The course of the Withy-path (somewhat conjectural)1
The course of the Withy-path (somewhat conjectural)1
A path that ran along the western banks of the River Withywindle, leading down through the depths of the Old Forest. At its northern end, the path led in the direction of Tom Bombadil's house, and was probably made by him on his journeys along the riverbank (though the trees of the Forest tended to make their own paths on occasion, too). The Withy-path (withy is an old name for a willow tree) was not used in winter, but in the spring, Goldberry the River-daughter used it return to the river and bathe in its waters.
Notes
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We know that the Withywindle ran southwestwards along its lower course, but beyond this we have little detail about the river. Deeper into the Old Forest, the river and path were said to have run from the east (and indeed this must be the case for the river to fit the known geography), but we have no maps to show exactly where or how the river turned.
The Withy-path followed the banks of the Withywindle, so its course is equally uncertain. We can be sure that it ran along the western and northern banks (because otherwise Frodo and his companions would have needed to cross the river to use it) but beyond this, the details of the path are necessarily speculative.
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- Updated 21 July 2024
- Updates planned: 1
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