Join our friendly group for great walks and good company.
A varied and picturesque walk through woods and open areas and Nature reserve. One steep down and up. Mud after rain in parts. Poles may be useful.
From the five horseshoes PH we walk to Russells water over the common. The picturesque pond was the scene of the opening for the film Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. There are many koi carp in the pond today. We walk west with a steep downhill, to join part of the Shakespeare way and on enclosed and mainly level paths we enter the Warburg nature reserve through Kitesgrove wood. We reach the information centre where we will stop for lunch on the picnic benches. There is some indoor seating also if it is wet. There are toilets here but no refreshments. There is a lovely bird hide with pond to have a look at. We then walk down the quiet lane to Bix Bottom and the views open out. At the bottom of the hill there is the ruins of St James Church which is very atmospheric and worth a look. We then join the Chiltern way extension through Wellgrove wood to Crocker End, a pretty hamlet which has the very grand Soundess house which we pass by with its intricate topiary. There may be cows in the field here. On the edge of Stockings plantation we exit the wood with wonderful views and retrace a bit of our earlier path. There is a very steep short uphill section and some steps to climb to reach the road again by the pub. We may partake of refreshments here afterwards if it is open. If not we may stop at the fox and hounds nearby.
Bring a packed lunch.
Well behaved dogs are allowed. On a lead around livestock.
Walk leader: Anne Kimber 07779540271 annekimber@talktalk.net
Russells Water RG9 6EX You can arrive from either the Henley direction and through the Assendons or drop down from the M40 at Stokenchurch and through Christmas Common. I found the latter route easier and quicker with less narrow roads. Starting point: The five horseshoes PH car park. There is no real parking in Russells water. If you do find a spot there you can wait for us to collect you 5-10mins after the start time by the pond. Otherwise park in the large pub car park at the back end. At the time of writing the pub appears closed and I have tried to seek permission to park here but there is no reply from the pub. If on the day there are any barriers across the car park entrance I suggest you park further along the same road towards Maidensgrove where there are several parking spots and laybys, and then walk back to the pub to meet for the start. Allow time to park. Google map: https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/The+Five+Horseshoes/@51.5951925,-0.9769517,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x487691f9ee9f2a25:0xd7eff59ab0213c80!8m2!3d51.5951892!4d-0.9743768!16s%2Fg%2F1yh9vjyk2?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MTAwOC4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D What3words: ///glance.needed.unframed Grid ref: SU712890
