Long Walk January 7th led by Libby & Ger James
13 hardy walkers met at the ice rink that was the car park at the rear of Bledlow Lions pub. Despite blue sky and sunshine last night’s rain had settled and frozen on snow and become treacherous. We skidded to the footpath across the fields and then walked to Lodge Hill, we skirted the hill and sheltered from the wind for coffee and cheeky Prosecco shots whilst enjoying views across to the new data centre. A passing walker helped us finish the bottle.
We then took the track towards Bledlow Woods where we picked up a path on a steep slope to the top of Bledlow Great Wood, from there we enjoyed views across the vale. We dropped down a steep path and reached the Ridgeway that returned us to the pub where we enjoyed a sit down and a meal. No bones were broken although joints were worked hard.
Strollers January 12th led by Brendan Larkin
8 strollers met at the top of New Road for a familiar stroll up to Wardrobes and back, though this time, Brendan led us the other way round which made a nice change. The weather was positively balmy after the icy conditions earlier, and the going surprisingly good after heavy rain the day before. Water divining was attempted at Pyrtle Spring ( a bit of a tradition), though only Brendan seemed to do it well. A very pleasant walk with lovely views over Risborough and enjoyed by all.
Medium January 16th led by John Stallwood
18 walkers assembled at the Wheel public house Naphill at 9.30am. After the previous day’s deluge we expected it to be muddy, today its cloudy but dry.
We set off via Clappins Lane then footpaths through fields and woods to Upper North Dean. Then on up a valley towards Speen direction, a sharp left turn up a steep hill past horses belonging to the Horse Trust we arrived at a field corner behind the RAF quarters where we stopped for a break. Onwards towards Walters Ash, a short walk along the main road crossing over and into woodland called The Coppice. Various paths lead us to the church at Bradenham where we had another coffee break. Ger James joined us at this point. After about 10 minutes we carried on up the lane at the side of the Manor and onward to a large wooded area called Naphill common. We crossed this in an easterly direction until we reached Naphill village hall, across the main road we arrived at the pub and finish. Participants appeared to have enjoyed it and not too muddy either. Those of who stayed to enjoy our preordered lunches weren’t disappointed either, the service was well organised and very tasty. A great pub with reasonably priced food. I have emailed the pub thanking them for the use of the carpark and hospitality.