Long Walk February 4th led by Jeane Richards
Ten walkers set at off at 9.30 from The Gate pub in Bryant’s Bottom for a 7.5 mile circular walk. We were very lucky with the weather, mild and sunny compared to the persistent rain we had been getting.
From the pub car park we walked through the village till a foot path on the left lead us up the hill to Piggots Woods. Through the wood we headed towards Hughenden Valley then down the hill and right towards Lower North Dean. Up another hill and through Stocking Wood and round towards Upper North Dean. We followed the valley till we reached the bottom of the steep hill signposted to Speen.
At the top of the hill, before we left the wood and where there was a handy bench, we stopped for a break and a chance to catch our breath. Once replenished we continued the walk through Speen, down Grubbins Lane and turning right on through Monkton Wood. We headed in the direction of Great Hampden, then round the back through fields and paths reaching Hampden Common. The route continued along the top with nice views over the valley until we reached the steep path that leads down the hill right by The Gate pub and back where we started. Seven stayed for a well deserved lunch at The Gate.
Strollers February 9th led by Elizabeth Rouse
We had a good turnout of 14 strollers who met in Naphill. We had a dry but damp morning for strolling.
Due to the enormous amount of rain we had experienced since Christmas I adapted the walk to quiet lanes around Naphill and inevitably had to walk short distances along the main road. The plan to go through woodland to Downley Common had to be abandoned as I felt the very wet conditions underfoot could result in slips and injuries. Everone seemed to agree with this decision and were just pleased to be able to get out in the fresh air during a break in the rainy conditions!
Medium February 20th led by Sharon Clark
Hampden Revisited – a 6 mile circular walk starting at the Hampden Arms and following the Memorial Road past the cricket pavillion, across the cross roads and into Hampden. At the pretty thatched cottage at the end turn right and then right again to go down hill to cross Bryants Bottom Road. Carry on up Spring Coppice Road and at the crest of the hill, turn right onto the footpath towards Coleheath Bottom. Turn right and follow this road until it meets Hampden Road and cross over to the woods. Stay on this path for a good mile and then turn right onto the public footpath towards Redland End. At the end of the footpath carry on down the road to Redland End. Cross the road and take the footpath that is diagonally opposite. Walk through the woods until you get to a stile and turn right. Head towards Hampden House and turn right after the church in direction of the Hampden Road. Cross over (with care) and then turn right after the two huge trees leaning into the avenue. Walk towards the gate and then across the field. Take the path around the next field and turn right at a gap in the hedge. Walk down to Memorial Road, turn right and return to the Hampden Arms and a delicious lunch!