Highlights include a walk through Verulamium Park, site of the Roman city, Childwick Green, Harpenden Common and a descent back through the Ver  valley via Redbournbury Mill.  You may wish to bring a packed lunch, although there will be a pub stop part way round and at the end of the walk there is the option of tea and a waffle when we return to St Albans and the Waffle House.

Just a short, late summer stroll to Studham Common for a coffee break (bring a flask or whatever …. ).  We will be returning by a different route.

Joe/Sue require bookings for Bath Hostel Trip (Saturday 6th November)

We will start at the Yum Yum, walk to Kensworth quarry and follow this around to the top of Dunstable Downs where we plan to stop at the Gateway Centre for refreshments before returning to the Yum Yum.

This is walk is classed as easy to moderate, with some hills.

We take the bus to St Albans rail station.  Our return to Dunstable is via the Alban Way, Ver/Colne Valley Walk and the Hertfordshire Way, passing through Redbournbury, Redbourn, Flamstead, Markyate and  Kensworth.  Pubs and cafes along the way may not be open so bring refreshments.

The Parade, High Street, Watford, WD17 1AW.  Underground: Watford You will be able to experience 3 comedians live at the Highlight venue, Watford.  Described as the home of live comedy, it brings you some of comedy's biggest names as well as the country's best up and coming stand up acts for a complete night out.  The venue offers some food and drink, though you may prefer to eat first.  Performance starts at 8.30 pm.

This is for over 18's only, so some of us may need to bring ID;-)

Swan's Way is slightly different to the other routes that we have walked as it is a long-distance bridleway rather than a long-distance footpath.  It runs for approximately 65 miles, from  Salcey Forest (just north of Milton Keynes), south through Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, to Goring-on-Thames. The route is covered by the OS Explorer Maps 207, 192, 181 and 171.  Swan's Way can be walked in either direction (it is way-marked both ways).  We will walk it going south and may include a hostel trip when we get down to Goring.

So we start the walk as all walks should be started and find the tea shop in the former medieval hunting ground of Salcey Forest.  We then head round Salcey Lawn to the start of the Swan's Way and walk out into opencountryside, down to north Milton Keynes.  En route we pass both a ruined church and a ruined farm before the gravel pits/nature reserve close to Great Linford.  Please bring your own refreshments as, after the teashop, there are no pubs until the finish.

We walk all the way and then enjoy late breakfast from the café at the Bridgewater Monument.  I would very much like offers of help with transport for our return journey.  For the past few years some fellow Boggies and supporters have forgone the opportunity of this beautiful walk and have instead driven to Ashridge at about 10.30 am and joined us for a hearty meal.  Their vehicles provided us with our means of getting back to Dunstable.  Alternatively those walking could leave their cars at the Yum Yum, accept a lift back there after our late breakfast and then return to Ashridge to collect some fellow walkers.  Please bring refreshments for the walk - it is 10 miles before the café!

An opportunity to join friends and visit this excellent real ale pub that was recently awarded the CAMRA "Best Pub in South Bedfordshire" award. Sample its 13 real ales (but not all in one session!)

Take bus to Hemel Hempstead rail station.  Return to Dunstable via canal, Berkhamsted Castle, Ashridge, Ivinghoe Beacon, Edlesborough and Totternhoe Church End.  Pubs and cafes along the way may not be open so bring refreshments.

Open House London is a far reaching architecture and design event which enables you to explore the architectural depth of the capital over the weekend. Visitors can discover the secrets of buildings throughout the capital in an engaging series of free events, open to all.  This year, during this weekend, hundreds of buildings across London will open their doors to the public, all manner of buildings will be on display including private residences, historic government buildings, modern offices, art spaces and City banks and schools to name a few, offering a unique insight into the future of London architecture, giving you the chance to go behind the scenes.  Walks, talks, tours and special activities add to the fun of the weekend, giving you a chance to explore the history of some of the most fascinating buildings in London in a uniquely interactive way.

Cost £29 approx (breakfast not included) + transport to London, either by train or bus.  These arrangements will be finalised later.

The reserved beds may have been taken by now but, if you are interested, do please contact Joe or Sue as soon as possible in case they receive cancellations.

Today we drive out to the Claydons, 4 miles south west of Winslow, Bucks, for a circular walk from Botolph Claydon into the surrounding countryside and back.  This is considered to be "one of the most scenic areas of South Bucks" .. National Trust Magazine.  Afterwards we will be visiting the NT run Claydon House, home of the Verney family since 1750, for tea at the restaurant.

