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!