Easdid one

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This route starts in the pretty village of East Ilsley. The very first section is quite steep and rocky but only for a very short time before joining the main footpath up on the fields. There are some wonderful views out across the Downs and all the way to Wittenham Clumps.
The paths cross the gallops but it is clearly marked and walkers are advised to spread out across and away for the main footpath to keep the wear and tear away from one area for the horses. The route is quite undulating at this point.
There is then a nice flat concreted private farm track which goes on from 3.7km to 5.25 of the route. Before starting on a downhill field track towards the village of Upton. The marked footpath after crossing the road in Upton is very narrow and overgrown- so much so that a local villager commenting 'it's unusual to see someone walking down here!' - there is an alternative which would be more suited for wheels, turning left as you face the road and heading through the village on the path parallel instead.
After exiting Upton the paths go through fields and meadows, some of the path here is not completely clear as it can be confusing knowing which is the path and which is just where the farmer has cleared a vehicle route. There was also some flooding and muddy areas in this section which meant a slight detour around the field with a gate and a large rabbit hole/general hole in the ground which would not be ideal for wheels.

The paths runs near to the old railway line which can also be walked.

Once entering Didcot the route takes urban footpaths and alleys.
Overall a very walkable route despite a few obstacles!.

A lovely route starting with a couple of gentle downland hills and then a flat finish through fields, villages and a few residential streets into Didcot. On the first section (which is the same as Easdid Two) you are surrounded by lovely views of the Downs followed by views over to Blewbury and the Wittenham Clumps. On the second section I enjoyed a wander round the pretty village of East Hagbourne before continuing on the route.

Starting in East Ilsley the route initially climbs up to the Ridgeway on a grassy track (Photo 1) before crossing the gallops (Photo 2 & 3) and descending down to join a no-through road at Churn Farm. There is no pavement but plenty of space on the verge to avoid the occasional car or farm vehicle (Photo 4). The route then gently climbs on a track between the fields (Photo 5) before dropping down through woodland to Upton (Photo 6).

At Upton, the route emerges onto the A417 road just up from the George and Dragon pub. The route continues almost directly across the road down a narrow signed footpath between two fences (Photo 7). Take care when crossing as there is no pavement, the road can be quite busy and visibility is not great. If you want to visit the pub (or avoid crossing here) then better to use the track on the left before reaching the A417 which emerges slightly further down the road. There is a pavement here and a second footpath opposite to re-join the route through the village to the small church.

From behind the church the route continues across some fields (Photos 8 & 9). These were quite firm underfoot when I walked but could get muddy in wetter weather. There are no stiles but a couple of narrow wooden bridge crossings with gates (Photo 10). A footpath then leads into the pretty village of East Hagbourne via the churchyard (Photos 11 & 12). There is a pub and a community shop within easy reach of the route.

From East Hagbourne, the route winds through alleys (Photo 13) to join the railway path briefly before leaving it on the outer edge of Didcot to follow a few mostly residential streets to arrive at Didcot station.

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