Monday January 17, 2005

Third time lucky for a walk around Nettlebed.

Nettlebed a village a few miles north of Henley is the place we have tried to do a walk three times now. This time we can report success. The first time we tried to do the walk it started to rain when we got there, the second we forgot the walk book. On the second attempt on the way we spotted a Rolls Royce with the number plate MAG1C which we think is the magicians Paul Daniels car which may or not interest you... This area does have a lot of celebrities, Uri Geller lives in nearby Sonning, the local pub is not visited by him as the cutlery there was in perfect condition when I went there recently.

Nettlebed itself has a famous resident and that is George Cole of Arthur Daley in Minder fame.

Back to the walk. Mostly under cover of woodland and the book suggests at bluebell time the woods look amazing so we will have to give it another try in May. As we are in the Chilterns the walk is not flat but gently undulating and wonderful views as you go. The other good thing about this walk is the path had horse barriers so despite the wet weather it does not end up a muddy mess. Where horses are allowed the flint stone in the soil provides some support to both us and horses in wet weather.

Near the end of the walk you pass near Bix Bottom a wonderfully named little hamlet. Its old church now falling down after being replaced by one in the hamlet was passed by us a little earlier. On getting back to Nettlebed was passed the old brick kiln still in excellent condition. Dark clouds threatened us near the end of the walk but the weather kept fine.