On Sunday 3rd February, we had a walk with a difference. Instead of the usual pub stop, we had been invited to stop off at St Bartholomew's church in Fingest where tea, coffee and homemade cakes were on sale to raise money for the church fund.
It was a bit cold and windy when seventeen of us set off from the free car park at Lane End. It must have been sub-zero over night as the puddles in the grass were still frozen and crunched underfoot as we made our way across the green before crossing over the M4 to Wheeler End.
We then headed west through farmland, crossing a ploughed field, with our boots getting heavier with every step as the sticky mud built up.
Next we passed through Laygrove's Wood and Pound Wood before crossing underneath the M4 to Cadmore End. There was a strangely autumnal feel about this part of the walk, with fallen leaves still in abundance on the woodland paths. Plenty of muddy puddles too!
Then we headed south, skirting Hanger Wood and making our way to the picturesque village of Fingest with its 12th century church.
This Norman church is quite unusual in that a double gabled pitched roof has been added to the bell tower. The church is now grade 1 listed so no such radical alterations can be made again.
We were able to eat our packed lunches inside the church, which was a welcome alternative to the cold breeze outside, but the main attraction was an array of lovely homemade cakes, scones and hot drinks on sale there. We were made very welcome by the volunteers there, who also told us some of the history of the church.
After lunch we continued our walk to the neighbouring village of Skirmett and then through Hatchet Wood, More End and More Common on our way back to Lane End.
One of our regular walkers has suggested having an award for the muddiest walk. This one would certainly be nominated. See our route on Google Maps.
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