Report by Heather.

“Lonely Trainers on the platform wonders if he’s got it wrong

But hark – the trains – from which alight the happy Polyrambling throng…”

With apologies to Betjeman, I like to think he would have approved of the walk on Saturday.  With all three Mikes, and more men than women – could this be a Polyramble first of modern times?  Startingin the classic old English village of Great Chesterford, where a fluffy cat was very pleased to meet us, we wound our way up through tranquil wheat and barley fields, taking in one or two vital hedge-stops, to Saffron Walden, where some of the group recalled an enjoyable youth hostel weekend a few years back

“Not for them the dainty tea room, Lapsang Souchong and macaroons

But burgers, chips and beers aplenty in the noisy Wetherspoons.”

Outside, church bells pealing, for, we guessed, a wedding, we carried on through part of the grounds of Audley End house, to Newport.  Here are more wonderful old half-timbered houses.  One of these is Monks Barn, a Wealden house dating from the 1400s, with an old wood carving of Madonna rising from the clouds.  I didn’t know she had played Essex.

Thanks to Heather and Mike for a great walk, and to Heather for this report. You’ve certainly raised the bar. MC