Back in Hertfordshire for the second leg of the 'Bunyan Trail'. Or 'Peter's Progress' as I like to think of it. The village of 'Lilley', situated somewhere between Luton and Hitchin is the starting point. Thankfully the heavy rain has given way to fleeting sunshine, on an otherwise mild and pleasant day. Lilley stands on high ground, so the theory is that it should be fairly dry underfoot. The village cricket club is one of the oldest in Hertfordshire. Fixtures date back to the mid 1890's. We get straight on the Bunyan trail as we pass the 'Lilley Arms' the only pub in the village. The track widens and climbs steadily as it passes Ward's Wood'. We keep climbing until we reach South Bedfordshire Golf Club. The trees are just starting to adopt their Autumn best colour.
 |
| The Lilley Arms |
Over to our right is the imposing looking 'Galley Hill'. Warden and Galley Hills Nature Reserve was the first nature reserve in Luton. Warden Hill is over to our left, both are great areas for Butterflies and wild flowers.
 |
Near the top of Galley Hill two Bronze Age barrows can be found. These were excavated in the 1960s and the remains of 14 burials were found in the largest barrow. In the Middle Ages a gallows was built on top of one of the barrows to be used for public executions.
 |
Dark clouds are gathering over the hill. They have past us and the sunshine is gaining the upper hand in the battle. Along the base of 'Warden's Hill' the map shows 'Drays Ditches'. They aren't really visible though and have got swallowed up by the golf course I suspect? They were originally dug in the Bronze Age as boundaries to separate tribal groups. However, later on in the Iron Age these were built up as a way to control the traffic along the Icknield Way. (Which runs from the end of the Ridgeway National Trail at Ivinghoe Beacon, near Tring, to the start of the Peddars Way National Trail at Knettishall Heath, near Thetford, for 110 miles). We follow the path through the golf course before crossing over the A6.
'The Theed Way' Trail to Galley & Warden Hills marker.
 |
| Keech Hospice Elephant |
 |
We reach the 'Keech Hospice' as we turn right in the direction of Streatly Bury. In the hospice grounds brightly coloured Elephants are gathered amongst the undergrowth shade. At this point the Bunyan Trails joins up with The Icknield Way. Some lovely views across the fields and hedgerows as the sun makes a breakthrough. Cutting through a small spinney, crossing back over the A6 past the 'Swedish Cottages' on the Chiltern Way. (a 125-miles circuit extending from Ewelme in the south west,taking in Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire & Oxfordshire). The path takes us through Maulden Firs where we once again link up with the Icknield Way. Did I mention that this is one of the oldest roads in Britain? It has been in existence before the Romans came, although as is often the case this is open to some debate.
 |
| Icknield Way Sign |
This stretch runs from Ivinghoe Beacon to one of the jewels of the Chilterns 'The Pegsdon Hills'. Steep chalk hills with some of the best views in the county.
 |
We drop back on the Bunyan Trail which will takes us back to our starting point at Lilley.
Once again this area of south Bedfordshire, and North Hertfordshire has surprised in a good way. Really impressed how the landscape informs the imagery of Pilgrim's Progress. A total of 9.5 miles walked today!
No comments:
Post a Comment