MORNING WALKS - MODERATE
Our next walk (mud free, surely) will be on Tuesday 7th May 2024, starting at 10am from The Brown Bear, 14 The Street, Braughing, Ware. SG11 2QF. It will be a circular walk, a little under 5.5 miles and will head west, passing the church, over the River Quin, before heading north along the fields bordering this small river. We will briefly walk on part of the Hertfordshire Way, before cutting south along the rather quaintly named Hoare's Lane, to return via Braughing Bourne.
Braughing, which lies between the rivers Rib and Quin, is an idyllic village with many listed buildings (among which is the Brown Bear) and is famous for the Braughing sausages, the village wheelbarrow race on 13th July and Old Man's Day on 2nd October; I'll recount the story about Matthew Wall when we go through the church yard. It had a station until Mr Beeching deemed the Buntingford line to be unprofitable, but the station buildings have been preserved, are now a residential property and will be passed when you drive over the old railway bridge, just before the village. A large Roman settlement of almost 90 acres grew up close by at Wickham Hill, where Ermine Street (A10) and Stane Street (A120) meet.
From Cheshunt, head north on the A10, to pass the first large roundabout (A120) to take the 2nd exit at the next roundabout on to the B1368. After about 1 mile, turn right to the village - with the pub on the right-hand side, which has agreed to open at 9.30am so we can pre-order our lunches; if not eating, please park considerately along the Street.
A note for your diaries, June's walk will again be from the Robin Hood and Little John in Tonwell.
Any problems, call me on 075944 27190.
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PREVIOUS WALKS
APRIL 2024
Our walk was on 2nd April from the Beehive, Epping Green, Hertford. It was a circular walk of about 5 miles.
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MARCH 2024
Was our 5 mile walk starting from Standon.
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JANUARY 2024
May I wish a Happy New Year to all those walkers who didn't make January's outing, which proved to be the wettest and muddiest walk we have ever been on. 15 of us ventured out and everyone stayed for lunch; (somewhere there is a photograph doing the rounds of the bedraggled group).
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DECEMBER 2023
Our December walk which was led by John, Trish and Jenny had 34 members walking in what turned out to be a somewhat muddy experience, but hopefully January's will be better.
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NOVEMBER 2023
What an excellent turnout we had for November's walk and what a cracking day to boot and how good it was to have such a hot meal afterwards - the manager worked wonders serving 30 people all on her own. I suspect we'll have another walk from the Robin Hood and Little John in the future.
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THE ANNUAL WALK
The annual Walkers' holiday took place in September in Brecon in South Wales. While walking around the city on the Friday evening, we were able to see Saturday's destination in the distance, which was just as well, as the mist came down in the morning and hid everything from view.
Sometimes it was impossible to see the whole 14 walkers while climbing Pen y Fan, because the mist was so thick, but we were all euphoric when we stepped on to the 886metre summit. It was quite a feat! We'll have to post the obligatory summit photograph when it's discovered who has it.
The highlight of the walk was Ken losing both soles to his boots and virtually walking along in his socks.
We had the usual quiz on Saturday evening and then, come Sunday morning, we were down to just 10 walkers to go on The Waterfalls walk, on which it is possible to walk behind the wall of water.
Sunday evening saw us play the house Killer Skittles, but I'm afraid Cheshunt u3a contestants were all 'killed'.
As Monday morning again started off wet, we all went our separate ways, but agreed that we had had a really good weekend despite the rain.
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SEPTEMBER 2023
It was good to see 27 walkers on the September walk from Wadesmill, with at least 24 staying for lunch.
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AUGUST 2023
We had a fine turnout of 33 walkers for the August walk led by Frank and some 24 or 25 stayed for lunch.
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JULY 2023
We had a very good turnout of 31 walkers for the July walk from Hunsdon and most stayed for lunch at the Crown. The weather was perfect for walking and there was no mud.I hope everyone is keeping well hydrated in this awfully hot weather - but, sods law, it'll change for our next walk, which will be on Tuesday 4th July from The Crown, 8 High Street, Hunsdon, Ware. SG12 8NZ.
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JUNE 2023
I understand there were a grand number of 25 walkers in June with 24 staying for lunch - excellent!
