Long walk November 6th led by Chris Mansfield
Fourteen walkers set off from The Hampden Arms on a rather misty cloudy day with dampness in the air but no rain. We followed a well known route to Hampden House, over fields to Little Hampden, down and then uphill to reach Cobbershill where we had a coffee break. We then continued on, now going downhill to Hotly Bottom and then through woodland to reach Honor End farm from where we followed field paths to reach a lane which led us back to the Hampden Arms.
Twelve of us stayed to lunch in a pub already heaving with other large parties, but the food arrived quickly and efficiently – no pre -order or £10 deposit required here. Plough at Cadsden take note! The trees were particularly beautiful – some sun would have made them outstanding but it was a good, varied walk in our lovely area.
Strollers November 11th – led by Eleanor McGregor
14 strollers met at the Lions of Bledlow on a beautiful autumn morning. We set off at 10.30 along the Swan’s Way before branching right to walk over fields and along a narrow path with 4 stiles to reach Lower Wainhill. From here we continued along field paths, almost to Chinnor, then turned left along another path to meet the Ridgeway/Swans’s Way again. After a short break we turned left, now heading back towards Bledlow along a pretty undulating path through woodland but still with views over the surrounding countryside to reach a point by a cottage where the Ridgeway goes off and we took the Swans’s Way back to Bleldow, arriving at 12 noon. It was a lovely walk with beautiful autumn colours, good views and just gentle inclines. The pub was open so some of the group went in for a drink afterwards.
Medium walk November 15th led by Peter West
The walk was about 7 miles long commencing at the Lions at Bledlow. The day was overcast but no rain was forecast. Six walkers started from the pub and took the path that ran behind the church and over the railway line before crossing the B4009 at Pitch Green. We continued through the village and over the old railway lines still embedded in the road of the Risborough to Thame line long since closed and now forming the Phoenix Trail. We then stopped to look at the site of the old water mill and buildings now converted into dwellings. The old water wheel mounted by the roadside made for a good photo opportunity.
We were now on the Swan’s Way which took us across fields to Ilmer. There was excitement when we reached the village as three of the group had never been there before. A bench opposite the church made a suitable place for a coffee break. As the ancient church was open, we had a look inside. It was very dark and the only light came from windows by the altar. Pressing on, we arrived at North Mill and headed towards Forty Green. However, a very large field had recently been roughly ploughed and one of the group fell when starting to cross it. We decided that it was safer to walk round the edge of the field but this added at least half a mile to our journey. We crossed the Phoenix Trail to come to a section of the path that was very narrow and muddy. We had to pick our way very cautiously to avoid slipping or getting wet feet! Passing Forty Green, we walked beside an extensive field with densely planted bamboo which made it an impenetrable barrier to a footpath that should go through it.
Our path took us to Henton, but to get there, we had to pass directly behind the Peacock pub. One of our group passed by showing great reluctance! We walked up through the village, admiring the expensive looking houses as we went, to cross the B4009 again. It was then only a fairly short walk across fields and the cricket ground to return to the Lions. There we had a drink and a pleasant lunch and was surprised to see how busy it was compared with earlier visits. All in all, a very pleasant walk.