Pete's Walks- Bledlow and Radnage (page 3 of 3)
When I reached a T-junction of rights of way, I turned left onto a section of the Ridgeway National Trail which climbed steadily up Lodge Hill. Even though it was now about 2pm there was still a lot of frost in the shade. There were good views from the top of the hill, the views being close to their best on this almost cloudless winter's day. I could see across the Saunderton Valley towards Lacey Green with its windmill, north to the Vale of Aylesbury and south to Slough Hill and beyond.
Part of The Ridgeway National Trail rising up the eastern side of Lodge Hill
Looking across the valley towards Lacey Green from the climb up Lodge Hill
Still very frosty in the shade, at 2pm.
The path continuing across the top of Lodge Hill
Looking north over the Vale of Aylesbury
Looking south towards Slough Hill
I followed the path across the top of Lodge Hill and down the wooded north-western end of the hill. The path turned left through a gate and continued across a couple of fields to reach Wigan's Lane. Over the lane the path carried on beside a hedge on the right. I passed a gate where a path (part of the Chiltern Way route) came in from the left, then a few yards further on went through a second gate to switch to the left of the hedge/fence line, now in a large sheep pasture.
The path continuing down the north-western slope of Lodge Hill
The path continuing down the north-western slope of Lodge Hill
The path continuing from Lodge Hill, towards Wigan's Lane
The path continuing on the other side of Wigan's Lane
Looking back towards Lodge Hill
The path continuing after I joined part of the Chiltern Way
After a few hundred yards I went through a gate or stile where the Chiltern Way forked right. It crossed a field, going quite steeply downhill, passed through a tree belt and crossed a second field. I then went over a drive or track, and followed a right-hand hedge through two more large fields to return to Bledlow, where the church and my waiting car were a short distance to my right.
The path after I forked right
Approaching where the path crosses a drive or track
The penultimate field before I returned to Bledlow
Approaching Bledlow
This is one of my favourite shorter walks, which I always enjoy. There are some nice views from several different points along the way, three 'ups and downs', and a good mix of woods, fields and downland. It was a very cold day, never more than 2C, but I was warmly wrapped up and never felt cold .