Sue Aldridge writes: In spite of the advanced forecast warning of strong, gusty winds, up to 45mph in the Tring area throughout the day, I was so pleasantly surprised to meet up with 7 walkers on the train to Tring. We set off walking along ‘The Ridgeway’, but in view of the likely sharp gusts that could ‘off set’ our balance on the usual uneven, steep ascent route through possibly muddy woods, we followed a lower, more sheltered, parallel path beneath the scarp slope for nearly a mile, before ascending a short, stiff climb up to rejoin the Ridgeway to take us across the more open, dry Pitstone Hill, with its fabulous views straight ahead towards Ivinghoe Beacon and distant views across the low vale to our left (Photo 1. Group on Pitstone Hill). Fortunately the wind gusts were behind us, pushing us along for this high level section. Then we crossed fields turning downhill towards Pitstone with views of Incombe Hole, a steep dry valley on the scarp slope to our right (Photo 2). We soon headed across the flat field passing the old, historic Pitstone post windmill (Photo 3) which happens to be one of the oldest in Britain, dating back to the 17th century, now managed by the NT and only open on limited days. After some careful roadside walking we soon arrived at College Lake Nature Reserve for a well earned picnic and refreshment stop, some of us using the café for hot drinks and delicious soup to warm us up. From this small Eco visitor centre there are superb views of the lakes containing plenty of birdlife. These lakes were once chalk quarries and cement works and during more recent years the whole area has been transformed into one of Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trusts flagship Nature Reserves, run largely by volunteers. Certainly the best place to spot water birds, plus a great variety of other wildlife. (I must lead a similar walk again there in the early summer to see the variety of wild flowers). After lunch we followed the 2 mile ‘Wild Trail’ following the lapwing waymarkers, passing several bird hides and viewing points. These paths were very good, mostly surfaced, level paths with views all the way round (Photo 4 with Group). On leaving the Reserve we headed a short distance down to the GU canal to follow the towpath back to Tring Station. In the last few minutes along the towpath a very long, straight tree had recently fallen right across from the other side to block our pathway, completely forming a barrier across the canal to any possible barge traffic. It probably had happened that day, but fortunately we could easily step over the crushed up boughs and smashed, thin branches on our side to finish our walk in time for the 3.25pm train home. Thanks to all those who joined me for the walk, so providing such good company; although very windy and cloudy, we were fortunate not to have any rain, saw some lovely views and went home with fairly clean boots.