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MAY 2023
Although the weather wasn't as sunny as it could have been for the May walk, we again had 33 walkers out and were blessed with masses of bluebells in Comb's Wood - real 'balm to the soul' for our coffee stop.
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MARCH 2023
After a bit of parking confusion for the March walk, it was marvellous to see 30 members out on a very mud free morning and we had yet another new face to swell our numbers - Tony O'Neil.
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FEBRUARY 2023
We had a grand number of 26 members out for the February walk and it was good to see a new face - Bob Burgess.
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NOVEMBER 2022
The last walk for this year will be on Tuesday 6th December starting at 10:00am from the Farmers Boy, 1 Brickendon Lane, Brickendon, SG13 8NU. It will be a 4.5 mile circular walk going via Bourne Orchard, Monks Green, taking secluded footpaths through ancient woodland and along part of the Roman Road - Urmine Street, but here called Elbow Lane. We will continue past Edwards Green Farm and return by Back Lane to the pub, where we will have our Christmas Festive lunch. Unfortunately, there is no availability for any walkers who have not previously booked.
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OCTOBER 2022
I was quite surprised to have 22 members out on the October walk, especially when some of us had just returned from the beautiful Yorkshire Dales the day before, after our annual walking holiday.
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SEPTEMBER 2022
We had 27 members on the September walk and it was good to see two new faces join us - Peter Childs and Steve Matthews and both commented just how friendly everyone was; although it was a shame the food at the White Hart was a little below par - Jenny said it was the worst meal she had ever had, but my fish and chips were very good.
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AUGUST 2022
We had 24 members on the 'stylish' walk from The Galley Hall in August, which took us through Balls Wood and the woodland surrounding Haileybury College, so we were able to stay relatively cool in the extreme temperatures; it looks like the weather is getting back to normal now.
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APRIL 2022
We had a good turnout of 28 walkers on April's walk from Baughing, with 18 staying for lunch. It was good to see two new members Trish Johnson and Janet (Lesley's friend).
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FEBRUARY 2022
We were extremely lucky with the weather on the February walk and although a little muddy, it was good to see at least 30 walkers out, especially four new faces - Chris and David Hewkin and Kathy Sullivan and Rob Lane.
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JANUARY 2022
We had a surprisingly good turnout of 19 members for the January walk and managed to find the dreaded mud again, together with waterlogged fields, but the rain held off and there were some good views across the Hertfordshire countryside around Sacombe and Wadesmill. Let's hope for better things in February.
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NOVEMBER WALK
After being soundly scolded by Jenny after the walk from Whitehills golf club this month (my 5.5miles turned into 6.5miles) our next walk is an actual 5.5 mile circular walk. It will take place on Tuesday 2nd November from The Star, 62 High Street, Standon, Ware. SG11 1LB. For those who plan to stay for lunch, the landlady has asked that we get there by 9.30am to order our lunch and then we will all leave at 10.00am. Could you let me know if you intend to stay for lunch - just so I can give her a rough idea of numbers beforehand.
Standon has the Greenwich Meridian passing through it and it is bisected by the River Rib, while two Roman roads - Ermine Street and Stane Street pass very close by. The dismantled railway to Buntingford crossed the A120 close to Standon Flour Mill, where you turn right into the High Street and just by The Star is the famous Pudding Stone. There are over 150 listed buildings in the parish with more than half of them dating from before 1700AD. On the walk, we will pass behind Standon Lordship, where Queen Elizabeth 1 spent 3 days in 1561. Before you leave the village, don't forget to see the new use for the telephone box, together with the charming houses behind it and their quaint names. (could these be in a later quiz?)
Directions to Standon are: head north on the A10 until you reach the large roundabout at the end of the by-pass, where you turn right on to the A120, but about a half mile after passing the 30mph sign, turn right into the High Street. The pub is on the right hand side at the far end of the village, before the road turns left. Park in the pub car park or outside the church opposite if not staying for lunch. Any problems call me on 075944 27190.
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OCTOBER WALK
The next walk is still on Tuesday 5th October and will still be a circular walk of about 5.5 miles, but we will now meet at White Hills Golf Club, White Hill, Dane End, Ware. SG12 0JS at 9.30am to pre-order our lunch and will then set off at 10am as usual for the walk.
If you have any problems finding the start, call me on: 07594427190.
