2nd March This always seems like the most 'tucked away' part of the Chilterns...perhaps because it takes us so long to get here. Anyway, walking around here is always good and today was no exception. It's been a while since we walked any hills...Bedfordshire and North Hertfordshire are both flat...and to tell the truth, it was a struggle in places. Nevertheless its good to get back to walking in the woods and the outward stretch is pretty much all woods. It's great to watch the seasons tick by and today it certainly feels like spring is just around the corner.
wood
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.
Cowleaze Woods
5th May It's probably the last 'Bluebell weekend' of the season...and the best! From Christmas Common the route follows a long, gentle descent through Queen Wood, Fire Wood and Longhill Hanging Wood and there are bluebells aplenty. We have the paths to ourselves and, by the time we reach the bottom of the valley, the air is thick with the scent of bluebells and the sunlight and shadows swirl through the heady mix.
Chinnor Hill
28th April This is a walk of two halves. The first through a succession of Buckinghamshire Chiltern woods, Crowell Wood, Venus Woods, Sunley Wood and Chinnor Hill. The second part returns via Lodge Hill, the Bledlow Ridge valley and Radnage. On a better day the views would be great but alas, not today!
