May Day Walk: Weston
A fairly small group of nine set off from Weston, not far from Baldock, for the May day walk. Despite warnings of rain the day ended up as quite sunny and pleasant. The group enjoyed a varied walk with open high ground and woodland pockets (too late for the bluebells but abundant wild garlic in bloom). Progress was barred by a herd of cattle who were reluctant to move, and everyone was somewhat wary of the bull in their midst!
The route proceeded gently up hill, eventually following part of the Icknield Way with nice open views back towards Baldock and a glimpse of the recently completed tunnel on the bypass (one of Ray's last engineering projects). The Icknield Way was the ancient route used to convey flint from the mines with an ultimate destination in the south and Europe. Liz was delighted when a young Clydesdale took a liking to her and galloped at great speed to meet her.
A point of interest was the village of Wallington, home to George Orwell for a period of his life and the nearby Manor Farm which was the model for 'Animal Farm'. We stopped at the rather disused ornate well which was built to contain a local spring before proceeding on past Roe Green. We had lunch overlooking the impressive Julian's with its 'ha-ha', home to the descendants of Sir Adophus Meetkerke, President of the High Court of Flanders in the late 16th century. Many of the family members have memorial plaques in the parish church at Rushden, a very picturesque village with more than the average number of thatched buildings.
We returned to Weston via Clothall, backtracking along the same route covered earlier for part of the way. Thanks to Liz and Malcolm for a very interesting and varied walk. Alison
The route proceeded gently up hill, eventually following part of the Icknield Way with nice open views back towards Baldock and a glimpse of the recently completed tunnel on the bypass (one of Ray's last engineering projects). The Icknield Way was the ancient route used to convey flint from the mines with an ultimate destination in the south and Europe. Liz was delighted when a young Clydesdale took a liking to her and galloped at great speed to meet her.
A point of interest was the village of Wallington, home to George Orwell for a period of his life and the nearby Manor Farm which was the model for 'Animal Farm'. We stopped at the rather disused ornate well which was built to contain a local spring before proceeding on past Roe Green. We had lunch overlooking the impressive Julian's with its 'ha-ha', home to the descendants of Sir Adophus Meetkerke, President of the High Court of Flanders in the late 16th century. Many of the family members have memorial plaques in the parish church at Rushden, a very picturesque village with more than the average number of thatched buildings.
We returned to Weston via Clothall, backtracking along the same route covered earlier for part of the way. Thanks to Liz and Malcolm for a very interesting and varied walk. Alison
In the glare of the sun along the Icknield Way, and then sheltering in the woodland
