Hambleden and the Chilterns

It was with huge reservations that I set off along the M4 to join this walk and as the skies blackened and the heavens opened I found myself appealing to the spirits to get me lost so I could honourably miss the start and go home. Fortunately the spirits weren't listening otherwise I would have missed a really great walk The sun was out again by the time I got to Hambleden and it was a glorious morning walk experiencing all promised by Andy of Autumn colours and country vistas The lunch pub was delightful AND VERY WELCOMING TO DOGS two of which had joined us. They were provided with towels elegantly arranged so they could comfortably join us for lunch
After lunch the rain returned but strangely enough it provided an atmospheric back ground to our walks through the woods of Stonor Park which lead to a competition to give the best adjective to describe how we were feeling. Jane L came up with exhilarating- perfect. Even a missed style necessitaing back tracking for some or climbing fences for others failed to distract form the day
So thank you Andy for a really good day

Date: 
Sunday, 20 October 2013 - 9:15am
Walk Leaders: 
Andy Duguid
Meeting Point: 
The car park in Hambleden village, grid reference 784865, this is slightly hidden behind the only pub
Distance: 
2 miles; if anyone wants a shorter walk, they could either do 6 miles and take a taxi back from pub, or meet the main group at the north end of Fawley - grid ref 757875 - near Roundabout Farm, parking in village, at 10.30. This would reduce their walk to
Maps: 
Explorer 171
Travel: 

Rail: Not really practical; By car: M4 or M40. If using M40, at junction 4, take A404 south to Marlowe exit, taking the A4155 west through Marlowe towards Henley . After 3 miles, follow turning to right to Hambledon, which is 1 mile north. If using M4, junction 9 for A404 north to Marlowe, then follow A4155 as above.
Please use the message board for lift shares

Route: 

Lovely autumnal walk through Chilterns, including beech woods, this walk does include ups and downs. The early-ish start time is to meet pub's request for early arrival.

Lunch: 

The Crown, Pishill. tel 01491 638364 We went here last year and found them very helpful and friendly. I shall ring through the order at the start of the walk.