Witheridge Walk
With the
Chiltern Hills being so close to Reading, we have an Area of Outstanding
Natural Beauty on our doorstep and the Club walk on 16 February 2022 took full
advantage of that fact. Starting and ending at the Rising Sun pub, nine members
and friends led by Club Secretary Bob Castelijn enjoyed a walk around the
Witheridge Hill area on an unseasonably mild late winter’s day.
The
highlight of the walk was a visit to the Cobalt Smithy where the principal,
David Gregory gave a fascinating talk on the blacksmith’s profession. Much has
changed since “the boy blew the bellows” but some things remain the same. The
ultra-modern forge is heated by electricity but its traditional equivalent is
still heated by coal (which no longer comes from Newcastle but from abroad).
David and his colleague produce an amazing variety of iron and steel products including
beautiful decorated fence-work for stately homes and swords for the film
industry.
The walk
back to the pub ensured hearty appetites for the excellent food that the Rising
Sun provides.
Footnote:
A short drive from Witheridge Hill is the Maharajah’s Well at Stoke Row. Anyone
who has not been before should make a point of having a look when next in the
area.