This is my first driven-to walk since the beginning of lockdown.
Potten End is a small place between Hemel Hempstead and Berhamstead. I used the satnav on my phone to drive there and at one point it was sending me twice round the same village green until I refused to follow it and drove off. So, 35 mins after leaving home, I was parking up outside the the village pub. I booted up and set off. Down Vicarage Road, not the one where Watford FC play, and in to the woods.
Things felt a little later than at home and there were still masses of bluebells.
The woods were quite open but it was nice to be under the trees on what was becoming a very warm day.
The thing I had been looking for, at last a small clump of wild garlic
I was walking along the edge of the escarpment but the trees obscured any views.
At last an opening with a view of Aldbury
Back in to the trees and then suddenly out to the Bridgewater Moument. It was built in 1832 in memory of the 3rd Duke.
Back in to the trees as I headed on towards the beacon. I treated myself to a very expensive ice cream in the carpark for the beacon. and then joined the picnickers heading up.
People were spacing out sensibly and avoiding each other.
The views from the top are huge.
The chalk lion below Whipsnade Zoo.
Doubling back on my self I then dropped down off the ridge on the Icknield Way
And then there was wild garlic everywhere.
I ended up talking to 2 separate couples here both of whom were also out for their first drive and walk after lockdown.
First bluebells, then wild garlic and now lambs!
Onward through Ringshall and then suddenly White Park cattle.
Down the Golden Valley. I don't know if it is named because of all the buttercups but they were lovely.
It was so nice walking down the dry valley I almost changed my planned route to follow it for further but in the end I didn't.
Across a HUGE field
To Nettledon, a pretty village with old church, old cottages and more Ranger Rovers than people.
Finally back to Potten End after an absolutely stunning 15.5 miles.