Dunstable Bogtrotters

Winter Walking

2012-02-05T12:28:00.000-08:00

We walk in all weathers and in some ways its better to walk well wrapped up when its cooler than to slog along in the sweltering sun, here are a few photos.
The photos below were taken on 4th February, when 20+ of us walked from Dunstable to the Plough in Wingfield for our post Christmas meal. This was before the snow came and it was a glorious crisp bright day.

If you look carefully you can see the golf balls sitting on the surface of the ice at Wingfield golf club.
We stopped at Houghton Regis Church to enjoy refreshments before continuing our walk.
Others of the group just met us at the pub and about 35 of us had a meal there.

Although it doesn't look it, it was December and absolutely freezing not far from Cheddar, the group went there to see the starling murmuration and it was well worth it.

The photos below were taken in February 2009.

This is the group arriving at Tanners Hatch Hostel. Cosy with log fire, but with outdoor ablutions!
This one of the views from the hostel. We weren't too sure whether this was weather for walking but we found lots of other people in shorts and t-shirts doing a sponsored run that morning!

An extreme example of cold walking, the ones above were taken on a group visit to Iceland back in 2005.

The ones below were taken on our traditional winter trip between Christmas and New Year these are in Shropshire.

This is All Stretton Bunkhouse. It came with mod cons including underfloor heating.
This is the Long Mynd.

The three above were taken on another Christmas trip this time to Cumbria. However we have been there in April and had heavy snowfalls.

Nearer to home these were taken in the heavy snow in 2010
Aldbury pond. The cafe at Ashridge.Taken on a walk near Aldbury.
The pub in Totternhoe.Totternhoe Knolls.

For more photos see the albums in the gallery.

A winter Walk

2012-01-23T10:59:00.001-08:00

On Saturday 14th January we went on a walk starting at Clophill.

It was a cold frosty start, but we were dressed warmly and the sun soon came out to make it a beautiful day.

These are of the ruin of Clophill Church. Abandoned St Marys Church is estimated to be up to 400 years old.There have been reported incidents of satanic rituals at Clophill Church.

We saw sheep, horses and these magnificent Highland Cattle.

The sun shining through the early morning mist was ethereal, but unfortunately not easy to capture photographically!

We walked to Upper Gravenhurst where some of us explored St. Giles Church, which dates back to the 12th Century,whilst others just enjoyed our coffee. Its always a good idea to take a flask and something to eat even if there may be a local pub (or as in this case 3 although we only visited the one in Silsoe).

We came back via Silsoe,
We are walking towards the Research establishment here.

We passed Wrest Park House before returning to Clophill where we found a very welcome establishment serving snacks and hot drinks. The main comment at the end we we enjoyed it so much we couldn't believe we had walked over 9 miles.

We decided a Winter Picnic was Good Idea

2011-12-28T07:48:00.000-08:00

And it was! 14 of us turned up at Ampthill and walked the short distance to Houghton House via Ampthill Park.

Here we are admiring Katherine's Cross which is an early example of a Gothic Revival monument erected by Capability Brown in 1773. In the 1530s Henry VIII and Katherine of Aragon stayed in the castle which was originally here.

Although the floor is damp and it was a grey day we didn't get wet and it was very mild for December. This was classed as an active social (i.e a short walk to enjoy the company of others and such things as food and drink!)
Houghton House today is an English Heritage property which is the shell of a 17th century mansion commanding magnificent views, reputedly the inspiration for the ‘House Beautiful’ in John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress.

This is a view from Houghton House which is NE of Ampthill.

This is us enjoying our picnic and hot mulled wine and various nibbles for which we gave donations to this year's Bogtrotters charity, Keech Cottage Hospice, which we had in the grandure of Houghton House.

Another view of Houghton House, good job it was dry as although it looks impressive, unfortunately there is none of the roof left at all!

We then walked back to Ampthill where many of us enjoyed the warmth and Christmas Cheer of the Albion which is a fine Banks and Taylor public house.

2011-12-05T08:31:00.000-08:00

OK so its now December and there have been no more posts. This doesn't mean nothings happening, its just been too busy to do blogs, just check out out "Programme of Events (past events)"!

We are still doing a long and a short walk every weekend plus mid week walks, usually on a Thursday and we have been away on weekends, which I shall give you a taste of below. We have been to both Yorkshire and Norfolk before in previous years, but different areas. The gallery gets updated on a regular basis, and there is one for Norfolk and Yorkshire and not forgetting the Scenes not too far from Dunstable and the More Reasonably Local Photos. You can access the photos by clicking on Gallery or by just going straight into www.picasaweb.google.com/dunstablebogtrotters.

We went to an independant hostel called Deepdale farm, in Burnham Deepdale in North Norfolk in mid November, where we had glorious weather. As usual one night we all took food and had a cheap slap up meal, and on some of the others most of us went out to eat.

This is the exterior of the backpackers hostel . It was well run and user friendly. The backpackers hostel is centred around a partially covered old stable courtyard and the buildings date back to 17th Century. They’ve been restored in the traditional Norfolk style, and where possible used green technologies to reduce the environmental impact.

This is just a taste of some of the coastal scenery.

We could have stayed in Deepdale's, Yurts or tepees which were at the back of the hostel!

Our group enjoying a walk in the autumnal sunshire
There are also some huge sandy beaches in Norfolk. This one included some pirates who also happened to be enjoying the band at the local pub when we visited it one evening!

A bit more Norfolk Coastline.

At the end of November some more of us went off to Nidderdale in Yorkshire. We again used an independant hostel but hired the whole establishment this time. Once again after the 1st days rain it was unseasonably sunny and mild. The autumn colours had to be seen to be believed, but again look at the album to see more.

As usual with our walks and weekends away, some people did longer walks ( about 18 miles or so), others did some long and some not so long ones, ie the first 7 or 8 miles and then decided to take a shorter route home, often including the pub just down the road from the hostel.
The exterior of Studfold our home for 4 nights. Airy, spacious with hot showers and good heating and cooking facilities. Sylv and Sandra organised this weekend and insisted on giving us all an excellent 3 meals a day, including snacks and three course dinners. We probably should have walked even more after all the food they provided. Well done and thanks from everyone.
This was taken just along the track from the centre where we were staying not far from Lofthouse.

Some idea of those colours mentioned above............
One of the views along the Nid Valley. This is probably Lofthouse below.

Gouthwaite Dam as far as we can remember.

This is the run off from one of the local dams, the one above. It started out misty on most days but then the sun came out to show off the scenery. Yes there were some substantial hills to climb, but the views across the dams and valley were well worth the effort.
Yes it was warm enough to take off our jackets and picnic in a field and admire the views.

However ones below were taken locally in November. Which proves you don't have to go far to enjoy the walks and countryside.

Grand Union near Berkhampstead.

Studham Middle Common
Alpacas in a field in Hockliffe!

Grand Union Canal

Just ready to set off from Berkhampstead Castle. Again see the albums for more.....

Trip to Port Eynon, S Wales August 2011

2011-09-05T08:07:00.000-07:00

13 of us went to Port Eynon, on the Gower peninsular in South Wales. 3 of us camped in the field next door due to lack of space in the hostel, which used to be an old lifeboat station right on the water's edge once the tide is in. See below.