All members are welcome to attend and contribute to the running of the club.

Tuesday 21st September
Enjoy a steak or gammon etc with all the trimmings for £6.49 - and this  includes an alcoholic or non- alcoholic drink from a wide selection.  (Note that parking is free at the adjacent Asda car park after 5 pm.)  More details can be found on the website:

http://www.jdwetherspoon.co.uk/food-and-drink/food/wetherspoon-clubs/curry-club.php

The Ashridge Estate Boundary Trail is a 16 mile circular walk that goes round the National Trust’s Ashridge Estate, on the northern edge of the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire.  It was created in 1995 as part of the National Trust’s Centenary celebrations.  It uses public rights of way and a few permissive paths to closely follow the edges of the estate.  Much of the walk is through beautiful beech woods so typical of the Chilterns, with a few sections through fields for variety.  The highlight of the walk is probably Ivinghoe Beacon, with its views over the Vale of Aylesbury and towards Dunstable Downs.

A circular walk to Totternhoe and back along the old railway track to
Dunstable North, perhaps stopping for a liquid lunch at The Globe on our return

This circular walk starts and finishes near Pirton and gives us the opportunity to explore a little further down the ridge towards Hitchin than our previous evening walk.  Hopefully we will end at a pub that is open this time!  If you want to meet at Pirton contact me and I will arrange a place and time.

A pleasant country walk from Eggington to Church End and back. Surprisingly good views.

This circular walk to Whipsnade via Totternhoe and Eaton Bray returns across the Downs and along Green Lane. Hoping for a pub stop at Whipsnade and maybe a tea stop at the Downs visitor centre but bring refreshments.

We take the bus to Woodside - The Harrow/Ruchi and return to Dunstable via Pepperstock, Markyate, Holywell, Whipsnade and the Downs. Pubs and cafes along the way may not be open so bring refreshments.

This is your opportunity to air your views and elect a new committee for the coming year, so please make every effort to attend. If you have an item that you want included for discussion please inform a committee member by Tursday 30th september 2010.

Today we walk round north Milton Keynes, starting on a disused railway line. We will find a Roman villa, the famous concrete cows and Bradwell Abbey, before heading to Loughton and Shenley Lodge, after which we leave Milton Keynes behind us and head for open country and the finish.

A circular walk around Woburn Park taking in Paris House, etc. Let's choose which way round on the day.

To complete this year's Grand Union Canal walk before the bad weather we will start today from Fenny Stratford and finish in Leighton Buzzard. Refreshments will be available at the start and end with a possible drink in the middle at the 3 Locks pub, if open. This is classed as an easy to moderate walk along canal footpaths.

We take the bus to Sundon Park - Tesco Express and return to Dunstable via Keech Hospice, Upper Sundon, Fancott, Chalgrave, Wingfield and Sewell. Pubs and cafes along the way may not be open so bring refreshments.

Enjoy a curry with all the trimmings for £4.99 and this includes an alcoholic or non-alcoholic drink from a wide selection. (Note that parking is free at the adjacent Asda car park after 5 pm.) More details can be found on the website: http://www.jdwetherspoon.co.uk/food-and-drink/food/wetherspoon-clubs/curry-club.php

This is likely to be a slightly challenging trip.  We have done challenging trips before: Morocco and the High Atlas, The Faeroes, Iceland.  Bulgaria is probably nothing like any of these.  Nevertheless Bulgaria is definitely not going to be like a trip to a Mediterranean resort.  That is why I want to go.  I want to see rural Bulgaria before it is rebuilt in the image of Milton Keynes.  If we don't go now we will miss it, but if we do go now we will have to accept it when some things are a bit rough and ready.

The hostel offers free transport to and from the nearby city of Veliko Tarnovo; this looks like a wonderful walled mediaeval city.  Resen itself, not so sure.  It looks like it was rebuilt by the communist party in the mid  50's but nevertheless somewhere quite unlike anywhere I have ever stayed before.  The accommodation, Resen Lodge, looks great to me.  For what it is this could be a very cheap but different trip.

At current prices the return airfare from Luton is £59.  Beds at 10 to 15 euro, weather likely (no promise - I can send the links) to be warm but not hot.  The exchange rate of £1=2.35 leva makes the menu at Resen Lodge look very cheap.

See http://www.resenlodge.com/About ResenLodge  & http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Veliko_Tarnovo

Starting at Stopsley Recreation ground this circular walk to Lilley and back takes in fine views and a lunch time drink at the Lilley Arms. This would be classed as moderate to medium with some hills.

