Pete's Walks - Lilley-Barton (page 5 of 5)
Again there were views over Luton towards Blows Downs (and as usual, the only thing worth looking for was Luton Town's ground at Kenilworth Road!). At the top of Warden Hill I bore slightly left and followed a fence line downhill. At the foot of the slope I turned left, following a wide path beside a hedgerow (on my right) gradually back uphill with a large field of oil-seed rape on my left. At the top of the slope I turned right along a farm track - I spotted lots of Borage here in the edge of the oil-seed rape field to my left, the first time I'd seen this flower this year (it's one of my favourites as it's rather curious, the blue flower looking as if it is upside down).
Warden Hill
View towards Blows Downs from Warden Hill
Start of the path down Warden Hill - the route continues along the hedgerow (left) as far as the wood
The path from Warden Hill
The track to Whitehill Wood - the blue plant in the oil-seed rape crop is Borage
At a track crossroads I turned left, initially descending with Whitehill Wood on my right. There was still an enormous oil-seed rape crop on my left, and towards the bottom of the slope I saw a large patch of Borage.
The track descending beside Whitehill Wood - again, the blue patch in the oil-seed rape crop is Borage
After some distance I reached another track crossroads, where I turned right onto Wardswood Lane, initially a broad hedge-lined track. There was gravel farm track here, put in since my first visit here. I passed Ward's Wood on my left, and then continued on along the bridleway of Wardswood Lane to return to my car in Lilley.
Wardswood Lane, from where I joined it
Wardswood Lane, beside Ward's Wood
Wardswood Lane
Wardswood Lane
This route is one of my all-time favourites - I've been meaning to do it again for some time, as it's over a year since I last walked it. It lived up to my memories, even if at times cloudy skies meant some of the views weren't at their best. The section from Deacon Hill to Pegsdon is excellent, and the section over Barton Hills is always very enjoyable. Seeing the stoat and so many Chalkhill Blues just added to the pleasures of a wonderful walk.