As usual with our trips, some did all the walks and some went out for meals most nights, others self-catered or used the chip shop (except we all had one of our huge first night 3 course dinners made by members of the group).
No one is expected to do everything anyone else does. If you want to do nothing, its OK, if you feel the urge to do an 18 mile walk, thats OK too. Most of us did the 12 mile Sunday walk to Rhosilli, the longest most amazing sandy beach on the Gower, some people caught the bus back rather than walk, and next day several of us did a 9 miles walk to Oxwich, another bay with a beautiful sandy beach. Pity it wasn't a bit warmer. However, some of who could stay in the Gower for a bit longer got to swim in the sea! Some of the hostellers went straight home, after the weekend and others went off to other places.

This a path leading back to the hostel. It is the grey building on the end of the campsite.

Something we found on one of the footpaths, self-service fridge and freezer with honesty box.

Another find, a gloucester old spot just having a mud bath in the middle of a footpath.

Again on a footpath leading to Port Eynon. You can see the sandy beach in the distance.

In the churchyard, of St Cattwg's Church, Port Eynon is a memorial to three of the lifeboat crew who lost their lives at sea in 1916. The lifeboat station was closed in 1919 and is now the Hostel.

Rhossilli Bay, over 3 miles of sandy beach used by Surfers as frequently has excellent breakers.
This is some of Oxwich Bay as taken from the Oxwich Bay Hotel where we partook of refreshments.

Just admiring the breakers rolling into this gully.

As you can see the heather and gorse were in full bloom just to add to the beauty.

This is Worms Head at Rhossilli which you can walk down, but only during a short window when the tide allows.
Sylv didn't have enough hands for putting on coats and eating apples!

We thought this stile looked like a guillotine so persuaded Clare to give it a go!

The old salt house just along from the hostel. Originally used for extracting salt from the sea, it is thought that the business was also run as a cover for smuggled goods.
This was taken later in the week further up the Gower on a glorious day looing towards another of its popular beaches called Langland.
To see more of the beauty of the Gower try http://www.the-gower.com/beaches/beaches.htm

2011-08-20T11:12:00.000-07:00

OK its been a busy few months, and one without blogs! There is usually a short and a longer walk every weekend, plus a walk during the week and the odd social! Hopefully something for almost everyone. Obviously before deciding which walk to do its advisable to look at the mileage involved and how long it is likely to take. If it says something like 15 miles it will be a fairly fast pace. If it is an 8 mile all day walk it will be more leisurely and probably a few stops including a tea shop or pub. In fact one week we had something on 6 days out of 7! ......
Here is a sample.

Saturday 16th July and Sunday 17th 2011

Festival of History. Held over two days this is an excellent event not to be missed.
Over 2,000 years of history, and over 1,000 re-enactors make this the ultimate historical adventure at the Festival of History at Kelmarsh Hall, Northamptonshire, presented by English Heritage. A full selection of living history encampments displayed stretching from an authentic Roman camp through to World War Two. The event featured everything from falconry, jousting displays and battle re-enactments to music, dance and ale.

Just a few of some of the Festival of History reinactments.

Friday 15th July 2011

A short walk to the Hunters Lodge public house at Whipsnade for a meal or just drinks. 3 miles.

There was a casino night on in the Hunters Lodge.The view over Dunstable downs at night on way back the pub.

Thursday 14th July 2011

Day Walk to Aylesbury via Totternhoe, Eaton Bray, Edlesborough, Ivinghoe, Marsworth and the Aylesbury arm of Grand Union canal. 16 miles

Wednesday 13th July 2011

Toddington to Harlington Stations A short circular walk covering the attractive countryside & views of Toddington & Harlington. 5 miles.

Tuesday 12th July 2011

Aylesbury Circle Day Walk A circular walk around Aylesbury starting at Bierton. Most of the route to the North of Aylesbury was on footpaths and grassland, also a riverside walk from Haydon Hill. 16 miles

Sunday 24th July 2011

Visit to Redbournbury Mill an Active Social.

There were four floors of the mill museum to explore and displays on how the mill works and the machinery was working producing flour. We went for a short circular walk, some walked less than others, but no more than 5 miles!

These are just down the road from Redbournbury mill itself.

Some of us have come back from Norway. Not for the fainthearted this trip! There are some amazing photos though, check out the album. https://picasaweb.google.com/117786250921657920836/NorwayJulyAugust2011

A small taste of the Norway trip. Try the videos below.

2011-06-30T09:12:00.001-07:00

Someone has pointed out that there seem to have been no blogs since April!!
so here is three in one

We are still here and walking about 3 times a week. You can always look at the Programme of Events (Past Events) to see what has been happening and there are always updates into the Gallery http://https//picasaweb.google.com/dunstablebogtrotters so that you can see photos of what we have been doing.

These are just a few of our trips since the last blog - Brecon Beacons in April, glorious Welsh scenery.

Saffron Walden YHA which was built in the 1500s visited in May as we decided we had to visit before it closed as a hostel.

Saffron Walden YHA as was.

This was one of the dorms in Saffron Walden

Our most recent trip Bulgaria in June. Click the videos at the bottom to get an idea of some of the views we encountered on our trip.

This is the war memorial known as "Mother Bulgaria" in Veliko Tarnovo a major city.

The amazing Tsarevets Fortress which overlooks VT, see the video taken from here below.

Bulgaria was amazing, 8 of us visited Central Bulgaria near Veliko Tarnovo staying in Resen Lodge, run by a very amiable Scotsman called Ronnie who looked after us admirably and arranged transport in his bus where ever and whenever we wanted to go.
This is us with the bus admiring one of Bulgaria's numerous statues.

Resen village was rural with lovely mountainous countryside full of wildflowers, birds, butterflies and other wildlife. There were also numerous churches and magnificent monastries. Most of the villagers kept a few cows or goats which were collected in the morning and taken to pasture and then on their way home the animals just seemed to peel off from the herd and made their way home.....
The food portions were generous to say the least and a salad lovers paradise, ie 15-20 different salads on every menu, the local alcohol was also very good and up to 80% cheaper than at home. We had a few dramatic thunder storms, but we managed to avoid them and they soon cleared up leaving the atmosphere clear and cooler - otherwise it would probably have been a little too warm.

We did several trips out which included walks of varying lengths, mountains, caves, an eco forest and usually a bar or restaurant.

This is Etar which is a preserved working village museum of buildings and life as it would have been in the 1800s.

Resen Lodge, complete with en suite, rooms with air conditioning, bar, swimming pool and 2 resident rabbits!

Generally I think we can say a great time was had by all (even those who could possibly say if you could describe what that bar looked like at the end of the afternoon you probably weren't there!)

This is Shipka monument, a huge memorial with this glorious panoramic view.

Another glorious Bulgarian view taken from near Resen where we saw the Eagle Owls. See the Bulgaria Album.

The view from above Veliko Tarnovo taken from the Tsavarets Fortress site

Something Different - a Murder!

2011-04-17T12:36:00.001-07:00

Jo hosted a Murder Mystery night for us which included an excellent 3 course meal.

It was 1848. The Dowager Lady Withering is found dead at the stately home Withering Depths on the Yorkshire Moors, run through with her late husbands sword. The dinner guests were.

Lord Selby Withering, 24, a bohemain poet who is heavily in debt.

Sir Clifforde Heath-Clifforde, 4th Baronet, an unmarried 38 year old rake.

Suzannah Heath-Clifforde, the 26 year old, wild gypsy half-sister of Sir Clifforde.

