27th May Letchmore Heath hides unseen between Watling Street and the M1, two great rivers of north-bound traffic a matter of a couple of fields away. Hiding in plain sight, the village seems quiet happy to let life rush by so long as no one bothers it too much. We've left the car in Aldenham … Continue reading Letchmore Heath
Streatley
26th May Today we're walking in the Kingdom of Wessex and, it turns out, I've been joined by Ethelred's long-lost grand-daughter, 'Susan the Unready'. We arrive at the Lardon Chase car park to discover that Sue's left her walking boots behind! In spite of our inauspicious start, this is a thoroughly enjoyable walk. It has a pleasing mix of river views, secluded valleys, downland views and sleepy country villages. We follow the Thames as far as Moulsford before striking up onto the Downs through Unhill Wood and Cow Common. From up here the views are far and wide, including the Chilterns in the distance.
Coombe Hill
19th May So, tell the truth now, who avoided the Royal Wedding by going for a walk? Seven years ago David and I escaped whilst Kate and William took their vows. On that day we went for a walk near Parslow's Hillock, Princes Risborough. We tried again today... but once Sue's family get talking...as it was, we left during the sermon, which was the highlight, I hear. In the end, we did return to Princes Risborough, starting at Redland End this time. The unusually late start means we're walking during the heat of the day. The weather is glorious but almost all of this walk passes through the woods and shady tracks between Princes Risborough and Wendover. We discuss how much of the Chilterns is just woods, lanes and farm tracks...and on days like today, its a real blessing!
Gaddesden Row
18th May Another pub walk this evening. This time from the car park of the Crown and Sceptre in Briden's Camp. We were last here in September 2016..that does feel like an age away! There's not much to Briden's Camp...if the Romans did stop off here they didn't leave much behind...a couple of cottages clustered around the pub and a cricket club over the road...which, as if to disown its location, is named after Great Gaddesden...all very confusing!
Sarratt Bottom
17th May It's a open secret, amongst those who live in Watford...the best local walks are at Sarratt. So close to Watford, on the doorstep of the busiest section of the M25, and yet Sarratt inhabits its own tranquility bubble. An ideal destination on a warm spring evening, after work. We park in the car … Continue reading Sarratt Bottom
Edlesborough
12th May With this walk, we've walked the complete length of the Chilterns in circular walks of various distances, from Luton and Dunstable all the way to the River Thames at Goring..and this is the 101st walk we've recorded on this blog. Increasingly, it's feeling like we need a change, even if Edlesborough itself has steadfastly resisted. This was a really enjoyable 11.9m walk and, apart from a stiff climb up onto Dunstable Downs at the beginning, and a slightly easier climb onto Ashridge at about 8 miles, it's a relatively easy walk.
Berkhamsted Common
11th May A short evening walk. In spite of the dull weather, this walk is a pleasant mixture of Hertfordshire woods and fields and takes in Berkhamsted and Northchurch Commons which overlook the Bulborne Valley. We catch fleeting views of the valley through the branches of some of the most gnarly oaks we've seen for a while. The last of the bluebells brighten the darker corners of the woods...by next week the display will be over for another year.
