An energetic woodland walk in the Chilterns Book 2, Walk 1 - Wendover Circular Length: 18.5 km (11.5 miles)
Toughness: 7 out of 10
London
Marylebone: 10-27 hrs - Aylesbury train
Arrive
Wendover: 11-15 hrs
Return:
Wendover: 16-23; 16-53; 17-20; 17-55; 18-26; 18-52
Today's walk takes you through a number of woods and vales in the Chiltern Hills with several ups and downs to keep a SWC walker honest.
To reach the pub - the
Red Lion, in Whiteleaf- in time for lunch will necessitate walking at a good, steady pace during the morning leg. Slower walkers have the option of a) taking the 09-57 hrs train from Marylebone, and we will catch you up en route, or b) your taking one of the short cuts as noted in the Walk Directions.
After lunch you have a steep hill which plays havoc on one's digestion, then more woods and the remains of Pulpit Hill Fort before you descend to Ellesborough Church. You now have a choice of routes to walk-end. The Book's main route takes you over a number of large, flat, arable fields. If these have been ploughed up recently, the harvest now having been gathered, your boots will soon weigh a ton each from clinging mud, and progress onwards will be very hard going. In these circumstances the alternative route is recommended - a steep ascent up Coombe Hill - to use up the last of your energy - then it's a steady descent into Wendover. So the choice is heavy boots or a knackering climb !
For tea in Wendover, chocaholics make for
Rumsey's on the High Street. I don't - I prefer the
Shoulder of Mutton pub next to Station Approach, which serves hot drinks, the demon booze and food all day.
If you join us on today's energetic walk you are excused a visit to the gym on Thursday.
T=2.1
L=2.1
Next Week, Wednesday 26 October: Book 1, Walk 42- Holmwood to Gomshall - Leith Hill, woodlands, heathland and maybe, leaf colour.