Sara Reeves writes: The weather forecast was dire but this did not deter the nine walkers who made their way to Great Missenden station. The early morning heavy rain abated and thankfully the drizzle also morphed away. However, we were left with challenging conditions underfoot with many footpaths resembling streams with a few lakes thrown in. The mud took down two of our number but fortunately no damage was done.

Our walking technique was then honed and sustained by coffee from the very friendly Full Moon pub at Little Kingshill.

Even at this time of year there was still plenty of nature to enjoy. The catkins were prolific and there were some unusual red tree fungi to admire. The best was saved to last with a superb snowdrop display at Great Missenden Church. Let’s hope the snowdrops have not peaked too early and will still be in prime condition for snowdrop Saturday on 21st February!

A slight miscalculation over train times meant we had a longer than usual lunch break at the Church. Undeterred, some of our group took the opportunity to inspect the interior of the church especially a stained glass window commemorating our own St Luke- the patron saint of doctors.

Thank you all for coming and contributing to a very enjoyable, if muddy, training walk.