Chalton to Clothall
After a lovely evening with Katie and Phil, I set off from Chalton, ready to rejoin the Chiltern Way. I had a great time hearing about their travels and learning a new card game too.
The Chiltern Way first took me through the village of Sundon, before I continued on footpaths towards Sundon Hills country park.
I was back walking through fields, it was nice walking along the expanse of green. Today’s weather was much better than forecast. According to the Met Office, I was expecting light rain all day, however the rain held off and I only had occasional spots. This kept me cool and it was never heavy enough that I needed my waterproofs.
The country park took me through a lovely woodland. Leaves were starting to grow on the younger trees. This is my favourite time of year in woodland. I always feel like nature is giving the younger plants a head start, before the canopy closes over and they compete with the established trees!
The Chiltern Way took me through Barton-le-Clay, before I joined this track through some farmland. The track was easy to follow and nice and soft underfoot.
It soon opened out to give views of the fields and countryside beyond.
I passed through Pegsdon, where I’d hoped to stop at the pub for a quick drink, but it was closed and is reopening as a Thai restaurant in the next month or so. I did however have a nice chat with some walkers in the car park, who were interested in what I was doing. It’s wonderful meeting so many different people along the way.
I then took this track to Pirton. It was so nice to have the company of the birds as I walked along.
In Pirton, I had much more luck with the pub. I decided to stop for some lunch and had this amazing fish finger sandwich. It was so good! After feeling tired in the morning, it was just what I needed and spurred me on for the afternoon!
I then joined the Icknield Way trail which took me along this track, through Ickleford and into Letchworth Garden City.
Along one of the tracks I passed the end of a railway tunnel, which had been boarded up and had this mural painted on it.
Letchworth Garden City was the first garden city, and is a town similar in size to Buxton.
I walked through the centre of the town, which was a mixture of residential homes and industrial estates. I stopped off on Norton Common for a rest on the bench and a snack.
I followed the Icknield Way out of Letchworth Garden City and into Baldock, where I crossed over the A1(M).
After passing through Baldock, I joined footpaths to Clothall. It felt really different walking through big towns for the afternoon, seeing civilisation and life moving on. I was definitely glad to be back out in the peace and quiet of the fields.
I was soon in Clothall, where I’m staying with Helen from Clothall Village Hall. Helen is also a scout leader, and very kindly offered a night in her spare room. I’m so grateful when people welcome me into their homes, it is so kind and I hope that I can repay it one day. Maybe I’ll be able to offer a room to a walker or adventurer, whilst they live their dream.
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