Thursday 19th June Streatley walk led by Tony P

Five hardy walkers set off from the Church Rd allotments car park on what was the hottest day of the year so far, with the temperature reaching 29 dec.
Leaving the car park we made our way through the village, joining the Sharpenhoe Rd, past the duck pond, before crossing the A6 at the Swedish Cottages, continuing along the Chiltern Way, we then turned to take the track to walk through  Maulden Firs, where a water stop was taken, before then joining with the Icknield Way.
Walking along the golf club boundary, today’s excitement was provided by a number of horses & riders coming towards us. 

Geoff, Torunn, Tony R & Neil

We continued along the parish boundary foot pat, until yet again we had to cross the A6, where more excitement was provided for us, when a car stopped to let us cross and was nearly hit up the back end by an impatient truck driver.
Once safely across we made our way up to the Keech Hospice, where a well earned coffee break was taken in the cooling shade & gentle breeze. 

Geoff, Torunn, Tony R & Tony P at the Keech

On our way once again, our trail led us on to our old friend the John Bunyan trail that was leading us towards Streatley Bury, coming out at the village pond. 
Turning left we followed the tracks & alleyways leading us towards the church, where we joined with the Sundon Rd
Crossing over we joined the Sharpenhoe Rd to walk through the village towards the Clappers.
Turning right we entered the fields to walk towards Smithcombe Valley and views of Barton le Clay
Once again on the Icknield Way walking along Smithcombe Hill, around Watergutter Hole & Cow Hole, yet more excitement came our way when we came across a very wet & muddy patch of the track, as lead I was first to tackle this only for my shoe to get stuck in the thick mud, with my foot landing straight into the thick mud, thanks to Neil who retrieved my shoe for me, but making an uncomfortable walk back.
Fighting our way through the long grass for the whole of this section, we eventually made it back to the car park for the end of what was a pleasant walk on a very hot day.    -   Tony P

Thorns Hall Sedbergh Yorkshire - Club Holiday 9th - 13th June 2025

Thorns Hall , Sedbergh 

16 members travelled by car to Thorns Hall in Sedbergh Yorkshire. A beautiful Grade 11 Listed manor house dating back from 1534 still retains its historic charm with wood-panelled rooms, fireplaces and cobbled courtyard. 

 

A view into the cobbled courtyard from the dining room at Thorns Hall 

 

We enjoyed a cream tea on arrival and then unpacked in our en-suite rooms.

There was a choice of cooked or continental breakfast every morning along with fresh fruit and cereal.

The choice for our packed lunches was wonderful and very tempting.

A filling three-course evening meal followed our talks for the next day. The food was excellent and they catered for various diets. 

After our walks each day we had a meeting about the following days walks by our expert HF leaders, all 3 were very kind, caring and we enjoyed their company on walks.

We were offered 3 grades of walking each day and for those not wishing to walk, Sedbergh was in easy reach, a market town, cobbled streets, artisan shops and bookshops, most definitely a coffee shop!

For those not tired from the days walking we enjoyed a quiz in the wonderful lounge most evenings which caused much competition and laughter.

We opted for Gentle Guided walking this year and I'm pleased to say all our members managed to join a walk. The walks ranged from approximately 3 - 7 and 9 miles with different ascents. 

We were blessed with the weather and the company of the other guests at the house. They were from various places, Australia, New Zealand and America.  We had such fun and laughter together. 

 

Day2 Option 2 Keld and Muker 7 miles, walking along the river Swale 

  

 

 

  

Denise and Diane along the Swaledale valley.

 

 

 

East Gill Force upper falls in Swaledale, North Yorkshire 

 

 

 

Keld old School , a living heritage museum 

 

   

 

Walking past a cow shed near Keld 

 

 

 

 

 Crossing the river Swale 

 

Day 2 Option 3 The Swale Valley

 

The Swale valley

 

 

Centuries old Lead mine at Crackpot Hall 

 

Milestone on the Sedbergh to Hawes road

  

 

Day 3 Option 2 Rawthey Valley , Sedbergh

Day2 Option 3 Local wildlife

 

Day 3 Option 2, Picnic on the River Clough by the Dent Faultline

Adam Sedgwick who resolved the mysteries of the Dent Faultline

 

Clough River

Farfield Mill. Beautifully restored woolen mill, now hosting a very interesting heritage centre. A well deserved cup of tea in the Cafe below!

Day 4 Option 3 Crossing the Bain at Bainbridge!

Day 4 Option 3 River Bain Hydro

Day 4 Option 3, Bev in her element

 

 

 

Day 4 Option 3  Approaching Gayle

  Optional Walk up to see the Hardraw Force, the highest single drop in England- over 100 ft 

Hardraw Force

 

 

Thursday June 5th. at Priory Park in Bedford led by Liz and Pete

 

 

On Thursday June 5th, 11 members of Toddington Ramblers gathered at Priory Park in Bedford.  The weather outlook was not very promising!

Leaders Liz and Pete were pleasantly surprised by the number of walkers that turned up.

Off we went around Priory Park Lake walking and talking ,avoiding the odd cycle and runner.

 

The swans were quite friendly.

....Then a pause in the Cafe for refreshments, the rain had held off, 

and it was warm enough to sit outside!

 The second part of the walk we left Priory Park and walked along Bedford Embankment. A heron was sighted enjoying the Ouse. We completed a large figure of eight.

Pete pointed out Bedford Castle and the odd blue plaque then back to the car park at Priory Park.  A leisurely 4.8mile walk completed!

 

Canal Cruise and Walk on Tuesday 3rd June 2025 organised by Sue

Cruise one way to Great Linford on Milton Keynes Electra Community Boat

Sue organised a canal cruise along The Grand Union Canal and return walk event from Campbell Wharf to Great Linford Manor Park Milton Keynes.

We met at Avebury Boulevard car park and took a gentle stroll to the marina.

We were met by our friendly skipper and boarded at 11.30am for our 90-minute cruise taking 12 members.

 

We were given a warm welcome, health and safety talk and served with teas or coffee while we enjoyed a leisurely scenic cruise

 

along the canal passing a few artworks on the Gyosei Art Trail and lots of wildlife,  passing Campbell Park, Pennyland Basin and Linford Wharf where the Newport Pagnell Canal once branched off.

 

When we arrived at Great Linford Manor Park, cared for by The Parks Trust, we had to shelter under trees for our lunch. The rain soon stopped and we started our leisurely walk back to Campbell Wharf.

 Before doing so we had a brief stroll around a part of the park looking at the church, the newly restored ponds and the Almshouses.

 

Our walk back to us past some artworks and the Victorian Brick Kilns from which bricks were taken by canal boat to nearby building sites.