Gerrards Cross to Cookham
Saturday March 15th. Eleven gathered at Gerrards Cross Station after the short journey from Marylebone. We were joined in the car park by at least two other walking groups, one averaging less than half our age.
We soon reached Bulstrode Park. Its 400 acres were originally bought in 1686 by Judge Jefferys, but confiscated when he was sent to the Tower of London. The current owners of the Manor House do not seem welcoming, but the public rights of way provide pleasant scenery and walks near lakes on woodland paths.
The noise from the M40 motorway receded as we walked through Hedgerley Nature Reserve to reach the formerly best kept village. The Church is currently closed for renovation; we were also too early for the pub.
The conditions underfoot had improved in recent days, so mud and ground water were not as bad as predicted, and above us the sun shone from mid morning. A beautiful day for walking, with the light reflecting through the trees.
Kites accompanied us along a stretch of road to the footpath leading to Egypt Wood. Prior to 1880 the area was a regular encampment for gypsies, a term derived from Egyptian despite the probability that most gypsies were fro India. Now part of Burnham Beeches, this vast area of woodland is managed by the Corporation of London. Much tree felling activity added interest, but did not improve the footpath. But we all reached the lunchtime pub safely.
(The youthful walking group had not yet ordered their food, we were not far behind them)
After some excellent hospitality, there are more woods and fringes of woods following yhe Beeches Way and Chiltern loop. Near Clivedon we did not have the energy or desire to detour uphill to the attractive Church of St Nicholas dating from at least 1218. The river Thames led us towards the bridge at Cookham and options for a tea break.
A choice of bus or train towards Maidenhead then Paddington enabled all to head home at the end of around our ten mile ramble.
(And we caught up again with the other walking group at Cookham station).
Special thanks to Mary-Jane for support and photography.
