A Little and Long Walk - Sat 14 April 2018
Leader: Gill Bunker
19.3 miles, 14 walkers
Little and Long became just Long as taking in Little Linford would have meant paddling. There was still a lot of water about, but we did get to Long Street. People seemed to come and go, well mainly go. Two left early as arranged, whilst half the group took the road less muddy to the pub, but my pint was waiting so no complaints from me. The off road group were convinced they'd seen a wild boar, a fleeting glimpse, possibly a trick of the light, the brilliant sunshine reflected in the mud - but it did give us bragging rights at the pub.
What a glorious day - after all the rain, mist and murk, it was just grand to be out walking. Thank you to all who joined me - you're a great bunch to walk with.
We wondered about the purpose of the old water tower near Castlethorope and the pub that is no more - scroll down for some interesting local information from Dianne:
Ownership: Private
Risk Rating: C Slow decay; no solution agreed
WATER SOFTENING TOWER AND PUMP, CASTLETHORPE: See https://www.milton-keynes.gov.
Ownership: Council
Risk Rating: C Slow decay; no solution agreed
Description: Only surviving water softening tower and pump in Buckinghamshire. Cement based with surviving industrial features in vicinity.
Announcing this, British Railways state that every endeavour will be made to minimize delays occasioned by the speed restrictions which have to be imposed at the places where these works are in progress.
The works at Castlethorpe is being carried out in three stages, the last of which is scheduled for completion in April next year.