Hedgerley Historical Society & Dadima’s Walks
For more details of this event and the HHS Autumn programme please contact John Lovelock – Secretary Hedgerley Historical Society jdlovelock@btinternet.com
Hidden Histories walk with Mary-Ann Ochota
Sunday 29th September 2024, 10am – 2pm
Become a ‘Landscape Detective’ on this leisurely walk exploring some of the archaeological features around the villages of Great and Little Kimble. This route takes in a host of intriguing sites – including Bronze Age earthworks, an Iron Age hillfort, Medieval church wall paintings, deserted villages, moats and (possible) battlegrounds. There’s also some holloways, a couple of mysterious mounds, a short stretch of the Ridgeway National Trail and the Prime Minister’s house, Chequers (albeit from a distance!). Mary-Ann Ochota, author of Hidden Histories: A Spotter’s Guide to the British Landscape, and patron of the Ridgeway National Trail, will point out what lumps and bumps we can see, and what they’re telling us!
Start & finish:
Meet in layby off the A4010 (Risborough Road) in Great Kimble, HP17 0XS
Google maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/HM6yZcj4fY4HcU4w6
What 3 Words: multiple.afflicted.expired
Grid reference: SP 825 058
Time & date: Arrive at 9.45am for a 10am start, Sunday 29th September. The pace will be around 2.5km/h, with plenty of stops and time to look around the churches. We will aim to finish by 2pm at the latest.
Distance, terrain & barriers:
Approx 6km (4 miles). The route follows unsurfaced footpaths and bridlepaths, some open access land, and some short stretches along the verge of the road. There’s approximately 200m of ascent, with two short steep uphill and one long downhill. There is a flight of steps with a wooden handrail and 3 stiles. There are two fast road crossings (which we will do as a group).
PLEASE NOTE:
I want this walk to be accessible to as many people as possible. If the full route is not suitable for you, you could join for the first part, which will take us past the medieval earthworks and fishponds in Great Kimble, and to visit the two churches of Great Kimble and Little Kimble. This section of the route will be 1.5km and avoids most of the ascent. It still includes one stile and two fast road crossings.
If you would like to do this shorter version of the route, please let me know in advance, by email (see below). We will arrange to leave your car(s) at Little Kimble, so you don’t need to walk back along the main road again. If you have other access requirements or questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch and I will do my best to provide the information you need or see if there are other adaptations we can make.
Parking:
Parking in the layby is free – space is limited, so please car share if possible
Public Transport:
If you’re coming by train or bus, please let me know in advance and if necessary we can arrange to collect you from a convenient station or stop
Toilets:
There are no toilets at the start of the walk, or along the route.
Food & drink:
There are no places to buy food or drink on the route, so please bring your own drinks and food. We will stop for a short lunch break along the route, so you may want to bring something to sit on in case the ground is damp
Weather:
If very severe weather is forecast, we will reschedule the walk for another day.
Clothing & Footwear:
Chalk soils can be very slippery when they’re wet. You could do this walk in trainers but if it’s been raining they’re likely to get muddy and wet, and it will be slippery underfoot. If rain is forecast, please bring waterproof jacket and trousers. You may want to bring hiking poles to give you extra stability. If hot weather is forecast, please consider sun cream and a hat.
Under 18s:
Under 18s are welcome but must attend in the company of a parent or legal guardian who will take responsibility for them throughout.
Dogs:
Dogs are welcome but will need to be under close control or on a lead at all times, and left outside the churches. You will need to bag and carry any dog poo until we reach a bin, or take it home with you. There may be livestock in some of the fields, including horses, sheep, alpaca and cows.
Risk Assessment & advice for the walk:
- Parking in the layby: Beware of moving vehicles, other walkers & local residents. Park so you don’t block driveways. Wait at the northern end of the layby, off the road.
- There are 3 stiles on the route. Take care when crossing & we are available to help
- One stile is in a poor state of repair and is a little wobbly. We’ll help each other over it safely
- There is a flight of earthen steps, which are narrow and with a drop on one side. Take your time here
- Steep gradients – there are three hills, two up and one down. We’ll take it slowly and stop as necessary. The short but steep climb to the top of Beacon Hill is optional.
- Major road crossings – we need to cross the main road (A4010) twice. We will have marshalls wearing high vis jackets and will cross the road as a group.
- One stretch of our walk is along a quiet lane with no pavements, there’s also one stretch along the verge and pavement of the main A-road. Our marshalls will wear their high vis jackets for these sections too
- There are exposed roots, stumps and uneven surfaces on the paths and open access land – these are trip, slip or fall hazards. Wear shoes or boots with good grip. Consider bringing hiking poles or a walking stick
- The paths may be slippery, especially if it’s wet. Wear shoes or boots with good grip. Consider bringing hiking poles or a walking stick
- There are stinging nettles on the route. It would be a good idea to wear long trousers rather than shorts or a skirt.
- Ticks are prevalent across the UK. Some ticks carry Lyme Disease which can make you very unwell. Prevention advice includes to cover your legs and ankles, and check for ticks after your walk. See your GP if you develop a rash or become unwell after a walk where you may have been bitten by a tick but not noticed. Mary-Ann will have a first aid kit with her including a tick removal tool.
- Toileting: there are no toilet facilities on the walk. This means that a ‘wild wee’ may be necessary. Better to wild wee than become dehydrated trying to avoid it. Mary-Ann will have an emergency toilet kit for other calls of nature
- First aid: Mary-Ann will be carrying a first aid kit and fully charged mobile phone in case of an accident. Please have a private word with her at the start of the walk if you have a medical condition you think she should know about.
- Weather: this is a reasonably short route and we will never be too far from ‘civilization’. However, please bring suitable warm and waterproof layers, or sun protection (hat and sun cream), as the conditions require.
- Getting lost: we will have front and back markers to help keep the group together. If you decide to leave the walk before the end, please let us know, don’t just disappear!
- Livestock: there may be animals in some of the fields, including horses, alpaca, sheep and cattle. We will assess their behaviour before entering any fields, give them a wide berth if required, and move calmly. If there are dogs with us we will take extra precautions to remain safe. We will be sure to leave gates as we found them.
Questions? Email John Lovelock with any questions or to let us know you want to do the shorter route option: jdlovelock@btinternet.com
www.hedgerleyhistoricalsociety.org
