Ramblers Walk Programme February to May 2017

A lovely 50th birthday We had a great anniversary. Thank you to all the members who came and the leaders and organisers who made it all such a success. We starred in South East Walker. We are not the only ones who love and have loved this area as you can see from the poster from 1929. We love our walk leaders Each year we organise over 100 guided walks so we always need more walk leaders to take us to new places. We also now need someone who will monitor a new walk programme and, if necessary make a few phone calls to fill the last spaces. We have three weekday and three weekend programmes a year but only five organisers so we need one more. Will you help please? A favourite walking book Do you have a book you love about walking? I would love to hear why it is special to you. Lots of our members belong to Reading Groups and would enjoy the books too. Please email me at the address below. Maybe there will be some birthday or Christmas present ideas. An Annual General Meeting that is fun?

Yes it is true! It is mainly a social event but John Docherty, our Chair, leads the business part. Our finances are satisfactory but we still need the contributions from Ramblers Holidays that we get if you tell them you are one of our members when you book. Our annual Awards were presented to John Taylor for Member of the Year and to Tina and John Wood for picking the best pubs for refreshments after walks. Most of our committee continued their jobs. Lesley Spinks took over as Secretary as I moved over to become Publicity Officer. I am still Photomaster so keep sending your pictures to me. Have a great 2017 and we hope you enjoy all the health, wellbeing, social and environmental benefits of walking. If you have any questions or would like to join in then please contact me, Stephen O’Shea at [email protected] 01296 625590 . Date & Brief description Start Miles Longer description Contact Start time gridref Grade Thu Hilly walk from Dagnall, SP990164 7.7 Meet at the Red Lion PH at Dagnall (HP4 1QZ), for a Stephen & Anne 02/02/2017 via Gaddesden and M climb to Gaddesden and a tour of familiar parts of 01296 612336 10:00 Park Ashridge, before descending back to Dagnall. Optional 07443 501615 lunch at end. If not lunching roadside parking opposite pub or nearby Sat Area AGM morning SP833104 5.5 Meet on the green outside Combined Roy J 04/02/2017 walk - HS2 in Stoke L School.The walk is over flat farmland paths with a mostly 01296 486350 10:00 Mandeville parish. reasonable surface with 17 stiles and will highlight a section of the HS2 route, its construction and the effects on the local path network.This will be discussed as we go round along with the proposed stand-alone alternatives agreed with Network Rail for the now abandoned line upgrade from Princes Risborough to the new East West Rail line in the light of their commitment to eventually removing all at grade crossing points. Sun to Weston SP842123 6.8 Meet at Bedgrove Pavilion, Ambleside, Bedgrove HP21 Julia 05/02/2017 Turville Reservoir and M 9TX - park in nearby streets if car park busy. A walk to 01296 415732 10:00 on to the Reservoir, including a stretch on the Arm of the G.U. Canal Wendover Arm of the G.U. Canal. Hoping for a clear, and back. crisp and frosty or snowy day ! Tue The 'Wetlands' of SP842123 5 Meet at Bedgrove Pavilion, Ambleside, Bedgrove HP21 Julia 07/02/2017 Ayesbury, a walk by L 9TX - park in nearby streets if car park busy. A walk to 01296 415732 10:30 lots of water ! investigate the 'Wetlands' of Aylesbury. This will include the Aylesbury Arm of the G.U. Canal, a view of the new canal basin at Circus Field, lots of new little boxes, the flood management scheme and possibly the kingfisher. Thu A circular walk from SP683357 7 Meet at the small public car park in or park in Peter & Lesley 09/02/2017 Chackmore to Stowe M road near the Queens Head MK18 5JF (not very 01296 651653 10:00 Woods skirting Stowe accurate post code). Varied walk with interesting views of 07432 572534 Park. Stowe Park. Option for pub lunch afterwards. Sun Hilly and undulating SP848202 8 Park in or near The Green in to walk to Marie J 12/02/2017 walk from Aston Abbots M Whitchurch and . See also the Beacon Motte. 