Farwan two

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Faringdon to Wantage 2 (Farwan 2) review.

A Slow Way across Vale of the White Horse farmland with attractive towns at either end. The No. 67 bus stops at Wantage, Stanford in the Vale and Faringdon. Navigating uncertain footpaths without GPS (paper map and compass) caused some issues along the way.

The route starts at Faringdon Market Place (Photo 1) and heads south down Southampton Street, then footpaths crossing the A417 and A420.

I had to search beyond Wicklesham Farm [SU 298942] for the route east to Shellingford. Footpaths were lost under ploughed fields and permissive bridleways had been added. At the point I found the route, there was a map to explain the layout (Photo 2).

The walk into Shellingford was otherwise fine with views over the parched fields (Photo 3). I visited St Faith’s parish church (Photo 4).

Leaving Shellingford, I entered a field that seemed to be enclosed with electric fencing [SU 320931]. Luckily a beekeeper was at hand to point out where the path was supposed to leave the field. I had to step over a low fence (not electrified) to reach it (Photo 5).

The series of fields into Stanford in the Vale had no trace of footpaths to follow. I took a bearing at each gate and hoped I’d eventually spot the next gate (Photo 6). This system worked out fine.

There is a halfway breakpoint at the Horse & Jockey in Standford, where I was made most welcome (Photo 7). Recommended.

The Slow Way briefly follows the A417 along a narrow pavement, then back to footpaths which were much easier to follow (Photos 8): south passing horses and alpacas, and under the railway.

The route eventually turns east to roughly follow the former Wilts & Berks Canal (Photo 9) into West Challow.

After West Challow, the Slow Way leaves the canal for a footpath into East Challow (Photo 10). For the final field, after crossing a byway, the exit gate is up the slope in the southeast corner.

The walk into Wantage is along the A417, then down an alleyway for a quieter route that visits a park dedicated to John Betjeman (Photo 11).

The Slow Way ends at Wantage Market Place with plenty of amenities and the Alfred the Great Statue (Photo 12).

I walked from Faringdon to Wantage.
This is an idyllic walk through scenic farmland. Some through pasture for sheep, horses and cattle (alpacas too!). Some through fields of crops. Some paths were not easily seen but this will depend on the crop and time of year. I took a compass bearing to cross some of the larger close cropped pastures, but binoculars to spot the stile or gap in the hedge on the other side would work too. There are some roads to walk along, either very quiet or with a good pavement. Cut through paths in Faringdon and Wantage minimise exposure to traffic in town.
Some paths were quite muddy even in mid summer. Lots of stiles, kissing gate gates and narrow footbridges - unsuitable for wheels. I walked over the canal without realising it because it was so overgrown. Keep close eye on the map it's quite easy to miss a turn and the OS map is not always correct.
Betjeman Park in Wantage is a gem, There was a Market in the town on this Saturday. Stanford in the vale is about half way, the route does not pass through the centre so a short diversion for lunch might be needed. Quite flat but with slight inclines up into the towns.

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