After two frustrating cancellations of this walk, as a consequence of Chiltern Railways’ shenanigans, we at last, third time lucky, were able to undertake our modest eight mile stroll.
We set forth, all nineteen enthusiastic walkers, downhill from the station leaving rowdy traffic to soon join the scenic and placid tranquillity of the Wendover canal. The six mile long canal now overgrown in parts and disused, but worth exploring further was constructed in 1799 but alas has been unnavigable since 1897. In its heyday it was a worthy conduit for all manner of barge-borne cargo including grain, timber, coal and beer connecting with the mighty north -south Grand Union canal.
Despite the pervasive gloom and mist the Polyramblers brought their own sunshine and soon we were admiring the timely vivid autumn colours reflected in awesome clear waters whilst passing a variety of water birds, dabbling ducks, gliding moorhens and preening swans. After a couple of miles of towpath we left the canal and started our gentle but mildly challenging ascent through the towering trees of Wendover Woods, trudging up a fresh leafy carpet to the highest point of the Chilterns, a mere 875 feet.
As we steadily climbed we were overtaken by many tabard clad and numbered runners surging zealously through the woods, competing in organised events. Finally we reached the Wendover Woods cafe at the top where we gratefully took sustenance and savoured the crisp ‘mountain’ air. Regrettably the usually awesome views were marred by the stubborn mist.
All too briefly, given the shortening hours of daylight, it was time to return. We descended gradually via a firm path through a canyon of trees leading eventually onto a quiet tarmac road then along a narrow path between high wooden fences across a footbridge to follow a noisy but then calmingly transparent chalk stream.
After a few more paces we emerged into the olde worlde charms of Wendover high street and thankfully had time to partake of a well earned tea at one of several cafes before catching the vital 3.54 pm train back to London.
Les and Cathy M
Photos by Patricia, Les and Jill