01296 630062 10:00 Snacks and drink advisable. 07733 412295 Tue Path Check & SP805190 6 Meet and park next to the green in Lower Road, Hardwick Roy J 14/02/2017 Maintenance Walk - M near the church. Spend about 3 hours or so checking and 01296 486350 10:00 Hardwick. clearing footpaths as you enjoy the countryside in this parish. Thu Undulating walk from SP694088 7 Park in recreation ground off John D 16/02/2017 Long Crendon M Road. Walk will depend on weather conditions at the 01844 201336 10:00 time. Pub lunch 07531 814198 Sun Reservoir and canal SP919140 7 Meet at Startops Car Park, . Charges apply. Ros 19/02/2017 walk from Marsworth. M Following circular walk 3, Section 2 OAR. Fairly flat walk. 01296 434714 10:00 Bring snacks for mid morning break. 07906 126714 Tue A flat walk around the SP878125 4 Meet outside the Oak P.H. Green End Street, Aston John & Tina 21/02/2017 north of L Clinton HP22 5EU for a varied, semi urban, semi rural 01296 625215 10:30 Village and semi industrial walk. Visiting the Recycling Centre, 07770 421889 the Arla Factory and a section of the Aylesbury Arm of the G.U. Canal. A few stiles but several sections on metalled paths or tracks so may not be too muddy. Lunch afterwards if desired. Thu A hilly walk in the SU727958 7 Meet in the Cowleaze Wood car park. Some steep climbs Malcolm P 23/02/2017 Wormsley Park area M but good views. Optional pub lunch 01844 290697 10:00 07526 222632 Sun Woods and open SP898084 7 Meet at exit car park, Wendover Woods. Walking in Jan W 26/02/2017 country around St M woods and open country around St Leonards area trying 01296 613072 10:00 Leonards area trying to to avoid mud. Bring provisions for a snack stop. 07791 789949 avoid mud. Thu Flattish walk with no SU984955 6.5 Meet and park at the Ivy House Pub at Chalfont St Giles Bob and Jane 02/03/2017 stiles Amersham and L on A413 HP8 4RS. Optional pub lunch at the end of the 01296 748695 10:00 surrounding area walk for those wishing to participate. 07941 383869 Sun Undulating walk visiting SP770279 10 Meet and park at Winslow Public Hall car park, Elmfields Ian and Viv 05/03/2017 , M Gate, MK18 3JA. Free parking. Public toilets behind 01296 713901 10:00 and public hall. Bring snacks for mid morning break and 07808 174021 picnic lunch Tue Around three of the SP717250 4.5 Meet in layby just west of South Lodge (to Claydon Stephen & Anne 07/03/2017 Claydons L House), one mile west of (nearest 01296 612336 10:30 postcode MK18 2EZ) for a flat circular walk around three 07443 501615 Claydons and the grounds of Claydon House. Optional pub lunch afterwards. Thu Walking area NW of TL033009 7.5 Meet in car park of The Plough, Belsize, WD3 4NP John T 09/03/2017 Chipperfield M Walking via Woodmans Wood, Flaunden, Bulstrode, 07719 936463 10:00 returning by Chipperfield Common. Optional pub lunch end of walk. Sun Circular walk round SP912343 8.5 Meet Church Road, Bow Brickhill. C/P on right at top of John T 12/03/2017 Woburn Sands. M hill MK17 9LQ. Down hill to start so up on return. Heading 07719 936463 10:00 to Wavendon, Aspley Guise, returning via Aspley Heath, a good mix of lanes and woods. Bring refreshments for short break. Tue Path Check & SP853260 6 Meet and park in the Cricket Club car park. just Roy J 14/03/2017 Maintenance Walk - M off the Road. Spend about 3 hours or so 01296 486350 10:00 Stewkley 1. checking and clearing footpaths as you enjoy the countryside in this parish. Thu Wander towards SP741110 7.3 Park at Cuddington Playing Fields Car Park end of Alan and Stella 16/03/2017 Manor M Bernard Close (HP18 0AJ). Walk to , 01844 292466 10:00 through the towards Waddesdon Manor, back via . Winchendons. Some ascents, maybe a few ploughed fields and good views back to the Chilterns. Optional pub lunch afterwards. Sun Canals & Ponds around SP882118 8.8 Park in the overflow car park in Aston Clinton Park. A Graham S 19/03/2017 Aston Clinton L leisurely walk on the arms of the Grand Union canal. 