A disappointing turnout for today's inaugural posting of Mike P's new walk in Bedfordshire of 7. Those that stayed away missed a treat. Autumn leaf colour was excellent in the many woods we passed through in the morning, crossing the TO Book 1 walk route just the once near Woburn Golf Club. The weather started as overcast turning to sunny and warm later , in fact shirt sleeve order. Leaving the Greensand Ridge Walk we came out into the vast open grassy expanses of Woburn Park as we headed for the Abbey. One large herd of deer was seen in the distance; otherwise the deer hid from us today. On then through mixed countryside to the pretty village of Eversholt where we found the Green Man pub almost empty. Being half term we expected this place to be buzzing - I hope it survives. All seven of us dined, with most enjoying the fish 'n chips special. A very pleasant luncheon experience.

After lunch we proceeded through mainly open countryside to the Safari Park, to join the TO Book 1 walk along the public footpath beside the Park. The usual animals were spotted, plus - new for me - about 15 camels (the double hump variety) in a field of their own. The onward route after leaving the Park through Crawley Gate started through open countryside, then woodland, to Husborne Crawley, then over vast open fields where our walking boots became increasingly heavy as we picked up chunks of the field on our boots. Had we encountered wet weather this section would have been tedious. On then under the motorway and beside the railway line to arrive at Ridgmont railway station bang on our projected time and in good time for the 17-13 hrs train to take us back to Bletchley, then on to London on a fast service.

Thanks and well done go to Mike P for writing up such an excellent new walk. But a shame many of our mid-week regulars stayed away. Perhaps next time.........well worth doing again.