Emily Lloyd Bridges, an 18 year old ward of the Dowager Lady Withering.

Lady Caroline Mouton, the lively widow of Lady Withering's husband's best friend.

Reverend Adam Brethren, an austere minester and cousin of the late Lady Withering.

Jane Eyrie, a 26 year spinster and governess to Emily.

Carlos Chickensi 24 year old Spanish Count, spending a year on a Grand Tour.

See if you can spot any of the characters below! They may look a bit like people you recognise.

As usual there was more than enough food to go round, great company with plenty of dramatics and laughs. If you would like to participate in the Murder Mystery, look for this event to pop up in our programme (or ring Jo to book your interest) as we are intending to do it again with a different cast...... No one is allowed to tell anyone who did it or it will spoil the evening (bit like the Mousetrap),

Who needs to travel out of the 3 counties?

2011-04-03T12:39:00.001-07:00

Who needs to travel, we have had Spring Walks in some of the best weather over some of the most glorious countryside over the last two weekends within a few miles of Dunstable! I am adding a few photos to give you an idea of what is on our doorstep!

Last Sunday we started from Edlesborough and walked to Ivinghoe where there is an excellent little tea shop, up on the Ridgeway to Aldbury (where there is a pond and 2 pubs) up Pitstone Hill and Ivinghoe Beacon and back to Edlesborough, The view were magnificent and we saw belted galloway cattle, new born lambs and red kites. It makes you feel good to be alive with the sun shining, fellow walkers and such views!
A traditional Group Photo, however not compulsory, if you don't want your mugshot turning up in out photos just let us know!

You can see how close we are to home by the White Lion in the background!

On our way back towards Edlesborough

We have some quite dramatic quarries in our area as well.
Little friendly cows just ignoring us walkers.

Surprising what activity you can find on the top of Pitstone hill. This is Tai Chi.

Pitstone and Ivinghoe Beacon from Edlesborough

No not Derbyshire, the Ridgeway as seen from Edlesborough.

The Bridgwater Monument in Ashridge.Edlesborough Church as seen coming from Ivinghoe Beacon.

The next ones were taken on Mothering Sunday on our mystery walk which 18 of us participated in which started at Woburn Sands and went to Wavenden, again on a beautifully sunny spring day.

Spring has Sprung near Wavenden.

Walking near Wavenden House.

Another example of Bedfordshire countryside near Woburn Sands.

If you have climbed up from the bottom of the hill you appreciate the views more, like this one from the trig point at the top of Ivinghoe Beacon.

Trip to Sheen Bunkhouse in Derbyshire March 2011

2011-03-21T10:12:00.000-07:00

13 of us had another enjoyable weekend away in March. The sun shone for the majority of the time enough for shirtsleeves some days.

As usual, some of the group did more walking than others, we took food enough for a small army I think, and there was an excellent choice for the Friday night's meal. On the Saturday some went to the pub for a meal and/or drinks and others stayed at the hostel and ate, drank and watched the tv. On the Saturday, again some did the peaks, whilst others did a shorter somewhat less strenuous walk, and others just went for a bus ride and met us with their car in Hartington. There are always options.......... However some sort of hill climbing is recommended to see the very best views.

If you climb a Derbyshire peak this one of the sort of views you can expect.

A few of us congregating in Hartington (not far from the pond, pubs and tea shop)

Just a taste.
There are lots of photographs of our trip to Sheen in Derbyshire in the Gallery, or use https://picasaweb.google.com/dunstablebogtrotters to see photos from our trips and local walks.
This is a very small panoramic view video taken just down the footpath from the Bankhouse.

Stowe-on-the-Wold February 2011

2011-02-19T12:15:00.000-08:00

We have been having our usual crop of weekend and midweek walks, but on the 2nd weekend in February 15 of us went on a Youth Hostel trip to Stowe.

Most of us travelled up on Friday and did a 5 or 6 mile walk before visiting the pub. A few volunteers cooked food for everyone for that evening's meal. No one was going hungry, there were 2 different soups, sausage casserole, vegetable bake, fish pie and 4 different vegetables followed by apple crumble and apple pie and custard, (all home made) and cheese and biscuits. Even after the afternoon walk I suspect no one lost weight that day!

This YHA is right on the Square in the centre of Stowe.

Some of us partook of a hostel breakfast, whilst others used the hostel kitchen.

Outside the hostel getting ready to leave on our walk.

In the afternoon the Hostel uses this room as a tea shop, you can see the square through the window behind.
The usual halt for a group photo, this time by the Well just outside Stowe.

What an idylic scene

The Saturday was beautifully bright fairly crisp day and we did a circular day walk to Burton on the Water via Lower and Upper Slaughter, which are very scenic villages despite the names.

Stowe in the distance in the brightness of a February day.

The river flowing through Burton on the Water.It was warm enough for most of us to sit in the sunshine by the river to eat our sandwiches (others found nearby establishments for refreshments and retail therapy).

Most of the group went over to one of the numerous local pubs for a tasty evening meal on the Saturday night and various forms of drink.

St Mary's Church and the water mill in Lower Slaughter.

The lure of the playground furniture was too much to resist.

Did we mention the spring flowers are starting to come into bloom?
The scenery was great, as was the company.

This doesn't really do the view justice, and the conditions were just perfect for walking.

On the Sunday we decided to visit the Rollright Stones, however the rain was like stair rods and the wind was bitter so the visit was short lived and the decision was made that home rather than any other activities was a good idea.
Investigating the stones in our wet weather gear.

Even in the pooring rain you can see the hills in the distance. (Wold means hill, so a trip to Stowe on the Wold does involve a few gradients.) It is true in the main though that the bigger the hill the better the view! Look at some of the Lake District and Derbyshire photos.

For more photos go to https://picasaweb.google.com/dunstablebogtrotters

January Social Activities

2011-02-05T09:12:00.001-08:00

OK many of us worked hard at Studham, but we also enjoyed ourselves in January as well.

The photos above were taken at our Burns Night Celebrations, where we had Cockie Leekie Soup, Leek and Potato Soup, Haggis (including a vegetarian version), Inverness Cheese Cake, Oat Cakes with cheese, Oat Flapjacks, and Scots Whisky amongst other things accompanied by Scottish music, Burns readings etc. As you can see we also dressed for the occasion. A very enjoyable and fine evening. Many thanks to Lesley for her hospitality.

This was us walking up a bit of an appetite for our Post Christmas meal at the Plough in Wingfield. We made our way from Dunstable via Houghton Regis to the pub for our meal. (It was only muddy in a couple of fields).

Some of the group outside Houghton Regis Church after partaking of their very welcoming coffee morning with home made cakes (just in case we couldn't last out till we got to the Plough)!

These are a few of the 38 people who attended for the meal - many drove there and even more got a lift back instead of walking the 4 miles to the pub. Others feel very pleased that they tried to walk off at least a few of the calories provided by the hearty well cooked meals. Well done the Plough.

Of course there were the usual round of Saturday, Sunday and mid-week walks and a visit to our local Weatherspoons during the month as well.If you would like to join any of our socials, or better still organise one, or have some good ideas for things you would like to do, please email social@dunstablebogtrotters.co.uk or speak to one of the committee.....

Work Party at Studham Common

2011-01-25T05:49:00.001-08:00

On Saturday 22nd January about 16 of the Boggies again joined the Friends of Studham Common for their Winter Work Party. In total about 58 people turned out to help the conservation group's work.

