Another walk full of autumn colours but this time we didn’t manage to escape the rain. Starting from Amersham in dry conditions and high cloud, 16 Poly Ramblers, led by Stuart, set off down tree lined residential streets and through woods. At one point we had to cross a recently ploughed field – very muddy. We reached the village of Hyde Heath where the village shop was open but not the pub. Continuing on woodland paths we eventually reached a fairly busy B road which took us into Chesham. By this time the forecast rain was starting to fall. We walked through Lowndes Park into the town centre, pausing to admire Poppy Man, a seated figure by the war memorial made of crocheted poppies. Some of us were accosted by election canvassers at this point so it was time to head off to the pub another mile down the road.
The Pheasant is a traditional pub which doesn’t serve food but is happy for customers to bring their own. They made us welcome and it was with some reluctance that we emerged into steady rain an hour later. At this point 7 walkers decided to head back to Chesham for an early finish. The rest of us continued by the River Chess – which thankfully showed no sign of bursting its banks, and then uphill to leafy Chesham Bois and Amersham town centre. We were all pretty wet and glad to be back at the station by 3pm. Thanks to everyone who came out in spite of the weather.