Friday 16th August 2013

Golden Ridge, Faringdon

If you drive from Faringdon to Highworth via Coleshill on the B4019 you’ll trace the line of a limestone escarpment that runs more or less from Oxford to Swindon. Its unusual, in that its not white, the stone has a high coral content, giving it a honey-coloured effect. Traditionally many of the local buildings were built of this hardy, tough material, and that also has led to another benefit. Because the limestone is tougher than the surrounding clay, its remained while the surrounding material got eroded away by the waters of time, giving spectacular views of the surrounding countryside.

And regular readers of this blog will know I am a sucker for a good view too! This one looks north and west from the town, towards the likes of Burford, Carterton and Brize Norton, and yes, the famous Folly, that you now know all about!