Leader: Chris Bent

Three walkers and a dog left the West Street car park in Dunstable and within a few minutes were ascending the Dunstable Ups. Although the weather was overcast, the views from the Downs remained spectacular.

We continued across the Downs and into Whipsnade, taking the Chiltern Way and the Icknield Way, around the Zoo. Sadly, the only animals we could see were a few deer. There were a few golfers about as we crossed Whipsnade Park Golf Club and made our way down to Dagnall for our first tea break.

After Dagnall, we took Hog Hall Lane towards the Ashridge Estate. Then back on the Icknield Way towards Ivinghoe Beacon where we stopped for lunch. Lord only knows why we chose the most exposed place in the area with no seating, to eat our lunch!

Down the most precipitous path from the Beacon, to follow the Two Ridges Link for a little while before heading straight for the church at Edlesborough. By this time, the forecast rain had arrived, but it was little more than a light drizzle and didn’t dampen our spirits.

After passing through the village, we headed cross-country towards Well Head and then joined the B489 back into Dunstable. And before too long we were back at the car park and we were done!

Many thanks to Chris for expertly leading us and a shame we didn’t get a bigger turnout.

Jim Blakelock

Photos from Deb (first four) and Jim