A Guiding Life

Well I've been a member of the hill walking club now for 18 months and I finally plucked up the courage to go with the 'long walk' group.

It was a planned 16 miles, which I've done on a walk day before but I know this group is always at a fast pace.

It was in the Chilterns which have more rolling hills than the steep climbs of the peaks so being as the weather was good (dry and overcast, if a little muggy) I decided to go for it as did a few others that have never been in 'top set' before.

We started at Stokenchurch, you can see from the blur of my first photo the pace got going straight away!

And I was pretty much unable to stop to get my phone out at all, but then this is a comfortable England down here it doesn't have the stunning views of further north.

I couldn't quite believe this barn with a London double decker stashed away in it though.

We marched on, I realised I was spending a lot of time looking at the ground about 4 feet ahead of me and not really very aware of my environment.

I've had a few people say that about the reason why they don't do the longer walks with the club, there's no time to stop and stare.

There were red kites all along the route though and I love them. Although when hot, tired, hungry and wanting a break I was getting the feeling of buzzards circling to pick me off!

There's a lot of paths here. Good terrain but easy to navigate to a wrong one with so many.

Lacey Green was interesting with a Victorian bus shelter

and a smock windmill

The woodland we walked through was ancient (dogs mercury) and beautiful. Note the blur, no chance to stop!

We stopped for a quick drink mid-morning and a wee behind a bush, when I realised that whilst I was behind a bush the bush was behind a golf course - so maybe not as private as I first thought!!

This oak (and presumably bench) was planted in 1952 for the coronation, it was lovely.

We finished at Wendover. with 17 miles walked.

I'm really pleased I did it, it's a tick off achievement but I suspect I many be one of the band that chooses to do the shorter walks just to get time to stand and stare.

What is this life if, full of care,

We have no time to stand and stare.

No time to stand beneath the boughs

And stare as long as sheep or cows.

No time to see, when woods we pass,

Where squirrels hide their nuts in grass.

No time to see, in broad daylight,

Streams full of stars, like skies at night.

No time to turn at Beauty's glance,

And watch her feet, how they can dance.

No time to wait till her mouth can

Enrich that smile her eyes began.

A poor life this if, full of care,