Rob
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JULY 2021 WALK
Well how lucky you were with the weather for the July walk - no rain until after the walk had finished, although again there were issues with the pub in the kitchen and you had to drive down to the Rose and Crown in Lower Green.
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MAY 2021 WALK
Sorry I'm a little late in giving you details of our next walk, but hopefully May will be the last time when we will need to walk in groups of 6, although if everyone who I'm currently emailing wanted to come in June, we would have to spread the walk over two weeks as there are at least 37 people I'm writing to.
May's walk of 5 miles, on Tuesday 4th May is one we have done before and will be from Tonwell to the west of Ware and the A10 and just off the A602, unfortunately the Robin Hood and Little John pub is still temporarily closed, but the Woodman at Chapmore End - (1.5 miles away) is open. Parking is good in the village, but I don't think we should use the pub's car park if they're not open. The post code is SG12 0HN or Grid Ref: 334172.
We will leave at 10.00am and head towards Stonyhills and then into the Woodhall estate, before turning south to follow the River Beane as far as Bullsmill. We will then go to the pretty village of Chapmore End with its duckpond by the pub and so back to Tonwell.
Please let me know if you wish to come and which of the 3 Tuesdays is better for you - I know Frank has put himself down for the second week. If there are any problems, please call me on 075944 27190.
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Message from Rob and Jenny
Dear All,
I hope you've all been able to get out for exercise since we had our last walk together back on 8th December last year - that was of course, the first time in 10 years that we haven't been able to get together for our Christmas meal. Dear Boris had us back to walking the local pavements again, but because it was so hard not to avoid other people, Jenny and I defied him and drove a short distance to Hoddesdon Park Wood several times and the Dinosaur walk by Paradise Park Zoo; however because of the terrific amount of rain we have had, the paths have become quagmires and are only usable by wearing welly boots. I wonder how long it will be for them to recover? On one occasion, my walking pole didn't stop me sliding down a muddy embankment and rolling into a stream - luckily no one else was around to see my embarrassment!
I guess the majority of us have now had our Covid jab - (other than the few youthful members), but because of that the two of us have walked from Bayford (not recommended) and 3 times from Little Berkhamsted to Essendon - the first time on the 25th January after the snowfall - it was magical with a clear blue sky, crisp snow and beautiful views - it really lifted our spirits even though it was quite cold for our picnics.
Because we are in the EN10 post code, we had to have a Covid test a couple of weeks ago, which came back negative, but it was a most unpleasant experience with lots of gagging and retching.
The first attached photo is at Little Berkhampsted looking back to the Five Horseshoes, followed by a track towards Essendon and then Essendon Golf course under a covering of snow. The 4th and 5th photos were taken on 10th February near Little Berkhamsted where vehicles going through flooded roads made spectacular ice statues. The last photo was taken in freezing windy conditions last Saturday - 13th February - near Watton at Stone - the ice was so thick, we couldn't break it on the pond, but at least the mud was frozen everywhere. These photographs are too good for here so I have uploaded them to the Photography page
Let's hope that Boris's announcement next week is going to eventually let us get to meet up again and continue with some sort of normality.
If anyone has any lockdown photos or stories, perhaps they could share them with us.
Stay safe and best wishes,
Rob and Jenny
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WELL MAYBE THIS WILL BE THE YEAR
----- This completed jigsaw shows the Shropshire Hills which is designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The walking group was due to spend a long weekend in the area in September 2020 and this trip has since been rescheduled for later this year.”
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Rob's Roundup for 2020
Firstly, let me wish everyone a very Happy New Year and hope it will be a lot better than 2020.
How we (and indeed the whole country) have missed the opportunity to get out when we want to, for as long as we want, where we want to go and with those we like to be with. Who would have thought that back in December 2019 at our Christmas meal at the Bull at Cottered, we were destined for the current long term restrictions? Here follows my ramblings:
January started with a walk from the Robin Hood and Little John pub at Rabley Heath, led by Frank, followed in February by one from the Plume of Feathers in Tewin, with almost a mile long footpath of mud. We were lucky to get our March walk in from the Bull at Watton at Stone, just before the first lockdown, but thereafter we had to make do with avoiding other people in the street, while we got our daily exercise.
