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.