Incombe Hole & Pitstone Hill, Ashridge – Photo: Peter Collins

DISCOVER ASHRIDGE WALK – Sat 10th July - Mike Keen

Do you like history? I love history! Ever since I was a boy,the past has had a fascination for me far greater that the present or the future. And now that the majority of my life is behind me rather than in front, I feel justified in indulging my passion.  My friends will tell you that I could bore for England on the subject of history – and frequently do apparently!
And just to prove it,here I go again.  In May 1863,at the height of the American Civil War, Confederate General Thomas Jonathan Jackson, better known as “Stonewall”, received a wound at the Battle of Chancellersville which was shortly to cost him his life. In his last moments he took his wife’s hand and uttered his last words, “Let us cross over the river and rest in the shade of the trees“. While you stifle a yawn, let me explain what that has got to do with discovering Ashridge.
You see, I think old Stonewall knew the kind of place he wanted to spend eternity, and so do I. Unless Paradise is very much like Ashridge, I shall be asking St Peter to put me on the transfer list.
So at last I get to the point! Like so many others, Ashridge Estate is my idea of heaven, and the July Discover Ashridge Walk once again emphasised the perfection of our little corner of the Chiltern Hills in all their summer glory. A beautiful, almost cloudless, morning saw us walking through some of the wonderfully diverse scenery the Estate has to offer.
Woodland – cool and still – punctuated by birdsong. Sunlight hillsides clothed in wild flowers and grasses, ever restless in the breeze and peaceful farm meadows where summer butterflies like Ringlet, Small White and Hedge Brown go about their business, busy along the headlands.
Our route took us first down the steep flinty path to Aldbury, through the village and up into the Nowers and the short climb past the Bronze and Iron age mounds and ditches to the summit of Pitstone Hill. After a short break, down again to skirt round Incombe Hole, then home via Crawley Wood and Duncombe Terrace. Roughly six miles of fascinating diversity and outstanding natural beauty.
I hope you were with us, and that you enjoyed it as much as we did. Alas no walk is scheduled for August as our usual date clashes this year with the Ringshall Over 60`s Nude Bicycle Race but our next walk is on Saturday 4th September, beginning as usual from the Visitors Centre at 10.00 am. We look forward to seeing you there.

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