National Grade: Moderate Distance: 12miles / 19.3km Leader: Catherine Kelly Date: April 15th 2026
Most of us were able to park around the small green in Nettlebed and the nearby brick kiln. In total 22 of us gathered for Catherine’s walk in memory of John Morris. Catherine reminded us that John was a prolific walk leader and that she had chosen this particular walk from John’s vast repertoire as there was the promise of bluebells.
With a weather forecast that predicted rain in the afternoon we left Nettlebed at a good pace. We quickly left the village and its array of cottages and houses and crossed our first field. Descending down into a small valley we could see Groveridgewood ahead of us. Here we saw our first bluebells. Against the grey light the carpet of purple colour was vibrant and bright. Many photos were taken as we slowly continued through the wood. We thought this wood was spectacular but the next sighting of bluebells exceeded the first. As we entered the wood a sign on the gate made us smile as it read ‘Let’s fight them on the beeches’ with a picture of a beech tree below. Here our path wove through a sea of bluebells that seemed to go on for ever. Everyone appreciated how lucky we were to see this display at their best.
We left the wood and headed on to our morning break at the Holy Trinity church in Nuffield. Here many of us enjoyed the tea, coffee and cakes on offer in the church. Sara also purchased a lovely hand knitted toy ready for her grandchild due in June. In front of the church, we spotted the gravestone of motoring pioneer and philanthropist William Morris as well David Frost headstone included his signature greeting of ‘Hello, good evening and welcome’!
Refreshed we continued on this time through fields of yellow dandelions to Ipsden Heath. The sun made a welcome appearance leading to layers being removed. Here we came across in the middle of nowhere a small furniture workshop and shop. As we waited for everyone to catch up some of us ventured in to see what was on display.
Lunch was at the Maharajah’s Well in Stoke Row where there were plenty of benches and seats for all. Some of us ventured to the nearby deli and pub for additional refreshments. For one walker lunch was to be a bit of drama. A red kite decided it liked the look of Steven’s sausage roll and swooped down in an attempt to take some. Fortunately for Steven he only received a nip on the hand and little was lost of his lunch!
After lunch we followed the Chiltern Way cross fields and a few gentle hills. As we entered Bix Underwood gentle rain began so coats were put back on. Stunning trees lined our path as we headed on towards Nettlebed. The final part of our route took us through Catslip where we followed a narrow path that suddenly emerged onto the green where our cars were parked. With the threat of more rain, we thanked Catherine for a lovely walk which certainly delivered on showcasing bluebells and as a fitting tribute to John Morris.
Report by Alison Dodds