After days of rain, the sun did come out again – and I decided to take advantage of this and try some sketching along the Ridgeway again.

I headed for Wantage, then south-west on smaller roads to the Letcombes – Letcombe Regis and Letcombe Bassett.

These are two of a series of scenic villages along the foot of the Berkshire Downs. Both villages are off the main routes – are a bit tucked away and retain some of that ‘Old World’ charm. They also have quite a few grand houses and country cottages, set in mostly rolling countryside here at the foot of the Downs.

I stopped at Letcombe Regis and set up to draw the church at the centre of the village. Here are a couple of photos of the rather picturesque view, along with my sketch, below.

Continuing on to Letcombe Bassett I stopped once again by the church, but this time decided to draw two adjacent thatched cottages. Both of these were rather grand and fine examples of their kind. My sketches are below.

With the wind picking up again and the light starting to go, I headed back, crossing several flooded roads on the way. Driving slowly, I passed at least one stranded car… time to go home.

Later I scanned my sketches in and think they came out ok.