Beating The Bounds Picture Gallery

Fifty Years of Beating The Bounds

The Boundary Walk took place last week with a twist to celebrate its 50th anniversary in its modern format.

On a glorious May Bank Holiday weekend, walkers of all ages were up with the birds for Ramsbury and Axford’s annual 23 mile ‘beating the bounds’ walk around the parish boundary.

The route tracks the ancient Saxon boundary through lovely countryside, with participants able to join for as much or as little as they like. The Ramsbury Flyer community bus makes regular trips throughout the day to ferry walkers to and from the main group.

This year, to mark the fiftieth anniversary of the modern reincarnation of the event, the walk was done in reverse, giving a new perspective on the stunning local scenery. Rather than the usual “widdershins” route, we walked clockwise from Littlecote and deviated slightly from the boundary at the end to finish back in Ramsbury at the Crown & Anchor. The ever popular Harker’s Hill Kids Race was well attended, the winner celebrated with a trophy (promptly handed over to a parent to carry!). Ramsbury Scouts sold delicious bacon butties at the morning stop, and afternoon tea and cake were provided by Ramsbury Pre-School.

The route deviated slightly at the end to allow walkers to complete their day back in Ramsbury at the Crown & Anchor with a BBQ.

The weather was perfect and the change of direction and timings meant we got to see the route in (literally) a new light e.g. Hen’s Wood bluebells in morning sunshine, rather than towards teatime. We also relocated the Harker Hill challenge to a suitable slope next to Pentico Wood. Thanks to everyone who helped out on the day.