Three Castles Path

Photos from Three Castles Path's post

Now for something rather different!

Short temporary diversion of our route in Windsor Great Park due to flooding.

20/02832/FUL | Full planning permission for the construction of a temporary 11.77MW Solar Farm with transformers, a substation, security fence and gate (incorporating infra-red beam system) and other associated i... | Land Adjacent Godsfield...

Many thanks to all those who wrote in and opposed the planning application for thousands of solar panels being set-up across 54 acres here, alongside the Three Castles Path for the next 40 years
https://planningapps.winchester.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=makeComment&keyVal=QLP7SDBPGGD00

Unfortunate some folk did actually think we have to sacrifice this area of precious Hampshire countrysides to save us from the imminent threat of global warming. An alleged threat that didn't even exist when the Three Castles Path was first established just 30 years ago!

20/02832/FUL | Full planning permission for the construction of a temporary 11.77MW Solar Farm with transformers, a substation, security fence and gate (incorporating infra-red beam system) and other associated i... | Land Adjacent Godsfield... All representations including your name and address will be available for public viewing on our website, within a few working days to allow for systems processing. Please refrain from using bad language or offensive comments about other people. We reserve the right not to publish anything we deem un...

The deadline for comments has now passed. Over 800 comments were submitted. With such threats, we do wonder if the Three Castles Path will be able to maintain its acclaimed status for the next 30 years.
So we asked Cllrs. to think carefully before agreeing to this proposal - in one of the most treasured landscapes.
We are sure other applications will be made in the near future for
far more suitable - and less contentious locations.
https://1drv.ms/b/s!ArFZEQn3hS-KgcsO9yQ50xsKPY5sxg

Photos from Three Castles Path's post

Network Rail have a policy of closing level-crossings where a suitable alternative route can be agreed. At Ambarrow Court (Stage 5, between Little Sandhurst and the Blackwater Valley) the Three Castles Path crossed the railway line and a new signed alternative footpath route is being established. Although pleasant enough, the diversion will add an extra half-a-mile for those walking between Windsor and Wi******er.
This now joins the Ascot racecourse crossing, as the only section specifically waymarked – here courtesy of Network Rail!

Quite often walkers ask “Why is the Three Castles Path not waymarked?” Well quite early on it was decided that we would not waymark the route and now that it is shown on Ordnance Survey maps there is even less reason to do so.
We’ve made sure that the route description and detailed maps in the guidebook are all that is really needed. For walkers just trying to follow waymarks all it takes is for one to go missing . . . and to maintain them all the way would be a mammoth and never ending task. Better to simply have the latest edition and check here for any possible updates.
Our route over the Ascot racecourse was made more complicated when it was redeveloped during 2005 and an agreement was made to add waymarks on a series of short posts. However since then it has been a constant battle to maintain just these few.

Two encouraging signs have recently been put up along this 60 mile route. But rather than concentrate on directing walkers - we think these signs should help to put in spring in their step!

My first report concerns the special waymarks across Ascot Heath. Over the years several have had to be replaced or be re-erected. I recently found one indicating an important left turn was missing - unlike last time it was not in the ditch. I have prepared a replacement.(see photos) Hopefully the Postsaver sleeve I have added will avoid it rotting off. All this goes to illustrate why we chose not to waymark elsewhere; if one goes missing you can be lost! Better that walkers simply follow the detailed maps and route description, to hand.