2010-08-30 ^ Lolworth - Knapwell - Boxworth - Lolworth* 6 miles

For the last bank holiday of the year, we picked at random a short walk around villages which we know quite well, as Boxworth is where some of our good friends live.  Unfortunately Mel and Jilly were both busy so couldn't join us for the walk, or the beer, today, but somehow we managed to have a good time regardless.

Robert had decided to make alternative plans today, so was excused from coming with us, but Philip still chose to, which was very nice.   We set off from Lolworth in windy but bright weather, and expected that this would continue for the whole walk; thankfully this proved true.

The first section of the walk took us through easily navigated bridleways along lanes.  There were few people about, but enough to keep the dogs on leads most of the time.  All hedgerows were laden with fruit of various types, and butterflies were plentiful. 

We met livestock near Childerley, and whilst the cows were mildly interested in us, we didn't venture into their village to find out whether or not Childerley Hall remains or is of any interest.  Something to find out next time.  Further field-edge walking, and ancient lanes, led us to Knapwell, where pretty houses and the quaint church, left us with good impressions.

Across a couple of wind-swept fields, we entered the familiar territory of Boxworth, and pointed out to Philip, Roche's tennis court, lake, grounds, swimming pool, and impressive house.  Pity he appeared to be out!! "His" old pub, The Golden Ball, was open though, and its pleasant garden served as a welcome stop while we took on some liquid refreshment, even though Steve lamented that the quality of its beer is now less than impressive. 

Having persuaded Philip to save his picnic till after the beer-stop, we enjoyed some entertaining ditch-jumping before partaking of our packed lunches in a pleasant meadow behind the houses in Boxworth.  A very amusing break, all told. 

From then on, the route was simple, and we encountered a considerable number of friendly walkers / runners taking part in some sort of event along (part of?) the Pathfinder way.  Before long, we were back at our starting point.  The end of a relatively short, but none-the-less pleasant, walk, which would be equally manageable in any season.  One I think we may well find ourselves returning to on another occasion.  Lovely!

2010-08-22 * Woburn - Eversholt - Woburn * 8 miles

Steve and I were walking on our own today, having given Robert a get-out clause because Philip was busy with Explorer Scouts today, so we could not insist on one coming when the other couldn't be "forced" to as well.  Naturally the dogs came though - they have no option, but wouldn't argue even if they could!

The weather forecast looked good so we chose to go further afield to the other side of Bedfordshire and walk some territory which I (Judy) had some experience of in the past, and which the guide book said  "must rank as one of the great classic walks of Bedfordshire".  It did not disappoint.

Woburn is an historical village of some note, and it and its environs offer varied, gently rolling countryside, beautiful parkland, picture-perfect villages and, on this occasion, idyllic walking weather; blue skies and sunshine.  Barely had we left the village than we came across some impressive fungi - yet to be identified.

The outward leg of the walk took us through the deer parks and past Woburn Abbey, before entering the multitude of hamlets collectively known as Eversholt.  In one of these, we found an ideal watering hole (The Green Man) and took advantage of this, before realising as we left the village, that 100m away on a picture-perfect pitch beside the church, we could have been watching a few overs of local cricket in progress.  Another time perhaps. 

The onward route, fortunately well waymarked, took us around, not through, a very waterlogged path, some of whose good natured but mud-splattered cyclist victims we did encounter.    Too late to tell them about the alternative route (which, probably, was not good for cycling anyway).  Onwards and upwards, through newly harvested fields, picking sweet blackberries, and traversing mixed plantations, the going was good.

The furthest point of our walk took us around some very attractive rural properties in which, given a sufficiently large lottery win, we would have happily taken residence!  We ate a late picnic lunch on a weathered log in the welcome shade on the outskirts of another mixed plantation, just before re-entering Woburn park proper. 

A long stretch of walking through Woburn Park followed the perimeter fence of the famous Safari Park, but on this occasion we did not encounter any exotic wildlife beyond the high wire fences, which was a disappointment.  However, we did have numerous delightful encounters on our side of the fence, with majestic deer;  many herds huddled in the shade of mighty oaks, some solitary beasts barely visible in neck-high bracken, others skirting the estate's unending perimeter walls.  All incredible to see, and the dogs, fortunately, took little notice and certainly did nothing to upset them.  

Before very long, we re-entered Woburn, passing the impressively gargoyled parish church, before rejoining our car in the (free!) car park opposite.  A very enjoyable walk indeed, and one whose terrain means it  could be appreciated in all seasons, so I am sure we will be revisiting it one day. 

2010-08-15 * Tempsford - Blunham - Great Barford - Roxton - Tempsford * 7 miles.

The first of our post-holiday walks was a great success.  We convinced Robert to join us, (training him up for walking in the Lake District next Easter), and the weather was kind.  Tara and Meg enjoyed it, even though they were on leads the whole time.

The walk began along the River Ivel, which looks good kayaking territory, with some weir-practise seeming possible for the more adventurous (in other words, Steve, not me!).  Some of the houses we saw en route were amazing. Lots of butterflies around - some of which I could identify, but I need to brush up on that knowledge before I give Robert wrong information.  We succeeded in increasing Robert's tree identification from 1 species to about 5 by the end of the walk, and will test him at the next opportunity!

There was much field walking and where the crops were still standing, the sun could be heard making the kernels pop - something I'd never heard before!  Grasshoppers were noisy too, making it sound almost mediterranean.

We took a lunch break at the riverside at Great Barford, where the ancient bridge is iconic, and looks fun to navigate with larger craft through very low arches.  A pair of swans with six cygnets were attracting much admiration from other visitors.

After a picnic and a pint, we set off on the home straight, which followed the course of the Great Ouse, though much was not visible as the path was  behind the tall river-bank vegetation.  This stretch went quickly, with the highlight being a small herd of long-horn cattle, including an impressive bull and two calves - very pretty, and luckily safely contained behind fencing! 

The final few hundred metres through a very pooey farmer's yard was fragrant.. and not necessarily the ideal way to end the walk.  Note to selves to consider walking the route in reverse next time so that the mucky paws and boots are clean before returning to the car!