Fairfield Ramblers
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A guided walk and a day out usually on the last Saturday each month and some Bank Holidays. From 9.15am onwards.
General Information
- Unless otherwise stated within the programme we meet outside Fairfield on the last Saturday of every month, or on the adjacent Bank Holiday.
- In the first instance please call David, Derek or James for further information, or if you would like to lead a walk.
- Please bring your friends. We assemble at the church car park at 9.15am then using what vehicles are available we set off for the starting point by 9.30am.
- There is normally a pool of cars so please come and join us even if you do not have a vehicle.
- Our walks generally range from 3½ miles upwards and are classified as easy, moderate or challenging according to the degree of difficulty. Timings indicated are minimum times. The programme gives an indication of suggested lunch arrangements (if any). Please feel free to bring a light snack anyway
- All map references are based upon the OS Explorer 1:25 000 series for those wishing to meet up at the starting point.
- In the event of bad weather a decision is normally made en mass prior to setting out. But if it is obviously going to be difficult please call, James on 0787 659 3232 or David 01895 675541 on the walk day.
- In any event the walk leader will still appear at the church to give the decision of abandonment.
- Walks are subject to change at short notice through weather conditions or otherwise.
- Please make sure you wear appropriate clothing and footwear for walking, and bring some fluids to drink.
Programme
February 2008 — January 2009
- 23 February
- Fingest, Bucks. 5½ miles; (2½hrs). Graded: Moderate; Terrain: Paths and country lanes, a few steep climbs. Stiles: 10. Undulating wooded landscape and chalk ridges, likely to see red kites, buzzards and deer. Start/parking: Chequers Lane, near church Grid reference: SU777911 Exp. 171. Lunch: Good pubs — Fingest & Turville.
- 24 March — Bank Holiday
- Denham, Bucks. 8½ miles; (4hrs). Graded: Easy; Terrain: Well marked paths; mainly flat ground with a few easy climbs. Stiles: None. This is essentially a walk in two halves; the first is characterised by the flat terrain by the GU Canal, while the second half covers higher ground, taking advantage of rolling fields and country lanes. Start/parking: Village Road, near church Grid reference: TQ0443869 Exp 172. Pub lunch.
- 19 April
- Briden’s Camp, Herts. 6¾ miles; (3hrs). Graded: Easy; Terrain: Clear paths over undulating ground, short road stretches. Stiles: None. Secluded paths, rolling landscape, fine views starting and finishing in the striking hamlet of Briden’s Camp. Start/parking Crown & Sceptre car park. Grid reference: TL043111 Exp. 182. Pub lunch.
- 5 May — Bank Holiday
- Windsor Great Park, Berks. 8 miles; (4hrs). Graded: Easy; Terrain: Drives, well-used paths and tracks, undulations – no steep hills. Stiles: None. Long established as one of the Queen’s favourite places. Windsor Great Park remains a haven of peace in the shadow of W London and Heathrow, a unique corner of Berkshire – a spacious very English Park of infinite beauty and grace. Start/parking: Bishopsgate one of the entrances to Windsor Great Park off the A328 nr Englefield Green Grid Reference: SU978722 Exp 160. Lunch: Bring own.
- 26 May — Bank Holiday
- Around the Chess Valley. 7 miles; (3hrs). Graded Easy to Moderate; Terrain: Paths tracks with some country roads, chalk plateau and water-meadows. Pub lunch. Start/Finish Grid reference: TQ 042994.
There may be one bull in a field along the way! - 28 June
- Dunstable Downs, Beds. 7½ miles; (3½hrs). Graded: Moderate; Terrain: Generally good paths and one steep climb. Stiles: 2. Dunstable Downs on the periphery of the Chilterns offers some quite spectacular views from the ridge. Start/parking Grid reference TL 008198 Exp. 181, 182, & 193. Lunch: Picnic en route only.
- 26 July
- Amersham and Chalfont St Giles, Bucks. 6½ miles; (3½hrs). Graded: Easy; Terrain: Fields, woodland well-waymarked South Bucks Way. Stiles: 13. The outward route between Amersham & Chalfont St Giles is above the delightful Misbourne Valley, whereas the return leg takes you along the valley bottom. Start/parking: Amersham old town. Grid reference: SP962973 Exp. 172. Pubs/cafes in Amersham & Chalfont St Giles.
- 25 August
- Epping Forest, Essex. 10½ miles; (4½hrs). Graded: Moderate; Terrain: Mainly semi-surfaced ‘rides’ prepared for horse riders. Stiles: 2. A walk to introduce you to the majesty of the Royal Forest of Epping. This lovely walk will take you on a roller-coaster ride through ancient woodland. Start/parking: From Loughton Station go north-west up Old Station Rd to cross High Rd and continue on Connaught Ave. Nursery Rd car park is at the top Grid reference TL417963 Exp 174. Lunch: Route passes near to tea hut & a pub.
- 27 September
- Kings Langley’s Lost Legacy, Herts. 6½ miles; (2½hrs). Graded: Moderate; Terrain: Field paths, bridleways and canal tow path, chalk hills and dry valleys westwards; Gade valley & Grand Union Canal eastwards. Stiles: 9. Walk around Kings Langley and back along the GU Canal. Start/parking Car park on Langley Hill, west of High Street. Grid reference: TL 071026. Exp. 182. Pub Lunch.
- 18 October
- Fields of Great Gaddesden, Herts. 6 miles; (3hrs). Graded: Moderate; Terrain: Field paths and bridleways, water-meadows and plateau above. Stiles: 37. Sparkling upper waters of the R Gade wind through the damp, green water-meadows the valley rising on both sides of the chalk plateau. Start/parking: The Green, Jockey End. Grid reference: TL030137. Exp 182. Pub Lunch.
- 29 November
- Bledlow, Bucks. 3¾ miles; (2 hrs). Graded: Moderate; Terrain: Field paths and bridleways with a steep climb. Stiles: 2. A magnificent walk but needs a little stamina. A moderate ascent of Wainhill followed by an easy walk on the Ridgeway Path. Then the climb to the summit of Chinnor Hill returning to Bledlow along level paths parallel to the former Princes Risborough to Watlington Railway. Start/parking: Bledlow The Lion PH. Grid ref: TL776020. Exp. 181. Lunch at the Pub.
- 26 December — Boxing Day
- Sarratt, Herts. 4 miles; (2hrs). Graded: Easy; Terrain: Moderately steep hills well marked paths. One of the many lovely walks in and around the Chess valley; passing by the ancient parish church descending into the valley below field meeting the River Chess, traversing across the opposite hillside re-crossing the river. Start/parking: The Cricketers Sarratt. Grid ref: SP044992 Exp. 172. Note: THERE IS NO PUB LUNCH PLANNED.
- 10 January
- Annual meal
- 31 January
- Great Missenden, Bucks. 4¾ miles; (2¼ hrs). Graded: Easy; Terrain: Well marked fields and paths. Stiles: 9. A moderate climb out of the Misbourne Valley where the path crosses a level varied landscape of fields and small woodlands. This walk is not dramatic but covers the simple delights of Buckinghamshire’s landscape. Start/parking: The George car park. Grid ref: SP895011 Exp. 181.