodland and 40 other properties! The rolling fields that I saw whilst walking the house were all part of the estate! Lord Rothschild, donated the property and Ascott collection to National Trust during the late 1940s. Unfortunately I did not have time to peruse the gardens on this occasion. Therefore, I ended my walk and trip for the day here!

Please feel free to look through the photos I took on the walk by clicking on the photo below –

2016 – 04.03.2016 – Broughton (Aylesbury) – Ascott

My route

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