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Extra 'Mini' Late Summer Walk - The Chilterns
All the above departed Jack's house at 0910 except Norman and Paul.
After a brisk walk up Poynters Road the route was along Blows Downs along the old railway towards Dunstable where an anxious Norman met up with the party at Half Moon Lane having been waiting since 0900. Rapid progress was made via the golf course to the top of Dunstable Downs where refreshments were kindly provided by Jack (coffee) and Pete (sweeties). Thence along the edge of the downs to Whipsnade, round the back of the Zoo and camel enclosure then on to the golf course above Dagnall. Because of some uncertainty amongst participants as to the exact name of this course Jack approached a group of members who volunteered the identity of their club as Whipsnade. Thus reassured the walkers pressed on towards the village of Dagnall anticipating a hearty welcome from the lunchtime pub selected, The Golden Rule. Unfortunately the landlady had some sort of objection to people in walking boots, and after a discussion the walkers preferring not to leave their boots outside, moved on to the Red Lion. It was up towards Wards Coombe around the back of RAF Edlesborough Radio Station thence via the beech woods towards Ivinghoe Beacon. Jack pointed out the site of the medieval village constructed in the woods for a film which starred Richard Geere and Sean Connery possibly.* Hardly any trace remained so we'll have to watch the film. The Ridgeway path was soon gained and followed despite a dubious concrete tablet implying that this was also the start of the Peddars Way. The route was then around the top of Incombe Hole, a deep closed valley which could be classed a Re-entrant. This technical term produced much discussion and proved just the ticket in lulling everyone off to sleep in the warm sunshine. After about an hour of pushing out the ZZZ's a low flying 747 woke the party up and sedate progress was resumed to Pitstone Windmill and finally Ivinghoe YH was reached after 12.5 miles.
Ivinghoe Youth Hostel.
The Warden greeted Roland like an old friend, which he was, and the party settled in. Jim Chaplin, the warden, shortly retires after running the hostel since 1963. Paul arrived after a hard day at the office and everyone adjourned to the Rose & Crown. A great evening was had, except for Pete and Roland forgetting to pay for their meals. Thanks Jack.
On Friday morning Barry and Wayne had to return, but the others enjoyed a circular walk of 12 miles via the Ridgeway, Tring Station and the canal. Lunch was taken at the Red Lion, Marsworth. Wildlife was a notable feature, seeing several Herons, two deer, lots of fish (keeping well away from the anglers) and many swans on Wilstone Reservoir. While walking along the Wendover arm of the canal a pumping station was observed feeding quite a flow of water from the reservoirs into the canal which then tops up the main Grand Union at its summit level at Tring. After the pub, the route was via the towpath to the swing bridge at Pitstone where a bit of fun was had, returning to the hostel at 1600.
All agreed a very good walk, with perfect weather, the only question was why we hadn't done it before?
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