Long Walk November 5th led by Peter West
We met in the car park of the Dashwood Roadhouse in Piddington to begin our 6½ mile walk. Thankfully, the weather was fine after earlier predictions of rain on the day and mild for the time of year. Passing through the village, we set off up the steep incline to Bullocks Farm and through Upper Dorrels Wood to Towerage. Here, from our elevated position, we could see a statue of a figure on a horse looking down through a corridor in the trees to West Wycombe House far below. However, the statue is a recent addition and procured from a film set and apparently made from a synthetic material!We passed the property intriguingly named Druid’s Hutt and turned off down a path that offered an almost bird’s eye view of Adam’s Park, the home of Wycombe Wanderers Football Club. Pressing on, we walked along a narrow metalled road with lovely views over undulating fields to turn off just before Fryers Farm. Heading down into a valley through fields with horses, we climbed up through woods and down to another valley to pick up the track that took us to Wheeler End.
Crossing the common, we passed through Laurel Farm and out into open countryside with fine views all round. Then down through Barn Wood to a point where a short cut could be taken back to the pub. Having had a gruelling walk with many hills, the general view was that we should take the short cut.
The Roadhouse had set up a long table for us, so thankfully we sat down to enjoy a welcome drink and consume the varied meals that had been ordered.
All in all, a thoroughly satisfying day.
Strollers November 10th led by Eleanor McGregor
11 brave (foolhardy) souls met on a very wet November morning keen to walk despite the elements. It was wet, wet, wet and then even more wet – but everybody enjoyed it and were happy to be outside.
Medium November 21st led by Angela Wall
After some days of wet, sleety and windy weather, it was a lovely surprise to see a clear blue sky and sun although it was very cold and frosty. We met at The Black Horse in Lacey Green and set off westwards taking paths down toward the valley and to a lane. Turning southwards, we crossed a stile on to a delightful path that took us along the eastern edge of the valley with superb views. Eventually the path led down to Small Dean Farm where we turned left on to a lane and walked about 300m to a small car park. Passing through a gate at the back of the car park, we climbed a steep hill up to a cross track that gently led us upwards through Bradenham Wood. On reaching a lane at the top, we turned right and took the first footpath on the left into a field. We stopped for a short coffee break and were joined by three inquisitive horses who showed a keen interest in Toby’s banana and rucksack. We continued down Slad Lane and after crossing three difficult stiles and passing yet more horses, we arrived at a small lane. A group of snuffling Gloucester Old Spot pigs diverted us for a while before we continued along a track to Turnip End and then down a steep hill to Highwood Bottom and Tobyland. A short stop was made for Toby to feed his absent neighbours’ sheep, before we continued on a series of paths through lovely woods until we reached Lily Bank Farm. Crossing Lily Bottom Lane and walking up Grims Ditch for a short distance, we took a path that eventually led us back to Lacey Green windmill via Widmer Farm fields with even more horses. A stroll along the main road returned us to the pub and good lunch. A lovely walk with a variety of interest in perfect Winter weather.