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:

Steve's photos, plus a few from me at the lunch stop:

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CARRINGTON ARMS, CASTLETHORPE:
Designation: Listed building, grade II 
Date Listed: 27/02/1985 
Ownership: Private 
Risk Rating: C Slow decay; no solution agreed
Designation: Non-designated heritage asset 
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.
 
Castlethorpe village plan says: Castlethorpe developed around the church and some traditional old stone cottages at the centre of the village which is now a conservation area. With the coming of the London and North-Western Railway in 1882, Castlethorpe enjoyed a prominent position on the West Coast line and the village expanded with new housing in Station Road and North Street. The village had its own station until it was closed in 1964. Castlethorpe ponds were an important water pickup for steam trains on the Euston line. The water tower that remains is one of only two in the country.
 
The Wolverton Express 17 November 1950
Castlethorpe Work Will Delay Expresses
The renewal of the drains at the water troughs at Castlethorpe is one of the important engineering works that is likely to delay express trains between Euston and Wolverhampton during the rest of the year.
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.