Date:  Sunday 6 September 2026, Distance:  6 miles, Leader:  Sue Broadway

 

This walk took in two commons different in character to each other - Naphill Common is now wooded and Downley is what would traditionally be known as a common - an open area of grass although not used for grazing now, but cricket!  Ten of us set off from the front of Bradenham Manor NT heading upwards to Bradenham Beeches, whilst taking in the view across the valley to Bledlow Ridge.  A loop around the woods brought us to a good place to see Grims Ditch or Dyke which is believed to be an Iron Age boundary of ditch and bank.  We then followed the fence around RAF Naphill to cross Bradenham Woods Lane heading to Naphill Common.  Naphill Common over the last 100+ years has become increasingly covered with mature trees and juniper, gorse, heather and holly.  We walked the width of the common on a wide pathway, passing Daisy Pond to reach Downley Common.  Here we found numerous benches to rest a while.  From here we continued to Cookshall Farm having a view across to West Wycombe church and mausoleum and after a few more undulations, descended back to Bradenham Manor car park.