Long Walk September 3rd led by Sharon Clark
Long walk of 7.5 miles from Stokenchurch to Radnage and back
A very scenic walk that takes in rolling chalk hills, sweeping views and beech woodland. After torrential rain all night and into the early morning, 11 determined walkers decided to risk the rain and set off from the Fleur de Lis pub in Stokenchurch. The walk starts at Park Lane and continues down to Hallbottom Farm. Here, a left turn goes uphill to the wood and downhill to Colliers Lane. 150m further and the uphill path goes to Sunley Wood. At a major crossroads the lane to the left runs parallel to Bledlow Ridge and after 2km leads to Radnage. A short detour to Radnage Church for a coffee stop. From Horseshoe Road the walk follows the Chiltern Way back to Stokenchurch and lunch. 9 stiles
Strollers September 8th led by Carole Barfoot
LODGE HILL, SAUNDERTON
Earlier the week before the weather forecast had predicted rain so I was delighted that Monday morning greeted us with blue sky and fair weather clouds. Eight Strollers set off to walk around the base of Lodge Hill following part of the Ridgeway. Much of the elevation has been done by the car so there are lovely views from all sides of the hill excepting part of the return walk through the old ‘green lane’ or holloway . We stopped at a few points to admire the views and to play ‘I Spy’ , pointing out the markers in the landscape such as the brutalist, grim architecture of the Aylesbury Council Offices, the wind turbine on the way to Waddesdon ,the windmill at Lacey Green and the current blot on the landscape of the old Molins site. The crafters amongst us were very taken with the vibrant colours and shapes of the harvested and mown fields in the distance and the tones and upright forms of the grasses. There are no stiles on this walk and no steep uphill sections following this route, a very pleasant morning walk enjoyed by all of us. The hill can be climbed if wished and affords wonderful views from its summit.
Medium September 19th led by Toby Lucas
Back by popular demand, we walked through the Wellbarn Estate again which was definitely at its autumnal best. As before, we parked and commenced the walk from the Beetle and Wedge pub in Moulsford, on the banks of the Thames. We walked up to the Wellbarn Estate, which was looking immaculate. At the top, we paused briefly by the Gamekeeper’s Lodge to admire the view to the south west. We then walked over the brow of the hill to the “arboretum “ where we stopped for a cup of coffee. Everyone admired the writer’s new collapsible chair and table (complete with tablecloth) although, when others tried the seat, they unfortunately didn’t remain upright!
The return leg was accomplished successfully through the fields to the northern exit from the Estate and thence back to the pub where a sumptuous meal awaited and thirsts were quenched. After a glorious day of perfect weather, we made our respective ways back to Princes Risborough