tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13665817.post3095350770063154718..comments2024-03-29T11:20:22.205+00:00Comments on SWC - This Week's Walks: Friday Walk Tring to Berkhamsted via Dockey Wood and Flat Isley - for a bluebell festAndrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11395064086819994526noreply@blogger.comBlogger10125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13665817.post-71475959358144941962021-05-01T09:34:17.476+01:002021-05-01T09:34:17.476+01:00An addendum to Ian's report, from one of those...An addendum to Ian's report, from one of those who did most of the main walk. As Ian said, the group soon split up after the start, with further separations taking place at the foot of Ivinghoe Beacon. As I opted not to ascend the Beacon today, I surprisingly found myself at the front, alone, heading towards Wards Hurst Farm, then Dockey Wood, now in glorious sunshine, and pleasantly warm. Alas, although the bluebells were colourful in the Wood, we were about a week too early for their best carpet display. Having said hello to Mr M Tiger and his sister in the Wood, I continued on to the hamlet of Ringshall, where two other walkers joined me - for the rest of the walk to Berko. We stopped for our picnic lunches in Little Gaddesden in the (closed) pub's beer garden - as I've spent "loads of money" in this pub over the years, I didn't feel too guilty for our technical trespass. Onwards then to Flat Isley, where the bluebells were close to "full on". We spotted at least one other walker sunbathing by the Bridgewater Visitor Centre, before carrying on, passing some very good bluebell displays on the descent to the main road. The sunshine stayed with us for our walk through the Common to Berko, where one went in search of tea, leaving two of us to head for the railway station - and the 16-46 hrs fast train back to London. A lovely day out - and the forecasted rain showers never materialised. Marcushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14896105028157686446noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13665817.post-39934460208698913032021-04-30T23:04:15.191+01:002021-04-30T23:04:15.191+01:00N=20 at the station. 17 set off at a brisk pace. 2...N=20 at the station. 17 set off at a brisk pace. 2 lagged and 1 opted for short walk c.<br />One lagger was persuaded by the other one to take an even shorter short cut in the direction of Dockey Wood. This resulted in an intersection with some of the others doing the official shortcut. A diversion off this route led to Dockey Wood. Later, the same two laggers decided to forgo the alpine meadow for a gentler route through the common. Then a circuit of the castle moat. Didn’t see many of the others during the day so don’t know what they did.<br /> There are definitely bluebells about and plenty of purple patches but they’re not really at their best yet. Dockey Wood was perhaps the most impressive. If you can call it impressive. Quite a tough walk post-lockdown . <br />The day was w=sunny-and-cloudy-chilly-at-times<br />Mr M Tigerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11125545582867207657noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13665817.post-24409640555703135532021-04-29T23:08:59.902+01:002021-04-29T23:08:59.902+01:00Yes I will be attending next Wednesday walk and ho...Yes I will be attending next Wednesday walk and hope the weather holds as I may extend my walk around Gomshall. Old Sims Copse also has very good bluebells wood and maybe we might be lucky. Was in Wendover woods mostly Hale Wood and Barn wood the bluebells about 50 % out but a good show of 3 corner leek. Makes very nice soups or stir fry. Would like to join you all tomorrow but have been exploring bluebells woods in the Chiltern for the past 4 days so quite tired. Enjoy the walk tomorrow and see you all on Wednesday. Monica Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13665817.post-45611944034375242522021-04-29T13:54:43.621+01:002021-04-29T13:54:43.621+01:00Thank you for the update on the bluebells, Monica....Thank you for the update on the bluebells, Monica. A number of us are looking forward to seeing them on Friday.<br />Will we have the pleasure of your company next Wednesday, 05 May on the Holmwood Walk ? I recall you like Leigh Hill Rhododendron Wood - the azaleas and rhodos should be in full flower by then. Marcushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14896105028157686446noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13665817.post-24933020931493877352021-04-28T19:49:03.081+01:002021-04-28T19:49:03.081+01:00Posting walk on Friday is a good idea as there are...Posting walk on Friday is a good idea as there are no direct train to Tring this weekend and BH due to engineering works. Also its free to go into Dockey Wood on weekday where as weekend you have to pay from this weekend unless you have NT card I think. Monica. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13665817.post-2150882311862002772021-04-28T19:36:38.614+01:002021-04-28T19:36:38.614+01:00Hi Marcus was in Tring yesterday and bluebells not...Hi Marcus was in Tring yesterday and bluebells not fully out between 50 to 70 % in some places while others still in buds. Dockey Wood was impressive while Flat Isley about 40% out. Rail Copse, Old Copse and Swallow Copse barely in blue colour. Still its dazzling in Dockey Wood and Flat Isley. Place was very quiet. Should be better by Friday and some rain will definitely helps. Enjoy your walk on Friday. By the was at Isabella Plantattion in Richmond today and the azleas are late by about 2 weeks. Only 20% are in flower. Thought some of the SWC might be interested. Monica.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13665817.post-65132929757129951852021-04-27T13:10:27.026+01:002021-04-27T13:10:27.026+01:00I’m doing the short version. 7 miles.I’m doing the short version. 7 miles.tartanrughttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12391938750709924544noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13665817.post-9856728569735779932021-04-27T13:00:40.031+01:002021-04-27T13:00:40.031+01:00I'm planning to do the 5a short cut (without b...I'm planning to do the 5a short cut (without bluebells), continuing to Berkhamsted, about 10.6 miles I think.Mike Pnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13665817.post-38079344933065976932021-04-27T10:28:09.338+01:002021-04-27T10:28:09.338+01:00Anyone planning to do the shorter walk versions?Anyone planning to do the shorter walk versions?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13665817.post-84381409995487142482021-04-26T21:21:50.142+01:002021-04-26T21:21:50.142+01:00I did a variation of this walk on Sunday, bluebell...I did a variation of this walk on Sunday, bluebells in Dockey Wood were about 60% out but only 30% in Flat Isley. Hopefully by Friday, it will be in full bloom. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com