I set out from Wendover at 08:15, excited for the final stretch of my journey on the Ridgeway. I was headed to Ivinghoe Beacon, and I kept ahead of schedule for the whole way.
As I left Wendover, I reflected on the chat with the locals last night and how lovely the place is. I think I could live there. It’s really nice.
The walk past Wendover started with a nice stroll through the woods. Along the way, I met Nadinja from the Netherlands, just before Tring Park. We had a great time chatting and laughing together. Tring Park was lovely, though we never figured out who “Walter” was.
Tring station had no toilet or water, but the kind lady at the station gave us both a drink.
If you’re not aware, in the UK, there’s a plan to get rid of Ticket offices. Without this lady’s help today, a ticket machine wouldn’t have been able to help us with water!
Please sign the petition 🙏https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/636542
We met Craig just after Tring station. And the three of us walked along.
After a quick nature break in the woods (sorry, TMI), I picked up the pace a bit. I slowed down when the hills multiplied, but I knew that would be the case.
As we made our way towards the Beacon, the views were amazing. We seems to follow a semi-circle around the Windmill below us.
Nadinja was fun to walk with. We even managed to get some inside jokes and a good few giggles train and plane, and fences spotting, and playing “Hiya” (if you know, you know). So much fun!
I completed the 11.7 miles (18.85 km) of the final day at 13:20, feeling very happy with my achievement.
We walked back to the car park, where Craig treated us all to a massive ice cream. We then headed to Tring station to get Nadinja to her train, and Craig drove me home.
I want to thank all the people who walked with me: Craig, Richard, Suzie, Nadinja, Kyle and all the people who have encouraged me along the way. I am not certain I have completed it without you all.
This journey on the Ridgeway was not just a personal physical and mental achievement but also part of my training for the Iceland Trek in March, in support of Prospect Hospice.
I would be incredibly grateful if you could donate to this cause and help support the incredible work of Prospect Hospice. Please visit https://www.justgiving.com/page/aurelie-icelandtrek2024 to make a donation.
So here this adventure ends. I have plenty of ideas for further walks and long hikes, and I’ll post about it soon, but for now, it’s goodbye from me. 👋