I'd driven to Oxfordshire early morning to visit relations (well, my passenger was also) and left me with a couple hours to spend exploring the nearby Blenheim Park.
I set off with the intention to find the Oxfordshire footpath that cuts across the long driveway at the rear of Blenheim Palace. After almost a mile walk along a lane, the footpath sign came into view, and then turned onto the path which ran along the boundary of a field of recently cut corn. The sun was starting to creep from between the clouds, even though some of them looked menacing. As I walked alongside the corn stubble I could hear the sound of the remaining stubble popping and crackling.
At least that's what I assumed it was, as on closer inspection I confirmed that it wasn't the rain. Some hikers heading in the opposite direction confirmed my theory as I stopped them and asked if this was possible.
I was walking into Blenheim Park and was confronted with a high 7ft high wall and hoping there was at least a gap or gate in order to access the area. I was definitely following the correct path, and just around the corner saw there was a large set of wooden stairs to enable my to scale over the wall and down the other side. On the stairs were footpath signs for both the Oxfordshire Way and the Shakespeare Way, the latter path being one which started in Stratford Upon Avon and finished in London.
I was setting a good pace and after a few more gates I walked onto the main driveway running from the rear of the Palace in excess of a mile. Clear evidence of sheep grazing was in abundance and although keeping on the tarmac drive I was often wandering onto the grass heading steadily toward the Palace. The livestock grids to prevent the sheep from straying were covered in wooden sheets. They were clearly allowed to wander where they please and the signs were directing owners of dogs to ensure they pets were on leads and under direct control at all times.
The drive veered to the left as I neared the Column of Victory. It went out of view for a a while as I circumnavigated the Column. The Column was started five years after the 1st Duke of Marlborough's death, the Column of Victory was completed in 1730 at a cost of £3,000. The height of this Doric column, surmounted by eagles is 40 metres, including the lead statue of the Duke by the otherwise unknown craftsman, Robert Pit.
The area was fenced off with an electric looking fence apart from a wooden stile which I duly climbed over. The footpath then ascended to the higher position where the Column came into view to my right again. To my left the grand bridge came into view and beyond that, the Palace stood with all its grandeur and majesty. The occasional jogger and walker passed me by as I made my way across to the other side where another stile was conveniently positioned.
Another enclosure of sheep awaited me as once again a third stile enabled me to walk through a gulley towards a junction of footpaths. The signs were showing me the way as I consulted the OS map which confirmed my direction. A steady climb upwards along a tree lined drive, I eventually found my way out through a large gate from the park and into a lane. It appeared to be a frequently used place where dog walkers would park their cars and head into Blenheim. There were signs for a 10k run which had either taken place or was in preparation. Perhaps that's what the joggers were doing around the park.
I navigated my way through the final phase of my walk. In the next lane there was a gap and sign directing me to Combe - 1 mile. This was the way again confirmed by my map, and I was striding along a footpath which eventually came to a recreation field marked up for football and some distance children playing in a playground. Combe church was just behind me and after a sit down to take in the views, catch my breath and have a sandwich and drink of tea from my flask, I strolled through the graveyard and out onto the Village Green. Opposite was the Cock Inn and a memorial. The village was quiet and the occasional delivery van buzzed through.
I had completed the walk in around 2 hours and completed a distance of 5.7 miles.
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