For future walks go to our Walks Programme for 2010

Sunday 18th July - 11.45 am for a prompt 12.00 noon start. 
Distance 5 miles (Two GPS holders reported 4.75 miles actual).

Bushey Festival Walk to Patchetts Green, Letchmore Heath and Elstree Aerodrome
Meeting point: Outside Bushey Meads School, Coldharbour Lane, Bushey.  The postcode for Sat. Navs. is WD23 4PA.
Leader : David Bearfield.
Bring a picnic.
Join us for a walk from Bushey through Happy Valley to Patchetts Green and up to Letchmore Heath.  Return across the runway at Elstree aerodrome and continue on to the Greenway to Bushey.  

Forty two people came, weather was fine, a little hot, but the numerous bottles of water that David Bearfield had hidden on the route were much appreciated. Chris Beney spoke at Stilegates (Bushey 8) about the small area of dedicated access land, the first in the country. Along the route various issues and landmarks were pointed out. One person had gone off route in a way that the two back stop members could not have seen and David had to go back and redirect her. That meant a slightly earlier picnic than planned, but being Letchmore Heath we got much more shade and, for some, pub access. Then on and over the runway overshoot at Elstree Aerodrome, down and under the A41 by means of the underpass, and along the Tessa Yates Greenway.

Here are some pictures taken by Chris Beney, some from David Bearfield will be added shortly.

The path through the cemetery is seriously encroaching on the path.
 

A member (?Maggie) suggested the further grossing was safer. BADFA has asked on many occasions for a simple refuge in line with the paths.

Patchetts Equestrian centre

Composite photo, taken from the Access Land at Stilegates (path Bushey 8)

Some of the Festival walkers. This year the path had been left through the crops (as required by law).

Crossing the overshoot runway at the aerodrome.

Sunday 9th May  - 11.00am. 6 miles
Exploring the Rickmansworth Lakes.
Meeting point: the Aquadrome car park.  near WD3 1NF
Bring a picnic.
Leader: Keith Latham 
A circuit of the Rickmansworth lakes – Stockers, Bury and Batchworth Lakes; this area is rich in waterfowl with a view, if lucky, of a heron’s nest.

On the day it went well with eleven members turning up on a fine day. The walk was focused on the lakes' waterfowl and Spring was well and truly sprung with lots of coot chicks, ducklings and goslings. No cygnets yet (but several swans seen on their nests) and no sign of tiny Herons but several adults put in a (brief)appearance.  All photos this walk K.Latham.

Friday 7th May 2010 (moved from 23rd April due to late blooming) – 6.30pm.  2 miles. 
An Evening Bluebell walk in Berrygrove Woods.
Meeting point : Opposite St Johns Church, Aldenham village. No picnic.
Leader : David Bearfield.
Enjoy the sight and fragrance of the bluebells.  A short, easy walk suitable for the less active. 

A slightly overcast and chilly evening, but we all soon warmed up and had a pleasant evening walk.

9 adults plus young Miss Summer Evans, plus Chris Beney who took the picture

Tree down on the track

Honey fungus

Wednesday 7th April  - 11.00am. 7 miles
Week-Day Walk to Bricket Wood.
Meeting point: Aldenham Church.  For Sat Navs WD2 8BE is nearby.
Pub lunch or bring a picnic.  Leader: Keith Latham 
A walk through the Colne Valley, Bricket Wood Common and along the railway for a Pub lunch at the The Gate or Fox and Hounds or a picnic lunch nearby, returning via Munden House and Wall Hall. 

A bit of a drizzley day, and so fine  the next day.

This flower puzzled the participants. Any idea?

Photos K Latham

The flower


The bridge over the seasonal river branch
 

Leaving the sheep field

Thames Walk at Source photos to come, meanwhile here is the start of the Thames walks in June 2000

Photo: Paris Paraskevaides

Sunday 28th March,  Daffodils at Wall Hall Extra flower walk. 
The day that clocks have moved forward one hour.

Fifteen people came.

Sunday 21st March – 11.00am.  6 miles.
Roman Gorhambury.
Meeting point : Verulameum Museum car park AL3 4SW
Leader : David Bearfield. Bring a picnic.
A walk through Roman Britain along some permissive paths passing the ruins of Gorhambury and going down some country lanes.  Photos David Bearfield

Sunday 14th February - 11.00am prompt.  5 miles.
Jenny Nixon’s Snowdrop Walk, Gustard Wood, Wheathamstead.
Meeting point : From St Albans go through Sandridge then down the hill into Wheatamstead past the shops. TAL4 8BS.  Picnic.
Leader : David Bearfield as Jenny Nixon was unwell.
"I went on this walk last year and the snowdrops were stunning."    
 

A shame Jenny was not well. But a good walk with fourteen people.  

The River Lea, on its way to the Olympic site, near the millennium dome.