Scene 40. ‘River Leam, Offchurch’, 17th February 2019

Leaving Leamington through Newbold Comyn Park, the path winds around a disused golf course and scrubby woodland, crossing the River Leam at a picturesque old weir. The best views, though, are found in the next section crossing the higher promontory of land through Offchurch Bury Park.

Clearing the landscaped park the path emerges on the edge of Offchurch, with a view right across and down the Leam valley, and directly across to Cubbington Woods.

HS2 ploughs straight through the middle of this scene.

On many occasions walking out from Leamington this has been my jumping-off point – where many possible routes diverge to the north and south, or straight on towards Hunningham for longer circuit that includes Ridgeway Lane. Every possible route from here is disrupted by the influence of HS2.

040-river_leam_offchurch-add — Looking directly down the centre of the Leam valley towards the viaduct.

040-river_leam_offchurch-add2 — The view from nearer the road, towards where HS2 enters the cutting next to Cubbington Woods

Alongside Danesmoor, I rate this as one of the locations most affected by HS2’s construction. Yes, people complain about The Chilterns; but there you can very quickly disappear into dense woodland to avoid both the noise and view. In this open landscape that option is not available.

Banburyshire Rambles Photo-Journal

Paul Mobbs’ photographic record of his walks around ‘Banburyshire’ and ‘The Irondowns’, and occasionally, as part of his work around Britain, the areas beyond.

‘Last Chance (HS)To See’ – Scene 40:

‘River Leam, Offchurch’

HS2’s crossing of the Leam from the most affected viewpoint