The first Virtual walk was in April from Barclay Park, Hoddesdon, combined with the Lucy Warren open space, followed in May with an hour's virtual walk in Hoddesdon Park Wood. Both these virtual walks were tackled by some members in their socially distanced pairs and proved to be something different from pavement walking.
We were able to get back to group walking again in June - through Hoddesdon Park Wood to Paradise Wildlife Park, where we were able to see four of the 15 animatronic Dinosaurs - Tyrannosaurus Rex, Spinosarus, Triceratops and the Brachiosaurus. July saw a return visit to Bayfordbury with it's Pinetum and Observatory, while in August we started from the Feathers at Wadesmill and went through the Youngsbury estate with it's wonderful variety of trees - not forgetting the active wasp nest.
September saw a return to Wadesmill, but this time we went west, towards Sandon church - I can still remember the warmth in the churchyard when we had our coffee break. We ventured into Essex in October and celebrated the marriage of Margaret and David Taylor at Copped Hall and then we went back to Standon in November, which was only made memorable as I had to walk in my slippers - having forgotten my walking trainers. Jenny and I re-walked the route the following week and the socially distanced photograph can be seen on the Cheshunt U3A website under Photography.
December saw our last walk before the current lockdown, this time from Benington, where it was good to welcome Ian's wife Sue into our midst. However, although my write-up in the December Newsletter said we saw good Hertfordshire views, we actually saw very little, as thick mist covered the land, but the frost looked attractive on the bushes and trees.
At this point things began to get a little muddy everywhere and I think welly boots are the 'order of the day' from now on. Jenny and I have been walking again in:- Benington (very muddy), Barclay Park, Hoddesdon (very muddy), Hoddesdon Park Wood (quite muddy), Panshanger estate (very muddy), Bayfordbury (very muddy), but today in Essendon (very good considering the weather we have had). So when we are allowed out of tier 4 and can continue group walking, I guess that will be the first walk in 2021.
Stay safe and get the vaccine as soon as it's offered to you and thank you for joining Jenny and me last year.
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The walks are back up and running or should I say walking. Contact Rob Scott for next walk 01992 445288
DECEMBER WALK - CHANGE OF DATE
Jolly old Boris has at last allowed us to come out to play again, but has prevented us from walking on the first Tuesday in December and also stopped us from having a lunch and drink after our walk; so I have had a change of mind as to where we will walk from.
The walk will now be on Tuesday 8th December, starting at 10am from Benington Village Hall, 3 Walkern Road, Benington SG2 7LN I will attempt to put people into groups of 6 on the day, as not everyone has always been available for previous walks when I've made the allocation beforehand. It will be about 6 miles in length.
I'm afraid I haven't found much in the way of history for the village, although Benington Lordship is worth a visit to see their drifts of snowdrops in early spring.
For those without satnav, the most direct route is north on the A10 to the Ware turn-off, go left on to the A602 towards Stevenage for about 3.5 miles and then where the A602 turns sharp left, carefully bear right to reach Benington after another 4 miles or so. The village hall is just passed the green on the left.
If you have any problems finding the start, give me a call on 07594427190. Can you please email me if you are un-able to join us.
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**STOP PRESS**
On the walk on Tuesday 13th October, at our 'coffee stop' at Copped Hall, we celebrated the marriage of Margaret Wells and David Taylor with a glass of Bubbly. They eventually 'tied the knot' in September (after 41 years) and we all wish them much love and happiness for the future.
NOVEMBER WALK CHANGE
After much thought, I have decided to change the November walk from Epping Forest to a one we have done before, from The Star, 62 High Street, Standon SG11 1LB or Grid Ref 396233. It is about 5.5 miles in length and like all walks, will start at 10.00am on Tuesday the 3rd and 10th November.
The attractive village which is on the River Rib was mentioned in the Doomsday Book and has a number of old buildings still surviving - probably the oldest being Knights Court just along the High Street next to the church, founded before 1612 in the mediaeval period and said to have belonged to the Knights Hospitallers. It is of brick and timber construction and was a school for over 400 years before closing in 1980 and has now been converted into housing. Close by the old railway station, used to be a large flour mill built in 1901 - now flats, while to the south of the village was a paper-mill. The house and water wheel of this still remain and the name survives in Paper Mill Lane, Meadow and House. Opposite to the school is the famous Pudding Stone, which is at least 50 million years old and is composed of little pebbles, conglomerated into one lump. These pebbles were deposited in river beds and covered with London Clay (which became the cement) and then during the Ice Age the mixture was compressed and solidified by the huge pressures from the ice sheets pushing down.
