Trip to Greenham Common, Uffington Horse, Waylands Smithy & Ridgeway

[magentus]

After our first trip to Greenham common we wanted to explore further.

The 6 silos are an incredible sight amidst the flora of the common. They used to house the mobile launchers, but all we could hear from them was the sound of birds that I assume have nested in the spaces now. It's testament to nature how quickly the whole place has been taken back to the green (as Swamp Thing would say).


There are at least 3 fences still surrounding the silos. Star Wars fans will be pleased to hear that the Millenium Falcon and an X-Wing were filmed here for the upcoming sequel.

After walking round the perimeter we decided to head off for our next desination, the White Horse of Uffington

[magentus]

The White Horse of Uffington is an enigmatic chalk symbol on a hillside in Oxfordshire. The strangest thing is that it can only really be seen from above. Here's a picture (not mine) to show the full figure:

From the car park, it's a five minute walk up the hill towards the figure. On top of the hill are the remaining earthworks of a Bronze age fort, and below the figure is an artificially flattened hill called Dragons Hill.
It was a warm day but as we rose towards the top of the hill it became more and more blustery - nothing in comparison with the storms SAK Guy is having to endure at the moment! We saw Kites hovering on the wind - I tried to photograph them but they came out too small in the pictures.

This is a view of the head of the horse with Dragons Hill in the background:

We sat and ate our tea while drinking in the 180 degree view.


We walked along to join the Ridgeway for our next destination; Waylands Smithy.

[SAK Guy]

  Wonderful views!!! Thank you Mags!!!

[magentus]

The Ridgeway is a 5000 year old track travelling 87 miles making a trade route between Dorset and Norfolk.
The way runs to the right of the picture leading to the Uffington Castle earthworks.

We walked along it until we came to Waylands Smithy. Here is some information:

It is just off the track and in a quiet and secluded area of woodland
This is what greets you as you walk through the trees:

The tomb area is uncovered and accessible but I felt it would be disrespectful to enter. The whole place has a tranquil vibe to it. As we walked through the gate it started to rain softly, all the while as we walked around the barrow, and it stopped the moment we walked back through the gate to join the Ridgeway again.
Here's a picture of my Monwoody twixt the trees:

[derekmac]

Very nice!! 

[kirk13]

Your killing me Mags

I'm still wanting to get to Waylands Smitty and Uffington

[ColoSwiss]

Interesting photos as always!   

Is there more than one white horse carving in England? Recall seeing one from the road on a trip, but can't find a photo of it.

[magentus]

Interesting photos as always!   

Is there more than one white horse carving in England? Recall seeing one from the road on a trip, but can't find a photo of it.

You're right ColoSwiss - There are several dotted about but they are all relatively new compared to the one at Uffington. Here's a wiki link including a picture of the Cerne Abbas giant

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hill_figure

[kirk13]

If my memory serves,a new white horse was created to celebrate the millennium 

[Chako]

Nice photos. Thanks for sharing! 

[ColoSwiss]

Interesting photos as always!   

Is there more than one white horse carving in England? Recall seeing one from the road on a trip, but can't find a photo of it.

You're right ColoSwiss - There are several dotted about but they are all relatively new compared to the one at Uffington. Here's a wiki link including a picture of the Cerne Abbas giant

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hill_figure

Thanks for the info.