Sunday, 13 April 2014

Chilterns and Thames Valley

Horses and HS2

guilty-horse.jpg Distance: 9.68 miles
Ascent: 235 metres
Duration: 2 hours 41 minutes

Walk 24: Chesham and Little Missenden

Shortly after starting today's walk I met a rather guilty-looking horse. On approaching me he backed against the hedge on the side of the green lane and waited for me to pass. Fully bridled-up, I was considering trying to lead him back in the direction he'd come but I didn't stand a chance of getting close enough.

Quarter of a mile later I met the reason for his demeanour. Brushing herself down was a middle-aged woman who looked more than a little angry. Slightly embarrassed at having been thrown from the horse, she was adamant that I couldn't do anything to help while she called rather plaintively in the direction from which I'd come. I wonder how long she waited for her steed to return.

stop-hs2.jpgAbout halfway round the walk the sound of shotguns filled the air, and then as I dropped into a village I started to see "Stop HS2" signs – always attached to the most expensive looking houses.

Horses, firearms and NIMBYism. There's a way of life here that is determined to resist change. I'm not sure I like that.

Posted by pab at 15:44 | Comments will be back one day. Please email me instead!