01296 486140 10:00 Bring refreshments and snacks for a short break. Tue Crowell to Aston Wood SU744997 5 Park in the car park next to Crowell Church (OX39 4RG). Beryl 21/03/2017 L A long steady climb to the top of Crowell Hill then return 01296 422203 10:30 along part of the Aston Rowant Discovery Trail. Optional 07742 290535 lunch at the Shepherd's Crook. Thu Meet at The Whip SP818008 7.3 Hilly walk through woods and open countryside with good Ron & Jen 23/03/2017 Lacey Green M views and optional pub lunch 07800 720018 10:00 Sun Clocks go forward 1 Don’t be late for today’s walk! 26/03/2017 Hour 10:00 Sun Walking area between SP851062 8 Meet and park, Lower Scrubs, Lodge Hill (Coombe Hill) Stuart 26/03/2017 Wendover & Great M Following the Ridgeway southwards towards Great 01296 624766 10:00 Missenden Missenden, through mainly woodland with snack break Thu A circular walk from SP924169 7.8 Meet in the sports field car park, High Street Lesley & 30/03/2017 M Cheddington, just south of the village. (LU7 0RG) A Malcolm C 10:00 mainly flat walk using canal path, parts of the OAR and 07989 966195 paths through open farmland via . Lovely distant views of Beacon for much of the way. Optional pub lunch in the Old Swan Cheddington. Sun Walk through three SP868078 10 Meet at Wendover Library car park. Walking via Chiltern Gwynne J 02/04/2017 woods from Wendover M Link to King's Ash. Then on to Lordling Wood and Swan 01296 623311 10:00 Bottom, Grove Wood, and Lownde's Wood, to rejoin the Chiltern Link at The Lee. Bring food and drink. Tue A walk around SU815980 4 Park tidily at the Risborough end of the car park at the John & Tina 04/04/2017 Saunderton south of L Golden Cross P.H on the A4010 (HP14 4HN) (if staying 01296 625215 10:30 Princes Risborough for generous lunch) or at the approach road to 07770 421889 Saunderton Rail Station (HP14 4LJ) (free parking). An almost flat walk along each side of the valley to Bradenham and back, much of it on N.T. land. An open walk with great views and no stiles. Thu A circular walk from SP685316 7 Meet at the Crown Inn car park MK18 4JF. Car Peter & Lesley 06/04/2017 Gawcott to . M park is small, or park in adjacent streets. An open 01296 651653 10:00 countryside walk with virtually no roads, let's hope the April showers are not too heavy. Option for pub lunch afterwards. Sun Risborough area SP805034 8.5 Car Park near St Marys Church, HP27 9AR. Paths and Mary & Stephen 09/04/2017 M green Lanes through Horsenden, Saunderton and up to 01296 625590 10:00 Loosley Row. Then past The Pink and Lilly and down the 07917 450042 escarpment. Bring packed lunch. Tue Path Check & SP853260 6 Meet and park in the Cricket Club car park. Stewkley just Roy J 11/04/2017 Maintenance Walk - M off the Soulbury Road. Spend about 3 hours or so 01296 486350 10:00 Stewkley 2. checking and clearing footpaths as you enjoy the countryside in this parish. Thu A moderate walk in the SU709935 8 A walk with one steep decline and incline. Starting at John D 13/04/2017 Chilterns M Watlington Hill car park walking towards Pishill returning 01844 201336 10:00 by Hollandridge Lane. Pub lunch 07531 814198 Sun A leisurely walk from SP649050 8 Starting from Tiddington Village Hall OX9 2LY walking John D 16/04/2017 Tiddington M towards Waterstock and before returning to 01844 201336 10:00 Tiddington. Option to extend walk to 07531 814198 dependent on weather Tue Green lanes and SU927988 4.4 Park near Crown Inn, eastern end of Little Missenden Mary & Stephen 18/04/2017 Chiltern views from L HP7 0RD. Walk in green lanes and footpaths with woods 01296 625590 10:30 Little Missenden and views. One hill & two stiles! Optional pub lunch 07917 450042 Thu Another walk from the SP938099 7.1 Use playing field car park HP23 6HH. An easy, flattish, Mary & Stephen 20/04/2017 Greyhound, Wigginton, M walk including two stretches of Grimms Ditch, skirting 01296 625590 10:00 visiting Hastoe and Buckland Common, returning along a wooded track. 