Bledlow & Chilterns Walk (Swans Way 11)

A very wet and windy journey down to the start point at Horsenden. As if by magic the storm clouds part and w are treated to beautiful bright sunshine. 

One mile west of Princes Risborough and seven miles south of Aylesbury. The name Horsenden is from the Anglo Saxon ' Horsan-dun and means 'Horsa's hill or valley' A very picturesque village with a Manor House owned by the Pop star Jay Kay of Jamiroquai fame. It has a recording studio built in too. No sign of him today though , just some Ducks on his pond.  

 

The parish church is dedicated to St Michael and All Angels. The church has sat on the same site since 1210, however part of the building is 15th century at its eldest. In 1765, the nave and west tower were demolished and the current tower was built, it still contains its original bell dated 1582.

There are some lovely houses in this small hamlet. I particularly liked the thatched white cottage (pictured). There is also a lot of water flowing through too.

 

    
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 We pass over the old disused railway line , some new houses have been built where the station would once have stood. It is very clear to make out exactly where it would have been. 

There is also a mill, one garden seems to have a Watermill of It's own!  

We are now in an area called 'The Ford'. A stretch of road walking follows as we head towards Bledlow.

 

 

Bledlow is from the Old English and means "Bledda's burial mound". A more common derivation is from "Bled-Hlaw" meaning Bloody Hill which commemorates an undated battle between Saxons and Danes. 

The village is on the ancient 'Icknield Way'. The Church of the Holy Trinity overlooks the Vale of Aylesbury.

Several Springs form a pool called The Lyde. There is also a Lyde Garden which is open to the public. The garden is planted with primulas, astilbes, gunnera and hostas. I decide to have a wander through the gates for a closer look. There is certainly a 'Japanese garden' feel about it. Raised walkways take you around the edge of several pools of water. There are lots of fallen leaves so It is a bit slippy underfoot. 

It is a lovely  peaceful place, lots of benches to sit and listen to the sound of running water. 

 

 

 

We pass the pub in Bledlow which I think is called 'The Lions of Bledlow'. 

We start to climb uphill towards Bledlow Great Wood. There are some great views to be had as the trees reluctantly take on their Autumn colour. From Wain Hill we move into the woods

 

 

For a short period we are actually back on 'The Ridgeway' again which brings back good memories.

 

Stunning views

Our Old friend 'The Ridgeway' veers off in a different direction. We will miss out a chunk of The Swans Way as it is all on The Ridgeway which we have walked before. We are continuing towards Saunderton taking the footpath before we reach the village. The footpath takes us all the way back to our starting point at Horsenden.    

In the field a Roe Buck and Doe appear to have had a bit of a tiff?

A great walk, beautiful blue skies, Autumn colour and stunning views. All in 8.5 miles.