Ascending steadily out of Wendover to enjoy spectacular ridge walking with fine views over Bucks and Oxfordshire and every chance of seeing Red Kites circling above. We then pass close to Chequers (I can't guarantee the PM will be in though!) before descending to a pub stop at the Swan, Smokey Row. Returning by Little Kimble chrch where, if open, we will be able to see rare wall paintings that have survived 800 years, we then travel back to Wendover along a flat footpath know as the Aylesbury Ring. This is a moderate walk with a very gentle return after lunch.

Please come along with your suggestions for the January to April 2011 Programme. This is your chance to put your ideas forward. Even if you do not wish to lead a walk or hostel trip, or become involved in the club's social activities, your input is always welcome.

This circular walk starts from the village of Aldbury and follows bridleways, field paths and a canal towpath. There will be one stile, some wooded areas and an ascent of 230 ft.

We take the bus to Little Brickhill and return via Woburn, Milton Bryan, Toddington, Fancott and Wingfield. Pubs and cafes along the way may not be open so bring refreshments.

We start this circular walk from Silsoe and initially follow paths south to Higham Gobion before turning west to the village of Pulloxhill. Here we can lunch either in the local pub or enjoy our sandwiches on the village green. Our return route passes through the villages of  Greenfield and Flitton towards the tree lined avenue of Wrest Park. Sunset today will be 5.51 pm!

A slightly longer walk taking in the history & archaeology round Church End, Lower End and Totternhoe, with a pub stop in the middle. This is classed as a medium to hard walk taking in a variety of hills, paths, etc.

Meet in The Gary Cooper who, at the time of planning, offer tea/coffee and a breakfst roll for £1.49. We decide our route on the day. Pubs/cafes are not guaranteed so bring food and drink for the walk.

This is a repeat of a walk I was going to do in the spring - in the end I was away and Don covered it for me. Those who went on the walk last time said it should have been called the 59 stiles walk! So be warned.

Saxon, Norman and Perpendicular. A circular walk starting at Wing where we can view the Saxon church, over to Cublington where there are supposed to be some nice perpendicular windows, and then on to Stewkley with its fine Norman tower. This is the area which was once going to be the third London airport. Cublington was going to be under the runway. This is the day before the clocks go back so the evenings will be drawing in. Some decent pubs along the way, lunch at the Unicorn in Cublington or bring a packed lunch.

A walk from Woburn to Aspley Heath, Woburn Sands and over the golf course. This walk is particularly pretty being late autumn, early winter.

All members are welcome to attend and contribute to the running of the club.

From The Square this walk takes in Priory Gardens, Blows Downs, Caddington, Woodside, Markyate, Kensworth Church End, Kensworth Quarry and Dunstable Downs. Pubs and cafes along the way may not be open so bring refreshments.

A chance to see whether or not our past labours have had any noticeable
effect upon the flora and fauna of Studham Common.

From Whipsnade Heath we wend our way clockwise to Kensworth, Oldhill Wood,
Roe End Lane and close to Beechwood House School before we turn and head
through the woodlands, towards Studham. I may be persuaded (easily) to stop
for coffee and a bun at the farm shop. The loop back towards our cars will
take us via the golf course and the zoo.

This is just one night away at Bath Youth Hostel. Bath is brimming with things to see and do, a truly stunning city full of fabulous Georgian architecture and stunning scenery, a place that should be visited at least once (guaranteed to make a romantic of you). Bath presents some of the finest architectural sights in Europe and the whole city is designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Famous visitor Jane Austen spent time in Bath and knew it as a thriving Georgian spa resort, popular with fashionable society. Discover where she lived and loved to visit by stepping back in time and walking in the footsteps of Jane Austen on a walking tour of Bath. Not into Jane Austen? Then I defy you not to be impressed by the beauty of Bath, its iconic buildings and diverse collection of museums and attractions, including the world famous Roman Baths and stunning Thermae Bath Spa.

We have secured twin bedded rooms (some en-suite). Cost £26 pp (breakfast extra) + travelling

Bookings by 6th September please

An easy days walking through beech woods and meadows before arriving at the
historic hilltop village of Cholesbury where we will see the remains of an
Iron Age fort.  The walk includes a pub stop around lunch time.  A fine walk
with very little gradient.

From The Square the walk leaves High Street North at Dog
Kennel Lane and takes in  Houghton Regis, Wingfield, Tebworth, Hockliffe and
Stanbridge.Pubs and cafes along the way may not be open so bring
refreshments.

