7th October A really enjoyable stroll on a glorious Autumnal afternoon. We picked this walk to explore the woods around Checkendon and, given that we'd started to notice the change of the seasons over the last few weeks, we had hoped for some rich browns, yellows and oranges. As it happens, the leaves are still holding on and deep inside the woods the predominant colour is still green.
October
Tarka Trail, Okehampton
We're staying here and the Trail is a short walk from the cottage and within 10mins we're in Okehampton. From here we follow the Okement River as far as Charlotte's Bridge (a tragic story) before turning north east for Stockley Hamlet, leaving the Trail behind. We zig-zag through the lanes as far as Brightly where we stumble upon Priory Cottage and both agree that we wouldn't mind living there.
Meldon
A 11.6 mile walk in which I channel my inner Bear Grylls. It wasn't the intention but, once you're 8 miles in and the path disappears in the bog, then you're kind of committed. It's still early as we climb away from the car park by the Meldon Reservoir. It's mostly deserted apart from a few eager dog walkers and a couple equipped with full waterproofs and walking poles...perhaps, with hindsight, we should have taken the hint! The recent rain has left the ground muddy and we're not long into the walk before the rain returns. Still, as we splash along the disused railway lines over Coombe and Southerly Down, there's plenty to talk about and it doesn't dampen our spirits.
Aston Rowant
After last week's detour via East London we're back in the Chilterns. As last week, the weather is dull as dishwater and it's left to the autumn colours to lift our spirits. As per normal we meet few people, which by and large, is the way we like it! The odd dog walker with an over-excitable puppy, a young couple with rucksacks who look like they mean serious business and 'Tory Boy' landowner!
Woolwich-Victoria
We join the River at the Woolwich ferry pier and within a few minutes we've reached the Thames Barrier. The great silver domes could be made for a day like today, they blend perfectly with the dull skies and river. From here we head towards Canary Wharf, something which we appeared to be doing for the next 3 hours as it looms menacingly to our right The lazy meanders of the Thames mean we pretty much walk around three sides of Canary Wharf and by the time we leave it behind I'm glad to see the back of it!
Wheatley
We park in Beech Road and head across the fields to Cuddesden. Rain's in the forecast but for now the sun's out and we can see the full length of the Chilterns stretched out from Ivinghoe to Woodcote. I get the feeling a clear evening's view, with the sun in the west, would be spectacular. From Cuddesden we skirt Garsington and Horspath before the steep climb into Shotover Country Park.
Bledlow Ridge
22nd October Yesterday it seemed as if every dog owner in the Wycombe area was out walking their 'best friend'...given my well established love of dogs it got a bit wearing at times! Nevertheless this walk was really enjoyable, if a bit long. At 14 miles, the last 2 miles were more of a route … Continue reading Bledlow Ridge
Chartridge
15th October What to say about this walk? A pleasant walk (no stiles, no steep hills) on a Saturday afternoon which turned out sunnier than we'd expected. Otherwise, to be honest, there is not much to write home about as far as Chartridge is concerned (5 1/2 miles, 2hrs). We'd discovered this before when we … Continue reading Chartridge
Clayton Windmills
8th October Weekends are busy and we're squeezing walking around everything else. Today we are in Brighton catching up with both Hannah & David so we leave early, hoping to complete a walk on the Downs before lunch. Yet another outing for our National Trust Membership as we park up on Ditchling Beacon (£6 saved … Continue reading Clayton Windmills
Chipperfield
2nd October I'm struggling to get used to the Church of England. This morning's service at St Luke's was finished by 10-20am, which seems ridiculously early compared to a lifetime of services finishing at 12-45pm (perhaps non-conformists just have more stamina!). With most of the morning left we drove out to Chipperfield for one of … Continue reading Chipperfield
Where Angells Tread! 