Ten Polyramblers met at Chorleywood station for a seven mile walk exploring the picturesque Chess Valley and surrounding countryside.

Walking through woods fragrant with the smell of lime trees we reached the pretty village of Chenies with its Tudor Manor House. We visited the adjacent fifteenth century church before walking east past meadows of vibrant blue Lacy phacelia to Mountwood Farm and north through Mount Wood to Crestyl Barn, sadly no longer a watercress farm due to sewage in the river.

Joining the Chess Valley Walk we passed through Sarratt Bottom, deviating uphill to Church End for our picnic in the churchyard and a drink at the Cock Inn, and onward to the Local Nature Reserve at Chorleywood House Estate. 

Finally we walked through the attractive Chorleywood Common, stopping to admire a striking Memorial Tree, before returning to the station.

Sunita and Jennifer with thanks to Nita and Hilary for the photos.