Walking Forum

Regions - Trip reports, destination advice, recommended routes, etc. => Rest of England => Topic started by: Ridge on 09:21:41, 03/07/20

Title: TR - Ayot St. Peter to Peters Green and back
Post by: Ridge on 09:21:41, 03/07/20
Having earlier in the week driven a 360 mile round trip to have fish and chips with my Dad in his garden, my lower back was crying out for a good stretch. My route was, Ayot St. Peter, Ayot Greenway, Wheathampstead, Harpendon, Batford (unintentionally), Mackerye End, Peters Green, Ansells End, Kimpton, Cuckolds Cross (I bet he is) Kimpton Mill, Coldicote Bottom (patent ointment is available at your local pharmacy), Ayot St. Lawrence, Ayot Greenway, Ayot St. Peter.


It was a much cooler day than of late and I even considered putting on a lightweight fleece as I booted up.



Ayot St. Peter is barely a place at all just a few houses randomly scattered about and a church. Not only was the church having a service this coming Sunday, the first day they are allowed to, but they were having a Sale of Produce on Saturday in aid of the local air ambulance.
(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/nn129/Birkhouse/20200702_081317.jpg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds) (https://app.photobucket.com/u/Birkhouse/a/4c7f18a7-ce80-4544-ae2c-47f3b09ccc7a/p/16fafb97-bd10-499c-b2cd-c2d410875265)

 
Walking down through the woods I joined the Ayot Greenway which runs along a disused train track.
(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/nn129/Birkhouse/20200702_083525.jpg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds) (https://app.photobucket.com/u/Birkhouse/a/4c7f18a7-ce80-4544-ae2c-47f3b09ccc7a/p/75f660dd-cbfb-4497-ad77-e07a7589251e)

 
I left the track to walk by the River Lee or Lea, even OS can't decide, in to Wheathampsted.
(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/nn129/Birkhouse/20200702_090701.jpg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds) (https://app.photobucket.com/u/Birkhouse/a/4c7f18a7-ce80-4544-ae2c-47f3b09ccc7a/p/f6e492d8-0a02-422c-a267-e6b5162e9152)

 
To the west of the town I passed through a field covered in these blue flowers.
(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/nn129/Birkhouse/20200702_092049.jpg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds) (https://app.photobucket.com/u/Birkhouse/a/4c7f18a7-ce80-4544-ae2c-47f3b09ccc7a/p/5ac6207b-bf94-4a03-9c69-543f849dfef1)

 
Then the next field was a riot of poppies.
(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/nn129/Birkhouse/20200702_092518.jpg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds) (https://app.photobucket.com/u/Birkhouse/a/4c7f18a7-ce80-4544-ae2c-47f3b09ccc7a/p/754de413-fd29-4658-ace5-1fb943b224f6)

 
It started to rain and I put on my jacket and then 10 mins later took it off again.
I rejoined the old railway track and then dropped back to the river. On the map where my ROW met the river there was a path on the other side which went up 1 field, met a lane and then continued on the other side of the lane as a ROW. I was hoping for a way across the river to follow this path but there wasn't a way over. I walked down my side of the bank to a footbridge, it was closed for repair, I continued even further up stream and crossed over a weir to then retrace my steps on the other side of the river along a road.

 
The hamlet of Mackerye End is pretty much just the house which gives it its name and ancillary buildings.
(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/nn129/Birkhouse/20200702_101936.jpg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds) (https://app.photobucket.com/u/Birkhouse/a/4c7f18a7-ce80-4544-ae2c-47f3b09ccc7a/p/9eecfbca-db31-429a-8294-3ec47254733c)

 
Heading towards Peters Green, the furthest point on the walk from my car. Here is the ubiquitous 'path through crops' photo. But not today glowing golden under an azure sky.
(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/nn129/Birkhouse/20200702_105722.jpg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds) (https://app.photobucket.com/u/Birkhouse/a/4c7f18a7-ce80-4544-ae2c-47f3b09ccc7a/p/33cce490-d338-4291-bfaa-c6ca93b16f72)

 
Jacket on and then 10 mins later jacket off again. It rained on me 3 more times during the afternoon but it was significantly warmer by then and my jacket stayed in my pack.

 
On to Kimpton, a village which Wikipedia tells me has more than 2000 residents but I didn't see a single one.

 
This bridge, on a private drive, feels a bit over the top to cross a ditch that may occasionally be slightly damp.
(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/nn129/Birkhouse/20200702_130911.jpg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds) (https://app.photobucket.com/u/Birkhouse/a/4c7f18a7-ce80-4544-ae2c-47f3b09ccc7a/p/a588387f-13b1-4a13-ac57-6f7c679935f2)

 
Flowers and bees.

