An invitation

As I have mentioned, I retire from full-time employment at the end of this month. I would like to mark the occasion in some way, but have not been sufficiently organised to plan anything for the exact date.

So, taking a chance on the weather, I would like to invite you to join me on a walk from Tring to Wendover and back on Sunday, 14 October 2012.

There are several options. I will be leaving Euston on the 10:01 for Tring, then walking along the Ridgeway Path to Wendover, having lunch in the Shoulder of Mutton, walking back to Tring on the Wendover Arm of the Grand Union Canal, and taking a train back to London (trains leave at 15 and 35 past the hour). The total distance is around 24km. You are welcome to join me.

If you feel up to walking half that distance, you can either get a train back from Wendover, or take a train to Wendover and walk back to Tring. If you only want a gentle walk, get a train to and from Wendover; if you arrive a bit early, you can take the Ridgeway Path northwards and meet the party walking from Tring. Or you can start out along the canal after lunch and turn back after a decent interval.

Note that, to get to Wendover, you should take the Metropolitan Line to Aylesbury (trains at xx:30 from Baker Street) and change there; and similarly for the return journey (trains at xx:35 and xx:55). There appears to be engineering work on the Marylebone line. The 11:30 should get you to Wendover in time for lunch; an earlier train would permit a little walk.

If you are coming by car, be at Tring station at 10:36; or drive to Wendover and follow either of the suggestions above.

There are several pubs in Wendover; but I would like to try to make a booking at the Shoulder of Mutton, so it would help if you could let me know if you are likely to be there for lunch.

Hope to see you there!