We will head along Paper Mill Lane, cross the river and head south through the meadows, to pass 'The Lordship', where Queen Elizabeth 1st spent 3 days in 1561. We will continue on the track bed of the old Buntingford line, before heading NE towards Wellpond Green and Standon Friars where there is a large 16th century barn. Back in Standon we pass Almshouses that used to be part of Standon Workhouse.
To get to Standon from Cheshunt head north on the A10 passing Hoddesdon, Broxbourne, Ware etc until you get to the large roundabout at the junction with the A120. Take the A120 into Standon, where turn right into the High Street. The church and the Star are 200 yards along, but on opposite sides of the road.
My mobile for any problems is: 07594 427190.
Rob
PS it could be muddy! Running Order for November
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MARCH 2020
We had 21 members out walking this month and were blessed with good weather, although near the end of the 6 miles we had to splash through a very wet muddy field. There were daffodils, primroses and some snowdrops still in flower in the woods to the north of Watton and a lot bluebells getting ready to make a riot of colour in the next six weeks or so.
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FEBRUARY 2020
We had an excellent turnout of 19 walkers for the February walk and it was good to see a new face - Rob Burgess - to swell our numbers; I hope he enjoyed the walk and our company and will continue to come on future walks. The meal at the Plume of Feathers was a little fraught, as another group were there as well as us, but let's hope the Bull is better
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JANUARY 2020
Wow, what a surprise for the January walk, with 21 members out and 20 staying for lunch at the Robin Hood and Little John at Rabley Heath. Frank led us from start to finish, without making one mistake - I'll have to find out what his knack is. The weather was very kind to us and the mud wasn't too bad especially with all the rain we've had lately. Plus we saw some water towers!
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DECEMBER 2019
The last walk of 2019 went from The Bull at Cottered and as we were itching to get to our Christmas dinner, the 36 walkers only did about 4.5 miles and although somewhat claggy, there wasn't too much mud. Marilyn again arranged the table organisation at the pub and printed out everyone's choices, in case we had the usual memory loss; so thank you once again Marilyn! It all ran very smoothly and efficiently and we were all suitably full afterwards.
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NOVEMBER 2019
We had 39 walkers out on the November walk and it was good to have two new faces along - Barry and Janet, who bring our merry band of walkers to 55. The Red Lion in Stanstead Abbotts hosted 28 meals and although Jenny and I weren't able to stay, I understand that the pub coped very well (bar one steak sandwich). The landlord apologised profusely for this, when I phoned him later in the week, and hopes we'll give him a second chance to make it 100% satisfaction.
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SEPTEMBER 2019
What a marvellous turnout for our last walk - 30, (which I believe must be a record), with 23 of those staying for lunch plus another 4 stopping to sample the beer. What a good value pub - I would highly recommend it for lunch.
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AUGUST 2019
In August twenty two walkers enjoyed the very rural countryside around Nuthampstead on a lovely summers day. We stopped at the ancient St.George’s church in Anstey, where a stained glass window was installed in 2000 to remember the American airmen based at nearby Nuthampstead who lost their lives in WWll. a centre panel had all the names of these airmen etched on the wings of butterflies. Sixteen of us later enjoyed the hospitality of the Woodman Inn.
The stained glass windows are inside Ansty Church and are a memorial to the American Airman who died whilst based with 398th Bomber Group at Nuthampstead and who’s names are on the butterflies in the close up. The group pics are outside Ansty Church and by the memorial at the old entrance to the base alongside The Woodman where we had a lovely lunch
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JULY 2019
We had an excellent turn-out for the July walk - 24 altogether - and the weather was just right, not too hot. The walk was completely new to us; out to the south west of Little Hadham, around the rather picturesque Ash Valley Golf course with its outstanding views to the east. Continuing via Cox Lane down into Much Hadham and passing St Andrew's church - famed for its many extraordinary kneelers and Henry Moore sculptures (although we didn't have time to go and see them). We crossed the River Ash and had a very pleasant walk back high above the valley to the pub at Hadham Ford. The only 'downside' to this walk was the pub - The Nags Head - they decided to charge a service charge as we had 18 members staying for lunch.
