6th May
“You know that feeling when you mind goes blank as you walk…?” My question seems to cut in on whatever Sue was thinking…she’s there too! Sometimes it’s great to get out on the hills, forget the week, observe nature and let your mind just free-wheel. It’s been a busy week, we’ve a lot to talk about between periods of quiet and this is a perfect place to do it.
We’ve parked outside The Cafe In The Woods, Wendover, but this time it was less busy. Only the excited gaggle of DoE Award teenagers broke the silence as we set out from the car park. There’s 4 hours on the parking meter so no hanging about today. By now we’re well into our walk and the steep climb up into Hale Wood has brought us to yet another bluebell display. We’re starting to get blasé about these displays but they’re still magnificent.
“I think walking changes the way you see things”, I say. Sue agrees and reminds me that there was a time I’d have not stopped for bluebells.
Just outside Buckland Common we bump into a couple of dog-walking senior citizens. They recommend a detour to Buckland Wood for another bluebell display. The ticking meter keeps us walking but looking back we spot them ambling hand in hand across the field…it’s too good a photo-opportunity to pass up! Which brings me back to my initial musings. Whatever happens next it will be something we do together and guided by our shared faith.
One final reflection, that’s a year of blogging walks in the Chilterns! We’ve been walking round here much longer, of course, but it’s been enjoyable to record where we’ve been and realize how lucky we are to live here.
Buckland Common picture gallery (more pictures on Flickr):
Distance: 9.2 miles ; Difficulty: Moderate
Coordinates for Satnav: N51° 46.354′ W0° 42.810′
Buckland Common walk profile
Where Angells Tread! 