Walk Report

Anyone thinking numbers must have plummeted on the Sunday walks should be reassured that the Three Explorers were actually the maps needed for this particular corner of the Chilterns. The group itself was a very respectable 21.

The route was a figure of 8, or at least that was what was intended at the start. During a gloomy but dry morning, the route snaked over the ridge to Bradenham and onwards to a morning stop above Saunderton, then north over the railway on a flatter section via small villages. It was fortunate that none of the walkers was concerned about walking past elephants but they showed no sign of noticing the group.

A lunch stop was available in Lyde Garden in Bledlow. This tranquil garden was created by Lord Carrington and occupies a deep gully with tiered walkways, thoughtful planting and sculptures (pictured).

On the return (which had plenty more hills but not the "usual" Lodge Hill), it was deemed that the last loop from Bradenham would be slightly shortened. This was nothing to do with the premises shown in the final photo, out of which the group had not just stumbled, but mainly because a forecast much brighter afternoon had degenerated into a heavy overcast and it was in fact already quite dark in the woods well before the finish at 4pm.

Photos and text by Helen Abbott.

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