Wednesday October 4th Long walk led by Corinne
Upper Maidensgrove, Stonor, Southend, Pishill and Maidensgrove
The weather on the days leading up to the walk had varied from thunderstorms to warm sunshine so we were relieved to see the sun was shining for us.
The promise of 6 hills had not deterred our hardy bunch and 13 of us set off from the 5 Horseshoes at Upper Maidensgrove. Having walked along the lane, across fields and through Park Wood we emerged to a stunning view across the valley of Stonor village and Stonor Park. We headed down to Stonor, up through the deer park and Kildridge wood to our scenic coffee stop at Southend which had another attractive view across the valley to Turville Court and the windmill. It was difficult to tear ourselves away but we journeyed on towards Turville Heath before heading to Pishill church with more sweeping views on the way. From the church we skirted Long Wood and Doyley wood (avoiding the Oxfordshire Way which
many members are currently walking) and crossed Maidensgrove common to return to the pub for a well earned lunch and pint. The pub seated us in their conservatory at the rear which has a good view across the valley.
This was a circular 7.5 mile walk through varied landscape with 6 hills, 1 stile and no busy roads.
Monday October 9th – stroll led by Brenda
On a sunny Autumn day eleven of us set off from the Longwick Village Hall along fieldpaths and quiet roads to Ilmer where we stopped to visit the church and have a breather before continuing on across fields, skirting the ‘lost’ village of Lockington, where several walkers scrumped for apples, to reach the Mill house and then to follow more field paths back to Longwick. A flat walk enjoyed by all with special thanks to Brenda who led this at short notice when the appointed leader could not do it.
Friday October 20th medium walk led by Toby
Just 7 of us appeared out of the Stygian gloom at the Pink and Lily, after storm Babet had done its worst overnight. We set off towards Green Hailey and Whiteleaf Hill with those wearing boots regretting that they had not put on wellies. Mud and large puddles were the order of the day over the first mile or so. The view was not fantastic at Whiteleaf Hill as the plain of Aylesbury was shrouded in mist. We were able to locate one or two landmarks although, unusually, we could not see Peter’s daughter’s house. We then descended down a treacherous path to Whiteleaf Golf Club and then on to the Plough at Cadsden where we took a well deserved coffee break in a form of bus shelter, just outside the pub. It was dry and had good seats so was a good location for a break. The return to the Pink & Lily took us near Great Hampden and through Redland End. Luckily the rain pretty much held off for the majority of the walk and Angela even spotted some blue sky – ‘enough to make some sailors’ trousers’. A sumptuous lunch was enjoyed by all, under the kind auspices of Shirley at the Pink and Lily, which everyone agreed had definitely come up in the world.