I know Stokenchurch is not on the Ridgeway, but we had to go because the campsite for the second night was there.
The path started with a section of walk through woods and later winded past big patches of wheat field – some white with ripe crops, some were busy getting harvested, some were done and bare. Apart from impressive Red Kites, the wheat fields were the most exciting thing along the way (unfortunately).
The terrain was fairly flat. But we had to cover about 17 miles that day. At the end of the day, even a 200 metre high hill was killing me.
We had a chat with a National Trail volunteer along the way when the path went through a golf course. The regular inspection of the Trail was reduced from once every month to once every three months according to him. It was great to know that someone was looking after the Trail but a bit sad that the good work was compromised.
The campsite of the second night was Home Farm Camp. It had a delightful view over Chiltern Hills, especial comparing to the campsite the night before. There were two separate fields. Without any specific indicators, all the families camped in the inner field, where children were running and screaming, and the outside field was nice and quiet. Not sure how they did that, or just pure coincidence. However, the facilities were a bit basic, especially after the impressive 5 star hotel facilities of the first night!
The walking mileage of the day was 17 miles.
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