15 July 1999 Bledlow Ridge to Wendover 11 Miles

Not too early a rise this morning as it was only an 11 miler to-day. Had a good nights rest and we are ready now for the day ahead.

Went through the usual pre walk routine, shower, breakfast ( very good ). Mrs Gee gave us our packed lunches, it must have been a whole baguette filled with cheese and salad and a choice of fruit.

That done, Mr Gee said he was going through Wendover and if we knew where our B & B was he would drop off our bags for us ( alas we didn't know ) so we had to carry them again.

From the farm we picked up a connecting path and we were soon back on the Ridgeway, we had to climb up and over Lodge Hill, down the other side which took us to Lee Road, across this and onwards to cross two railway lines, eventually to connect with the Wycombe Road ( B4129 ) along this for a while then off to the right to skirt to the South East of Princes Risborough.

It was now a case of contouring around hills and over Giles Wood this was a bit of a steep climb. It was worth it because at Lower Cadsden we happened across a Pub 'The Plough' we sat outside and enjoyed a couple of pints. On leaving the pub we followed the road past the pretty little cottages to another road, here we turned left and down the road for a few hundred metres we then found the path off to the right.

The path was stepped at this point, they must have been made for giants as they were large steps, however we made it to the top. We then followed along the bottom of Pulpitt Hill, across to Cradle Footpath, skirt Maple Wood, from this viewpoint you can see in the distance 'Chequers' the Prime Ministers country residence, further along the route we crossed the driveway.

A short climb up Goodmerhill Wood, traverse the top which then joins in with the South Bucks Way for a short while, we continued through until we came to Coombe Hill, on the hill there were kite flyers ( good updraft ) next we encountered the Monument.

Along then to Bacombe Hill and so into Wendover. We were early so we found ourselves a nice little cafe and had a drink. It was then off to the B & B, we were shown our room and the usual services, there appeared to be notes pinned up everywhere for the benefit of the clients, strange place, as the lady said she does not cook, but she provides everything you would need for breakfast it's a case of cook your own ( mind you it was cheap £14 ).

We had a large room, room enough for another bed if need be. We had a rest then got ourselves cleaned up then it was out to find some supper. Well! you wouldn't believe the prices in the pubs, a bar snack could cost you £8, way above our mark so we settled for Fish and Chips. Back then for a good nights rest.

Wendover to Ivinghoe Beacon 11.5 miles

Well satisfied after preparing our won breakfasts, we settled with Mrs Condie and we were on our way into the final leg of the walk.

But, before going too far we had to purchase ourselves some lunch, this we got from the local bakery.

Back down the road to pick up the path just before the Clock Tower, this took us along a pretty part of the walk, leading into the road where the St Mary the Virgin Church a 12th century church is situated. Just past the church at the end of the road we crossed to continue along our way. It was well signed it also connected with the Chiltern Link, we eventually came to Bosswells Farm this looks down a long straight stretch of tree lined road which was a pleasure to look at.

We started to climb into Barn Wood we got so far and decided to stop on the side of the hill and eat our lunch. We had a lovely view of Wendover. Satisfied we now continued along the top of Barn Wood which led us into Hale Wood at the end of this stretch we crossed a minor road to enter more wood and pastureland, the path then connected with the Icknield Way.

We were now travelling in a NW direction eventually entering Hastoe, from there it was crossing fields to Wick Farm, at this point we spotted the two girls that we had previously been leapfrogging, we walked with them as far as Wiggington, where we found the pub ' The Greyhound', had a bowl of chips and a beer before we went on our way.

It was along the road and off to the right to pick up the path, over the A41 and under the A4251 we were now heading for Tring. Over the Grand Union Canal past the Station Hotel and off to the left which was to take us up and over Aldbury Nowers, a bit of a climb but the views at the top were stunning, along the ridge to Pitstone Hill along some more then down to cross a road and follow the path along the edge of a corn field it was moderate climb.

The climbing was a little more intense as we approached Incombe Hole and continued until we hit the ridge, although Lawrence branched off before the top as he was desperate to get to the car park, his blister was giving him hell, and he thought his wife might already be there. I continued on my own meeting my wife at the foot of the Beacon. I finally reached the top of Ivinghoe Beacon at the same time as a couple from the Netherlands ( Daniel and Ruth ) we had a chat I took photo's of them and on the way down offered them a lift to Tring Station where their car was. We were now on our way home.

In Conclusion

The walk although pleasant was marred at times by the fact that the hedgerows blocked the views, also the Ridgeway is very badly rutted in lots of places.

However, on the good side, the walk can be accomplished without the need of a book or maps, if you are camping. Maps would be required if you had to leave the Ridgeway at any time.

The route is very well sign posted.