This is the tail end of the bonfire which was situated at the top furthest corner of the common. We reckoned those up there had earned their vituals just be walking all the way there and back!
A cuppa before getting back to the tasks.

As usual the day began with a hearty breakfast before starting on our various tasks, ie planting 80 whips and 50 gorse plants and which used to be quite common on the common, clearing back dead and intrusive shrub such as brambles and blackthorn (the one that gives all the white blossom and sloes with some vicious spikes), clearing spaces for the native wild flowers such as orchids,and clearing scrub from the Jubilee Copse clearing it all up and burning it off at a couple of large bonfires. We were given 11ses and then provided with an enormous hot cooked dinner before more drinks and cake mid afternoon. Good food, plenty of exercise, fresh air (if you weren't too near the bonfire) and lots of friendly people, what more could we ask for?

Here is a copy of an email the FOSC have asked us to circulate.

THANK YOU everyone for turning it out on such a miserable day and working so hard for the Common and its wildlife. It was a great turn out, and once we got going, the rain and the mud didn't seem so bad, sustained as we were by Don's Special Porridge and the other wonderful goodies produced by our Michelin-starred (well, they ought to be anyway!) Catering Team. I want also to re-iterate my thanks to Don Grozier and his team for all the planning and preparation they put into making the day such a success.

LOST PROPERTY: Don, lucky man, has acquired a pair of black leather ladies ankle boots, and a blue Chelsea bobble hat. If you wish to reclaim them, please call him on 01582 872937

If you (eg Steve Halton for P3 members, Sue Jenkins for Bogtrotters, John Creasey for May Day Trust) know of anyone who may not be on our mailing list, could you please pass the message on? Thank you.

Warmest thanks once again to you all and if you are up for more punishment, we look forward to seeing you at future work parties!

Best wishes

Pam Rumfitt

FOSC Chairman

pamrumfitt@btinternet.com

01582 872608

1st Weekend in January

2011-01-02T14:15:00.000-08:00

On Saturday some of us decided to start the new year by going to a few members houses for nibbles and drinks before 13 of us went to the Red Lion in Bidwell Hill for their carvery and back to Jo's for her excellent apple crumble and more drinks. We may decide to make something like this an annual event. Thank you very much Kathy and Jo for your hospitality.
Then on Sunday 16 of us walked from Dunstable to Whipsnade Tree Cathdral and back to the Yum Yum. Sorry about the lack of photos, I have decided cameras do not like the chilly damp weather too much.

Enjoying walking over Dunstable Downs

13 Members went to the Lake District

2011-01-01T13:59:00.000-08:00

It has become an annual tradition to go away between Christmas and New Year (last year the group went to Shropshire).This year it was Cumbria.

This is Derwent Water YHA

Ashness Bridge

Climbing down from Cats Bells towards Skelgill Bank

A bit foggy at times, but not enough to spoil the enjoyment of the Lake District.

The view from Castle Crag

Outside Borrowdale YHA

The lure of a snowball fight was too much to resist!

Derwent Water from above

Beauty of a British Winter Scene

Cold enough for the waterfalls to freeze.

November and December 2010

2010-12-11T11:29:00.001-08:00

In case you blinked, this a photo of some Christmas Lights during our Recent snowfall.
It was taken in Caddington.

Again another snowy picture. It always looks pretty, and rarely stops us walking. If necessary we sometimes change it from that advertised so that we don't have to risk driving too far and getting caught up anywhere. Provided you are wrapped up well and have decent footwear most people find they soon warm up once they get moving (and there is often a nice pub somewhere along the way to help thaw out if necessary).
Here are 17 of us enjoying a break on a recent Saturday December walk. This seems to be a fairly average number, sometimes it is in the 20s and other times (usually on the longer mid-week walks) it can be down to a handful.

These are the same weekend on the slightly longer Sunday Walk, again with 16 people, after our morning coffee stop in a convenient local childrens' recreational area near Kimpton, and then getting ready to go into a nice real ale pub in Gustard wood for lunch.

We have been pretty busy over the last few weeks, unfortunately we seem to have few photographs to show for it! As we now have nearly 90 members we are putting on more walks. We started putting on more 5 miles shortish walks as they were proving very popular (and they still are), but we also started putting on more longer walks by popular request which range up to about 15 miles. There also seems to be a good demand for something in between for those members who have discovered that 5 miles isn't as onerous as they anticipated and are graduating on to our longer ones. We hope to see some of you out in the summer doing a walk you would have never imagined possible! If in doubt consult with the walk leader and they should be able to tell you the difficulty of the walk and if there is the option of shortening it or jumping on a bus if necessary! We usually do at least one weekend away most months. There are some planned for Cumbria, Stow in the Wold, Sheen in Derbyshire and a week away in Bulgaria. If interested, look at the programme, and get your place booked and deposit paid as they need to be organised well in advance.

Back to the subject, we have done 2 walks every weekend, usually one longer than the other, some on Wednesdays and several longer ones on Thursdays, and this will continue in the new programme. This month we also had what is probably our shortest ever walk; a two mile guided walk round College Lake Nature Reserve near Tring, which we hope to repeat in the warmer weather when it is not quite so misty or icy. A view of the College Lake, which will be full of bird and insect life in the Spring.

We have also had a social evening to the Ruchi Indian restaurant in Woodside where 16 of us throroughly enjoyed their excellent fare at a reasonable price and then the following week 18 also partook of the Xmas Dinner in the Gary Cooper (Wetherspoons) in Dunstable. Once again it was a tasty meal, served hot and promptly, and included a free drink which was excellent value for money. There was also a very sucessful quiz evening where we raised money towards the Wildlife Trust Totternhoe Quarry appeal to extend their nature reserve. We do socials at the Gary Cooper (and other local pubs) on a regular basis as the value is hard to beat and anyone can just turn up to eat or just for a drink without the need to book. We also have a post Christmas Meal organised for January, but you will have to book for that. Look out for them and other activities on our programmes. If you have queries about social events email us on www.social@dunstablebogtrotters.co.uk.

BATH November 2010

2010-11-19T13:46:00.000-08:00

At the beginning of November we had another of our weekends away at Bath YHA. We chose the right weekend as it was dry and included Bonfire night. For more pictures of this and other trips etc. visit our Gallery http://picasaweb.google.com/dunstablebogtrotters

15 of us went altogether, some together,others at different times and by various modes of transport and as usual many of decided to do different things on different days. On the Friday night we all stayed at the hostel (which is some way up Bathgatehill) and enjoyed a huge meal provided by various members who were kind enough to supply it. Of course there is always the choice of going to a pub, sometimes a meal can be provided by the hostel, but on the Friday evening we thought it nice for everyone to be together and if we do our own meal the food is provided at the cost of the ingredients only! Some of us went on the Skyline walk with amazing view of Bath, others did a guided tour round the City. One day many people went on a walk down the canal and river Avon whilst others visited the museums and sights in the City.

This is the famous Crescent.

One of Bath's old streets, you can't avoid noticing how many cars there are about though! There was lots to see and do, including finding the places where Jane Austin based her Books and where they were filmed.

A view looking down the River Avon of Polteney Bridge.

The beauty of walking in the British autumn

Taken on the canal walk, which strangely enough finished at a fine public house in a nearby village.

A taste of the fireworks put on by Bath University for their local charities.

A view taken on the Skyline walk.

