Kibworth Ramblers Holiday – Chesham
Imagine waking up to a cloudless blue sky with the thought of spending the day on a congenial walk through stunning countryside. This idyllic prospect confronted the 24 Kibworth Ramblers on each day of their recent holiday to Chesham.
On our first day we walked directly from our base at the Chartridge Lodge around some of the delightful villages of South Bucks. Thatched cottages were much in evidence as was work on HS2. After our usual coffee stop we split into two groups walking 5+ or 10+ miles across more attractive grassy fields and shady woods back to the hotel. The long walkers had lunch in a cemetery – not as depressing as it sounds because the local florist came to put beautiful flowers on Roald Dahl’s grave, her weekly task – and we sat under the BFG of a tree.
Our second day started with a drive to the National Trust centre at Ashridge Estate and thence around the wooded area with its developing autumn colours. The short walkers enjoyed the church coffee morning in the picturesque village of Aldbury, whilst the long walkers found a pub for lunch. Prices were a bit higher in this part of the world though! We continued along excellent footpaths past more thatched cottages and flourishing allotments to regain the forest and the welcome sight of the National Trust tearoom.
Day 3, the sun still shining, many shorts in evidence and an initial climb to Coombe Hill – the highest point in the Chilterns. The views from the top were magnificent and we spotted many distant landmarks. From here we made our way around the grounds of Chequers with views of the great house, but not Teresa. We stopped at a garden centre for coffee before the two groups separated. This walk was more hilly and this being our third walking day, some of us slowed down up the hills but we were rewarded with super views over the attractive chalk downs – so different from Leicestershire clay.
Heading home the next day in yet more sunshine we reflected on another successful Ramblers holiday – excellent hotel, beautiful scenery, great company, perfect weather – what more can you ask?
Kibworth History Society – End of an Era
