The Chequers, Wheeler End - 10th May 2006 (run number 7)

12 hardy souls set off at 7:05 for the (now) traditional Chequers tour via Towerage and the track above Adams Park. As we entered Denham Wood there were gasps of amazement as a fabulous display of Bluebells stretched for hundreds of meters ahead of us and the sweet smell was enhanced by the moist conditions. It was reminiscent of the Christmas Calendar photo for the Chilterns in Springtime!

Conditions underfoot were a little slippery as the rain had wet the surface but not soaked in to the very dry ground below. A fairly long and winding track then led us to an uphill track with a fantastic view of the Golden Ball to the right. We then regrouped at Towerage (top of the hill behind West Wycombe House) before heading towards Adams Park down Towerage Lane – a little known footpath often used as a back route to the Ground on match days.

A short distance on we were faced with a very new fence with no obvious crossing point – so we all scrambled over the fence and through a large patch of fresh stingers! The next section involved a climb through some very pleasant woodland on a twisty track eventually leading across the track to Grove Farm and the Horse riding centre used by Fred and Jerome’s kids. Horses then featured strongly as, after the long track to Fryers farm with Duds leading the way – spurred on by discussions about squid (don’t ask!) we headed steeply downhill through a field of particularly frisky Horses that threatened to trample us and kick out. This only slightly spoiled the fabulously picturesque view to the right that looked just like a moody Scottish forest with mist in the valley shrouding the tall pine trees in a moist haze. I was very thankful of Susie who spotted (while I was admiring the view) that one young horse had put its ears right back and was reversing in our direction! Fortunately we all survived unscathed and, apart from the occasional shout of “I thought you said this run was flat”, we all made it back to the pub within 70 minutes. Not bad for the 5.5 miles and not inconsiderable 700 ft of climb.

The pub was very welcoming and whilst Chris R reminisced about Presso at his wedding we got regular updates from the UEFA cup final which Middlesbrough eventually lost 4 -0. Apparently Presso had mounted Susie’s horse bareback during the evening celebrations and comprehensibly trashed his DJ. Horses are VERY greasy - be warned!

Next week’s run (actually this week as I am so late in publishing) is from Jules and Amanda’s house so that those that wish to can enjoy the Champions League final on the big screen. Start 6:45 as the game starts at 7:45. Please bring your own or give us your order by Wednesday morning. Nibbles to be supplied. Swimming is optional!

See you there….