Saunderton Figure of Eight

Sat 27th Jul 2019

Walk Details:

Event Type
Group Walk
Region
Southern England
Local Group
London
Distance
20ml.
Start Time
08.56
Route
Start Saunderton Station (08:13 from London Marylebone). Return trains from Saunderton at 50 minutes past each hour (aiming for 17:50)

The morning (in parts overgrown) top half of the eight goes through a peaceful part of the rolling Chiltern Hills with one or two steep hills and many fine views out over the valley. The walk follows the valley bottom before following the Ridgeway to then pass through a series of secluded valleys and the climb up Chinnor Hill on through Radnage and Bledlow Ridge and back along the valley to Saunderton for lunch at The Golden Cross. In the afternoon we head south east towards Bradenham Manor, walk the length of Naphill Common and on across Downley Common to the Hell Fire Caves where we can be tempted to an ice cream. Refreshed we have a brisk climb up to Dashwood Mausoleum and an easy level stroll back into Saunderton

General Notes
Explorer 181,171 &172. Distance approx. 19 miles (10.5 mile morning and 8.5 mile afternoon). Stile count: 8 in the morning and none in the afternoon. For anyone who fancies only the morning we will be back at Saunderton station in plenty time for the 13.50 to London. It is a glorious walk and I'd recommend it as an option if the weather is overly hot
Start and Finish

Entry Details:

Cost

Walk Report

Saunderton Figure of Eight, Saturday 27th July 2019
13 walkers, 19.4 miles – leader Lynne McKenzie
13 walkers arrived at a wet and cool Saunderton station on Saturday morning. The overnight rain and some overgrown paths meant soggy trousers (or wet legs for those who had braved the weather in shorts) and socks for some but the drop in temperature from those experienced during the week was very welcome.
Through the morning we were amongst crops of barley, wheat, oats and maize. There were a number of climbs in the morning as we made our way up onto the Ridgeway. After passing through the village of Bledlow we went up and over Chinnor Hill where we were rewarded with a banana break. Moving on we had to tackle a number of slippy and wide stiles as we headed towards Radnage and up to Bledlow Ridge. Skirting the edges of fields we headed back to Saunderton at the end of the top of the Eight.
Passing the station was too much of a lure for over half the group who after a drink in the pub caught the 13:50 back to London hopefully satisfied after a morning of beautiful views in the Chilterns.
Undeterred by the weather the remaining six carried on towards Bradenham Manor where the local cricket team was in action. The leader reached for her map as the group made their way along the length of Naphill Common. A Common which takes strength of character and being happy going a little of course as many paths converge from various angles. Successfully leaving the Common we encountered another game of cricket at Downley.
The leader strode out across Downley Common (despite the reservations of a local man that she knew where she was going) towards West Wycombe and the Hellfire Caves. The timing of trains allowed us the opportunity to have a cup of tea and cake at the Caves. Luckily we were well sheltered when the heavens opened. We lingered until the rain subsided to begin our last climb of the day up to the Dashwood Mausoleum. A lovely walk through the trees back to Saunderton in fine time for the 17.50 train. A good time had by all I believe on a perfect day for a walk.
Photographs by Ian Fairweather; more by Ian on the group Facebook site

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