This is Bath Abbey taken at twilight. We should have been able to take the bus from here up to see the fireworks but it was so popular there was no chance so most of us had the pleasure of walking up the very steep 2 mile hill from here past the hostel to the University! Well we are a walking group I suppose, and being a frosty night it soon got us warm!

Click on the Arrow to see a very short video of some us near the start of the Skyline walk to see what you missed!

Another small video showing around the Circus

We did two walks on 23rd and 24th October, both of about 9 miles and lasting about 5 hours including pub stops.

2010-10-24T09:25:00.000-07:00

Saturday was a bit greyer than Sunday, but the circular the walk from Silsoe to Higham Gobian and Pulloxhill was still a good one, which included 2 pubs, one for ale and another for tea. We did manage to find some very sticky mud in some of the fields though!

Wrest Park House. We drove here and then parked in the park's carpark.

The nice thing about walking this time of the year is it doesn't get too hot and the leaves are beginning to change so there are some beautiful colours to be seen.

It wasn't all mud, really it wasn't, just a few of the fields weighted down our boots and changed the colour of the dog.

One of the aforesaid muddy fields. We felt we had deserved our drink by the time we arrived at Pulloxhill on the otherside of the hill!

Here we are outside Higham Gobian Church after stopping for a break on the benches in the Churchyard.

OK so the fields were a bit muddy, but the views were still worth the trouble, this one is near Sharpenhoe Clappers.

A beautiful bright autumnal Sunday, with 12 walkers enjoying the views between Dunstable and Totternhoe and also the joys of some of our local pubs!
We had 12 walkers on both our walks and you may notice that some of them are the same, however there were 18 different people involved over the 2 days.

Looking over Totternhoe

Posing on top of Totternoe Castle hill.The central defensive position within the castle, the motte, is a conical earthen mound about 5 metres tall, set on the highest point on the spur overlooking the Ouzel valley and crowned by a concrete Ordnance Survey triangulation point (BN S4552).

The view over Totternhoe Quarry

Who could resist admiring the view from the top of the Castle mound? The earthworks of Castle Hill are remains of a late 11th or early 12th century motte and bailey castle. It was probably only used for a short period and was once known as the castle of Eglemont (Eagle Mount).

The video is of the panoramic view from the Castle Hill Mound Totternhoe. Its surprising what you can find only a few miles from Dunstable. If you want to see more pictures check out our photo albums......

For those of you who missed it - A Sunday October Ramble

2010-10-11T10:09:00.001-07:00

If you thought, "not another Woburn Walk" on Sunday you missed a real treat. 16 of us went, it was a bit grey to start off but the sun came out. The trees are just starting to turn and the rutting season was in full swing going through the grounds of Woburn. Here are a few photos for the benefit of those of you who missed this fantastic seasonal walk.

Woburn as seen from one of the many footpaths through the grounds

Only 2 of many lusty stags vieing for leadership of the herds.

Not the best specimen, but one of the best photos!

Another gentleman on the lookout for a spare hind or two!

Time for a quick cuppa

Our group walking by the side of the lake.

Just look at the number of wildfowl on Woburn's lake

Press the arrow to view. Just a small sample of the sights and sounds in Worburn at this time of the year!

YORK August 2010

2010-09-30T07:50:00.000-07:00

Just a short blog about our trip to York over the August Bank holiday. 13 of us went for the weekend and a couple of us moved on to Naburn 5 miles south for a couple of days. For more photos look at the photos section of the Dunstablebogtrotters.co.uk website.

York YHA was originally the home of the Rowntrees. A nice hostel with one of the best breakfasts we have experienced whilst hostelling.

The Hostel reception area

Walking along the York Walls

The Shambles well known picturesque area of York.

Group photo

Some of us went to Evensong in York Minster. What a beautiful Cathedral

The crowd outside the Minster waiting for the Ghost Walk, which some us went on

Again some of us (not all) took advantage of the free entry to the National Railway museum

Admiring the bridge and garden near Rievaulx

Walking along the Ouse from the Hostel to York.

There was an amazing double rainbow after a shower

The Ouse just coming into York

The rear of York YHA

Naburn Station right on the Sustrans Track where you can camp and also get teas cake sand icecreams etc. at weekends. Just South of York on the cycle track this bit is called the Solar Way as there are all the planets at scale distance starting from the sun over 10 miles to Selby.

THE MOUTH

2010-08-12T15:55:00.000-07:00

On Monday 9th August 19 us bowled up to the Mouth Chinese Restaurant in Dunstable for an excellent eat as much as you like meal. The starters and 2nd course were nearly a meal in themselves and then we could order as much as we liked from their full menu. It was well cooked, the staff were friendly and a good time was had by all. We are not all about walking, most of us do walk, some more than others, but some members do just come to the socials, be it the local pub, meals or a picnic on the Downs. We are always happy to see new (and not so new) faces on walks or socials.

Indeed if you would like to see something in one our our programmes we are always open to suggestions. Better still anyone can volunteer to organise an activity or walk they would like to do!

BARTON HILL FARM VISIT

2010-08-04T07:04:00.001-07:00

At the End of June we were treated to a visit to Barton Hill Farm between Streatley and Lilley. The Shaw family, invite people to a conducted tour of their property, showing them what it means to be a conservation farm and giving an insight into modern farming and the flora, fauna, birds and beautiful wild flowers. They have been accepted into two significant environmental schemes: Natural England Entry and Higher Level Stewardship. They actively encourage and manage areas of chalk downland.

Here we are (23 of us) before starting the walk learning about the huge machines and what they can do.

This one of their amazing views, this is Sharpenhoe Clappers
This view is overlooking Barton le Clay
Here are Wizz and Brian explaining to us just what we are looking at.
This is what we were looking at, Barton Springs.

This is vipers bugloss. They have a large part of their land where it grows wild.

This is the sort of flora you get on the verges of your fields if you let nature take its course rather than swamp it in herbicides. These are pyramid orchids amongst other things.

The Shaws take round the visitors giving information and answering questions and then provide them with refreshments asking the participants to give a donation to charity at the end if they so wish. For those of you that missed it, perhaps we can do it again next year as everyone said they thoroughly enjoyed it. The sunset there was something to behold in 1999!

Short Chiltern Way Walk

2010-08-04T05:27:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday 6th June we decided to join in the Chiltern Way Walking Festival by running a short circular walk from Dunstable Downs visitor Centre.

Several of the Bogrotters went, joined by a few people from the Chiltern Society.

This is a lane which is part of the Chiltern Way going towards Whipsnade.

This is a field very close to Studham

Here we are on the Common at Studham having a break with the usual dilema of whether or not to go in the pub for coffee, or something stronger. We do suggest you bring at least some water and something to eat in case we don't find somewhere appropriate to stop.

Here we are in Whipsnade heading towards the Hunters Lodge. Even though this was a short walk some of the walkers decided to catch the bus back from here, some dropped in for lunch, others a quick drink, and others were in a hurry and walked straight back. Provided the leader knows what you are doing so we don't lose anyone this is OK.

As you can see there were a good number for a weekday walk. We are now putting on several short, and also some longer midweek walks in the region of 15 miles which are obviously taken at a faster pace. However, if you contact the walk leader he should be able to tell you whether it is feasible to only do part of the walk, meet them along the way and/or catch the bus back. (some people have been known to arrange for their other halves to meet them at the pub so they get a lift back!)

