24th November
Dull and wet! Writing this a month later, I’m struggling to remember much else about this walk. We were filling in some of the paths between Great Kingshill and Great Missenden and, in the process, linking several sections that we’d previously walked. More of those easily recognised Chiltern dry valleys (if you’re interested in the geology it’s explained in some detail here) as well as the Misbourne, one of the three Chiltern rivers (Misbourne, Chess and Gade…you tell me if there are more…).
It had rained the night before and our walk is punctuated by light drizzle throughout but the walk through Longfield and on to Bryant’s Bottom is pleasant enough. At Dennerhill Farm we pass one of those Kevin McCloud ‘Grand Designs’ barn conversions…I think time is running out for us and we should stop promising each other that one day we’ll do something similar!
From here our route takes us through Prestwood and on to Great Missenden. As we drop down into the village through Angling Spring Wood I get the impression there would be some great views up the valley towards Wendover…except today the valley is shrouded in mist. In a few years’ time HS2 will bully its way along this valley, partially corralled in a cutting on the far side. At the moment the valley is peaceful and, this morning, largely undisturbed.
From Great Missenden our route takes in Little Kingshill before returning to Great Kingshill, where we’d parked the car by the village green. A long 10.4 mile walk and a brief stop off at the village shop for chocolate cookies…we’ve earned them…the weather has been rubbish!
Prestwood picture gallery (more pictures on Flickr):
Distance: 10.4 miles ; Difficulty: Moderate
Postcode for Satnav: SG10 6DH
Prestwood walk profile
Where Angells Tread! 