Long Walk July 2nd led by Angela Wall
After meeting at The Bell in Chearsley, we set off along the Chilton Road enjoying the cooler fine weather. After a short distance, we took a path which led behind Chearsley Hill House admiring the views across the valley. On returning to the road, we walked towards Chilton eventually taking a left turn through a field to Wombwell’s Farm and down hill towards the bottom of the valley. A left turn over a stile took us into a large field and a long climb to a gate at the top of the hill. What should have been a lovely view back towards Chearsley and Ashendon, was now obscured by ominous low cloud! We walked along a wide track towards College Farm and then the rain started to fall.
A climb over two awkward stiles took us into a field which we crossed and eventually came into Long Crendon. A walk along the High Street enabled us to quickly come to the village square and an escape from the rain in the Manor Stables Farm Shop and café. After a coffee break, the sun came out and we continued back along the High Street to the church. Spirits were high as the sun shone on the final stages of our walk past Notley Abbey, over the railway, past a wonderful blue field of chicory and eventually arriving at The Bell in Chearsley for a good pub lunch.
Strollers July 14th cancelled due to very warm weather
Medium walk July 18th – led by Sharon Clark
A 6.6 mile circular walk starting from The Plough at Hyde Heath. It was necessary to cross the Great Missenden/Chesham road to walk along Little Hundridge Lane until Black Grove and then a sharp, but short, hill to climb! Turning left at Little Pednor Farm the walk then meandered towards Ballinger Common. A short walk along Ballinger Road before entering the Ballinger playing fields where there is a very convenient Cricket Pavilion for a sit down and coffee break. From there, the walk continued through fields and passageways towards South Heath and Hyde End, and across the Great Missenden/Chesham road again. The loop back to The Plough took us through beautiful wheat fields that looked stunning in the full heat of the sun. The walk was relatively flat apart from the sharp/short bits and it did include 7 stiles.
16 walkers participated in the walk and it was a hot but enjoyable day. After the walk most of us stayed for lunch at the Plough for a well earned drink, food and a chat before setting off home.