(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/nn129/Birkhouse/20200702_084029.jpg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds) (https://app.photobucket.com/u/Birkhouse/a/4c7f18a7-ce80-4544-ae2c-47f3b09ccc7a/p/afbe8143-6737-4926-856d-f32166068cbf)

 
(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/nn129/Birkhouse/20200702_134849.jpg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds) (https://app.photobucket.com/u/Birkhouse/a/4c7f18a7-ce80-4544-ae2c-47f3b09ccc7a/p/c3a87d8b-e16c-4a28-8c4d-cc61e2a13685)

 
The old church in Ayot St. Lawrence is in need of a bit of repair.
(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/nn129/Birkhouse/20200702_140831.jpg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds) (https://app.photobucket.com/u/Birkhouse/a/4c7f18a7-ce80-4544-ae2c-47f3b09ccc7a/p/080142de-16af-43be-9180-45ec86769d62)

 
I then went back on to the Ayot Greenway again, clambering up the embankment by the side of this bridge.
(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/nn129/Birkhouse/20200702_145613.jpg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds) (https://app.photobucket.com/u/Birkhouse/a/4c7f18a7-ce80-4544-ae2c-47f3b09ccc7a/p/a2646e18-5976-424f-b50a-640b22526033)

 
Back up through the woods to Ayot St. Peter on what felt like a very old sunken path edged with ancient beech trees.
(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/nn129/Birkhouse/20200702_150902.jpg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds) (https://app.photobucket.com/u/Birkhouse/a/4c7f18a7-ce80-4544-ae2c-47f3b09ccc7a/p/a7b1d548-1ba8-433b-bb88-0075399938e6)

 
Nearly 21 miles in just over 7 hours, an hour less than a similar distance took me last week in the heat.

 
Title: Re: TR - Ayot St. Peter to Peters Green and back
Post by: richardh1905 on 12:29:37, 03/07/20
Nice pictures.

But I read through that list of place names and realised that I hadn't a clue where you were walking!


PS - I have looked now. The Ayot Greenway looks good.
Title: Re: TR - Ayot St. Peter to Peters Green and back
Post by: Ridge on 12:36:09, 03/07/20
But I read through that list of place names and realised that I hadn't a clue where you were walking!
In the strip of land between the A1(M) and the M1 from NNW of Welwyn Garden City to SE of Luton and back.
Some of the places are absolutely tiny, no more than 3 or 4 houses.
Title: Re: TR - Ayot St. Peter to Peters Green and back
Post by: pdstsp on 13:41:17, 03/07/20
Lovely pics Ridge - I love the two churches - particularly the Ayot St Peters one - looks very unusual.
Title: Re: TR - Ayot St. Peter to Peters Green and back
Post by: Mel on 17:56:23, 03/07/20
Lovely pics Ridge but ...21 miles  :o   Are you planning on doing that sort of mileage each day on your PW (or have you sacked that off now you've reached your 2020 Mileage target?  :P  )
Title: Re: TR - Ayot St. Peter to Peters Green and back
Post by: Ridge on 18:13:18, 03/07/20
Lovely pics Ridge - I love the two churches - particularly the Ayot St Peters one - looks very unusual.
Thanks pdstsp, it is an unusual church but I think I prefer the ruined one at Ayot St. Lawrence.


Lovely pics Ridge but ...21 miles  :o   Are you planning on doing that sort of mileage each day on your PW (or have you sacked that off now you've reached your 2020 Mileage target?  :P  )
I'm not bothered about the Pennine Way, as you know I can take it or leave it. But, as I've been planning to walk it since I was about 12, we will probably drag our selves through all that gorgeous countryside against our better judgement.
Our 16 days, starting on 23rd August and finishing on 7th September average out at 16.75 miles per day but the longest day is 22 miles so I have deliberately been getting in some longer walks over the last few weeks. All this is, of course, tabulated on an excel spreed sheet with accommodation etc. As I said, not really fussed.


 
Title: Re: TR - Ayot St. Peter to Peters Green and back
Post by: April on 19:10:03, 03/07/20
I am so impressed by all the place names  O0 Lovely walk and pics  :)

Smiling at the spreadsheet of your Pennine Way plans. Only because I would have the same sort of spreadsheet. I am typing this with one eye on beefy who has glass of wine in hand and almost falling asleep and ready to spill it over my carpet  ;D

If you need any supplies en route by the time you reach the A69 please let me know it is only a 40 minute drive to Greenhead from where I live :)
Title: Re: TR - Ayot St. Peter to Peters Green and back
Post by: Ridge on 19:27:32, 03/07/20
I am typing this with one eye on beefy who has glass of wine in hand and almost falling asleep and ready to spill it over my carpet  ;D
Just get a straw and liberate the wine from his glass to save your carpet.
Quote
If you need any supplies en route by the time you reach the A69 please let me know
It may be that we need a tent as we are booked in to the hostel but are not sure if they will be open. ;)
Seriously that is a very generous offer and I will definitely bear it in mind.
Title: Re: TR - Ayot St. Peter to Peters Green and back
Post by: April on 19:46:54, 03/07/20
Just get a straw and liberate the wine from his glass to save your carpet.

He woke up and drank it unfortunately  :D

It may be that we need a tent as we are booked in to the hostel but are not sure if they will be open. ;)
Seriously that is a very generous offer and I will definitely bear it in mind.

