Tales from the Trails
Ancient paths tell ancient stories. They also get us thinking about our own stories.
Tales from the Trails
Ancient paths tell ancient stories. They also get us thinking about our own stories.
Just think of all those who have walked these ancient paths before.
Why were they there?
Who were they with?
What was life like then?
What did they see?
As well as the people, the land also tells stories and we will be uncovering that too as we walk.
Every walk in this series is different depending on where we are. In all cases though there is likely to be a mix of an actual walk to get to where we are going and also time where we are wandering, stopping, exploring, talking and discussing.
Take a Walk with the Romans
Have you ever heard of Silchester?
It’s a Roman town not far from Reading and I discovered it the first time I did a recce of the St James’ Way. That path is the route that in the medieval times would have taken pilgrims from Reading Abbey to Southampton where they would have crossed to Spain and walked to Santiago on the Camino Ingles.
On day 2 of the path you come to Silchester and while on the recce I took time to explore this further. It is an amazing site and there is so much to see and so many stories to unearth. On the St James Way I can only give groups a flavour of it but it deserves so much more.
That is why now is the time is right to launch this overall initiative and showcase ‘Take a Walk with the Romans’ the first walk in what I hope will be a series.
We are piloting this on June 28th and it’s a full day commitment.
I will be joined on this walk by my dear friend and colleague Dr Alison Grierson-Brookes, who is a Landscape Archeologist with a specialism in the Romans. She will bring you the stories of the land, I will be looking at our own stories. Together we can walk, learn and talk stories from many different angles.
We start with a 2 mile walk to Silchester from Mortimer station where we will meet. You can get the train to or drive there or you may choose to start with Alison and I in Reading. There may also be local buses.
The walk takes us through woodland and gentle landscape until we walk into the first part of the site, the amphitheatre situated at the junction of a country track and country road. It’s the last thing you expect to see.
This is your introduction to Silchester.
We will then spend a few hours walking the site at a gentle pace, looking at the landscape, discovering the stories and looking at our own.
Did you realise that often we tell ourselves the stories that hold us back and stop us from doing things with stories like “I’m not good enough for that”; “I’ll be able to do that when…” and “I can’t do that it’s too…” We often don’t share the stories that build us up, that share our talents and demonstrate our wonder. We will be weaving these in too.
We will visit Silchester Church which has it’s own wonderful history and it’s own pilgrim stamp. We’ll have lunch in the churchyard possibly under the ancient yew.
Once our tour of the site is completed, we will walk to Bramley station about 3 miles away. The path includes some walking on country roads, pretty footpaths, across fields and through woodland. Then it will be time for a visit to the local pub for a celebratory drink and a chance to share the findings and feelings about the day.
From there it is only a short walk to get the train back to your car, or train connection and your journey home.
It’s going to be a fabulous day and hopefully this will see us running this walk regularly as well as adding other similar events for you.
Grab your place below…
What else do you need to know?
Overall the walk covers around 6 miles plus the walk around the site but none of it is a route march and there will be time to enjoy the scenery, the stories and the group. It requires a full day of your commitment.
Comfortable shoes, a waterproof, a pen and notebook and small pack are all the equipment that you need.
Final details as in meeting time etc… will be sent out before the walk but this walk will suit someone in the South East or South area or further afield if you choose to join us.
Do take advantage of booking a virtual coffee chat with me if you have questions or email me, happy to discuss any of this.
We are looking for 10-12 women for this pilot and you get the chance to help us shape it for those coming after you. The price will reflect the fact that this is a pilot and will go up after this walk happens.
Your investment is £70 and the first drink in the pub is included. You will need to bring a packed lunch with you.
If you would like to ease into this day and want a bit more time and more of the ancient path, then join Alison and I the afternoon before in Reading when we will lead you on a small part of the St James Way. We will start at Reading Abbey which was a major area of religious importance and you can take a wander round the site. You will learn about the ‘necessarium’ a word that features strongly now in my walking vocabulary and often more widely and from there we will start the path. We’ll have a drink and dinner together and stay nearby so we are well rested to start from Reading station the following morning.
The cost for this extended experience, including the following day is £90. Drinks and dinner in Reading and accommodation are not included. I am happy to help with suggestions for where to stay.
Here is what some of the ladies said about this section of the path.
“I remember the peace and the acoustics when we were standing in the amphitheatre” – Carol Friel, Edinburgh
“When I first saw the amphitheatre in Silchester, I was amazed. There was nothing to suggest that it was there and I didn’t know anything about it. I loved reading about the history of the Romans on the information board” – Marianne Delima, London
“There’s a welcoming feel to the amphitheatre as you approach it. The stone walls on the entrance path that leads into the middle round area gives it a safe homely feel. The Yew tree in the churchyard was large and old and had a great seat below it, a great place to be and reflect” – Maggie Sarfo, London
“I loved the whole walk and the variety of paths. I vividly remember you leading us into the amphitheatre and making is all stand still in silence so we could feel and connect with the atmosphere there” – Diane Care, Devon
Take a Walk with the Romans
June 28th 2023
Silchester to Bramley walk – £70 with an initial drink in the pub included.
June 27th – 28th 2023
An afternoon with Heather Waring and Landscape Archaeologist Alison Grierson-Brookes exploring Reading Abbey and the surrounding area PLUS Silchester to Bramley walk on June 28th – £90.
What can I do to help you?
I’d like to invite you to join me in introducing walking into your life or to deepen your walking practice in a way that is the right fit for you.
Why not start off by joining our Inner Circle where I share insights and tips from my world of walking and all the latest news about upcoming events and retreats.
Or contact me to arrange a virtual coffee to chat about how I can work with you on your personal journey. At a time when many of us are wondering what the future holds this is a great opportunity to explore and create “Project YOU” – your moving forward plan.
Heather x
What can I do to help you?
I’d like to invite you to join me in introducing walking into your life or to deepen your walking practice in a way that is the right fit for you.
Why not start off by joining our Inner Circle where I share insights and tips from my world of walking and all the latest news about upcoming events and retreats.
Or contact me to arrange a virtual coffee to chat about how I can work with you on your personal journey. At a time when many of us are wondering what the future holds this is a great opportunity to explore and create “Project YOU” – your moving forward plan.
Heather x
