Distance on Ridgeway - 3.5 Miles
Geocaches - 2
Walk Inspiration - Self devised circular walk to take in last leg of the Ridgeway
Pub - Rose and Crown, St Austell Trelawny
March 2014 and I came up with the idea of walking the Ridgeway on a series of day walks.
Two years and 13 walks later I reach the end. And it all worked out rather well.
To provide some symmetry to the quest, Sonia accompanied me today. She started off at Overton Hill, declared it a "cow track" and then only re-appeared to grab the glory of the finish. Or it may have been she'd heard there was a night out in Wendover to celebrate.
A review of the map showed that a decent looking circular walk could be created from Ivinghoe. It turned out even better than the map indicated.
We burst out of the village into fields to be met with the unexpected sight of a 17th Century windmill - one of the best remaining examples this side of Bruges.
Pistone Windmill - Standing all alone in the Low County of Bucks |
This leads to the Grand Union Canal, which provides arrow straight and peaceful walking to Tring Station - where I left the Ridgeway at the previous Stage.
Grand Union |
Never mind, we have brought sandwiches and I am sure that the Ridgeway will provide suitable seating once we get to a spot with a view.
With a tear in my eye, I see we only have 3.1 miles to go. |
Bench for the pre-supplied lunch |
Pitstone Hill |
The Gap Between Pitstone and Steps |
The End - Ivinghoe Beacon |
I'd like to say that I spent a while and reflected on the journey, but there was a bitterly cold wind which meant we only stayed for a couple of photos and the last slice of Malt Loaf.
I'll write my summary blog from the warmth of Worcestershire to do that.
A steep drop off the side and an unfitting end walking along the pavement back to Ivinghoe. Sonia claimed this to be wholly unnecessary and toyed with the idea of the bus, a taxi and hitch hiking.
Back to Civilisation |
Rose and Crown, Ivinghoe |
St Austell Trelawny |
To celebrate properly, we headed back to Wendover - discovered the previous stage. Plenty of choice - for best bed - the Red Lion, best food - the George and Dragon and best pint - The White Swan.
Now to determine the next long term goal.
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