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MAY 2019
There were 22 walkers out for the beautiful warm May morning walk that was ably led by Frank Sluter with 15 members enjoying refreshments in the Crown (catered for by Nancy) afterwards. The walk passed Hunsdon Church and Hunsdon House that dates back to Tudor times, before going under the busy A414. They continued on a track that was in fact part of the old 414 - still with the 'cat's eyes' visible in places - giving them all a reminder of how driving used to be. It was pleasing to have John Durrant back after his enforced absence through injury.
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APRIL 2019
In the absence of Rob Scott the April walk was undertaken by a total of 26 members, including new walker Tony, and they entrusted their well-being to Steve and Malcolm who led the walk.
Starting from The Travellers Friend at Epping Green, the walk followed paths alongside and across fields and common land including Nazeing Golf Course (without upsetting the Golfers!) and we were able take in some delightful Essex scenery before the weather closed in.
We sighted a small herd of Deer as well as the now obligatory Red Kites but due to the worsening visibility were unable to enjoy the panoramic view across to Nazeing Park and House on the way back.
We returned to the Travellers Friend without losing anyone and 24 of us enjoyed lunch there whilst appreciating that we had missed the downpour that was by now taking place outside.
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MARCH 2019
What a good turnout we had for the March walk - 27 walkers - and we were also blessed with good weather again. We were ably lead by Jenny, who initially showed us around the observatory site at Bayfordbury and then on into the Pinetum to see many of the 150 varieties of conifer in the 'back garden' of Bayfordbury mansion - home of the Clinton-Baker family. She showed us the work that she and other volunteers were tackling and explained what they were trying to accomplish in the years to come. The fungal clock was unusual, in that it showed us how all trees eventually rot down to their original composition over time. We had 27 members eating at the Baker Arms afterwards, with our injured walking footballer - John - making the two hour trip to Bayford by bus!
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FEBRUARY 2019
We welcomed a new face for the walk in February - Derek - and were fortunate to have a total of 20 members walking the countryside around the village of Walkern with19 staying for lunch.
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JAMUARY 2019
We had twenty walkers out on the first walk of the year in what was almost a summers day, with our resident photographer snapping us beside a Henry Moore sculpture. The landlord of the Hoops gave 19 of us a very good lunch at the end of a fine walk.
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DECEMBER 2018
December’s walk proved to be wetter than I had anticipated, but the 37 walkers generally coped with it well although there were some mutterings going over the last waterlogged field (but what can you expect in winter)? 34 of us sat down to a fantastic Christmas dinner in the Bull afterwards (organised by Marilyn). The food and service were second to none, although Malcolm almost wore Steve’s coffee when I recounted the tale of a female friend’s cycling pleasures - we may see an increase in numbers of ladies in the cycling group in future.
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NOVEMBER 2018
Wow, what happened on the last walk? We had 40 walkers out, which was a record for us - someone must be spreading the benefits of walking and the beauty of Hertfordshire; or could it be the leader.
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OCTOBER 2018
It was great to have two dozen walkers out in October and we enjoyed some wonderful panoramas over the surrounding countryside. More than a dozen of us stopped for a well deserved lunch in The Fox afterwards to round it off. Thank you!
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SEPTEMBER 2018
We had 19 walkers out for the lovely sunny walk in September - it was balm to the soul. Unfortunately, The Boot public house didn’t open until the evening, so 11 of us drove a couple of miles into Watton at Stone, where we enjoyed lunch in the Bull instead.
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AUGUST 2018
21 members turned out for the August walk, which was surprising, as it was extremely hot - so hot indeed, that when we stopped for our photograph in front of the Henry Moore sculpture entitled ‘Large Figure in a Shelter’, we could have fried bacon as well as an egg on the bronze. A dozen of us went across to The Bull for lunch afterwards.
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JULY 2018
We had 22 walkers out on the July walk and it was good to see another new face - Martin, although I hope he doesn’t think I always go wrong on my walks. Unfortunately, the Candlestick where we started from, was closed, so 17 of us drove to the Five Horseshoes in Little Berkhampsted, where we were all treated to a lovely lunch by Marilyn to celebrate her birthday!
