Hertfordshire & North Middlesex Area of the Ramblers' Association
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Summer images & country notes
Perennial flax, near Offley
Threatening clouds near Offley
Delights of Ashwell: notes from a rambler
An English summer's day at its finest - walking up Newnham Hill. Powder blue sky, pillows of cloud, a warm breeze. It's clear for miles, three counties to view: Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire, and then through the hedge southwards, Hertfordshire. The spike of Ashwell church, more spires in the distance.
Down the track to Hinxworth Hall. An abundance of fruit: sloe, damson, blackberry, crab apple - perhaps a farmer's careful selection for home brewing - too many varieties in such a short distance. Burdock as well - locally called Gipsy Comb.
Burdock near Ashwell
Signs of an artist near the Hall: fibre-glass moulds in a barn, half-finished statues by a studio, more moulds, glimpses of sculpture in the gardens. The two stone mastiffs that graced the medieval entrance to Hinxworth Hall are gone, replaced by other works. It's almost time for the annual open days for Hertfordshire artists (website).
Towards Hinxworth, a fine run of white poplars with a patchwork of self-seeded shoots, leaves twisting from dark green to white reverse in the breeze. The wheat in the field is only partly harvested, probably interrupted by the heavy rains of the week before. On the other side of the path, the broadbeans are blighted - dark brown, even black pods.
Back in Ashwell, a welcome pint in the Bushel & Strike, opposite the church. Falling masonry signs much in evidence - the face of the tower is badly worn, features eroded. A final stroll through the glorious medley of buildings - medieval, georgian, victorian - throughout this beautiful village.
[This walk is described in "Pub Walks in Hertfordshire", Alan Charles, Countryside Books.]
Email: walking@ramblers-herts-northmiddlesex.org.uk
