Thursday 9th October - Walk around the Ivinghoe area on led by Lynn

 There were 16 people who met at Pitstone Hill car park in Stocks Road to join Lynn on her walk:

 Tony R., Tony P., Beryl, Jean, Maureen, Diane, Cathy, Kate, Geoff, Torunn, Sandra & Paul, Janet & John, Ruth and Linda, another lady from Toddington, who was joining us for the first time.

 

After introducing and welcoming Linda, we set off up a hill straight away. Apparently, this is known locally as Paul's Knob, which got some giggles!

There can be excellent views from the top here on a clear day but unfortunately it was very grey and murky on the day. 

 

At the top of the first "Incline"

We carried on along the ridge and then headed down to Aldbury Nowers, through woods and a nature reserve and as the Ridgeway turned right, we headed up the hill again to the edge of Stocks Golf Club, where we found some logs and tree stumps to sit and have our elevenses.

 

Janet and John poised on a bit of a See-Saw of a branch

 

Elevenses on Logs

The route carried on along the edge of the course, through trees to reach Stocks Road again, a little way up from Aldbury and joined the Icknield Way for a short distance. We turned left and walked across a couple of fields to come out on the track to Duncombe Farm, going across that to start the long, gradual climb up the escarpment to Duncombe Terrace.

 

Continuing in the same direction, we came out of the woods at Bea​con Road and crossed over to head up to Ward's Hurst Farm. On the other side of the farm, there is a nice view of the escarpment heading round to Dunstable Downs and the chalk lion at Whipsnade Zoo.

 

We turned left here, picking up the Icknield Way again as it goes through a nice, wooded area called The Coombe. The Ashridge Estate (and National Trust?) have been doing a lot of work clearing trees affected by ash dieback as well as reducing the number of conifer trees - which meant there was a very nice smell of pine - to then plant more native broad-leaved trees.

 

In the Coombe looking towards the Whipsnade Lion

At the other end of the wood, we came out into the open again with views of the Ivinghoe Hills and Beacon Hill. We walked towards Beacon Hill but stopped on the east facing side, where we were sheltered from the cool breeze and had our lunch.

 

View from the lunch spot overlooking the Whipsnade Lion

 

Candid snap of the Lunch spot!

Once we were refreshed, we crossed the road and headed up the path on the other side to Steps Hill, then followed the Ridgeway down the other side and then on to the car park.

 

Everyone seemed to enjoy the walk, despite the disappointing weather and hopefully Linda will be joining the Club!

Thursday 2nd October Where Julius Caesar marched 6.5 miles Led by John Dixon

Meeting at two different locations, the cricket club car park walkers set off across the pitch and through the woods to meet with walkers who were parked in the Nomansland common car park.
Both groups joined up a John D took the lead on towards the Elephant & Castle pub, unfortunately to early to call in for some well earned early morning refreshment.

Passing the Elephant & Castle

Some road walking brought us to Aldwickbury Golf Club, skirting the perimeter we walked through a field of sheep where some shearing had taken place, with a lot of wool just left stacked on the floor.

 A well earned coffee break was taken with views of Marshals Heath in the distance.

 Pushing on, we stopped of at St Helen’s church for a look inside and the impressive lead clad steeple.

Members looking round inside the church & Geoff outside

 

The 2 Tonys considering a job advert

 

Through Wheathampstead, turning onto the track walking us along the river Lea towards Marford Farm.
Walking along Devils Dyke, we turned and headed back towards Wheathampstead, crossing the road we were now on our way back to the car park for the end of a very enjoyable walk.

Hilary, Kate, Cathy, Lynn & Geoff sitting with John D & Torunn standing.

Many walkers took the opportunity to have their picnic lunch overlooking the cricket club on a pleasant October afternoon.    Regards    Anthony Price