Wednesday December 6th Long walk led by Sue Styles
We met at The Golden Cross PH, Saunderton for a seven mile walk – 11 people in total. It was quite foggy when we started but gradually cleared as the sun broke through. We walked along the fields opposite the pub towards Bradenham passing opportunities for photographs of winter scenes. From Bradenham we walked up into the woods emerging at Cookshall Farm where we had a stop for refreshments. Here there were glorious views across to the Mausoleum on West Wycombe hill with the mist still lying in the valley. We descended through fields and a copse to the A4010 which we crossed and then ascended West Wycombe hill. From here we continued along the ridge pathway where we encountered a considerable amount of standing rainwater which had been anticipated. The path then led back down to a minor road which we followed back to Saunderton where we had lunch.
Monday December 11th stroll led by Elizabeth Rouse
Eleven members met in the layby opposite Bradenham church on a cloudy but dry morning. During our 3 mile stroll we walked over grassy fields with a bit of undulation but with lovely views over to Saunderton. We arrived at Smalldean Farm and after a very short walk along the quiet lane we turned up into the woods and followed the path back to Bradenham. A good walk with little mud!
Friday December 15th medium walk led by Chris Mansfield
Sixteen people set off from Monks Risborough at 10.30 for a local walk up to Whiteleaf and on over the golf course to pick up the Ridgeway path going up through the nature reserve. It was a dry but rather misty/cloudy day so the views were not quite as clear as they could have been, We stopped at CHequers Knap for a good view all over the Aylesbury Vale before continuing on to Ellesborough church where we stopped again for a coffee break. There was quite a cool breeze so we set off again quite soon so as not to get too cold. The path was now mostly downhill or flat and we made good time crossing many fields to reach the Three Crowns at Askett at 1.15pm. The going had been quite soft in places but considering all the rain we’d had, the mud was not too bad. There was a very warm welcome for us at the pub as we crowded into the Stable Bar which had been reserved for us Drinks were ordered, two more people joined us and the pre-ordered food was quickly served as we all sat down for a jolly time. After lunch we put on our muddy boots again for the short road walk back to Monks Risborough. The last walk of the year – a good time was had by all!