Start - Princes Risborough Station
Finish - Tring Station
Distance - 15 Miles, all on the Ridgeway
Geocaches - 7
I arrive at Birmingham International Station at 7:01am, bleary-eyed and in need of caffeine. Check the departures board and the 7:14am to Leamington is on time. This is good news, as I only have a 6 minute window to change trains for Princes Risborough. Order my americano, sit on a comfy seat and take another glance. Train cancelled.
Still, if this is the worse that happens today, I will be OK.
After a chat with an official with poor iPad skills, I determine that I can change route, go into Birmingham and out on Moor Street. Eventual delays of 51 minutes. This gives me a slight concern, as I now have 6 hours and 7 minutes to walk 15 miles an get my advanced booked train back from Tring.
Still, if this is the worse that happens today, I will be OK.
The weather, once again, is absolutely shocking. You can guarantee that when I plan a trip on the Ridgeway, will have rain. And today, is the worst yet. And that is saying something. Nothing for it, I goretex up from head to foot and leave Princes Risborough - instantly picking up the path, sharing it's course with the Icknield Way. The rain is that bad that I don't notice the nozzle of my camelpak water carrier coming off and a torrent of water running down my jacket and into my boots. That's more than half my water supplies gone and a walk back down the track to find the errant nozzle.
Still, if this is the worse that happens today, I will be OK.
For the first time since before Streatley, this section of the Ridgeway offers some great walking. On this leg, we have items of interest, great views through the rain and some seriously good paths, climbing hills and dropping back down to do it all over again. After a couple of dull legs, the Ridgeway has regained its Mojo.
The first climb is a stiff assault to on Brush Hill. The incline is made bearable by the installation of steps.
Stairway to Heaven |
Brush Hill and the Vale of Aylesbury |
The first of only a handful of caches are found today - one making me laugh out loud and reminding me why I do this mental activity. Not going to give it away here, but I will probably tweet a picture of the cache for my three caching followers in Japan.
The height is lost and an unexpected pub is passed by.
The Plough at Cadsden - obviously closed at 10:15am |
Next up is Chequers - country retreat of the Prime Minister. For some reason, I have always wanted to see this place and on foot is as close as you are going to get without having an invite from Sam and Dave. As a rambler, you literally get to cross the grounds - with constant reminders that you are being watched. With the weather, I am sure that Security had a good laugh at my predicament.
Note the Monument - of course, we are going to climb there |
Signs a plenty |
Cross Chequers tree lined driveway and back up into the hills to check out the Boer War Monument at the top of Coombe Hill. A hell of a vantage point of the Vale.
Coombe Hill Monument |
Still, if this is the worse that happens today, I will be OK.
Out of Wendover, and guess what? Another Hill Climb. The remainder for the walk is through woodlands, offering fine autumnal walking and shelter from the worst of the wind and rain.
Free from distractions of public houses and only a smattering of caches, I pick up the pace - getting to 2.8 miles per hour and there will even be a chance of getting a post walk pint if there is a hostelry near Tring Station.Wendover Woodland |
Even the sun comes out to great me as I reach the A41 - showing the hills of the final section of the Ridgeway in all their splendour. If only I had a drink - Wendover was 8 miles previous.
Gap in the Clouds - and the rest of the Ridgeway |
This is the worse that happens and I am not OK.
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