Princes Risborough Circular

30 May. On a very hot day in this unseasonal spring, twelve of us set out from Princes Risborough to walk slowly up to Bledlow Ridge. This walk was done in memory of Peter Harris, and also of Ann Usborne who led it before he did. I used Peter’s notes, which he had drawn up from memory, one day when he was prevented from leading it. Although they were written about ten years ago, the notes still serve very well. But we had to imagine stiles which no longer stand there. The paths are now much more accessible, with most of the stiles replaced by gates.

The views were wonderful, and the sky was a dramatic contrast to the stormy weather that Sally and I met on the recce a couple of weeks earlier.

The morning ended at the top of Bledlow Ridge, for lunch at the Boot. Three of our group decided to take a short cut down to Saunderton after lunch – first visiting St Paul’s Church, where there is a magnificent window designed by John Piper.

The rest of us made an easy return (all downhill) back to Princes Risborough. On the way we met participants in the trail-running Ridgeway Challenge, who were attempting to cover 86 miles (from Ivinghoe Beacon in Hertfordshire to the Avebury Stones in Wiltshire) in 28 hours! That made our efforts look puny. But it was a very rewarding day, and thanks to all my companions.

Janet, with thanks to Sally, Sue C, Samantha and Mary-Jane for photos