A MIDWEEK MEANDER JANUARY 2010

OK so the snow has gone and Roger took 8 of us on one of the typical bus orientated meanders. The bus took us to Toddington where there is a guaranteed connection, so hopped off one and on to the next to get to Harlington.

This is a view looking back at Steppingly village with its church in the distance.

This just outside the very obliging Indian restaurant/pub in Steppingly before walking on. It was warm enough to sit outside, get served with drinks and some of us ate our lunch there.

Here we are being met by a crowd of very curious cows.

Not sure what breed they are, but look a bit like a hybred with an alpaca and a sheep!

This is us walking towards Flitwick reservoir. Who'd believe it is still January?

The path leading to Ampthill Park.

Walking back through Ampthill to catch the bus back to Toddington, and the connection to Dunstable.

A good varied walk, not very muddy, pub stop, coffee stops and back for 4.30. This is a midweek meander usually a minum of 8 miles, sometimes as much as 12. However Mike is also doing midweek short walks, so if you are about, how about trying one??

Bogtrotting in the Snow

On the weekend of 9th/10th January we ran 2 walks. It was cold and had been snowing for the past 2 weeks. However on Saturday 10 hardy walkers turned out to do a different walk from the one advertised due to the adverse conditions. On the Sunday 12 of us made our way to Aldbury for a short circular walk via Ashridge. It was not sunny, but we did not get snowed on and we were properly attired. Indeed walking up to Ashridge was pretty warm going!


This house in Aldbury looked very seasonal.


Here we are setting off (on the left is the pond).

We stopped at the top of this hill to cool off and have a cuppa.


The sheep didn't seem to mind the snow too much.

This is a view of Aldbury from the footpath.

Some of the Group making our way up a small incline.

Ashridge House is at the end of the long drive down from the Monument.

The Ashridge Tea Shop was doing a roaring trade. There were walkers, dog walkers, sledgers and families just enjoying the snow. Better than turning over and snuggling into the duvet (some of the group admitted we had given in to the temptation on the Saturday though, to be told we missed a beautiful sunny walk!)

Shropshire in December/January

On 27th December twelve of the Group went to Shropshire

This is Bridges Hostel, which was originally an old school, the group stayed 2 nights. A hostel to be recommended they are very friendly and do excellent food. However 1st night they cooked for themselves as the warden was unavailable so close to Xmas.


View of Church Stretton in the distance. Some of the group did a shuttle with the cars to Bridges and everyone walked from All Stretton back to Bridges one day.


The boys made quickly made themselves at home


Christmas had come to the refectory

Yes it was cold, even the chickens had trouble.

There is always time for the lads to horse around though!

The Stiper Stones, this area seems to be prone to mist.

The group then moved on to All Stretton Bunk House for 2 nights. Unfortunately the 1st night the pub wasn't serving food, but the local chinese takeaway was. Last night the bogtrotters enjoyed food and alcohol at the pub just down the road though. (How unusual!)

Here are some of them setting off for a walk from the bunk house

Some of the paths were hard work and there are some steep hills which were slippery. Afforded some great views though.
Two of the group couldn't stay the whole 5 days and went back earlier (always an option to only do part of a trip if you organise it early enough and have transport)

Once again, the chance to have fun couldn't be resisted!

Long Mynd, steep and at times very slippery. This area can be quite challenging even if you visit in the Summer.

The inside of the modern Bunk House. It had only just been refurbished when the Group visited last year. It only sleeps 10, with 2 and 4 bedded rooms.

All Stretton Bunk House. A warm cosy place once you worked out how the underfloor heating worked.

They arrived back home in time to go out and enjoy New Years Eve.