Sixteen walkers turned out on the first day of autumn on a beautiful sunny day for a walk from Great Missenden. We headed west along field edges and through woodland. It was good to see the landscape so green after the prolonged dry spell but the absence of mud was also very welcome. We picked hazelnuts and the last of the blackberries and watched the red kites overhead.  After a few miles we headed steeply downhill to reach our lunch stop, The Gate, in the village of Bryant’s Bottom, located, as the name suggests,  at thefoot of a valley. The pub was a gem and everyone enjoyed their meals in the sunshine. On leaving we had an immediate steep climb out of the valley before returning to Great Missenden just in time to miss the hourly train. Noone seemed to mind though and most of the group headed to a tea shop to pass the time. Thanks to Peter for a very pleasant walk in the Chilterns.

Gillian

photo of 44 High Street, Great Missenden by No Swan So Fine