Wycombe District Ramblers

Date: Saturday 26 April 2025. Distance: 6 miles. Leader: Sue Broadway

 

Nine of us had an enjoyable walk on a dry, dull but warm Spring morning, taking in bluebells in Denham and Cockshoots Woods, both lovely displays. We also spotted wood anemone, cowslips and comfrey on our way.  We walked from Piddington uphill through Barn Wood to Wheeler End Common to access Denham Wood. Onwards towards West Wycombe where we crossed the A40 to climb up to Cockshoots Wood for more bluebells. Good views of West Wycombe Church from here. A steep descent brought us to Ham Farm and the walk's end. 

Date: Saturday 19th April 2025.  Distance: 5.5 miles. Leader: Angela Vasylenko

 

Our group of 14 left the car park at Well End and walked along the southern path of the Spade Oak Lake Nature Reserve. We then arrived at the river Thames, having crossed over the Marlow Donkey railway line.  We walked to the Bourne End Marina, over the footbridge, then left the towpath to meander across Cock Marsh.  Up the slope towards Winter Hill, we stopped for our banana break and the views.  Then we traversed up to the top - another stop, more views, and photos.  A bit of the Chiltern Way, then across a number of fairways of the Winter Hill golf club, and down to join the river again.  We paused at the sign which indicates where the river Wye joins the Thames, then over the bridge again.  We went past the marina, the sailing club, then onto the car park. It was a very pleasant walk, starting with grey skies and a few spots of rain, but ending in sunshine.

Date: Saturday 29th March 2025.  Distance: 6.5 miles.  Leader: Angela Vasylenko

 

On a bright and sunny morning, but still with a chill in the air, 7 of us met in Stokenchurch by the burnt-out ruins of the Kings Hotel.  We set off north, past Mallards Court to Hallbottom Farm, then up through fields and over stiles into the woods.  A few climbs and descents brought us to Sprigs Alley. Another footpath down into the valley then a long meandering path through the woods and beyond, with a banana break along the way.  We reached Radnage and visited the church of St. Mary the Virgin to see the medieval wall paintings.  (The church was built in the 12th century by the Knights Templar). On through the churchyard and cemetery, abundant with primroses and daffodils, then fields and a path back to the road.  Walking uphill we took the footpath, with more stiles, to the houses near Andridge farm, then down to join the Chiltern Way at Grange Farm (more stiles) and back to Stokenchurch, enjoying gambolling lambs in fields along the route.

Following a misty start, the sun soon broke through and warmed us up quickly.  We were a group of thirteen who braved slippery mud along the Thames Path from Spade Oak, via Bourne End Marina, over the rail bridge and then onwards to Cookham village  The river looked ethereal in the mist, with just a few passing ducks around. 

The paths had dried up somewhat by the time we crossed the golf course on Winter Hill, although we had to avoid the groups of golfers, who were also out enjoying the early Spring sunshine.

We stopped for a 'banana break' on the escarpment with a lovely view over the Thames, before walking back via muddy fields and The Bounty Pub.

This is one of my favourite walks and, despite the mud, I am sure we all went home, feeling uplifted with the exercise, good company and, of course, the sunshine.

Date: Wednesday 19th February 2025.  Distance: 6 miles. Leader: Angela Vasylenko

 

7 ladies enjoyed a very pleasant walk this morning, with hazy sunshine to start with and a chilly but light breeze (no rain).  It was mainly flat, just a couple of gentle inclines. We started from Maidenhead Thicket free car park then crossed the road to walk a section of Pinkneys Green to the large NT car park.  Through the woods behind to use the path leading to the churchyard of James the Less, the Stubbings church. Here we were able to see various displays of snowdrops.  Back across the road, past the Stubbings garden centre and on to Burchetts Green.  Entering the estate of the Berkshire College of Agriculture we reached the statue of Diana the Huntress (erected by original owner of Hall Place, Jacob Bancks, in the 1690s).  We continued up to High Wood for our banana break, enjoying the views over the valley including Hurley Village and Dansfield House.   The 2nd half of our walk took us across open fields and meadows, some wooded areas, then the minor road into Burchetts Green again.  Once past Stubbings garden centre we walked through the Maidenhead Thicket woods, past the Robin Hood Arbour, then finally onto the footbridge over the dual carriageway to our cars.