A Motte, a Maiden & a Cathedral - Thurs 19 April 2018


Leader: DFH (standing in for Geoff Hancock)

19 walkers, 15 miles

A hot, hot day in the Chilterns.  From the Knolls (Totternhoe Castle) with fantastic views over the surrounding countryside, we followed the Totternhoe and Sewell Greenways (former railway line) to the outskirts of Dunstable.  A climb took us to our break on Dunstable Downs at Five Knolls - an old barrow cemetery  - followed by a brief stop at the Visitor Centre  - then on around the massive chalk quarry before reaching Whipsnade and the Old Hunters Lodge P.H.  A lovely thatched pub in a wonderful location with tables in the front garden. It looked idyllic but the service and the beer disappointed some.

The afternoon took us to the Whipsnade Tree Cathedral, passing a pig wallowing in the mud - that looked so good  - and back on the Downs, with more super views.  Downhill past the gliding club to Wellhead and along the Ouzel to Dolittle Mill, before returning to Totternhoe and a short climb through the woods to the cars. 

Wonderful countryside and lovely views all day - It was a great route - with lots of new paths for most of us - and plenty of interesting historical background from Geoff, which Terry read out on the way round.

Read the history of the places we visited

Thank you Geoff for a brilliant route and for the notes, and thank you Dave for stepping in to lead the walk.

Hope you're walking again soon Geoff.

 Totternhoe Motte & Bailey Cast;e
  Totternhoe Motte & Bailey Cast;e
  Totternhoe Motte & Bailey Cast;e
  Maiden Bower
  Maiden Bower
 Maiden Bower
 Five Knolls, Dunstable Dows - Barrow Cemetery
 Five Knolls, Dunstable Dows - Barrow Cemetery
 Five Knolls, Dunstable Dows - Barrow Cemetery
 The Quarry
 Dolitttle Mill
">Photos