Our first Quiz Night was held in April this year and was very well supported
and popular. This event is open to non-members as well as paid-up Boggies.
Teams will be of two to four people but do not worry if you are unable to
raise your own team these can be organised on the night.

A raffle will be held during the evening and all profits will be donated to
the Bogtrotters chosen charity. Please bring your own refreshments.  Your Quizmaster for the evening will be Malcolm Gladman.

Entry fee £3 pp or £10 per team

Bottle Dump Roundabout to Quainton

This walk is straight forward to Swanbourne, then on to North Marston and
Quainton Hill, before finishing in Quainton itself.

 

A circular walk starting and finishing at the "Live and Let Live", Pegsden.
This is a route we followed in the summer but the weather was awful!!. So
we are giving it another go but this time let's hope for a lovely sunny
November morning!.  We will finish at the "Live and Let Live" for hot drinks
or a beer.
If you wish to join us at Pegsden then please meet us behind the pub at
about 10 am.

Eila requires bookings for the Ruchi meal (Monday
29th November) 01582731026 or email Email Eila or use enquiries See listing for further details.

An opportunity to see what members of the group have been up to over the
summer months, both trips away and local walks, with Don's usual informative
commentary.

We take the bus to Marsworth - Startop's End and return to Dunstable by
initially following the canal north to Seabrook Locks. This walk takes in
Ivinghoe Aston, Edlesborough, Eaton Bray and Totternhoe. Pubs and cafes
along the way may not be open so bring refreshments.

The walk includes three attractive villages, three churches (one ruined), a
19th century mansion and a magnificent formal garden, as well as pleasant
woodland and fine views over Bedfordshire. You may wish to bring a packed
lunch, although we will be stopping at a pub for lunch.

Sunday 21st November

For this circular walk we start in Studham and follow paths to Gaddesden and
Dagnall. We have travelled this route before to see the late spring
bluebells but it will look completely different in November.

Another chance to sample the excellent atmosphere and beer offered by this
real ale pub close to home.

Starting from Markyate we take in part of the long and straight road that is Old Watling Street before returning along the chalky ridge via Flamsteadback to Markyate

Again, refreshments are available at the start and endand maybe in the middle if the pubs are open.
This is classed as a medium circular walk with tracks, field paths, some roads and five stiles.

Meet in The Gary Cooper who, at the time of planning, offer tea/coffee and abreakfast roll for £1.49.
We decide our route on the day. Pubs/cafes are
not guaranteed so bring food and drink for the walk.

A late autumn stroll through the rolling countryside round Great Offley and Cox Green. 

Varied walking through fields and woodland will return us to our start in time for lunch at the very fine pub in the village
- or a return to Dunstable for 1 pm

Starting from Marsworth we walk to Tring and back via hills, vales, woodsand waterways. 
So whats new?

For a good deal of the way we will be using seldom walked and fairly obscure footpaths.  

This puts a totally different and interesting slant on what is familiar but always attractive countrysidewith superb views.

Lunch will be in Tring.

This Indian restaurant was formerly The Harrow.

They have a Banquet Night.
On a Monday which is £9.95 per person and includes any starter, main dish,side dish, rice or nan plus coffee.

 They offer several vegetarian options +a few basic English dishes (including chicken or steak and chips).
They serve alcohol at reasonable prices.

Can those interested ring Eila or email
eila_goss@hotmail.com two weeks before so that she can confirm numbers.
Twelve places have been provisionally booked but it may be possible to add a few extra bodies without too much trouble. 
If anyone has a problem withtransport contact Eila and she will try to organise lifts for them.

Sheila requires bookings for post-Christmas meal
(Saturday 29th Jan 2011)

We take the bus to Jockey End, Gaddesden Row. Initially following The Hertfordshire Way through Great Gaddesden, the return to Dunstable takes in Hudnall Common, Studham, Whipsnade and Dunstable Downs. Pubs and cafes along the way may not be open so bring refreshments.

This undemanding and pleasant walk starts from beside the church at the village of Aldenham near to Watford in Herts. Car parking is available alongside the village green. We have walked the route in previous years but never in winter so it may be interesting to observe the seasonal difference - no prizes for noting the absence of bluebells! From the village we head north in the direction of Colney Street Bridge then veer westwards to join the banks of the River Colne at the spot where we have paddled in the past. After reaching Little Munden Farm we head northwards again eventually coming to a roadway which will take us to our lunch stop at Smug Oak. From there it`s into and across Bricket Wood Common (could be muddy). Rumour has it that the `Old Fox` pub on the far side of the Common has reopened. To close the circle we shall then head towards Otterspool then alongside the golf course back to our start point.
Wise old hands will remember to play safe and bring a packed lunch - and carry a torch with you as well.

