(S/E) Walk for about 300 yards then turn right onto the bridleway just before the cottages. SIGN - Public Bridleway GL9 Cridmore or North Appleford & Great Appleford. Walk down this broad path to the gate at the end. Once through the gate go straight ahead. SIGN - Public Bridleway GL9 Cridmore.
Follow the well used path around the boundary of the field keeping the hedge on your right-hand side. In the lower north-west corner of this field, almost hidden by willow and scrub, you come to a ford and a footbridge crossing the river Medina.
(1) Having crossed the river, head straight across the field towards the fence then turn right. Keeping the wire fence on your left go through the gateway into a larger field. Continue along the fence line to a stile and gate at the far end of this field.
(2) Now walk up this gently sloping field, still keeping the wire fence on your left. The field gives way to a broad track and you will soon come to the first of two gates.
As you close the gate, look back for a fine view of the Chequers Inn across the valley.
At the top of the slope, the second gate comes into view and beyond this we see the buildings of Cridmore Farm. The track leads you down onto a narrow lane. Go straight ahead past the barns and farmhouse, round the sharp right-hand bend, and past the main farm buildings.
(3) The lane now swings right again, away from the farm. About ¼ mile further on it curves to the left and begins to climb. Look out for a track leading off to your right. This is the path you take. SIGN - Public Bridleway G18 to Rookley At the end of the track pass through a gate and walk across the water meadow.
(4) Go over the footbridge. When you reach the gate of Rookley Farm House, turn right. This track climbs gently, taking you back to the Chequers Inn. (S/E)
