Given the vicissitudes of finding a walk that didn’t involve a long stretch walking alongside the A1, starting at a station that wasn’t closed by engineering work, with a lunch-stop venue that wasn’t being repurposed as a block of swanky apartments, today’s walk turned out really well! I was more worried about there not being enough walkers or helpers but there were 31 of us in all! What a splendid turnout! Thanks to everyone

for coming, especially to Penny for turning up twice, once on Saturday and once on Sunday! We repeated the observation that it is always a pleasant surprise to realise the number of walks within easy reach of central London which go through woods and fields, such as today’s walk. Before lunch we walked down through the woods of Monken Hadley Common and on into Trent Country Park, for a break at the excellent, friendly café.

In the afternoon we wended our way up through woods again, along an undulating bridal (sic) path and back past the Mansion, wondering about the proposed refurbishment and development of new dwellings and whether the building works will affect the amazing display of daffodils – just like the photo on our website! There were in fact daffodils everywhere in the woods, fields and gardens that we passed, blackthorn blossom in abundance and green leaves shooting out on the hawthorn bushes. Spring is here, despite the chill in the wind. We even had some sunshine! So back, across country, to Cockfosters station, dispersing on our respective ways home, thoroughly refreshed and ready to face the week!

PS I forgot to mention the turbo-charged labrador, Ruby, rushing around with enjoyment in the woods when she was allowed off the lead. And the bird song.

Pam