Walking in the North Wessex Downs. Steve Davison

on Blewburton Hill

      Keep ahead and go through the third gate on the left (SU 547 859), then follow the path diagonally across the field to the far-left corner. Descend some steps and follow the track as it curves left past houses to a junction beside Thorpe Farmhouse (left) and the All Saints Church (right) in Aston Upthorpe.

      The twin villages of Aston Upthorpe and Aston Tirrold are home to picturesque cottages, a pub and two interesting churches. All Saints Church in Aston Upthorpe is built on Saxon foundations and has an 11th-century nave and filled Norman doorway, while St Michael’s Church, in Aston Tirrold, dates back to 1080.

      St Michael’s Church, in Aston Tirrold

      Turn right along Thorpe Street, keep left at the junction, and at the next junction, beside the war memorial, go right along Baker Street in Aston Tirrold, with The Chequers pub on the left. Follow the lane as it swings right, and just before the first house on the left turn left along the enclosed path. Later keep ahead through the churchyard, passing St Michael’s Church. Leave through a gate and turn right along the village street. Keep left at the junction and head up to the A417.