Pete's Walks - Chenies, Chipperfield Common, Ley Hill (page 5 of 5)
The path then turned half-left and followed the southern edge of Frith Wood, climbing steadily uphill. Near the top of the hill I went through a gate on the left, and continued alongside the edge of the wood (now called Tooley's Croft). The huge field of stubble on my right sloped down to the river Chess in the valley bottom - this is always an enjoyable path to walk, but it had now greyed over so the views today weren't as fine as they can be. I soon heard and then spotted a Buzzard, as I followed the edge of the wood for over half a mile until I reached Latimer House (where I spotted a Comma, the only butterfly of the day I think).
The path on the southern edge of Frith Wood
The path going uphill along the southern edge of Frith Wood
Looking back across the Chess Valley, from the edge of Frith Wood
The path along the southern edge of Tooley's Croft
The path along the southern edge of Tooley's Croft
The Chess Valley, just west of Latimer
Latimer House
Beyond Latimer House I followed the path downhill across a large pasture (just a few cows over to the right amongst trees close to the river Chess). I then crossed a lane just outside the village of Latimer (to my left) and continued through another very large and empty pasture, soon following a fence or hedge line on my left. I passed an area of bushes enclosed by wooden fencing over to my right near the river, the site of the former church of Flaunden - it was abandoned in the nineteenth century, due to frequent flooding. Further on the path ran between a hedge and a fence, then between fences with the river just to my right, before I reached a farmyard at Chenies Bottom.
The Chess Valley at Latimer
The path along the Chess Valley just east of Latimer. The area of bushes on the right, surrounded by a wooden fence, is the site of the original church at Flaunden
The path from Latimer to Chenies Bottom
Approaching Chenies Bottom
I turned right, and took my usual photo of the river Chess from the bridge here. I soon came to a road junction, where I crossed the Chesham-Chenies road and continued steeply uphill through a wood. The path then ran between tall brick walls, with Chenies Manor to my right and the churchyard on my left. It was then a short stroll left through the attractive village back to my parked car.
The river Chess at Chenies Bottom
The path up to Chenies from Chenies Bottom
The path approaching Chenies Manor
Chenies Manor
Chenies Church
It was a shame the skies became grey and dull after lunchtime, though they were clearing up again as I got back to Chenies. It had been a gorgeous Autumn morning, which really added to the pleasure of the walk. This was a pleasant and interesting route, with a fair bit of variety, and it was nice to walk some new paths. It was nice to finally visit Sarratt, and good to see Chipperfield Common again. It's definitely a route I'd be happy to walk again.
To see this walk done in the opposite direction on 15/7/12, click here.