Bishop's Waltham

What a difference a day makes! After yesterday's snowy weather, today was blue sky and sunshine all the way. Still only a few degrees, but perfect for a long walk.

We started on the outskirts of Soberton, parking the car at a trail head just out of town. Over 2 hours we picked up 5 caches, and ended up walking 10km for the day, some through farmers paddocks on the public rights of way, some along wooded tracks through lush greenery.

We headed to Bishop's Waltham for lunch, then a self guided tour around the ruins of Bishop's Waltham Palace.

The town was originally named Waltham, but was given to the bishops of Winchester in 904 AD, and renamed Bishop's Waltham. The palace construction began in 1138 AD and underwent various expansions and additions up until the 15th century.

The palace was abandoned in 1644 after being surrended to the parliamentary forces during the civil war. It was robbed of materials which were used to repair Wolvesey Palace in Winchester, and lay in decay for hundreds of years, finally being handed to English Heritage in 1952.

Our afternoon drive took us to Shedfield, and a lovely walk behind the church and old tower, before returning to Soberton and dinner in the White Lion again.Read more