Pete's Walks - Kensworth to Ivinghoe Beacon again (page 3 of 3)
Steps up the steep slope just before Wards Hurst Farm
Just before reaching Wards Hurst Farm, the path climbs steeply through the trees, using wooden steps that were put in two or three years ago now. As I reached the top of the steps, I saw four Fallow deer in the field on my left, the only ones I'd see today (though I heard a buck roaring a little later). At the farm, I turned left and took the delightful path to Hogs Hall, with gorgeous views ahead across the start of the Gade Valley The beech trees here were very colourful - most trees I saw today were still at least partly green, it's still quite early in autumn. Continuing down the drive from Hog Hall, the views ahead were still good as I had the long line of Dunstable Downs and Whipsnade Downs stretched out in front of me.
The path from Wards Hurst Farm to Hog Hall, looking over the Gade Valley and Dagnall
The Gade Valley, from the drive from Hogs Hall
The drive from Hogs Hall, looking towards the Dunstable and Whipsnade Downs
At the end of the drive I turned right to reach Dagnall (where Beds, Bucks and Herts all meet). I took a path on the far side of the village by the school, and then made my way up the steep slopes to reach Whipsnade Golf Club. I assume there was a competition being played, as the numerous golfers I saw were all playing in groups of three. They all seemed oblivious of the Red Kite flying overhead, possibly the same bird I'd seen in the morning as I was only a few fields away from where I saw it. Beyond the golf course I joined the path alongside Whipsnade Zoo, and then took the old lane from Holywell towards Whipsnade, diverting off it to reach Whipsnade church.
Looking across allotments in Dagnall towards the path to Whipsnade Golf Club (it rises along the left edge of the wood)
The path alongside Whipsnade Zoo
The old lane from Holywell to Whipsnade
Where the path leaves the old lane, en route to Whipsnade church
Approaching Whipsnade church
I then made my way down to Whipsnade Heath, and followed the path through the woods and across a couple of fields to return to Kensworth.
Part of the huge green at Whipsnade
Whipsnade Heath, near the picnic table
The path through Whipsnade Heath
The path continuing towards Green End Farm, Kensworth
The walk took about five and a quarter hours. It was very pleasant, despite the generally grey conditions, with patches of blue sky only rarely visible. Its a route I've followed many times before, though it seemed some while since I last walked it. As always with repeating walks, the weather conditions and the time of year always make a difference. The mixture of green and golden/yellow/orange leaves of early autumn, set against the grey skies, certainly added something to the walk today.