THE BEST ANSWER IS IF IN DOUBT ASK, we will try to tell you if we know the walk is going to be particularly difficult with lots of stiles, huge hills etc. or not suitable for taking a dog on. It is only polite to ask before bringing your dog anyway.

Helping the Friends of Studham Common

2010-06-21T07:03:00.001-07:00

Last January we decided to help the Friends of Studham Common with their annual Big Bash to do lots of planting, shrub clearance and other jobs necessary to maintain Studham Common(s) at their best for flora, fauna, and indeed visitors who want to see the great diversity of plant and animal life there.Their aim is to conserve, maintain, improve and promote Studham Common as a haven for wildlife and a place to be enjoyed and appreciated by all.

They have less intensive work days virtually every month and 13 bogtrotters decided to join in and help again in June.

Here we are unloading the tools ready to start clearing brambles and braken.

This is some of the bracken which grows so thick and tall it doesn't allow other grasses and plants to thrive.

Here are some of us strimming and clearing the offending bracken from one small area

Here is the area once we have cleared it all away so that the natural flora can flourish

Then Charles kindly took us for a walk round the common showing us what they were trying to achieve and pointing out some of the hundreds of species of plants there.

After a few hours graft the Friends kindly provided a good lunch for the workers out of the back of a car!

This is the glorious hay meadow which is part of the Studham common full of wild flowers.

This is one of the wild orchids amongst the other flowers to be found in June.

We even had 2 new members who had never seen us before, let alone been on a walk with us, who kindly decided it was a great idea to spend their Saturday morning helping, and of course they had to come to the pub in Studham with some of us for a quick drink (or in some cases several which lasted the rest of the afternoon!!) We are now looking forward to seeing Tony and Ester on a walk. If you want to learn more about the Friends of Studham Common you can visit www.foscomm.org/
There are also some more photos on their site.

We have also been on lots of of other walks

2010-06-09T11:16:00.000-07:00

We have increased the number of local walks we do by popular demand, especially the shorter ones, I am going to give you an idea of just some of them.....
They are on Saturdays, Sundays and weekdays as well, check our website.
More photos on the http://picasaweb.google.com/dunstablebogtrotters

A 10 mile linear meander from Fenny Stratford through Bow Brickhill, across Woburn Golf Course and woods, through Battlesden and Potsgrove to Hockliffe, from where some of us caught the bus whilst others walked home.

The Grand Union at Fenny Stratford
A Lake at Fenny Stratford

A 6.5 mile walk through Woburn Park and Milton Bryan calling at Battlesden with its lovely church.
The Farmers Market at Woburn, a lucky find.

We even found St. George on our visit to Woburn

Lots of us went to Lilley at the end of March.A fairly easy 6 mile walk but some good views of the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

A cosy pub in Lilley

A trip on the train for a day trip to London for a walk along the Regents Canal area

This was a midweek walk from Markyate to Redbourne, stopping for a break at Flamstead Church.

Yes you usually may bring your well behaved dog, but only if you check with the walk leader if the walk is suitable first! Again some of the more adventurous walked back rather than caught the bus. If you don't want to do a whole walk, want to avoid catching a bus or would rather make it longer, check with the walk leader whether it can be done.

Anyway a taste of only a few of the March April walks

Lake District Easter 2010

2010-06-09T10:51:00.000-07:00

Sorry we have been so busy there have been no posts recently.........

A group of members went to the Lake District over Easter.

Just one of the amzing views. To see more go to the Photo Albums http://picasaweb.google.com/dunstablebogtrotters.

The iconic Black Sale Hut is a legend, famous for being a remote and isolated shepherd’s bothy at the head of Ennerdale, accessible only on foot.

This is Wastwater Youth Hostel.

There were magnificent views, and some dramatic weather. They stayed at Ennerdale, Wastwater, Eskdale and Black Sail Hostels whilst enjoying some of Cumbrias very finest countryside. Great company, walking and a thoroughly good time were reported.

A short London Walk

2010-04-05T11:20:00.000-07:00

On Bank Holiday Saturday 13 boggies jumped on a train in Luton and met one of our members friends at St. Pancras, then hopped on the tube to Paddington where we walked down to the Regents Canal. (There are still 10 members enjoying the Lake District, photos when they return)

Here we are enjoying John Betjemen's company at St. Pancras.

We were rather taken by this solid gentleman and his friend next to the canal.

We were just walking along the Canal minding our own business, honest officer!

The wildfowl reserve next to Regents Canal Basin. An amazing number of varied sizes and shapes of ducks were to be seen as we ate our lunch.

Little Venice, an colourful peaceful spot in Central London.

Queen Mary's Gardens, part of Regents Park, a beautiful spot.

We found a really good cafe in a floating canal barge next to the bridge.

Regents Canal Basin

The top of Primrose Hill, thinking of the walkers in Cumbria who probably wouldn't have realised they has walked up a hill, except for the views of London.

From the hill we could see St. Paul's, the Post Office Tower , Peter Snow Avery, and the London Eye, worth getting a little breathless for.

The sun was shining, lots to look and and plenty of people to chat to.

Regents Canal Basin where you can get boat rides along the Canal.

We were just wondering what it costs to have a house like this overlooking the canal.

A nice gentle meander which although not our usual sort of walk, could have been anywhere, it was very hard to believe it was central London
,

Spring weekend end of March

2010-03-28T13:05:00.000-07:00

16 of us met at Priory jumped into 4 cars and drove to Lilley for a short scenic walk. 2 other members met us there. Bit grey and a few showers but a good walk with a welcoming real ale pub at the end of it. Luckily Don knew the carpark mentioned in the walk guide was no longer in use so we agreed to meet at the Silver Lion, which no longer exists as a pub! However as this is a small village and we had an OS map (definitely worth having even if the walk details on the leaflet look simple) and everyone managed to find their way to the start within a few minutes!

We eventually all decided we needed to put on our waterproofs, just so that the sun could decide to come out again.

An interesting chalk downland embankment

Enjoying the ambience of the Lilley Arms.

Sunday, however some of us only just managed to realise the digital alarm didn't go off early, it really was time to get up due to the clocks being changed. Others of us didn't manage to read the programme properly and turned up at the wrong place! However 13 people did manage to turn up at the correct place and time and do a good day walk.

A SOCIAL

2010-03-28T12:31:00.000-07:00

On Monday 15th February we had a meal at Rushi in Woodside (used to be the Harrow). 18 people attended and everyone said what a good time they had and the food was excellent and the staff friendly and helpful. We try and have at least one social a month, usually involving food or drink, or very often both!

MIDWEEK SHORT WALK 10 FEBRUARY 2010

2010-02-11T04:26:00.000-08:00

By popular demand we have now started doing short midweek walks as well as the weekend ones. This had 10 walkers and was a Wednesday walk led by Mike Elliott along the Nickey Line. If you are interested in the line there is a lot of info on the net. one link is www.nickeyline.org/nickey_line_history.htm.

Most of the group caught the bus from Dunstable to Redbourn, but some of us drove there (if you speak to the leader and ask for details they will usually tell you if this is feasible). Then most of us went to the little cafe for refreshments.

This is us warmly wrapped up. However it was not that cold even if we did get a few snow flurries.

A typical tea break (although often we find a cafe or pub)

Here we are walking along what is a nice secluded old railway line.

This is the memorial in Gade Bridge park. The little garden is dedicted to "all those babies we have in our hearts".

