Wednesday 1 January
General Area: Rickmansworth Aquadrome and Batchworth circular
Distance: about 4.5 miles (easy)
Leader: Peter Polkinghorne
Nature of walk: As with last year, we have changed the route to avoid the very muddy and flooded paths experienced in the last few years. As before, we walk along Bury Lake towards Stockers Lake, but just before we get there, we take a footpath to the left and a bridge over the canal and then past Stockers Farm through woods and fields to Hill End and back to the café via Juniper Hill, Batchworth Park Golf Course, and Tesco. Here is a map of the walk.
Comments: Peter’s report: Despite the grim weather forecast and wind warnings, 15 of us set off on the walk. Initially, the rain held off, but was torrential by the time we reached the outskirts of Harefield. We did take a couple of short cuts to reduce the distance to around 4 miles. Despite the rain, there was not too much mud. We saw plenty of geese but hardly any other walkers or even cars. At the end, we split into those who went home, the cafe, or the White Bear. All in all, it was great to walk together again and blow away the cobwebs. Hope to see you on future walks, starting at the end of January, twice a week.
Sunday 26 January
General Area: Chalfont & Latimer, Botley, Ley Hill & Flaunden
Distance: 10.5 miles (moderate)
Leader: John Harper
Nature of walk: We descend through the woods to meet the River Chess and climb up to Latimer House. From there, we take Chess Valley Way to the edge of Chesham. We climb up through Chesham Waterside before heading on to Botley and a lunch stop at Ley Hill (possible pub stop) by the cricket ground. After lunch, it’s on to Flaunden (another climb) before making our way to Latimer and returning to the station via the woods. In general, not a hilly walk, but there are a couple of good climbs. Will be muddy if the temperature warms up!!
Comments: John’s report: The winter walks programme is up and running!! It was good to welcome Mark to his first walk with the group. Six of us set off from the station and made our way through the woods to Latimer House where we picked up the Chess Valley walk along the ridge before descending to the outskirts of Chesham. Here we turned off and headed towards Botley. Part way along this route, we stopped to observe a herd of 6 deer, who in turn stopped to observe a herd of 6 walkers! Unfortunately, the man from the Met Office was telling the truth when he predicted rain from about noon. Lunch therefore was a standing affair under the overhang of the pavilion at Ley Hill followed by a restorative coffee in the Crown. Onward then to Flaunden where we had a quick stop in the churchyard to admire the snowdrops. From there, it was back to Latimer and a return to the station via the woods. Despite the damp conditions, spirits remained high throughout the walk—walkers are a resilient bunch!!
Tuesday 28 January
General Area: Circular walk from Great Missenden
Distance: 4.5 miles (easy)
Leader: Sara Reeves
Nature of walk: A gentle walk to the south of Great Missenden away from HS2. There are a couple of inclines, but we will enjoy woodland trails, field paths, views, a country village, parkland, and mud, so please bring sticks. Bring food for a snack/lunch stop at Great Missenden church after 4 miles.
Comments: Sara’s report: Five hardy walkers ignored the weather predictions and were rewarded by only a medium soaking and even a glimpse of the sun at lunchtime. The beechwoods in this part of the Chilterns are magnificent, and a handily placed tyre secured to a tree was a photo opportunity too good to miss. Thanks to the lovely landlady of The Full Moon at Little Kingshill who allowed us inside her establishment with our mud-splattered gear. Consequently, restorative coffee number two of the 2025 walk training programme was enjoyed in the warm. The group split at Missenden Abbey with two returning for the 1.30 pm train, and fortunately, the walker who had a pressing engagement for afternoon tea arrived in time. The remaining three hiked across the park to Great Missenden church, where we sat outside to eat our lunch and enjoy the snowdrops. A quick visit inside the church revealed a beautiful stained-glass memorial window celebrating the founding of The Hospital for Sick Children, Great Ormond Street in 1852 and featuring our very own St. Luke, the patron saint of doctors.
