Brightwell Farm to Moor Park

 Brightwell Farm to Moor Park via Hamper Mill and the golf course. Back by train to Croxley and then Byewaters  08/05/2020

When we were kids we used to play 'over the Scout's field' (named because there was a Scout hut there - obvious really). The field was part of the farm and we could get down to the river (Colne). If feeling a bit more adventurous, we would cross the railway bridge over the river, clamber down the other side and walk along the bank to the pill box. It was great. A wonderful playground and we spent many summers there. Then we grew up and did grown up things. The Scout's field became out of bounds and access to the river got fenced off. The other side of the bridge became overgrown and the pill box got closed up. 

However, on this particularly lovely Spring day, us intrepid walkers were not deterred. It had long been a wish to get back down to that particular part of the river and get close to one of my childhood haunts. We would have to settle for looking at the pill box from across the river, but first we had to get there. 

We walked across the playing field and down the slope of the Ebury Way towards the bridge, but turned off to the left and followed the path that would lead to the Lairage Land, then did a right and followed another path down under the bridge. There had obviously been kids here (even during Lockdown) for there were signs of 'a camp' and graffiti on the walls. 

In front of us was where we wanted to be, but we had to negotiate the fence and a bit of mud first, followed by some wading through long grass, cow parsley and a few brambles and then we were in the field. It had been freshly mown, even so the cut grass was quite deep and we kept to the fence to slowly make our way level with the pill box on the other side. It was strange standing there and looking at it. Obviously the intervening years had had an impact. No longer was this war-time structure standing alone with the stream beside it and the weir over which we used to totter. It was surrounded by trees and we would probably have been hard-pressed to get close on the other side. But it was a small wish achieved and we took photos, watched a mother coot feeding young and then headed round the back of the farm to try and find a way into the next field and so on to Hamper Mill. 

There once used to be a narrow gauge railway that ran from the main Watford to Rickmansworth branch line, across the fields, via a bridge over the river, to the pumping station on the further side. All that is really left is the bridge, though you'd be hard-pushed to get across it and the other side is overgrown. You used to be able to get through underneath - probably a place where the cattle were moved. That too was overgrown, so hoping not to be spotted on our 'right to roam' we ventured a bit further along and found a big enough gap in the fence. Up on the bridge we stopped for a drink and then continued on round the edge of the field, following the course of the river, which was now mainly behind the tree line. We came across a little weir that formed yet another stream heading down towards the mill and a few minutes later stood on the bridge looking at the mill itself. It is so picturesque and the reflections in the water make for wonderful photographs. 'The Clockhouse' was a former wheelhouse to a paper mill in use from about 1776 to 1908 and is Grade II listed. It was water-powered and formerly known as Souche's Mill and dates back to at least the 1500s, though there had been a mill on this site since Domesday I believe.

(Here endeth the history lesson).

Sue had not ventured further than this point, so we decided we would carry on. The path meanders up through a woody bit until you come out into a field that abuts Merchant Taylor's school. There we found some grazing cattle and a view back towards West Watford. The new flats in Epsom Road off Tolpits Lane stood out clearly against an otherwise country aspect. 

A bit further and we were on the golf course. Still being in Lockdown, it was deserted save for one or two dog walkers and we sat on a bench and ate a spot of much needed lunch. The course was evidently still tended, for the bunkers were raked and the fairways cut. Sue had the idea of making a big NHS sign in one of the bunkers. Eventually we eschewed the idea, ha ha. 

I had walked across the golf course before with another friend and was sure I knew the way. I obviously didn't. After some wandering, we came out onto the Moor Park Estate amongst the 'big houses'. Did I mention it was VE Day? Several people were out in the gardens draping Union Flags over their hedges or a bit of bunting or something red white and blue. We kept walking and eventually came across the path I had originally been looking for and we followed it through the trees alongside the Metropolitan railway line until I knew by the pain in my knee that we were going to have to catch a train. Under normal circumstances this would not have posed a problem. But, this was Lockdown. You weren't supposed to use the train unless necessary. Sue convinced me it was necessary because 'I was injured' (more laughs) and otherwise it would have meant walking all the way down to (eventually) Tolpits Lane and then a further walk back home.  We got a train. 

Wearing masks and socially distanced, even though we were the only ones in the carriage, we went to Croxley, where stairs awaited us (groan), and then crossed over the road and walked down the hill to the canal, returning via Byewaters. The swans were there with mum on the nest and a host of geese and fluffy goslings. 

It had been a long walk, but a good one (despite the knee) on another fine Spring day. 

~ oOo ~

Lots of photos, as always, in the gallery

Coy Carp to Denham 20/09/2020

The Coy Carp to Denham and back for birthday lunch 

It was my friend Sue's birthday on the 20th and mine the next day. We often celebrate our birthdays together, but didn't really know what to do this year. The weather had been good and we were back into our walks and so we decided, rather than go litter-picking as had been loosely suggested (for our birthdays? Really?), we would drive to the Coy Carp at Harefield, book lunch and then walk along the canal for as far as we could before needing to head back for food. 

