A couple of weeks back when I was having a rant about Mountain Bikers I mentioned that the highest point in Hampshire is Pilot Hill. Now, having done a bit more research, I've discovered that that's possibly a load of old rubbish and it might actually be Walbury Hill. Which, whilst being it's next door neighbor is apparently a Gnats Nadger higher, but might be in Berkshire, although that's open to debate as it seems to be down to county border changes. Whilst we are on the subject it's also allegedly the highest point in South East England, a claim to fame that I thought was held by Leith Hill, which, having run up it a couple of times I can confirm is definitely a big hill (don't let me down again Wikipedia). Having been proved wrong once I thought that I'd better go and have a look myself just to make sure, I'd hate to have to eat my words twice and apologise to all those Mountain Bikers if it does turn out to be a mountain. Although, having cycled up all the roads in the vicinity and having walked up it from both directions previously, I was pretty sure it's not a mountain. I'd hope that even with my dodgy memory I'd have remembered if it was, wouldn't I? Up with the lark on Saturday morning, or more accurately the Blackbird that starts singing it's heart out at about 05:30 most mornings. Something which I can forgive him for as I actually quite like laying in bed listening to him signing away. It's a far nicer way to start the day than the raucous shrill of the alarm clock, and as I keep saying, the mornings the best part of the day so the earlier I'm up the better! Anyhow, I digress again, which is probably why I never get anything done, see sidetracked again! If I was going up Walbury Hill I might as well kill two birds with one stone and tie it in with Junes Marathon a Month Madness. Handily It's dead on 13 miles from White Hill (Near Kingsclere) along the Wayfarers way to Walbury Hill, ideal for an out and back Socially Distanced Marathon then. On my way before the sensible people were up and about, I had the normally busy path from White Hill up to Watership down all to myself and quickly settled into a steady pace. Over the top of the first summit and enjoy the long slow drop down to the A34 crossing, I'd better make the most of it on the way out, as by the time I get back here I'll have 23 miles in my legs and this gentle downhill will feel like quite a climb! Under the now busy A34, Past the memorial stone marking the site of Jeffery De-Havilland's first flight and start climbing steadily upwards. There's plenty to distract you from the endless toil and its a good job too as there's still 9 miles to go until the 1/2 way point and it's pretty much all uphill. With expansive views towards Highclere Castle from the ridge line, Skylarks singing in the fields alongside the trail, Red Kites soaring overhead and the sunshine making the odd appearance through the gaps in the clouds it's a pleasure to be out. 11.5 miles in and past Pilot Hill, they're right though, this certainly isn't the highest point as I'm still running uphill, all be it a gradual uphill slog instead of the stupidly steep climb that marks the North side of this range of hills, but up hill none the less. Eventually, just under 2 hours since leaving White hill, Combe Gibbet and my destination hove into view. Just the short climb up to the Gibbet from the car park, where there are a few more walkers and cyclists milling around now. A quick lap around the Gibbet, pause for a few pictures, grab a sandwich from my backpack and back the way I came. All down hill on the way home then? I wish. Although after the long uphill to get there, going back was defiantly a lot easier and I was back at the van a few minutes under 4 hours after setting off. Not a bad way to spend Saturday morning then, 26.5 miles in 3:55 and the 6th marathon distance run for 2012. Oh, and whilst it was a bit of a slog getting up to my destination at Walbury Hill, its certainly not a mountain! After Saturdays efforts an easy day was called for on Sunday and I spent the day catching up on a few odd jobs, starting with making Strawberry jam. You know your doing OK in the world when your biggest problem is what to do with all your strawberries!
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Paul PerrattOld enough to know better, young enough to still feel invincible, stupid enough to keep on trying the same thing again and again. Cyclist, Gardener, Runner, Hiker, Cook, Woodworker, Engineer, Jack of all trades and master of none, Anti social old git and all round miserable bugger. Archives
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