As much as I enjoy walking locally in Epping Forest, Essex and East Hertfordshire, it was great to go on some more challenging walking today in the Chilterns.
We started off at the Coombe Hill car park (Just over 1 hour drive from Forest Gate. The car park is pretty small so maybe if you are driving on a "busy" day park in Wendover. You could have joined the walk at the Coombe Hill memorial from Wendover Railway station or the town car park).
Today we followed this free, downloadable path from the National Trust https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/chilterns-countryside/trails/coombe-hill-and-chequers-trail. You can take either a 5 or 7 mile route.
I have done different versions of this marvellous walk, a number of times over the years. Lots of happy memories but some sad, as a good trade union comrade of mine, George Woznick, who went with us on a walk in 2004 is no longer with us.
Highlight of the walk today were not only the fantastic views but the magnificent birds of prey you could see nearly everywhere. Red Kites, in particular, floating above us then diving down down to hunt. We saw 8 of them circling over what was probably carrion at Beacon Hill, just inside the Chequers security cordon.
We passed the Prime Ministers Country Home Chequers. There was no sign of Boris painting or otherwise.
Gill had a highly recommended chocolate ice cream at the Bookmoreend Farm shop and kitchen, while I had a tasty bacon roll.
Afterward a drink at the "Shoulder of Mutton" in Wendover to rehydrate. I asked as usual for a pint of their "best bitter". Which today was "ConkerBonkers". It was refreshing but a little hoppy for me.
I have posted further pictures of this great walk on Facebook - here.
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