Walk Report

The Grave of Lea, Saturday 26th February 2022
7 walkers, 20.2 miles, leader Bola Baruwa
The promise of late winter sunshine didn't seem enough to attract people out today and so just six walkers joined our leader Bola for her circular trip around Bedfordshire from Leagrave station. First up was the source of the River Lea, which alas wasn't looking its best, before leaving the town for a meander partially along several waymarked trails to the outskirts of Barton-le-Clay, where the group was treated to his first hill of the day, in the shape of a loop round the scenic Barton Hills with their impressive views to the north. Then it was through the village of Barton-le-Clay, which contained several contenders for Property of the Week, before the John Bunyan Trail was then rejoined to the lunch stop at Hexton.
The afternoon saw our pilgrims heading over Pegsdon Hills and Lilley Hoo to the village of Lilley, where 42.57% of the group availed themselves of the local pub, before heading over to the next hill of the day, Galley Hill. That wasn't enough for our leader, who had one more hill for us to ascend, Warden Hill, with its extensive view over Luton to excite us, or maybe otherwise. Then it was down through the suburbs to rejoin the Lea back to the station, where with one exception we just missed the next train back; fortunately it was only a quarter of an hour to the next one. Some of the group found the 1,215ft of ascent and muddy conditions over the day somewhat taxing, but all made it round and lived to tell the tale!
Report and photographs by Gavin Fuller

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