August 4th 2021 Long Walk led by Peter West
The walk was 7½ miles long, flat, with only one slight uphill climb. Those walking had previously been warned that there were a number of stiles on the walk and that a short section of the path was heavily overgrown. The forecast for the day was not too promising with rain expected later and a lower than normal summer temperature.We set off from the Three Horseshoes pub in Towersey and met the first stile soon afterwards. We continued eastwards along Manor Road until we met the bridleway and on through woods and over a footbridge. The path became overgrown but passable without too many problems. Soon we were out of the vegetation and made our way across fields towards Ilmer. The uphill climb now faced us but was not such a challenge as those encountered in the Chilterns.
We descended across fields to pass North Mill and then on to the Phoenix Trail. Very conveniently, there was a seat which enabled us to sit and have a break. Contrary to the forecast, it was now warming up in the strong sunshine. We now faced the heavily overgrown section, and led by Toby with his secateurs and Peter with his, a way was being cleared. However, it was at this point that Peter realised that he had left his haversack at the rest point – what a pain. The others went ahead to get clear of the overgrown section and then waited for Peter who retraced his steps to retrieve his haversack. A hot and sweaty Peter returned and we pressed on. More fields followed before we arrived at the Peacock at Henton. There were feigned muttering in the ranks when the leader indicated that we were not stopping. Due to a footpath being blocked, we had to make a detour which increased the distance we had to walk along New Close Farm Road before turning off towards Emmington. Before reaching the village, we took a path across fields through Down Covert which led us back to the Phoenix Trail. This last section was quite exposed and some members were feeling the effects of the heat. However, it was only a short walk back to the Three Horseshoes. At the pub, we sat outside together under the shade of an open- sided marquee. At this point we were joined by Brenda’s husband, Bob, who was unable to walk through injury. We enjoyed the very reasonably priced varied meals in a convivial atmosphere; a pleasant ending to the day.
August 9th 2021 Stroll led by Brendan Larkin
Just eight of us turned up in Chinnor for our stroll – the weather was a bit ‘iffy’ so possibly put some people off. We set off from the car park by the mill walking along field paths, then turning right over more fields towards Sydenham before looping back round to Chinnor. Some of the paths were a little overgrown and we did encounter inquisitive cattle but it was a very pleasant 3 mile walk with no rain.
August 13th medium walk led by Sue Styles
Eight of us met at the Lions of Bledlow on a cloudy, breezy though quite warm day. We set off at 9.20 across a field to reach the path to climb up to the top of Chinnor hill where we had glorious views over the countryside. We continued on to pass a car park then along a road to reach Red Lane where we turned left for half a mile before turning right onto a woodland path leading downhill towards Sprig’s Alley but turning off left before getting there on a winding path leading us down to Radnage and Radnage church where.we stopped for a break in the churchyard. We then continued walking up Radnage Lane for about half a mile before taking a pretty path on the right leading uphill to the road at Bledlow Ridge. We crossed the road to walk along Routs Green Lane opposite, through the village to the edge of the scarp where we had more wonderful views. Then it was a steep downhill with good views all the way – until a shower of rain caused us to stop and don our waterproofs. At the bottom we turned left to take the path that skirts the bottom of Lodge hill – very overhung with trees so that we couldn’t feel the rain which soon stopped anyway. Then it was just a few more fields to cross before we took the track leading us back to the pub arriving at 1.10. We sat in the garden and the food was served, maybe a little slow, but certainly ok – we will come here again after a gap of a few years when service had got very poor. A lovely walk enjoyed by all.