Along the path

As usual, this walk includes stretches through woods and fields, all on public pathways.

Footbridge

I'm not sure who cares for the paths, but in general they are clear of debris, and the bridges are sound and safe.

Ruins of Slaugham Palace

These ruins are on private property, but can be seen from the path. In the 16th and 17th century, home to the Coverts, who held huge tracts of land, from the English Channel to the Thames.

Pond in Lord Snowdon's Nature Reserve

This is also part of his estate. Again private property, it includes an aviary in the style of a Japanese pagoda, of which I could not get a good picture.

Random Roman Arch

Sitting in a field along the path, one passes this Roman era arch! There are other random columns nearby. Note the plow at the edge of the field to the left. Again, private property.

Through the woods

There are several places along the walk where it seemed I could have been back in Pennsylvania or the hills of Maryland.

St. Mary's Parish Church, Slaugham

Although I could not go in this day, this church is said to contain a Norman font. (It's pronounced "Slaffam", by the way.) In the churchyard behind...

Yew Tree

...was this 800 year-old yew tree. It's hard to see in this picture, but the trunk is huge.

Tree in a Rock

Along the path was also this tree which has grown right down the side of a small rock cliff; or through it, it's hard to be sure.

Kissing Gate

Sara and Ronnie joined me on the walk from Great Missenden to Amersham. Obviously, I'm a great fan of the gates and stiles along the paths.

Wooded Path

Many of the paths are wide enough to accomdate small vehicles. These are often, though not always, bridal paths. We encountered little traffic of any kind on any of our walks.

Headstone Retaining Wall

Behind the Parish Church of St. Peter and St. Paul, we came upon this retaining wall made of old headstones. In many places (parks, for example), there are so many old headstones that they have found alternatives uses.

St. John the Baptist Church, Little Missenden

Part of this church was built in the 10th century. While we were there, a family was planning the flowers for a wedding in the church.

St. Christopher mural, St. John the Baptist Church

Painted in the 13th century, this mural dominated the main part of the church. Noted for how well it's been preserved.

Along the fields

This lovely setting as we approach Amersham represents the moment just before I took a wrong turn! However, since Amersham was clearly visible in the distance, we merely went another way, as opposed to being lost. It didn't even take us any longer than it was supposed to.