Sue’s report: It was a super day of weather for this more challenging Chiltern walk. We had a good turnout of 14 walkers and was pleased to welcome several newcomers in preparation for “The Peak Challenge”. We started about 20 mins later than planned due to train delays, but soon made good progress along the ancient Ridgeway, gradually rising up and opening out to brilliant views across the hills and vales. Paths were dry and firm, we had several pauses to admire the views and point out landmarks. We met our 14th Walker on Ivinghoe Beacon Summit, in time for our 1st group photo. We then walked along the Gallows Downland ridge (photo) looking towards the “White Lion” in white chalk, ahead on Dunstable Downs. Soon after climbing our steepest hill slope we stopped for our well earned picnic lunch with a wonderful view of the Beacons. A change of landscape from there on as we walked through beech woodland paths viewing colourful carpets of bluebells (Photo), smelling their lovely scent in many parts, all the way to the visitor centre. After a brief tea/toilet stop there was a choice of 2 options. Four took the shorter route via Albury back to the station, one member stopping in Albury to take the bus for part of her journey home. Another departed from the visitor centre, as lived locally, whilst 9 continued on the longer route for another 4 mls, eventually descending to the canal, spotting a few alpacas in distant fields. The easy, flat towpath wasn’t as straightforward as we expected! The last mile provided us with the “sting in the tail” as we had to negotiate several muddy, flooded stretches that we couldn’t dodge but had to walk through. However, this is all part of the challenge, for what we may have in front of us on the BIG WALK along “The Peak Way”. Many thanks to all who attended my walk. It was a new area for some and we had a great day together. Thanks to Peter for helping to lead a few walkers back to the station early.
