Long Walk October 7th led by Angela Wall
Rain at last! Greatly welcomed by farmers and gardeners but not so welcomed by walkers. A group of 11 walkers met at the Golden Cross pub in Saunderton in drizzly rain, before setting off up Slough Lane and walking to the entrance to Nobles farm. Taking the left lane, we climbed steeply until we reached a crossing path near the top where we took a descending path on the left through woods and into a field. Bearing slightly left, we walked downhill with wonderful views across the valley until we eventually reached the bottom of the hill and the path led us under a bridge to the main road at Bradenham. After taking the path past the cricket ground and the church, we crossed the road and walked along a wide grassy path through fields and up to the top of the ridge with more lovely views and finer weather.
We had a coffee stop before walking through Park Wood and down to Small Dean farm. Another climb from Small Dean Lane led us up Callows Hill and before entering the wood, we passed through a gate on the left and took a steep path down to the A4010. Having crossed over the road, we walked up Lee Road until we came to a path opposite Pound Farm. Crossing the stile, we walked behind Manor Farm and along paths through fields until we came to Haw Lane. Then we reached the new data centre which was huge! Walking slowly past the building site, we marvelled at its size and area covered and with much discussion about the merits and problems of the development of AI, we continued our walk by climbing up through Allnutt’s Wood to Slough Lane and back to the pub. A good walk which, unfortunately, ended with an hour long wait for food and a rather disappointing meal.
Strollers October 12th led by Caroline Jones
10 walkers set off from Wendover at 10.30am. We had a nice flat dry walk around Wendover and then along the canal path. We saw a number of lovely ducks and 3 majestic swans.
Some of the group stayed in Wendover for coffee and lunch.
Medium Walk October 16th led by John Stallwood
Start Full Moon Cholesbury, nr Tring
14of us gathered in the pub car park for a 9.30am start, we didn’t have to preorder lunch first which was good.
We started by walking towards Cholesbury camp, an ancient hill fort with impressive ramparts and ditch. How did they construct such monuments so long ago? First a quick visit via the church which unfortunately wasn’t open, then a walk along part of the ramparts to pick up paths which guided us through High Scrubs and Round Hill woods. We then walked a trackway along the valley which led us to a short hill and Hawkridge Common. We stopped for a coffee break at the small church, again which wasn’t open. Then we continued on through the fields and downhill to Hawridge Bottom, turned right and just kept on walking until we reached a road. We turned right up the hill, spied a converted windmill and walked a few more yards into the pub car park. An easy pleasant walk blessed with good weather.