Ivinghoe & Pitstone Windmill

2nd July

Did I ever mention that I’m half Welsh? Well, today seems like a good time to ‘Come Out!’

A couple of steep hills to give great views, varied scenery and good company makes for a satisfying walk…and this walk had them all (map). We prize Hannah from her bed to leave at 9am and by 9-30am we’re parking in the car park on Pitstone Hill. We’ve climbed Ivinghoe Beacon before and on a clear day there are great views across the Vale of Aylesbury. Today is no exception.

Descending from the Beacon we loop back through Ivinghoe, passed the Pitstone Windmill and along the Grand Union Canal to Tring Station before returning via Aldbury Nowers (9.3 miles). We ignored Hannah’s suggestion of a break at The Rose and Crown at Ivinghoe and towards the end I was beginning to regret our decision. However in the end I felt vindicated. A heavy shower passed overhead just after we arrived back at the car and I lost no time in explaining how I’d helped everyone avoid getting wet! Nevertheless, my smugness still cost me lunch at the Greyhound Inn in Aldbury.

A good walk although the route could do with refining to remove some of the road sections.