The Chilterns

Decided to make the most of the milder weather (12C!) by heading off on another walk through the English countryside. This time I headed to Chesham, north west of London. Chesham is the furthest station (40km) from central London on the Underground, although like much of the Tube it's actually above ground.

Chesham is in the Chiltern Hills (the Chilterns for short). It is bizarre to be on a Tube train but travelling through pretty woods and rural countryside!

After a quick stroll through the town centre I headed into the green fields and light woods that dominate the area, and even made some friends ...

From The Chilterns

It was a pleasant walk. Everything (the environment and houses) felt very English.

From The Chilterns

After my dramas finding somewhere to eat in Surrey (the pub in the walking book had recently shut down), I started getting antsy about making it to the recommended eating venue (The Pheasant Inn). My destination came into sight with half an hour to spare before lunch service was due to end. But my enthusiasm was short lived ... it was dark and deserted with a note on the door. Surely not again!!! "The Pheasant Inn has been closed due to to the economic downturn." Bloody recession!!! I spoke to a local who told me there was nowhere I could buy food within 1.5 miles! Downcast, I trudged to a nearby playground to munch on my packed apple.

On with the journey! Through muddy woods I went, past farmers' fields and birds in bushes. It didn't take too long to arrive at my destination, Great Missenden, home to Roald Dahl until his death in 1990. I found a little cafe and rewarded my efforts in walking 10km with rhubarb pie. Yum!

From The Chilterns

Then the train (a regular one, not the Tube) home!

From The Chilterns