Alf was so anxious in the van on the way to and from Wolverley that I resolved to take him out in it as often as possible. The weather is lovely at the moment so, despite aching muscles and general fatigue, I drove up the old Roman Road to the picnic spot where it crosses the Icknield Way.
I packed some drinks and snacks for us both and moored in the shady parking next door to the Wilbury Pub. Alf was relaxed for the 2 min drive up the hill and raring to go when he realised where we were.
We walked through the small copse on the site of the Hillfort. Wilbury Hill forms part of a series of defended sites which developed along the Chiltern ridge in the Late Bronze Age and Iron Age, of which the promontory fort at Sharpenhoe Clappers (approximately 14km to the WSW.
Once out into open farmland (which boasts Hitchin's Lavender Farm) we had a wonderful misty view along the Icknield Way,
across the Hertfordshire countryside to the distant hills that are home to Sharpenho Clappers is one of the nearest.
We reached the small wooden bench, which has seen better days, at the top of the incline. I decided this was far enough for our first ramble. It was hot, I was hungry, and we were both thirsty. The view to our right was across the Bedfordshure Plain, where the first of a series of windfarms was clearly visible.
Alf needed a drink and enjoyed three small snacks as we rested, perched on the little bench. I took a short video of the view across the valley, where Hitchin snuggles alongside the chalk streams. We met two other dog walkers on our return to the van; not many given the good weather. I am always grateful for the beautiful environment in which I live.
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