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JUNE 2018
We had 18 walkers out this month and it was good to see Richard Proctor join us, although he is a regular with the Walking Football and Badminton groups. We had good weather and very little mud (surprisingly). However, we didn’t get to see the memorial on Hunsdon airfield commemorating those who served and died there during the Second World War. Maybe next time.
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We only had 14 walkers out on the May walk, but were fortunate to have very sunny weather.
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APRIL 2018
There were 16 walkers out for the May walk and although there was quite a bit of ground water lying about, the mud wasn’t too bad. There were no fallers this time - just spattered trousers. 10 of us drove to Watton at Stone for a good lunch in the Bull afterwards.
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MARCH 2018
We had a fantastic number of 23 walkers on the March walk and although a little claggy in places, the weather was good and the company superb!
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JANUARY 2018
We had 15 walkers out on the February ramble, which proved to be rather cold and windy and after our coffee stop, we encountered the usual rain. But ten of us warmed up over lunch in the White Hart in Puckeridge to round off a good walk.
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DECEMBER 2017
Well, what can we say about December’s walk, other than the words from the Flanders and Swann song ‘The Hippopotamus’ Mud, mud, glories mud! Let us say it was somewhat claggy; but those who fell were soon pristine again with borrowed trousers and an unusual use of a rather large scarf. Twenty six of us sat down to a fine Christmas meal at the Bull, organised by Marilyn, but I think this walk (around Cottered) will have to be consigned to the summer months in future.
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NOVEMBER 2017
We had 23 walkers out on the November walk, with two new faces from Lee Valley U3A, which was good to see. One of them - Eddie Cordina - later sent me a very nice email thanking everyone for making them so welcome. The Star, opposite the church, opened up early for us at short notice and 18 of the walkers had a very good lunch there afterwards.
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OCTOBER 2017
We had 21 members on our walk in October and it was good to see some new faces to swell the ranks. 10 of us spent a relaxing time over lunch in the garden of the Baker Arms afterwards.
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SEPTEMBER
September’s walk (led by Malcolm and Steve G), went very well with 18 members walking a circular route of some 6.5 miles from Hertford Heath including Great Amwell, the New River, Haileybury School and part of The Heath Nature reserve. There were some interesting facts ( and fiction !) relayed on the way and 14 members enjoyed a lunch at The Goat Public House at Hertford Heath back where we started.
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JULY 2017
We had 17 walkers on the July walk from Bennington, with 13 staying for the Caribbean lunch at The Bell. The landlord opened specially for us and couldn’t have been more obliging and attentive and I think we would all recommend it to others (Eat Your Way Around The World Group) perhaps?
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JUNE 2017
I obviously planned the June walk a week too soon, as there were only 8 stalwart walkers who braved the rain through the woodlands. Due to the inclement conditions and dampness of clothing, the walk was cut down to about 4 miles, with all walkers going to the Woodman and Olive pub at Wormley West End for a Greek style lunch afterwards .
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MAY 2017
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APRIL 2017
We had 17 walkers out on the April walk and although our leader got a little confused with finding the start, we eventually had a good walk in the Spring sunshine. It was good to see Frank for the first time and hope that he wasn’t put off by the poor beginning.
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MARCH 2017
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DECEMBER 2016
We had 27 walkers out for the last walk of 2016, and although it was somewhat misty through the woods of Whitewebbs, Hilly Fields and Forty Hall, everyone enjoyed it. We then went into the Toby Carvery in Whitewebbs for our Christmas lunch. Enough said!
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OCTOBER 2016
We had a wonderful day for October's walk and 16 of us set out from Pick Hill, Upshire, but after almost half way into the walk, we were confronted by ankle wrecking ploughed fields and it was thought to be more prudent to go back the way we had come instead. However, reversing still proved to be a good walk.
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SEPTEMBER WALK
Can you spot the water tower
----- The September walk took place on the hottest September day for over 100 years! Fortunately, there was plenty of shade and the 12 walkers thoroughly enjoyed it, although some had to top up their liquid intake in the Nags Head afterwards. Over there -----
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AUGUST WALK
Even though we had a cracking day for the August walk, there were only 9 people on it, so I guess it must be the holiday season or my poor deodorant for lack of numbers.
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JULY WALK
Due to the inclement weather, numbers were somewhat down for the July walk and then the down-pour just approaching lunch-time, put paid to eating in the garden.
