Short Hike Through Glorious Chess Valley in England.

 Introduction 

 This evening, I am reporting on a very rewarding two hour hike in Buckinghamshire, England.

 Video Clip of Chess Valley 

 

Information on the Hike

The route was circular, starting and finishing in the village of Latimer (pop 1000).Latimer is about four miles from the town of Amersham which, in turn, is about 33 miles NW of London.

The hike was undertaken in temperatures in high 20s centigrade (low 80s fahrenheit).

As will be evident from the images herein, I benefited from lush, green landscapes around a valley through which flows the River Chess. Here, there is about 2000 years of history from the Romans and medieval, through to WW2. As regards nature, I passed through ancient woodland, witnessed many butterflies, wildflowers, swans on the river, and cattle.

Here is an  interesting group of colourful wildflowers whjch have been allowed to grow on the edge of a cricket field.

 Ancient Woodland 


 Landscape View


 Designated Hiking Trail


First ripe blackberry I have spotted this season. I had a good feast of this fruit which seems to have matured earlier this year due to the unusual heat. 


 Another landscape view 

 Artificial lake engineered through a dam on the River Chess.The residential property shown is the approximate site of a Roman Villa which, by AD325, had grown to be a luxury residence with decorative gardens, colourful mosaic floors and bathing facilities.

 

I noticed lots of flint lying on the surface. This was a vital resource for Neolithic peoples who made cutting tools and arrowheads from the material. 

 Gatekeeper Butterfly 

 De Vere Hotel, Latimer, also known as Latimer House.It dates from 1838. During WW2 it became the centre of top secret activities run by MI5 and MI6. Thousand of German prisoners passed through Latimer House in course of which their conversations were bugged and recorded.This vital intelligence supported codebreakers at Bletchley Park and helped to contribute to the allied victory.

The first mention of a manor at Latimer was in 1194. In 1615 the manor was sold to Lord William Cavendish and remained in his family for about 350 years. 

 Cattle finding shade from the heat of the day.


 Small White Butterflies 

 River Chess as it lazily flows through the valley.This provides a habitat for an abundance of wildlife. Now considered a precious chalk stream

 Swan on River 

 

Quaint English Cottage 


 Another herd of cattle - feeding on the lush vegetation


 This blog also covers other sites in England including the ever popular Cotswolds. 

 

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