The pub was open, but not open, if you know what I mean. We were told to download the app and book online, so we retreated to the garden and did just that. We had about three hours to walk and return. 

We really hadn't gone far along the canal before we came across a bridge under which the canal over-flowed off towards an unusual rectangular weir and on into green lushness. And then just a little further on, we traversed a rather splendid, very arched bridge (no 177A) spanning what is the Troy Cut. Researching this later, I discovered that this 1,000 yard branch off the canal was built to serve Troy Mill. When milling ceased, the cut was used to ship sand and gravel from nearby pits. It was in one such pit in the 1950s that the British Transport Commission, who then ran the canal network, scuttled many redundant narrow boats. It was discovered that at least 24 boats had been sunk, but further research by others suggests that up to 50 lie rotting in this watery grave. Such a shame. 

However, we didn't know this at the time, so back to the walk. It was turning into a beautiful day and there were lots of people and boats about. All very colourful. And some of the properties along the route are rather eye-catching to say the least. Our next port of call was Black Jack's Mill, another picturesque canalside property that has a history attached. It's a Victorian property built in 1840 between the River Colne and the canal and is mentioned in the Domesday Book. Once a flour mill (on same site as this), it was once operated by an eponymous miller who was so-called because of his ill treatment of his donkey. It has been used as a television location for many programmes including Dr Who and, of course, Midsomer Murders and is now a B&B and home to 'Jack's Mill Pantry'. Unfortunately it wasn't open this weekend for whatever reason, but that was O.K. So, more photos and we bimbled on.

The next stretch took us under bridge 179 with graffitied supports and a barrier on top preventing crossing. (Intrigued, I later found out that it was originally built for the convenience of Broadwater Farm, but a change of land ownership caused it to become disused and blocked off - photo in gallery). Beyond the tree line on the right and a narrow road, is Broadwater Lake, a nature reserve used for sailing and fishing. Like most of the lakes in the Colne Valley, they were former sand and gravel pits and through pretty much all of them runs the River Colne. Every so often we could glimpse sail out on the blue water, but closer to hand, the canal ran on and very soon we reached Widewater Lock. The lock keeper's cottage here is quite plain, so we didn't stop other than to take a photo and carried on past the Horse and Barge pub and then, over to the left, the canal opened out into Harefield Marina. We watched a narrow boat manoeuvring in and took a succession of photos as we walked. 

It was shortly after that, with the sun burning down and the day getting pretty hot, that we came across a boat called Dilligaf, one of the most extraordinary boats I have ever seen. It was covered in all manner of weird and wonderful things. The roof was mainly a garden with a variety of ornaments and objects, but then there were so many other things crammed onto it that you should really look at the photos in the gallery to get an idea, though I'll post one here. 

Turns out the boat is owned by a German chap called Dirk and is quite well known. Only today I found out what Dilligaf means. Oh, you want to know? "Do I Look Like I Give a F**K". Go on. You have to smile. 

With one eye on the watch, we didn't go too much further. About half way between the marina and the railway, we did an about-turn and began the walk back. Dirk was by his boat watering his plants and we stopped to say hello. One of the things attached to the side of the boat is a large mirror, so of course we had to have a birthday selfie. The canal was still busy with boats coming towards us and boats going the other way. We ended up following a boat called Sage as it made it's way in our direction. But there was one boat on the far side of the canal that was in a sorry state. Looked to be abandoned and pretty derelict, but made for a couple of interesting photos. By the time we reached Black Jack's Mill, Sage was going through the lock and Sue wanted to take a photo of me by it. The reason being, when she/we are on holiday, she writes a holiday Blog in which I am the "Village Sage", so there is now a record of it. 

We reached the Coy Carp in perfect time and were shown to our table. A large soda and lime was just the thing to cool down and then we decided we'd both have a roast dinner. And it was pretty scrummy, I have to say. Being our birthdays we also had to have dessert. And being Sunday and following on from a roast dinner, I had rhubarb and blackberry crumble with ice cream.  Such a long time since I'd had Sunday roast. 

The problem when you walk any distance and then sit for a while, is that you seize up. Well I do. It's my foot that causes the real problem and it takes a while to get going again, but get going we did and took a little stroll along passed Coppermill Lock. The kayakers had finished for the day, which was a shame as I would have liked to get some photos, but there was still traffic on the canal, including a couple in a canoe. Once again the properties canalside were rather swish. We paused to take some pics of the Hillingdon Narrowboat Association repair shop where several boats were moored up, including one I'd seen a little while ago named "The Slowness of Cows". What a great name. Then we sat on a bench and did nothing for some minutes. There was a certain air to the afternoon. It was full of interest, but relaxing and I tried to put it into words. A bit difficult. Looking back at the Coy Carp on the other side of the bridge, it felt very rural or rustic. Almost like being in another time, another era. 

Finally we went back to the car and drove home, Sue stopping for a cup of tea before she finally went. What a lovely day it had been. One that stays with you. 

Happy Birthday to us!