MIDWEEK SHORT WALK 10 FEBRUARY 2010

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

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

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.

Cheddar joint trip with St. Albans Group

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!

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).