Walk Reports November 2023
Wednesday November 1st Long walk led by Angela Wall
In spite of the very gloomy forecast, 10 intrepid explorers met in Mill End car park suitably clad in wet weather gear and full of optimism. We set off in dry weather and good spirits towards the village of Hambleden passing through meadows and sheep. At Hambleden, we crossed over the main road and took a rising path through woods and continued along a lovely track with good views over the Thames valley. After descending past Greenlands dairy farm, we walked along the main road until a gate and path on our left led us into a water meadow by the Thames on the opposite side to the Thames Path. Our luck with the dry morning weather then disappeared as black clouds gathered and the heavens opened drenching us with pouring rain.
We squelched through soggy meadows sheltering under trees when we could, and crossing slippery wooden bridges over fast flowing streams. How we welcomed the Twix bars that Sue miraculously produced from her rucksack! At last, Henley came into sight, the rain eased and we decided that we needed to get warm and dry so stopped for a quick coffee at Berries café. Continuing our walk, we crossed over the bridge and then took a path behind the Leander Club and up over the hill to Remenham Wood. After reaching Remenham Church Lane, we sheltered from the rain again under a tree, before taking a path which eventually led down to Aston Lane and The Flower Pot Hotel for lunch. We were all snuggly tucked into the old bar and enjoyed a really good lunch. A wonderful surprise met us as we left the pub- the sun was shining and we had a lovely walk over the fantastically roaring torrent at Hambleden weir before making our way back to the car park.
Monday November 13th – stroll led by Susan Atkinson
It had rained all night before our walk and we had yet another storm. I decided to take a chance and continue with the walk as the forecast was ok for the morning,
We had six people including me. It was quite soggy under foot in places but all able to walk round. Everyone really enjoyed it and said they were quite happy to travel slightly out of the Princes Risborough area. It took 20 mins to get there, free parking in the Pub car park and we all had coffee and biscuits after. I did not arrange for lunch as I was not sure how many would turn up and if they would want to stay for lunch. It was a lovely, enjoyable walk
Friday November 17th medium walk led by David & Jenny Brown
Following our earlier walk from Downley, this year, which suffered from torrential rain, on this occasion we were blessed with ‘wall to wall’ sunshine and in the woods, lovely autumn colours.
Our party of 14 walkers, having previously pre-ordered lunch options, started out at 9.30 am from Greyhound Inn in Wiggington and walked south along the road until we joined the Chiltern Way footpath leading to Grims Ditch. From here we followed the distinct raised ramparts of the ditch through woodland and fields before turning north off Grims ditch to cross the field to Northill Wood. Here we joined the Ridgeway national trail and shortly afterwards reached stacks of lumber where we took a break and enjoyed our morning coffee.
Continuing along the Ridgeway we passed the hamlet of Hastoe and Martin Hill Farm before reaching the entrance to Tring Park. Here the trail followed the carriage route taken by former Rothschild family guests to the park, with its magnificent views across Aylesbury Vale to the Rothschild mansion. Again, we enjoyed the autumn colours and members were in good spirits after a fairly level walk with no stiles or steep hills. Finally, we took public footpaths skirting around the village to the Wick Farm road and back to The Greyhound pub where we enjoyed good food and drinks.