Long Walk August 1st led by Corinne Symonds
Studham, Whipsnade and Dunstable Downs Distance: 8 miles
Start and Finish: The Red Lion, Church Rd, Studham, Dunstable LU6 2QA
14 of us set out on an 8 mile figure of 8 route on what was thankfully a much cooler day than of late. The area was new to many and there was a noticeable buzz of anticipation amongst the group. Leaving Studham-Bedfordshire’s most southerly village, via the common, we passed Studham church and walked along the perimeter fence of Whipsnade zoo.
Disappointingly the zebra which had been present on the recce were noticeably absent. The Chiltern Way took us through the National Trust tree cathedral, where we joined the Icknield Way eventually emerging on the edge of Dunstable Downs. Walkers were surprised at our elevation given that we had not climbed any hills. We enjoyed the panoramic views, spotting some of the landmarks from our current project walk on the Outer Aylesbury Ring. After a photocall at the Wind Catcher there was a welcome coffee break at the cafe where we watched gliders being launched and kites being flown. We rejoined the Chiltern Way for the return loop and on passing back through the Tree Cathedral took time to explore this tranquil spot. We passed Whipsnade church and some impressive gardens in Holywell before arriving back in Studham. Unfortunately the Red Lion was disappointing, although they served drinks and took payment promptly and efficiently we had a long wait for our pre-ordered food, 2 meals were missing and when they arrived one was incorrect. We agreed we would revisit the area but try a different pub next time.
Strollers August 10th led by Sue Dawson
11 of us set off on a circular walk from Longwick, the temperature was pleasant with a breeze at times and some shade on the quiet lanes. We joined the Phoenix Trail from Bledlow and back across a couple of fields to Longwick. All in all a 3.60 mile with a few stops to admire some gardens and a stunning red kite carving at the former Bledlow train station.
Medium Walk August 21st led by Angela & Martin Kent
A thankfully cooler day, given the recent heatwave, greeted our 13 walkers in the Hit Or Miss car park, Penn Street, for a 5 mile circular walk from the village to Winchmore Hill.
Crossing a small field into woodland we soon arrived at the walls around Penn House which despite acting as the centre point of our walk, was barely visible throughout. Dropping down to Penn Bottom we had a short, if rather hair-raising, road section which repaid us with beautiful views across the Chilterns once we had turned into a field by Brook Wood. Once through the woodland and into a stunning little valley (also confusingly marked as Penn Bottom on the OS Map) we headed towards for Winchmore Hill.
Back in the environs of Penn House we walked through a forest of clearly struggling Rhododendrons. I had always considered these invaders to be hardy plants, but it looked like the drought had had a marked effect on them.
Across another field into Winchmore Hill, my map indicated that our walk continued by the side of a Post Office, which none of us spotted, but we managed to pick up the Chiltern Way and circumnavigated a field to arrive at Tragoe’s Plantation. Once through, the next field was a mass of grasshoppers leaping around to avoid our boots! Finally we turned the corner and headed back to the Hit Or Miss for a well-earned lunch.