Please let me know if you need anything, there is a roof at my house if you two need it and I can pick you up and drop you off again at Greenhead.

The breakfast might poison you but you can't have everything   :D

Edited to add, we won't be offended if you decline the offer   ;D
Title: Re: TR - Ayot St. Peter to Peters Green and back
Post by: Ridge on 20:08:26, 03/07/20
Please let me know if you need anything, there is a roof at my house if you two need it and I can pick you up and drop you off again at Greenhead.
April I know that this will not be news to anyone but you are a lovely, lovely person. Thank you.
Title: Re: TR - Ayot St. Peter to Peters Green and back
Post by: karl h on 22:36:59, 03/07/20
More lovliness Ridge O0
I wouldn't bother with that Pennine way I'm sure there must be some DIY or gardening you could be doing ;)

 
April I know that this will not be news to anyone but you are a lovely, lovely person. Thank you.
You've blown her cover now..she has a facade of a nasty meanie to keep up
Title: Re: TR - Ayot St. Peter to Peters Green and back
Post by: Ridge on 23:01:24, 03/07/20

Thanks Karl
I'm sure there must be some DIY or gardening you could be doing ;)
I was going to say loads but actually, after 100 days of furlough, these's not much left to do without splashing the cash a bit.
Though I'm still managing to avoid doing last years tax.
Title: Re: TR - Ayot St. Peter to Peters Green and back
Post by: April on 06:43:48, 04/07/20
April I know that this will not be news to anyone but you are a lovely, lovely person. Thank you.

I would withhold judgement if I were you until you try the food  ;D

You've blown her cover now..she has a facade of a nasty meanie to keep up

 ;D I take it you didn't camp out then Karl? Weather looks bleak today too  :(
Title: Re: TR - Ayot St. Peter to Peters Green and back
Post by: rural roamer on 08:35:21, 04/07/20

Some lovely pics there Ridge.  Just goes to show you can find decent walks anywhere (even between A1 and M1!)


Our 16 days, starting on 23rd August and finishing on 7th September average out at 16.75 miles per day but the longest day is 22 miles so I have deliberately been getting in some longer walks over the last few weeks. All this is, of course, tabulated on an excel spreed sheet with accommodation etc. As I said, not really fussed.
I’m guessing your 22 miles might be Dufton to Alston though we had that down as just under 21 miles? I was a bit worried about walking that far but although it was a tough day I think because we were so far into the walk it was easier. Spreadsheets - my husband has them for all our LDWs, he emails them to me to approve or not!  ;D
Title: Re: TR - Ayot St. Peter to Peters Green and back
Post by: karl h on 08:57:17, 04/07/20


 ;D I take it you didn't camp out then Karl? Weather looks bleak today too  :(


No but had a soggy walk to Kentmere and then back to catch the train from Staveley. Weather cleared up around lunchtime but it was just having a breather before coming back doubly wet in the afternoon :(
Title: Re: TR - Ayot St. Peter to Peters Green and back
Post by: Ridge on 09:02:26, 04/07/20
Thanks RR

I’m guessing your 22 miles might be Dufton to Alston though we had that down as just under 21 miles? I was a bit worried about walking that far but although it was a tough day I think because we were so far into the walk it was easier. Spreadsheets - my husband has them for all our LDWs, he emails them to me to approve or not!  ;D
I've got Greenhead to Belligham as our longest day at 22 miles but I haven't actually measured it on a map just taken the distances from books or on line. I regularly walk 15 to 18 miles but hadn't done 20 miles for a while so it felt like a psychological barrier that I should cross before I was staggering through the fog near High Cup Nick.
I email the spreed sheet to my son to keep him informed, not for approval. I am pretty sure he just ignores it.
Title: Re: TR - Ayot St. Peter to Peters Green and back
Post by: pleb on 09:28:26, 04/07/20
Looks really nice, twee countryside  O0
Title: Re: TR - Ayot St. Peter to Peters Green and back
Post by: Ridge on 10:17:53, 04/07/20
Looks really nice, twee countryside  O0
Thanks pleb.
Title: Re: TR - Ayot St. Peter to Peters Green and back
Post by: Dodgylegs on 10:37:25, 04/07/20
But I read through that list of place names and realised that I hadn't a clue where you were walking


Same here!


Enjoyed looking through photos, they did actually remind me of the Tyne Valley (Northumberland!), but those place names didn't.

Greenhead to Bellingham, watch out for that hole my right leg disappeared down, just after leaving Hadrians Wall! Avoiding bog, ended up soaked and stinking .... Foot was dangling down there, not touching the bottom!



Title: Re: TR - Ayot St. Peter to Peters Green and back
Post by: Ridge on 11:43:07, 04/07/20
Greenhead to Bellingham, watch out for that hole my right leg disappeared down,
I'll keep an eye out for it, I assume there will be some sort of wayside shrine or at least a commemorative plaque.
Title: Re: TR - Ayot St. Peter to Peters Green and back
Post by: Dodgylegs on 12:10:22, 04/07/20
Maybe The Lambton Worm's new home....