Back to Tring. We seem to have walked around here a lot...1, 2, 3...but this walk joins up sections of these walks with stretches we've not walked. Parking in Wigginton, we drop down from the Ridgeway into Tring Park and stumble into the Saturday morning park run...all very well organized with marshals in fluorescent jackets and routes pegged out with plastic flags. Our walk will be an altogether less well-planned affair!
whereangellstread
Ashridge
A Chilterns highlight-the Spring bluebells at Dockey Wood, Ashridge Estate. We got up early Sunday morning to catch the sun rise and the bluebells before church...and frankly, it was worth the effort! As we arrive at Dockey Wood it's clear we're not the only people with this idea, the car park by the Wood is almost full and it's 7-30am.
Haddington Hill
There really is not much to say about this walk. No real views. The walking is easy and without stiles and the weather surprisingly cold compared to only a few days earlier. We're back by 1-30pm, opting to eat at home rather than at the Cafe in the Woods, which looked horribly overcrowded.
Maidensgrove
It's a special feeling knowing that you're enjoying yourself while everyone else has to work. I imagine this is what it feels like to be retired! The footpaths are quiet and there are times when birdsong is all we can hear, including the mewing of Red Kites. The good weather has them out in numbers, wheeling and swooping over the Ridgeway.
Chequers
If yesterday was warm, today is hot! We've done this walk before and the aim is to end up at the Shoulder of Mutton pub for a late lunch and much needed refreshment. We descend from the Ridgeway, virtually onto the front lawn at Chequers and into what appears to be a Saga holiday outing...
Stoke Row
I read blogs written by other walkers and our adventures are all together more prosaic. Perhaps I should invent a few stories of 'daring-do in the Chilterns'...but really, the charm of these woods and lanes is that nothing much has happened here for decades. I'll not be contributing any stories themed on UNTAMED, ON THE EDGE or ADRENALIN.
Little Chalfont
This is not a strenuous walk and as the distance is short it leaves plenty of time for taking pictures and chatting. We only meet runners and dog walkers and the early morning around here is peaceful. Were it not for the occasional background drone of a plane, circling before landing at Heathrow, you could be forgiven for thinking you were in a different century.
Lyndhurst, Hampshire
We head out to the Forest. This is the weather we've been waiting for; bright blue skies and a warm breeze. We park just outside Lyndhurst, close to the The Oak Inn and walk south towards Brockenhurst. The paths are busy, well for the first part of our walk. Things thin out on the return as we take a more 'off piste' route.
Nettlebed
In spite of the dull weather, today's walk was enjoyable. Quiet lanes, views over the Thames Valley and South Oxfordshire and a descent from the Ridgeway along Grim's Ditch. If I'm feeling old this particular earthworking is over 2400 years old.
Hughenden Valley
Some walks are memorable for the views or the weather, others are just a good opportunity to talk and walk. This one was the latter. No views to speak of (at least, if there were the mist hid them) and all in all a dull day. Nevertheless we enjoyed catching up on life and stuff. Lots of things are changing at the moment and it's surprising how a good walk clears the head.
Where Angells Tread! 