A small, but elite, group today due to other events clashing such as archery and various family visits but a very sociable group. The first part was full of history starting with the gatehouse where the Gunpowder Plot was plotted and the church with ancient wall paintings at Ashby St Ledgers. There is absolutely nothing to tell you of any of these things if you didn't happen to know already or be told by someone else. We reluctantly left this enchanting village to wander over fields to an unusual railway bridge. Thanks to Fergus we found out that the landowner at the time was no impressed at having an embankment across his land spoiling the view so ordered an ornate pulpit style bridge to be built and to be decorated with the family monogram. The bridge is also known as Bridge 69!
Through the bridge and we are greeted with a footpath closure - but reading the small print showed that it was actually open - if only someone had cleared a path through the rather large oilseed rape that was already in flower - sorry to the hay-fever sufferers in our party! A few more fields and a quick history of English transport systems although annoyingly not in chronological order. First we had the railway (we went under), then the first Roman Road, Watling Street or the A5 as it is now (we walked over it), then the Grand Union Canal at Watford, (we walked over a lockgate) and finally the M1 (which thankfully had a tunnel.)
After the business of Watford Gap and all these crossings the village of Watford was a very pleasant, peaceful surprise.
Several fields later, with the added challenge of no signs or indications where the route might be and many hedges missing we finally emerged at the back of the village school in West Haddon. A school with the most wonderful views of the English countryside - largely denied to children and staff alike by the siting of modern storage sheds and large play equipment.
Lunch was enjoyed in the sunshine sitting near the war memorial in the churchyard. How pretty were all the spring flowers lining the entrance to the church.
As we had already walked 7 miles we took a shorter route back that wasn't so pleasant initially - along the road to Watford with cars clearly not expecting walkers. Two miles quickly covered then we back amongst the cattle and sheep in Watford and happily re-traced our steps.
Thank you to everyone who joined me today - I am sorry that I was not up to my usual level of fitness but we all got back in one piece!
