Date: Sunday 31st May 2026.  Distance: 7 miles.  Leader: Angela Vayslenko

 

Just 5 of us this morning, enjoying a walk in very pleasant warm weather with a gentle breeze and occasional sunshine. A welcome change from the great heat we've been having.  We started from Pullingshill Wood.  I'd added a section to the start, to go and see Monks Corner, so after a bit of a "meander" we found it.  Monks Corner and Jerome Cottage, build early 20th century and lived in by Jerome K Jerome ("3 men in a boat").  The buildings have marvellous frieze panels and roundels of painted terracotta all around. Originally build for Conrad Dressler, sculptor and producer of Medmenham Ware. Then on through part of Marlow Common North nature reserve before starting the main walk.  Down the hill and up again, past the beautifully carved wooden owls.  On to Lower Woodend, past Woodend Farm then down and up again to Hutton's Farm.  We enjoyed views of the valley then down through woods, stopping at ideally-placed tree stumps for our banana break. On through the village of Hambleden, then a steep climb up and along to Rotten Row (with it's rather "unloved" duck pond).  We then went down again into Homefield Wood to visit the BBOWT nature reserve there.  One of only 3 sites in the UK where the Military Orchid can be found.  There were not that many, but good to see.  Finally we climbed back up to our cars.  I was reliable informed at the end that the walk was actually 7.5 miles, with 1,000 ft ascent - yes, it was quite hilly - and enjoyed by everyone.