Wednesday November 2nd Long walk led by Toby
Happily everyone arrived in Ipsden rather than Ibstone as the organiser (Toby) had feared. Unfortunately Toby arrived late owing to three unexpectedly closed roads en route, and was happy to discover that the rest had not started without him. After a short briefing, the walk started slightly behind schedule on a bright but slightly breezy day. The views to the west over the Thames valley towards Wantage were much admired. Peter was busy with his camera as usual, after the highlights of the pictorial presentation at the annual dinner the previous week which had been much enjoyed by all, as well as the editing and annotations by Angela.
The walk proceeded to Wood House Farm where a shoot was taking place which encouraged all members to look visible in order not to be confused with a muntjac or whatever they were after. We then joined the Ridgeway/Grims Ditch on the way up to Nuffield where refreshments were waiting in the form of coffee/tea, biscuits and some dangerous tarts, as well as some very welcome and surprisingly comfortable pews (thanks to some well positioned cushions). Thank you, Derek, for providing these facilities which, we are sure, are much appreciated by all walkers on the Ridgeway.
It was then downhill all the way to the King William IV in Hailey, via Homer Farm and more views towards the west. There was a rather unique system of numbers in the pub but everyone enjoyed their welcome meals (even after all those tarts !) which came very quickly as well as various forms of liquid refreshment provided by Messrs Brakspear & Co.Ltd. Many people said that we should return in the summer in order to enjoy the outside tables which have unrivalled views of the area. Thankfully everyone managed to get home without problems from closed roads.
NB As usual, Toby was assiduous in keeping the wild elephants at bay at which he has a 100% success rate. The secateurs were also in evidence but were not red hot, as was the case on other walks during the spring/summer.
Monday November 14th stroll led by Brendan Larkin
It was not the best of days and only seven people decided to turn up. It was a walk from Chiltern View magazine called Fryers farm. I decided to start from outside ‘The Chequers pub’ on Wheeler end common and was pleased that no one had walked this before. The walk starts unexpectedly by going through a house garden and then passes over a (surprisingly) muddy farm yard. Open country then with views except for the fog that is. We then joined an old road and turned up the first of the rolling hills. We were lucky to see a large ‘Fairy ring’ not often encountered nowadays. Through woods past grazing horses but always the buzz of the M40 which we crossed and then headed towards Lane End. Up through the new estates, past the hidden away shops and out onto the Lane End -Wycombe road. recrossed the M40 and returned to the cars. I think that this is a good walk, with much variety and good views, well if not foggy.
I think it was enjoyed by the people who came and I intend to repeat it next August, when I hope for a super turnout.
Friday November 18th medium walk led by Angela Wall
It was with some trepidation that we woke on Friday morning, as the previous few days had been wet and windy. However, our fears were soon calmed when we met at The Lions in Bledlow to be greeted with blue skies and sunshine. This continued all morning in a glorious late Autumn day with unbelievably warm weather for mid-November. After ordering our food, we set off down the lane towards the manor and turned right on to a path that steadily climbed up to the Icknield Way. Heading straight across the track we passed over hilly fields until we reached the Ridgeway and then turned left on to the hillside. Taking a path on the right, we came to the main road, crossed it and headed for Callow Down Farm. Just before the farm, we turned left and headed for the foot of Lodge Hill. After climbing steeply up the hill, we stopped to enjoy the wonderful clear views on both sides with the Chiltern countryside looking superb in the sunshine. At the bottom of the hill, we took a left turn onto a path that descended to the area known as the Gallops after its use in the past for exercising horses. Taking a left path that took us over fields some of which still had flowering poppies, we eventually came to Saunderton Lee. After a brief walk along the road, we took a left turn and walked along a narrow, enclosed path leading to a field where we turned left towards Lodge Hill. Turning right at the foot of the hill, we walked about a mile on paths that wound round the hill and headed for Bledlow. A short walk across the main road and through fields took us back to the Icknield Way. Finally, a rather muddy, steep, downhill track led us to the car park and pub. Our food was ready and waiting for us on the tables and we enjoyed a hearty meal in good company. A lovely morning walk in unexpectedly, wonderful weather.