Us going up the hill in Old Hemel (we resisted the temption to partake of the coffee). Most of the group did a 4-5 mile walk and caught the bus back to Redbourn. Some of then decided to walk back via Piccots End across the fields. The sun shone most of the way but there was a keen wind, but an attractive walk which totalled about 10 miles in all.

Redbourn St. Mary's Church, on West Common dates back to 1100 and is well worth a look inside.

A view on West Common, Redbourn

As you can see, there is no point being put off because it is "winter". It was warm enough to sit in the park to eat our sandwiches (or some found a cafe or pub in Hemel). If you fancy joining us just turn up at the appointed time or place, or if you wish ring up the walk leader (or one of our contact Nos. or use the enquiries link) we will try to give you any information you need, i.e. the difficulty, for example hills, stiles, ploughed fields etc, and will let you know more about the walk. It is also advisable to ask whether it is dog friendly. Children are welcome provided they accompanied. If you want to deviate from the organised walk please ask whether the buses, transport, timings, direction of the walk etc. will allow this. We look forward to seeing even more new faces!

WEEK END IN FEBRUARY

2010-02-07T10:56:00.000-08:00

Sorry no pics, no one took a camera today. Just an update.

On Saturday 6th Feb, 8 people went on a circular walk led by Mervyn which was different and a bit shorter than the publised one due to the muddy conditions. It went from Old Linslade along the canal past the Three Locks included a pub lunch and was about 8 miles long.

Again on Sunday another 13 people walked from the car park in Woburn on a 5 mile walk. It started off a bit misty and it was a fairly grey day (typical February), but it was reasonably mild, the countryside was attractive, as usual the company was good and everyone said they enjoyed themselves (including another new face). Once again the walk was adjusted by Dave our leader due to the suspicion of very difficult walking through muddy ploughed fields - we all decided better safe than sorry!

On writing this, there are also 18 walkers in Sherwood Forest on a Bogtrotters weekend away, who have also reported a good hostel, varied walking, plenty of camarderie, and great eating places! Not bad if you do the maths, even with 3 of the Saturday walkers also out on Sunday we had 33 different people out walking with the club over the 2 days!

A MIDWEEK MEANDER JANUARY 2010

2010-01-21T13:16:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-11T11:19:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-09T11:00:00.000-08:00

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.

Cheddar joint trip with St. Albans Group

2009-12-22T08:25:00.000-08:00

In December before the snow some of joined the St. Albans group for a trip to Cheddar.

Sorry this comes in 2 parts, operator error!

This is the Annex of Cheddar YHA Hostel which was rented just for us. (Now called "Escape To")

On Saturday we had an enormous meal brought by various members of the hostellers and entertainment provided by way of a murder mystery evening. We all through ourselves into our various parts with a gusto and some very appropriate costumes were also worn (Jo gets a special mention).

This is the Hood monument with Glastonbury Tor in the distance

Us walking back to the Hostel through Cheddar

Although grey, a good Somerset walk

Our lunch stop under a Yew in the churchyard in Cheddar

Glastonbury Canal close to Street

The murmeration is not guaranteed, and is sometimes far better than others, if you wish to go, I gather the best time is December and January (but you can always check on the internet). There were dozens of people, bird watchers and similar there enjoying the countryside, and wildlife. A beautiful area well worth visiting.

Cheddar December2009 Before the Snow!

2009-12-22T08:07:00.000-08:00

We did a short walk from the hostel and then went to Street and to the RSPB reserve at Ham Wall to see the starlings coming down to roost over the Somerset levels. Beautiful clear (cold) evening with thousands of birds flying in with the sunset as a backdrop, we all agreed definitely worth doing!

Some of us visited the local pubs, good food, variety of real ale, atmosphere and on Saturday night a Skiffle band.

Of course on Sunday we had to walk to the top of Cheddar Gorge

A bit of Somerset Countryside

There are goats in the Gorge

A starling murmeration against the sunset

To see more photos of our trip look at the Cheddar folder in the bogtrotters photos + many more of our various trips.
Those of us who went would like to thank the members of St. Albans for organising this trip - we were made to feel very welcome - and hope some of their group will join us on one in due course (or perhaps we can do a joint walk when we can find a suitable date in both groups Programmes).

WALK FROM FLITWICK NOVEMBER 2009

2009-11-22T05:20:00.001-08:00

Flitwick Mill, where seven of us started the Two Moors Heritage Trail

It was a grey November day, however it was warm and dry and the colours were amazing! If you wait for the weather you may never do anything. We saw Flitton Moor, Flitwick Moor, some beautiful churches, the River Flit, the site of a Monastic Grange, woods, moors, animals and were even invited back after the walk to the house of one of our first time walkers for coffee. Very much appreciated Dave!
Silsoe Church where we stopped and ate our lunch on the wall.

The River Flit is rich in iron ore and they used to take the water and bottle it as a tonic (do you fancy it?)

What, we are too early the pub isn't open!

However on extending the walk to Silsoe we subsequently found one which was and provided us all with tea and coffees.

A small pond on Flitwick Moor.

They even provide some bridges to save walkers disappearing into either the river or some of the very boggy land if you stray off the path in Folly Wood.

Part of the path on Flitton Moor SSSI.

Well worth doing. If you want to try it yourself, look up the Two Moors Heritage Trail.

MILTON KEYNES NOVEMBER 2009

2009-11-20T15:37:00.000-08:00

Another trotting weekend, this time a little nearer to home.

It surprising what you can find on, or close to, your own doorstep!

Bradwell YHA MK

Some of the group stayed over, others of us just went for the Saturday or Sunday Walks.

A glorious autumn day walking along the canal watching the barges go by.

There was as usual an irresistible hostelry along the way where coffees and other refreshments were very welcome.

Going to see Bradwell Mill.

We found those infamous concrete cows.

You never know whats round the corner in the MK countryside.

Taking a while to enjoy the Peace Pagoda which is very close to Willan Lake.

This was only on the Saturday. Those who stayed over went out for a meal on Saturday night and did another walk near Cosgrove on the Sunday

2009-11-19T12:55:00.001-08:00

BogHedgeJamTrots

First we start with the fruit. Sloes, hawes, rowen berries, damsons, blackberries, crab apples and rosehips.

..We cooked the 'hard' fruits, rosehips, hawes, crab apples, sloes and rowen berries.

Once this is cooked we sieved this. The result was a lovely sticky pulp.

Sticky lips, someone has to have a taster!

Lots of jars of jam. (the first batch)

Starting the washing up.

Look what we made!

Batch 2. Preparing the fruit.

Another batch of cooked fruit. (Batch 2)

Boiling up the jam.

Always the washing up at the end.

bogtrotting

2009-10-13T04:16:00.000-07:00

Some of you will have noticed we have had some new members evenings, are now putting in more short walks (by public demand) as well as doing the traditional longer (10 mile+) walks, social evenings, and hostelling weekends. We have even had jam making sessions! Hopefully photos will follow shortly!
The group is expanding and it was really good to see so many new faces turn up at all sorts of different activities (including over a dozen at the Globe on Monday 11th October). We had 11 on the midweek meander, I think another 11 on the Saturday part of the John Bunyan Trail longer walk, and another dozen or so on the short Sunday walk round Whipsnade. Some duplicates but quite impressive over a week!
We also welcome the addition of new blood to the committee.
If any of you feel like adding to this blog, adding photos to this or the website please let us know, your input is always welcome.

