Long Walk 5th December led by Chris Mansfield
Seven of us meet at The Swan, Kimble on a rather dreary but mild December day. There had been heavy overnight rain and the forecast for the day was for more rain! So suitably attired we set off at 9.15 to walk towards Little Kimble station then on along the road, then field paths to reach Ellesborough. The paths were very muddy and the (many!) stiles quite slippery but everyone managed without mishap. After crossing the road in Ellesborough we continued along the field path before turning right to walk up through the golf course to reach and cross the Wendover road. Our path now led us alongside the golf course just on the edge of woodland and reached the road up to the Beacon where we continued along another woodland in the same direction to later meet the Ridgeway at a cross paths. Here we turned right downhill and reached the road at Chequers where we diverted slightly to visit Buckmoorend farm shop. Rain had been falling gently on and off during our walk but never became heavy. Continuing on we followed the Ridgeway across Chequers then on to reach the Aylesbury Ring leading us to the main road at Great Kimble from where we followed footpaths back to The Swan at Little Kimble, arriving at 12.55. After getting out of all our wet and muddy gear we went into the pub where a table had been reserved for us – 2 more people joined us for lunch which was quickly and efficiently served. A good time was had by all as we sat eating, drinking and chatting – a fine way to spend a dull December day!
Strollers 10th December– led by Sheila Lane
Eleven of us met on a bright November morning at the Swan at Kimble. WE set off at 10.30am across fields and the railway line – where we had to stop for a train to pass – before continuing on to the main Aylesbury road. After crossing the road we walked slowly uphill along a track then tuned left through a gate still going gently uphill to reach the Ridgeway path which we followed for a short distance before turning left again, now on top of a ridge giving long views over the Vale of Aylesbury. Soon we turned right to go downhill then left again to follow a pretty path as it led down steps into a small valley, up some steps then contouring around a hill before going down to reach the road at Ellesborough church. We crossed the road to walk through the churchyard and on downhill to reach a cross paths. Here we turned left to follow a path leading us to the Wendover road where we turned right along the road to its junction with the Aylesbury road. We turned right to Little Kimble station then took a path on the left leading alongside the railway, crossing it later to return to The Swan, arriving back at 12.30, where some of the group stayed for lunch. A very pleasant walk with fine views without too much effort!
Medium Walk 14th December led by Peter West
With wind and rain dominating the preceding days, the weather expectations were not high for the day’s walk. However, to our surprise and delight, the day dawned clear and bright, calm, and with a frost which hardened up the ground. Thirteen of us set off from the Red Lion at Bradenham, now a tearoom, and past Bradenham Manor to enter the woods. Heading in a southerly direction through the woods, we eventually came to the railway line and walked parallel to it before crossing underneath it through a tunnel. After a short distance, we crossed the busy A4010 and headed up towards the Dashwood mausoleum. From here, stunning views can be seen across the valley.
Dropping down the road skirting West Wycombe, we passed the entrance to the caves and the school building with its ornate architecture to walk a few yards along a footpath beside the A40. Turning off, we headed up to pass through Great Cockshoot Woods to emerge high over open fields with fine views towards Piddington. We passed Green End Farm to descend on a footpath to a narrow road. We turned right along the road to Chawley Green passing the farm there. The leader subsequently learned that a footpath which was missed could have avoided this road section – a lesson for the future. We turned off left on a footpath which crossed three minor roads to approach a climb which we knew would be a challenge having been forewarned. However, everyone managed the climb in fine style and enjoyed a rest at the top.
We turned left towards Noble’s Farm and then descended to cross the A4010 again to arrive at the Red Lion. We had arrived a little early and had to wait a short while for our table to be prepared as this was the busy pre-Christmas period. We all enjoyed a convivial meal sat together on one table. All in all, a very satisfying day.