27/02/16 - Finishing the Ridgeway

Distance - 8.3 Miles
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

One of the two caches of the day is found at Church End Farm before we pick up the West Coast Main Line and pass the happy free range chickens that have the run on Bulbourne Farm.

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

The Guidebook promised cream teas at the Hotel next to Tring Station.  Fortunately, I had made no promises to my walking companion, as it is now a private house.  The cafe at the station appears to be only available for weekday commuters.

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.

Sure enough, I'm ahead of Sonia as we reach the top of Aldbury Nowers Hill and shout "I spy with my little eye something beginning with 'B'".

Bench for the pre-supplied lunch

The Ridgeway provides a fitting end.  It's all views and a little bit of a rollercoaster as we climb Pitstone Hill, Steps Hill and finally, Ivinghoe Beacon.

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

Ivinghoe is a one pub town - so decision making for goal completing celebrations is easy.

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.