Meander from Luton 8/10

2009-10-13T03:16:00.000-07:00

We did one of our typical midweek meanders starting with a bus ride from Dunstable. 11 of us turned up outside the Leisure Centre only to find that although timetabled, the bus we were going no longer started there! No problem we just used a different one, however on telephoning - the bus company did volunteer to send the bus back to collect us! We walked to Parkway Station and walked along the newly tarmaced walking/cycle route in the direction of Harpenden.

This is us enjoying the sunshine and coffee from a nearby snack shop on Redbourne common before catching the bus home.

The old cutting was pretty and this a convenient place to sit and rest.

Part of the Nicky line near Harpenden.

This is the new cycle/walking path near Luton close to the railway line.

A short rest whilst we just check the map.

The view near Batford.

Another traditional bogtrotters activity along the way...

Finding an outlet which provides beverages (not always alcoholic)

A good fairly easy ramble with countryside many wouldn't have realised was so close to Luton!

MEANDERING

2009-10-13T03:12:00.000-07:00

We have been doing midweek meanders for a while and hopefully in the near future we will start doing some Wednesday or possible Thursday 1/2 day walks.

Salcey Forest August 2009

2009-09-01T10:32:00.000-07:00

Most of the group drove to the cafe in Salcey Forest and followed the short trail which goes along the Elephant Walk before having lunch, others then joined us and some people travelled back home. (Depending on the walk logistics and transport requirements it may suit people only to do part of a walk. Provided the organiser knows what people are doing, and they sort themselves out, the group tries to be flexible so that people with time constraints or who feel they cannot manage the whole of a large walk are welcome to organise things slightly differently from the rest of the walkers)

This is some of the Northamptonshire countryside

Some of the Group enjoying the afternoon part of the walk,

Enjoying a rest and a break.

Who left that tree across the footpath in the Forest?

The Group outside the Centre

21 people in total participated and although the whole walk was only about 9 miles the weather was hot and we were glad to get back to the refreshments!

Warden and Galley Hill Circular July 2009

2009-08-01T13:53:00.000-07:00

Seems like a long time since anything was loaded on to our blog so I thought I'd put in this Sunday afternoon short walk.

We started at the Links Car park at the bottom of Warden Hills and walked some of the Icknield way by the golf course up towards Warden Hill. These hills are one of the most important area of chalk downland in Bedfordshire and is Luton's oldest Local Nature Reserve

Here we are climbing a stile nearing the top of Galley Hill

After walking along above the Golf Course we did the short steep climb to the top of Warden Hill

This is a view of Luton from the top of Warden Hill.

This is part of the golf course and Luton from the Hill

We then went along the top of the ridge and up Galley Hill where there are some barely visible burial barrows, there was apparently a gallows built on one of the barrow in the Middle ages. We came down the hill and across the golf course following more of the Icknield way down towards the A6.

Here we are on level ground parallel to the A6 heading for Streatley.

This is the unexpected find of the 14th Centrury St. Margarets Church,
Streatley

This is the view of Galley and Warden Hill from the other side of the A6.

Then, strangely enough for the Bogtrotters we found ourselves at a nice pub in Streatley which served real ale.
After refreshments and a rest we walked along the footpath from there past the Pasque Hospice back safely across the A6 and to where the cars were parked. Not a hot July day, but fine and breezy, perfect for walking and chatting.

These are some of the 15 intrepid walkers who went on the Sunday afternoon short walk on the Hill overlooking Luton.

I wonder how many people realise that this is to be found so close to the centre of Luton?

June Midweek Meander

2009-06-18T15:35:00.001-07:00

For our June Meander we caught a bus from Dunstable to Piccotts End near Hemel Hempstead and walked towards Frithsden, where luckly enough one of our favourite pubs was open for hot drinks and alcohol.

Tring Meander March 2009

2009-03-28T15:56:00.000-07:00

We travelled to Tring for our March midweek meander. Found a little known teashop which is on the outside of, and part of Tring Natural History Museum, and indulged in refreshments in true boggie style.
Above are the Louisa Alms Houses which are just round the corner from there.

We went through Tring Park: the photo above is taken from there.

We walked through some lovely woodland.
Making our way along some of the Ridgeway Path.

We also passed through Wendover Woods, which is owned by the Forestry Commission and has facilities for picnicing, a cafe, a high wire course etc. (if you drive there you pay for parking though).

We climbed to the top of Aston Hill. (below)

Which is where they used to test the cars

and the Aston Martin is named after the hill.

You can see Marsworth Reservoirs in the distance.

All this is only a bus ride from Dunstable! Or less than 20 miles by car.

Another great walking day.

LONDON HOSTEL TRIP

2009-03-13T12:18:00.001-07:00

On a very blustery weekend in March some of the Bogtrotters decided to forgo the joys of the countryside and muddy fields to go Youth Hostelling at St. Paul's Youth hostel.

It is in the middle on this photo,
taken from the steps of St. Paul's.

A View from St. Paul's Catherdral

8 of us met up at the hostel, which is only roughly 100 yds from the Catherdral. As often usual several of us decided we wanted to do different things so split up, arranging to meet up for a meal later on. 4 of us opted to visit the Globe Theatre where we enjoyed the tour and were unexpectly treated to some of the dress rehersal for the forthcoming Romeo and Juliet and we then went on to visit St. Pauls (hence the view).

The Globe Theatre at night
London has improved considerably over the years and was a pleasantly clean and enjoyable place to visit. Some of us encountered the wonders of crossing the Millenium bridge half a dozen times over the weekend - and no it no longer wobbles.

St. Paul's from the Millenium Bridge

Three of the ladies were very new to the club. One of them we met on one of our trips to France last year! I don't think some of them knew what to expect, but comments were made that we weren't too posh, which was a fear, or words to that effect! After an "exciting walk" in the evening to find our eating house which was easier to find on the map than on foot, due to unforseen byways and gates, we all enjoyed an excellent Thai meal complete with wine and beer, and home via that bridge again!

View of Canary Wharf from the river boat
Sunday after a typical huge hostel breakfast, again some of decided to visit Canary Whalf and sample the joys of a river bus - we can recommend it £5 one way or £12.50 all day. We then found our way to a free Gospel Music concert for a while and, after wrapping ourselves up against the rain to cross over Hungerford bridge this time, the rain stopped and the sun came out again. Time for a quick drink and sausage and mash in a nearby pub and even time for a quick visit the National Portrait Gallery before making our way home. A diffferent sort of active weekend (even if we didn't walk too many miles) with good food and company at YHA pricesrather than the usual sort of London ones!

HI, hope you have been looking at our photos

2009-03-06T14:18:00.000-08:00

This is a group of walkers from a local walk at Cow Roast Bridge on the Grand Union Canal

We have been trying to give you a flavour of our some of our recent trips and include a few pictures of our beautiful local countryside. Its amazing how many years I had lived in the Luton Dunstable area without realising just how much glorious countryside we have within a 20 mile radius. Joining the Boggies changed all that! If you interested in the Group, visit www.dunstablebogtrotters.co.uk

Dunstable Downs Half Day

2009-02-22T11:21:00.000-08:00

Valentines day - the 14th of february.

We got off to moody views over Dunstable and Totternhoe to the north.

15 walkers in all.
It was cold and crisp on the Downs.

A stop for coffee then lunch at the old farmers boy and home via the quarry at Kensworth.