This walk was planned so that I could go back and see the amazing display of foxgloves that I had seen on my last long walk.
The route, if you are remotely interested, was, Great Gaddesden - Jockey End - Studham - Holywell - Whipsnade - Dunstable Downs - Kensworth Quarry - Church End - Kensworth - Markyate - Flamstead - Great Gaddesden.
I had planned to do this walk on Monday as that was supposed to be the coolest day of the week but the car started to misbehave so it spent Monday and Tuesday in the garage. On Wednesday, with new clutch fitted, I set off early for Great Gaddesden.
The foxgloves were still magnificent and they still don't come across in a photo.
I decided to give this path a miss and took a detour which didn't add much distance but did mean I walked right next to the local sewerage works
Pretty churches at Studham
and at Whipsnade.
Useful gate.
As you come up on to the edge of the Downs you are completely enclosed and then suddenly the world opens up before you.
The visitors centre had a kiosk open and it was lovely to have a drink which was actually cold.
The next section of the walk was marred somewhat by the sound, and occasional sight, of a large chalk quarry.
But the area was awash with wild flowers.
Much of the walk was through fields of ripening crops or in small woods.
I came to a wood called Yew Tree Spring, in my head this was going to be a lovely spot to sit and cool off, like Yew Tree Tarn in the Lakes. Instead it was a muddy ooze.
I passed through the grounds of Gaddesden Place which is a private house.
I then had the frightening prospect of crossing the B440. A gate from a field lets you down a step on to a 6"x24" platform surrounded by trees on a blind bend. To see anything at all you have to step on to the road to discover a car hurtling towards you. When you can cross the first lane you just have to go for it as you can not see enough of the traffic from your left to know what will be happening by the time you get there. Really scary.
I paused by the side of the beautiful River Gade. There were 2 families with their kids stripped off enjoying the cold clear water so no pictures and, lovely though it looked, I decided I couldn't get in too. I did take off my top soak it and put it back on. It had been a very warm day.
Stats Distance - 20.5 miles or 33km
Time - 8 hours
Temperature - 32C or blooming boiling
Liquid drunk - about 3.5l or not enough
Pee breaks taken - none