50 Great Walks in the Chilterns published to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Chiltern Society.
I know the Chilterns pretty well, having lived in the area for over 50 years, and have always enjoyed walking, except perhaps during the angst of teenage years. During lockdown I have revisited some old favourites, Buckinghamshire is beautiful and I try very hard not to take the countryside on our doorstep for granted. There are many walks where you can find peace and beauty.
One of the most popular walks is, of course, the Pednor Loop, a great circular walk, though perhaps not the best place to go for peace and quiet at the moment. Its proximity to Chesham has increased its popularity enormously over the last year. Another lovely walk is Captains Wood, a 5 mile approx. loop trail starting on the edge of Chesham, then towards Bellingdon and Asheridge. If you get your timing right at the end of your walk, a welcome takeaway coffee from the town is available.
Chesham also has a great park, Lowndes Park, a major historic feature of Chesham, spanning 36 acres that was donated to the town in 1953 by the Lowndes Family. A great place in easier times, to buy an ice cream, watch the ducks, and catch up with friends and family.
Crossing St Mary’s Way and having a wander down the High Street, especially on a Wednesday, can provide plenty to see. The winding line of people standing patiently for the Community Fridge, a non-profit charity that aims to redistribute surplus food to the general community that would otherwise become food waste.
The Wednesday Market is well supported, including a great Fruit and Veg Stall run by Dennis and crew, this is very well organised with masked public waiting in an orderly line. It reminds me a little of The Full Monty sketch if only we all knew the dance moves!
Chesham Town Hall has been extremely busy with the rollout of the Vaccination Programme. I walked past a few weeks ago, when it was early days and it was truly heart warming seeing some of our more vulnerable population coming out of the hall - lots of smiles under masks, after being vaccinated.
It will be lovely to see the Community of Chesham back to some form of normality. Chapter Two has missed all its customers and we can’t wait to get back, I’ll be looking for another book!
by Bridget Mckenna
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