Backpackers Chilterns weekend

This weekend each year is one I look forward to. On the Friday night we camp on a site at Radnage and are treated to the sight and sound of red kites wheeling overhead making their strange whistling call. The nearby pub, The Crown, is always busy but the beer is excellent.

Morning cloud

A tarp just like mine - some people thought it was mine

On Saturday morning a group of us walked across fields to Stokenchurch, then under the M40, through Penley Wood down to Ibstone. In the wood, we disturbed two red kite feasting on what may, shortly before, have been a pigeon. There wasn't enough of it left to be sure.

Then across Ibstone Common through Blackmoor Wood in time for lunch (bowls of chips) at the Fox & Hounds at Christmas Common. There was a blazing fire and it was busy as usual. From the pub, we walked through Queen Wood, passing through Pishill (never sure how to pronounce it politely!) arriving at our Saturday night itch in the Warburg Nature Reserve at Maidensgrove. It's such a privilege being able to camp there as it isn't usually allowed. The nearest pubs are too far to walk to. We pitch amongst the trees listening to the wildlife. The pheasant were particularly loud.

Next morning, we followed the Chiltern Way to Stonor, going through the deer park by Stonor House and then on to Turville (avoiding the steep climb up by the windmill). Lunch was had at the garden centre at Horsleys Green and then returning to Radnage. The woodland walking was superb as it always is at this time of year.