October Day Walk: Berkhamstead and Ashridge
I was at the back of the pack tying my boot laces when our leader Mike issued his orders for the day. I thought he was asking for a volunteer to be back marker but found to much merriment that I had instead volunteered to do the write up! Moral is never volunteer for anything!
So on a glorious sunny Sunday and with heads held high we set off from Berkhamsted Castle. Shortly into a gentle incline towards Ashridge two small deer raced past us. We passed luscious looking red mushrooms and enjoyed the early autumn wooded scenery with leaves slowly turning red and gently tumbling down. The invigorating air and good company was reason enough not be at home.
It was a delightful walk through woodlands and on soft springy soil. We arrived for an early lunch at the Monument in Ashridge and all – bar one! – managed to avoid the temptations of giant jam and cream filled scones in the tea room.
The return leg of the walk was down hill (always pleasant after lunch). Having emerged from the woods we passed a group of alpacas who looked at us with quizzical eyes. We wandered down towards the canal and along the canal bank, passing fishermen with rods which somehow covered the entire width of the canal but the fish were sensibly keeping a low profile!
Julian had planned this walk but was not able to lead on the day so Mike nobly took up the cause. We had all savoured perhaps the last sunny walking day before the clocks go back. Tony and Yvonne
So on a glorious sunny Sunday and with heads held high we set off from Berkhamsted Castle. Shortly into a gentle incline towards Ashridge two small deer raced past us. We passed luscious looking red mushrooms and enjoyed the early autumn wooded scenery with leaves slowly turning red and gently tumbling down. The invigorating air and good company was reason enough not be at home.
It was a delightful walk through woodlands and on soft springy soil. We arrived for an early lunch at the Monument in Ashridge and all – bar one! – managed to avoid the temptations of giant jam and cream filled scones in the tea room.
The return leg of the walk was down hill (always pleasant after lunch). Having emerged from the woods we passed a group of alpacas who looked at us with quizzical eyes. We wandered down towards the canal and along the canal bank, passing fishermen with rods which somehow covered the entire width of the canal but the fish were sensibly keeping a low profile!
Julian had planned this walk but was not able to lead on the day so Mike nobly took up the cause. We had all savoured perhaps the last sunny walking day before the clocks go back. Tony and Yvonne
