National Grade:Leisurely Distance: 7mi /11.3km  Leader: Barbara MacD Date: Jul 14th 2026

 The group photo this week was a selfie as there were only 3 of us on this Tuesday walk led by Barbara. Temperatures were a little lower than the previous week and we enjoyed a lovely country walk.
The morning was cloudy and cool, especially in the shady woods. Leaving Hodgemoor wood we joined the Chiltern Heritage Trail and followed it towards Coleshill to the outskirts of Brentford Grange Farm, then south past Stockings farm to cross the busy Amersham Road near Magpie Lane. 

This is typical Chiltern countryside with rolling fields some harvested already, a large field with cows and at least 1 bull though far enough away not to notice us.  We got a good view of the windmill at Coleshill, saw a couple of deer and a host of butterflies who seemed to be enjoying the heatwave. There were mainly Gatekeepers but also a couple of Red Admirals one of whom rested on Julie’s sleeve for a while.   

When we reached a narrow path Barbara strode ahead clearing any overgrowth with her trusty secateurs.

Arriving at the southern end of Hodgemoor woods on our return we stopped to explore an abandoned and graffitied building that appeared to be some sort of former pump house. We speculated that Simon T would know but Mr Google eventually revealed that this was indeed once a pump house and was probably built to feed ornamental gardens at Rawlings farm. There’s always something new to discover!

We really enjoyed this walk and hope it will be repeated possibly during bluebell season. 

Report by:  Catherine Kelly