Sue Aldridge writes: Despite the poor forecast of yet another dull, damp January day, with continuing rain expected until lunchtime, I was pleasantly surprised to meet up with three walkers at Bushey. We were particularly pleased to welcome one of our new Hospice walkers, also registered for the Cornish Challenge.
Actually, the rain was light and gentle to start with, then stopped earlier than expected, with just a heavier shower towards the end of the canal walk. So we didn’t have ‘a soaking!’
We headed along good tracks on the Ebury Way, a former rail track. ( Photo 1). Then crossed Croxley Common Moor to bridges over the R. Gade and canal. Here we had a halfway stop by the lock (Photo 2) and watched a barge pass through. Then we followed the canal towpath, edging around many wide puddles, passing lines of barges to our left, all the way to Batchworth lock, then followed the lakeside path to reach the cafe. We quickly consumed our own snacks outside, then enjoyed a relaxing coffee/tea together in the cafe, still finding plenty to talk about! Then we decided to take a direct path between the lakes, heading up to the station. The four of us enjoyed the walk and congenial conversation together, along this quiet and peaceful route. Thanks Chris, Margaret and Peter for joining me and see you again soon on another walk.