07917 450042 Buckland Common Optional pub lunch Sun Circular walk from SP894014 8 Park at Link Road car park, Great Missenden (HP16 9AE) Tricia 23/04/2017 Great Missenden M for a walk towards The Hampdens, fields, lanes and a few 07762 204292 10:00 towards The Hampdens hills. Bring packed lunch. Thu Circular walk from SP938099 8 Use car park adjacent to playing field and pub (HP23 Helen & Keith 27/04/2017 Wigginton. M 6EH). A circular Chilterns walk with good views from 01296 631069, 10:00 Total ascent 700 feet. Wigginton along the Icknield Way to the Cow Roast 07759 420206 returning via the Chiltern Way and Park. Late pub lunch, if required. Sun A mostly level very SP912284 8 Park and meet in Rushmere Country Park LU7 0EB Gill & Brenda 30/04/2017 varied walk including M Entrance to park off Linslade Road. £2.00 parking charge 01296 748045 10:00 Rushmere Wood applies. A varied walk with woods, canal and fields using 01296 748416 some Cross Bucks Way towards Soulbury and returning through . Bring refreshments for two stops and suggest car share. Thu A hilly walk circling SU825970 6.7 Park by the green near Bradenham Manor. A hilly walk Lyn 04/05/2017 Walters Ash M covering Naphill Common, Upper North Dean, Flowers 01296 613417 10:00 Bottom and Bradenham Beeches. Optional pub lunch 07514 259713 Sun Crossing the River SP649068 7.5 Park in Ickford village hall car park HP18 9HU Bridge Geoff 07/05/2017 Thame M Road. We cross the Bucks Oxon border, then visit 07745 786615 10:00 Waterstock Mill and across to Waterperry and its common. Bring packed lunch Tue Bledlow and Chinnor SP776021 4 Park at the Lions of Bledlow (HP27 9PE). A gradual uphill Adele 09/05/2017 Hill L walk to the Ridgeway with good views across the valley. 07917 081897 10:30 Return through Chinnor Hill Nature Reserve. 01296 748826 Thu Circular walk from Brill SP655138 7 Starting at the Pointer Pub, Brill HP18 9DE, a circular John D 11/05/2017 M walk to Piddington and . Great views on a good 01844 201336 10:00 day. Pub lunch 07531 814198 Sun Hodgemoor Woods, SU968938 8 Meet at Bottrells Lane car park in Hodgemoor Woods, Dan 14/05/2017 Seer Green and Knotty M HP8 4EQ (half way between the A355 and Chalfont St 07415 051490 10:00 Green Giles) for a varied, scenic and interesting walk. A few gentle hills, but worth it. Please bring packed lunch. Tue Path Check & SP657299 6 Meet and park roadside in Main Street, Roy J 16/05/2017 Maintenance Walk - M near church. Spend about 3 hours or so checking and 01296 486350 10:00 Preston Bissett. clearing footpaths as you enjoy the countryside in this parish. Thu Wendover, Halton and SP869082 6.5 Park in Wharf Road, Wendover HP22 6HF. Popular walk Dan 18/05/2017 Wendover Woods M along beautiful Wendover arm of the Grand Union Canal 07415 051490 10:00 and back via Wendover woods. A couple of steep climbs and a steep descent - otherwise mostly flat! Option of pub lunch after. Sun Wheathampstead Nr St TL180142 9 Wheathampstead. Meet in free CP signposted on right Vicki and Tony 21/05/2017 Albans River Lea and S through village LE7 9JR. Allow 45+ mins to get there from 01296 336890 10:00 area Aylesbury. Walk to include River Lee & Ayot Green 07596 664167 village and returning via Ayot Greenways (path with more (for use on walks oak trees you can shake a stick at!) and also only please) Devill's Dyke an ancient defensive earthworks from Celtic times with small amount of road to walk.Bring packed lunch. Possibility of tea & cake in cafe at end of walk Tue The Black Poplar walk SP904141 4 Meet at the Half Moon PH in Wilstone (HP23 4PD) for a Stephen & Anne 23/05/2017 from Wilstone L gentle circular walk via Long Marston and Astrope, 01296 612336 10:30 hunting for the Devil's Fingers! Optional pub lunch. If not 07443 501615 lunching park at village hall or on road. Thu A walk in the Chilterns SP853089 6 Meet at Nash Lee Lane off the B4009 (Nash Lee Rd) Stan 25/05/2017 near Wendover M near Wendover. A walk skirting Coombe Hill and 01296 613803 10:00 Wendover. Sun A walk from Chilton via SP687117 8.5 Park and meet at Townhill Farm business car park which Jerry 28/05/2017 and Brill with M is on the road from Chilton to Dorton. A scenic walk 07923 536372 10:00 some outstanding hopefully through Ashfold School Grounds, Dorton, and 01296 481900 views. then on and up to Brill. Possible drink stop at The Pointer Pub in Brill by the green, before returning down and up again via Camp Farm