National Grade:Moderate Distance: 10.5 mi / 16.9km  Leader: Charles T. Date: March 25th 2026

This walk from Chesham offered us the choice of arriving by train or parking at Moor Road car park. It may have been this flexibility that attracted such a healthy turnout - in total 28 people plus 1 dog - despite the ominous weather forecast threatening a return to winter.
Some of us travelling by train fell foul of disruption on the Metropolitan line and confusing announcements at Harrow-on-the-Hill station but just as we were giving up hope, a fast train to Chesham arrived and got us there with time to spare after all. Charles kindly waited for 3 final walkers arriving on a slightly later train.
Finally we set off through Lowndes Park noticing how dry the paths are compared to the last time we walked here. At Pednor House we stopped while Charles talked about the history of the house which was originally a 17th century timber framed farmhouse but was redeveloped in the arts and crafts style in 1911-12. The grounds and gardens were also designed round this time but we noticed a modern touch - an array of solar panels.
Our route then took us through Chartridge towards Ashridge via a few short hilly sections offering fabulous views over rolling countryside.
Our lunch stop was at the Blue Ball pub. There was a biting wind as we sat outside on the benches and we felt a bit envious of the people inside dining on hearty lunches. Some people opted to eat their picnic lunches as quickly as possible and retreat inside for coffees or other liquid refreshment. Richard D recalled a previous visit when Charles resorted to wearing plastic Sainsburys bags over his boots to spare the pub's floor, but this time, there was surprisingly little mud to worry about.
As we set off after lunch we were greeted by a blustery hail shower. Luckily we soon reached woodland which gave us some shelter. Despite the wintery chill spring was showing its face with patches of bluebells beginning to bloom in the woods. Although it was chilly and we experienced a couple of short hail showers in the afternoon we were pleased that the weather remained dry overall.
We continued our circuit of Chesham through fields and lanes. One large field had signs warning of a bull, but the seasoned walkers among us knew cattle hadn't been spotted there in years, so we pressed on unbothered.
Finally we arrived at Waterside where our routes diverged with some people heading to the car park and others to the station. We all thanked Charles for a very enjoyable walk and wished him bon voyage for his upcoming travels.

Report by:  Catherine Kelly