9, including a first timer, off the train, in sunny weather.

The wide, mildly undulating landscapes of Hertfordshire with their large arable fields and big skies can of course be especially beautiful in spring and summer, when the many shades of green (or yellow and brown later on) of the arable fields dominate the ground, with cereals, bean stalks and the likes swaying in the breeze on a windy day and big banks of clouds march past in the skies, where kites frollick around and smaller birds try to hide from them, while curious young cattle try to find new friends by following walkers through large pastures and riverside meadows.

This was such a day.

We reached Perry Green at around half 1 (I think), where 2 picnicked and 7 went into the cafe. There we bumped into a couple that had started off an earlier train and were going into the ticketed area after lunch, which is what 1 of us did as well, straight away though.

6 therefore eventually walked on, reaching Sawbo at 4.30, where 1 turned right to catch the next train, and 5 turned left into town to meet up with one of the picnickers in The Old Bell first. 17.05 train for those.

The journey went well until we stopped just short of Northumberland Park because of a Police Incident at Ponders End. That caused about 30 minutes delay. And the England game hadn't even started yet...

11

5 at the station. Dire weather had been predicted but we had a sunny start increasingly cloudy with only the faintest sprinkling of water near the end.

Your correspondent had been keeping up but the others managed to shake him off at Halfway House (old print-out, new route, and NOT signposted). I then had trouble finding shortcut 1. This again due to the old printout. When will I ever learn? I don’t like to use the L word but I was off-piste most of the way to Widford, following what turned out to be bridleway 20. Near Perry Green, the others finally caught up with me. (I don’t understand it either – something to do with space and time). All was OK at the Hoops apart from they were missing a cider delivery :( Luckily they had some bottles. Those who ate liked what they got. Looked posh.

There was a little bother leaving the pub (down to both sides looking like they could be the front). Once sorted the others shot off. They had heard from the landlord (who has a dog called Poppy) that torrential rain was expected. But it never came, just a few drops here and there. Mostly there.

So again, yours truly was left to his own devices, idling along, slow and dependable, whistling a happy tune and smiling at everyone he met. He never saw the others again. Maybe they’re still wandering the Stort.

Yours truly didn’t find Shortcut 2 either. There is a crucial but easily overlooked left turn in the sentence directing you to Shortcut 2. (I say ‘easily overlooked’ because I remember overlooking it before). But I found the station ok and got the 17:05.

Smiling? Breach of Trade Descriptions there. Great report, as ever. Unmissable.

Five familiar faces met on the platform in Roydon, making the Covid formalities straight forward...We set off under sunny but blustery conditions on this picturesque walk through rolling countryside with views far and wide...A late starter caught up with us fairly early on as we were correcting for a slight navigational glitch -- making for 6. Picnic lunch with views of one of the large Henry Moore works followed by a drink in the garden of the charming Hoops Inn...A pleasant afternoon stretch brought us to Sawbridgeworth in time to visit one of the local hostelries before a quick journey back to London...An enjoyable Sunday outing...

4 weather=sultry_heat_partly_cloudy

Best wishes to the walker feeling ill at lunch, who summoned a taxi to the station.

sultry heat partly cloudy

14 in sunny and warm weather. 1 walked the morning shortcut, a couple of others the one at the end. The Hoops was mercifully empty as large parts of the nation indeed seemed to watch the tellies. Sad. At least 6 went into the sculpture park plus their café afterwards. Yellow everywhere from dandelions buttercups and rape oil seed fields. Very pleasant day with plenty of shady green lanes to hide from the sun.

Mr M Tiger - as I said to you yesterday, your photo captions are always very droll and good value. I thought "wooden enemies" (instead of "wood anenomes") couldn't be topped, however, you've done it with your tree photo - " arrival of the mother ship.." brilliant! Great walk too, a bit of art and lovely countryside - perfect...

A few from the Gastro sub group are considering having an early dinner at the Orange Tree pub, 166 West Road, Sawbridgeford. It's a little ways off the route when you hit Sawbridgeford but easily accessable by footpath. All welcome.

Intend going and will stay for dinner

website says HM garden is closed!

"We will reopen on 1 July

Our new facilities are nearing completion and we are planning to open the Studios, Gardens and Moore's former home from 1 July."

Here's the Email from the Foundation

"Good Morning Mike

There is a public footpath that you are able to take around the outside of the grounds where you will be able to see some of Henry Moores sculptures.

I do hope this information helps.

Kind regards

Lynn

Lynn Wortley

Receptionist/Administrative Assistant

"

I think that's what I indicated in the Post

That footpath is indeed the route the walk takes, and - as the Walk Poster says - you will be able to see about a handful of the sculptures from the footpath, mere meters away. The Walk Author

Now I might do the Walk Tomorrow. But I can,t Gurantee I will.

Leave early as there's train delays shown on the news. I've got signal failure and delays but the Vic line changing at Tottenham Hale is a great option.

12 on this lovely walk through the Hertfordshire countryside on a dry but grey and very humid day with drier and sunny evening . Most did the full walk plus an extension on a footpath that circumnavigates the sculpture park and allows some up close inspection of a number of the fabulous sculptures (which can also mostly be seen on the main route). All agreed that lunch at the Hoops Inn was one of the best on a SWC outing -- amazing food, friendly staff and pleasant patio. Some made a detour towards the end to sample the fare at another pub -- but did find the offerings paled in comparison to the Hoops. A fine day at the office....

3 overcast and humid but dry

Slow morning pace, as tupperware boxes had to be filled with berries, then sumptuous lunch on the terrace of The Hoops. Off to the Sculpture Park, back to The Hoops for tea. Later a pint in the Old Bell in Sawbridgeworth. Uneventful, but a nice day out.

A lovely peaceful walk with fantastic blackberry picking opportunities!

Excellent pub for lunch with plenty of choice to suit every appetite and budget.

The Henry Moore Foundation was well worth a visit, and there was a good selection of pubs in Sawbridgeworth.

All-in a very enjoyable day.