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JUNE WALK
----- We had 16 walkers out on the June walk and although I took an incorrect footpath on one occasion, it allowed us to remain in the cool of the woods for a little longer, as the morning was wonderfully hot. The countryside around Dane End is really beautiful and deserves to be walked again.
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MAY WALK
----- I think the promise of rain put a lot of people off from coming on the May walk from Puckeridge, but that promise was all 'pie in the sky' and 13 of us had an excellent sunny walk through the fields, with a spectacular photo stop in a bluebell wood. Hopefully Steve will get it on to the website. The added joy for some, was that the water tower was still in evidence.
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APRIL WALK
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We had 15 walkers out on the April walk and it was good to welcome a new face - Arthur Southwell. The morning was somewhat overcast and maybe this kept numbers down. However, we saw plenty of Bluebells and other Spring flowers as well as hearing the first cuckoo of the year and seeing a number of birds of prey.
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MARCH WALK
----- Pictures from yesterdays (1st March) morning walk. Part of the walk took us past The Henry Moore Foundation. Too good an opportunity not to take some photos. As you can see it was a nice dry day.
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JANUARY WALK
We had 21 members out for the first walk of 2016 and as I had changed the route slightly, it was a lot firmer under foot for most of the way. It was a case of sods law, however, when there was no camera around to capture George slipping on the sloping path and emerging with a somewhat muddy face. A few 'wet wipes' got him back to his normal pristine self again, with no ill effects. Sorry, but as our cameraman was missing, we have no picture for our album.
DECEMBER WALK
We had 23 walkers out for the December walk , which proved to be a very mild day - if a little wet on some of the footpaths; the ankle deep water didn't discourage us though. We were joined at the Bull by Steve G, where we had the initial Christmas dinner of the season - a very good introduction to excess eating. Thanks to Marilyn for organising it.
NOVEMBER WALK -----
Well……..what can we say about the November walk? Possibly "Does anyone know the way to Great Munden?" or "Is that the 2nd or 3rd time we've seen that water tower?" However, I hope the 22 people who went on the November walk enjoyed the 6 miles in our Hertfordshire countryside, although I would stress to the four new walkers who came along that missing the correct footpaths does not usually happen, and I am always available for private map-reading courses for any budding walk leader. Seriously though, leading a new walk for the first time is daunting if you haven't researched it before and haven't a compass to hand. At least I'll have that walk to re-do for you in 2016; it's really good!
SEPTEMBER WALK -----
We had 20 walkers out on the September walk and almost that number came back to our garden for lunch, bringing with them wine, flowers, a plant, biscuits, chocolates etc which were very much appreciated. There was a very slight smattering of rain during the lunch, but nothing to worry we non-fair weather walkers. They can be seen on the front of the website just after setting off and a second picture in our garden appears under the 'group' section.
AUGUST WALK
The August walk was on a dry and sunny day, with 19 walkers out enjoying the lovely countryside around Watton at Stone (those with Sat Nav gismos, proved that my 6.25 miles was in fact a little over 7 miles).
JULY WALK
We had 19 members out on the July walk, but because of the poor weather forecast, I had to postpone the garden party until September, so watch this space!
JUNE WALK
The dozen walkers on the 'Flaming' June walk missed out on the sunshine, although it was warm enough for shirt sleeves and shorts to be the order of the day for some. You will be glad to know that 2015 is the Hertfordshire Year of Walking - so some of us are doing the right thing!
MAY WALK
We had 18 members out for our May walk and as it was warm and sunny, a number of white legs re-appeared in shorts; what a welcome sight!
APRIL WALK
We had a cracker of a day for the walk in April with 19 people out enjoying the wonderful sunny weather, while 10 stayed for lunch at the White Horse at the end of it.
The March Walk
We had 16 members on the March walk and although the weather was very kind to us, I think we all found it hard going with the amount of mud on the route.
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Walks in Hertfordshire
Cheshunt U3A have recently been contacted by John Harris a local man who has recommended the Walking in Hertfordshire website. It covers walks throughout England but has many local walks included. To download a walk make sure you have Adobe Reader, if not this is available as a Download on the same website page. Once you click on a walk, if it doesn’t open it seems better not to Save the documents but to click Open then save from there or just print out the walk.