Ashridge and Ivinghoe
A goodly number of members (13 and a dog) joined Stephen for a glorious walk when hopes began to rise that Spring might actually arrive this year. Trees were beginning to bud, birds to sing and primroses and such like to bloom.
We marched out from Tring Station escaping charges of vandalism from the local Community Support Officer as we navigated a collapsed fence and climbed up towards the Ivinghoe Beacon. From here we proceeded through woods to gain a tantalising view of our lunch destination looking idyllic beside the parish church at Ivinghoe Village. But distances are deceptive and it felt a long time until we arrived at our destination. I would like to report it was worth the effort but certain poor communication problems between us and the Landlord created some tensions namely slow service and poor Lily who was asleep under the table minding her own business being expelled to eat her dinner outside- Lily being the aforementioned dog and not a group member. We all felt it as a slur on the honour of the group. However the food when it arrived was excellent.
The afternoon involved a charming walk back along the canal to Tring Station.
Rail: 8.53am from Euston arriving 9.29am at Tring OR 8.29am from Shepherds Bush Overground Station,change at Harrow &Wealdstone on Platform 5 to join the Euston train at 9.05am. Return trains at 15 and 35 mins past the hour.
By car: Junction 20, M25, take A41 near Kings Langley, Herts. Tring well sign posted at the Chiltern Gap.
Big car park at Tring Station charging £3.50 for the day.
a.m. This is a much loved LWG ramble with variations on a theme. We walk along bridleways & enclosed footpaths, woodland tracks up the Chiltern escarpment at Aldbury to reach Ivinghoe Beacon. On a clear day you can see forever.
p.m. From Ivinghoe village a more leisurely, flatter walk during the afternoon through Hertfordshire meadowlands to the Grand Union Canal. Those with stout hearts but trembling limbs could join for the afternoon section.
Rose and Crown, Vicarage Lane, Ivinghoe, LU7 9EQ
01296 668 472. Prop. Kiwi Kirk Rogers.
Sunday fare is traditional roast or pub classics (fish & chips, sausage & mash, pie & mash and the house burger) www.roseandcrownivinghoe.com for menus and advice to lunch-time joiners.
Dogs on leads welcome.
No muddy boots in the pub.
Morning section has very steep occasionally hazardous inclines.
Everywhere remains very wet underfoot. Afternoon planned with all-comers in mind.
Please bear in mind that you walk with the London Walking Group ENTIRELY AT YOUR OWN RISK.
Please check the website (http://www.londonwalkinggroup.org.uk) and the message board for offering and finding car shares