The shortest walk of the year! We are going to visit this Nature Reserve at Tring where we will see their new visitors centre followed by a short introductory talk by one of the Wildlife Trust's staff who will explain how this former chalk quarry has been transformed into a home for a wide variety of birds and other wildlife. This will be followed by a 2 mile stroll around the Reserve with plenty of time for refreshments in their cafe afterwards. An easy morning, a reward for all the miles walked in 2010

This pleasant amble in the Vale of Aylesbury passes the site of the 20th Century`s most audacious crime!
Starting in Mentmore and walking field paths, tracks, roads and a canal towpath with 2 stiles, this is classed as a medium circular walk.

Forget about the Christmas shopping and enjoy this half day stroll from just south of Wheathampstead, through Symondshyde Great Wood and onto Coleman Green before completing the circle.

Starting off at Peter`s Green we head west for Gustard Wood, near Kimpton, where we should be able to get a drink and a bite to eat in the Cross Keys -a quaint old real ale pub. Our return path goes via Kimpton to Peter`s Green. This lovely walk passes through some impressive countryside.

All members are welcome to attend and contribute to the running of the club.

Meet in The Gary Cooper who, at the time of planning, offer tea/coffee and a breakfast roll for £1.49. We decide our route on the day. Pubs/cafes are not guaranteed so bring food and drink for the walk.

A short`day walk` which will finish with mince pies and ginger wine at Don`s. This convivial gathering is an annual Bogtrotters` event to herald the festive season and should not be missed.

This circular walk crosses Ashridge golf course with a tea/coffee stop at Ashridge monument cafe.

Everyone is welcome at this pre-Christmas get together. Bring a bottle and join in the fun.

At the time of putting this programme to bed summer is still with us and this annual post-Christmas trip is hard to contemplate. But summer will end... and Christmas will come... and you will be sorry if you cannot look forward to a few days of glorious walking surrounded by spectacular scenery.Ring Don for more details- but don`t leave it too late

We haven't stayed close to home for some time, so today let's leave our cars behind (together with the hangovers) and walk to Whipsnade Tree Cathedral.  Usually admired in full leaf, today we will enjoy a completely different view of this arboreal church.  Please bring a drink and a snack.

Join us for our annual Fish & Chip Supper & Awards Evening (vegetarian option available).  If you are going to attend please could you let us know in advance by ringing 01582 896215 or emailing enquiries@ dunstablebogtrotters.co.uk. We will get back to you to organise your food order.  Please book well in advance. We will however be able to take a few orders on the night, so no problem if you just want to turn up.

Our speaker this evening will be Stephen Halton, Senior Project Officer (Ecology & Community) for Central Bedfordshire Council.  Steve has worked in nature conservation, site management and the countryside service industry for over 30 years and is currently a trustee and member of the Executive Committee for the Bedfordshire CPRE (Campaign to Protect Rural England).  Add to all this experience Steve's diverse interests such as dormice, badgers, photography and Irish folk music and we are promised a very entertaining and informative evening.

The nominations are your opportunity to reflect on the high and low points of the previous year's walking and present the worthy and the perpetrators with an appropriate award.

All we need now are your proposals for awards and nominations, which should be sent to:  nominations@dunstablebogtrotters.co.uk.

Cost £6 approx

Sue requires numbers for the Work Party (Sat 22nd January)

This is a very special day.  Some of the Boggies went last year and we spent the day tidying, pruning, clipping, sweeping, digging, raking and planting trees.  It was a really enjoyable day on Studham Common which we soon found out was a lot larger than we realised.  All this was done in between eating!  We started with breakfast at the Memorial Hall on the green and elevenses while we were working.  We enjoyed a delicious lunch back at the Memorial Hall before setting off again for our afternoon endeavours.  It was all rounded off by tea and cakes before we returned home.  You can volunteer to do as much or as little as you like, you do not have to commit to working all day.  If you didn't come last year then do come this year - it is an event not to be missed!  See you there.

Bookings by 14th January 2011 please

Once again we will be walking to The Plough at Wingfield, hopefully repeating last year's coffee stop at the church in Houghton Regis.  If you wish to book a meal please speak to Sheila (on Dennis's mobile, evenings and weekends) regarding the menu and prices.

Booking by 30th November please

Once more Don has agreed to organise a trip around this holiday period.  Please contact him to register your interest and discuss possible destinations