The Vale of of the White Horse is located to the south-west of the dreaming spires of Oxford. It is named after its most prominent feature: the prehistoric monument of the stylised 110 m long figure of a horse cut into the chalk hillside, dating as far back as 1400 BC. This is the White Horse of Uffington. We don’t know who created it, or for what purpose, and, interestingly, it is best seen from the air. For centuries, people in the surrounding area scoured the turf on its surface, that would have otherwise kept it hidden from our eyes. I think it’s remarkable that something like this has been going on for so long. In the past, fairs and festivals have been held to accompany these events, in what was a joyous occasion for the Vale’s inhabitants and their guests.
We approached the Horse one late Sunday afternoon, passing through the green and golden fields that surround it. It was an afternoon bathed in warm and gentle sunlight, and we were lucky to have the most amazing views over the Vale. I felt incredibly happy, and at peace with the world.
View of the Vale from the White Horse Hill
Flanks of the Hill
The Horse is best seen from the sky
Taking a closer look
The photos below are for my dear friend Samantha, who recently celebrated her birthday, and who adores these wooly creatures!
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VegeYum Ganga
/ 19 May, 2008So beautiful. I felt myself relaxing as I looked at the photos.
BTW Amberjee has received the One Perfect Ingredient book – thank you very much. She adores it!
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Maninas
/ 20 May, 2008Thanks. It really was an incredibly relaxing and energising visit. I felt my spirits rise as soon as we got to the place. If you’re ever in vicinity, do visit it. The official name is Uffington White Horse.
Regarding the book, that’s excellent news! I’m so pleased Amberjee is enjoying it! 🙂
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Samantha
/ 20 May, 2008Sheeeeep!
Hooray. What beautiful photos!
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Maninas
/ 20 May, 2008Glad you like them! Since I was stalking all those sheep just for you! 😉
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farida
/ 21 May, 2008What a beautiful place! Where exactly is this? I need a place like this to relax:) Great pics!
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bee
/ 21 May, 2008beautiful. i miss britain.
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Maninas
/ 21 May, 2008FARIDA, I’ve just updated the post with the explanation. This is in Oxfordshire.
BEE, you should come and visit. 🙂
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Núria
/ 28 May, 2008What lovely pictures!!!! So pretty 😀
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