The day started with the usual dilemma: what on earth do we take with us? After all the recent hot weather, there were threats of rain. And while a bit of rain would actually have been a welcome change, there was something rather irritating about the prospect of it choosing today to make an appearance! There were a few hopeful spit spots on the way to the station that morning, but thankfully, that was about as exciting as the weather was going to get.

The journey from Uxbridge to Harrow-on-the-Hill was straightforward enough, and we changed trains for Chesham. Simple, you might think. Well… no. The journey from Harrow-on-the-Hill to Chesham turned into an adventure of its own, with severe delays announced by TfL. Thank goodness some of us had the foresight to leave at 9.00am to meet in Chesham for 10.50am However, we then find the 9.37am train was cancelled. Still, no great panic — we had plenty of time. The real problem was that the trains to Amersham and Chesham seemed to have disappeared from the timetable altogether! A few of us were now gathering on the platform, looking increasingly suspiciously at the departure board. Brian, ever the voice of reason, suggested we catch the Rickmansworth train. At least we'd be heading in vaguely the right direction. We decided to wait.

Brian, of course, got the last laugh. Apparently, the Rickmansworth train was changed to a Chesham train by the time it reached Rickmansworth! 🤬🤬 You couldn't make it up.

Eventually, a Chesham train appeared and, amazingly, we actually arrived in Chesham early — at about 10.30am. Clearly, the railway gods had decided to give us a small consolation prize. At the station, there were around 14 of our 20-strong group. The remaining six were still somewhere between Harrow and Chesham, presumably enjoying the scenic tour of the Metropolitan Line. Eventually, everyone arrived and, by about 11.30am, we were finally ready to set off.

And so began our Chess Valley circular walk, covering around seven miles through the beautiful rolling countryside around Chesham, Tylers Hill, Ley Hill and Botley. After the morning we'd had, the countryside was a very welcome change from staring at departure boards! We passed Cowcroft Wood Nature Reserve, where the clay soil was historically used for making local tiles and bricks, and then made our way past Cannon’s Mill, which apparently dates back to Saxon times before being demolished in 1960. We also followed a lovely stretch of river where people once grew watercress. Look closely and you can still spot some of it growing wild.

Then came the highlight that everyone was secretly waiting for — the Crown pub in Ley Hill.

After the trials and tribulations of the morning, the stop was extremely welcome. Nothing quite restores the spirit after railway delays like a nice food, drink and a chance to sit down! Once refreshed, we continued our walk through the lovely countryside. Despite the rather ominous start to the day, the weather turned out to be absolutely perfect. There was even an occasional breeze to keep us cool, and, most importantly, not a drop of rain. Of course, the weather had the last laugh. We managed to stay completely dry for the entire walk, only for it to absolutely pour down once we got home! Typical. Hay Ho, every cloud has a silver lining — at least it saved us from having to water the garden!

All in all, what began with cancelled trains, disappearing Chesham services and a little bit of railway chaos turned into a thoroughly enjoyable ramble, good company, beautiful countryside, a well-earned pub stop and perfect walking weather.

And, thanks to Brian, we also learnt an important lesson:

Never underestimate a train going to Rickmansworth. You never know where it might end up! 😄