Walk 686 - Blackwaterside: Minley Woods via Hawley Common

As we stepped into the new year, I had the pleasure of leading my very first walk with the Berkshire Weekend Walkers. On a crisp, overcast Sunday morning, 31 enthusiastic walkers joined me at Blackwater train station car park. The air was chilly, with the temperature hovering just above freezing, but that didn't deter us.
Our journey began by navigating the busy main roads before entering Hawley Common, where the sound of gunfire or soldiers' drills are common, as this area is predominantly Ministry of Defence (MOD) land. Fortunately, we were spared of any military activities on this day and it was quiet in that regard. Our route led us towards Minley Woods, with a brief detour via the rather mysterious Hawley airstrip. Not much is known about its history.

Along the trail, we encountered a delightful surprise: what we initially thought was a dog curiously staring us down turned out to be a fox, confident and unbothered by our presence. The day prior, I had scouted the path and noted the ground was quite icy, but fortunately, on our walk, the weather was mild enough to thaw most puddles. Crossing the various footpaths was easy, allowing us to enjoy the journey without clinging to the fences for support.

About a mile into Minley Woods, I led the group to a favourite lunch spot reminiscent of my own pandemic escape. During the lockdown, this secluded area became my go to place to escape the increasingly crowded Hawley Common. After lunch, we continued our path, passing Minley Manor. I took great pride in sharing my knowledge of the manor’s history with the group which I managed to remember!

Next, we made a stop at the Crown and Cushion pub for a quick drink. It was an opportunity to connect with everyone, from seasoned regulars to newcomers and I was especially grateful to see several friends from the Berkshire Walkers, who came out to show their support.

We began our return leg towards Hawley Lake. Hawley Lake, although small, is picturesque and has served as a backdrop for many films. The area is primarily utilised by the British Army, complemented by a private sailing club and water sports facility, along with a quaint beach that was part of our route. On this day, the lake was beautifully frozen over, creating a stunning contrast against the muted winter sky.
To wrap up our adventure, we only circumnavigated about a quarter of the lake before veering back into the woods on our way to the station.
Thanks go to Jen for leading this walk and writing it up, and to Emma for the photos.