It was the first of what I hope to be many of The Professional Man monthly meet-up. The Monthly Stomp. An event designed to enable like-minded professional men to put some time aside for themselves, to be able to reconnect with nature and enhance their social network.
Saturday dawned with a promise of adventure as we gathered outside the charming Mottle & Bailey pub in Pirton for our monthly meet-up. Our hiking party consisted of Chris, Anthony, Mark, and Anthony’s loyal canine companion. With backpacks filled with essentials and hopes of an enjoyable walk high, we set off on a memorable journey through the picturesque countryside.
Our first steps led us along a footpath that ran parallels from Pirton to Apsley End alongside lush farmers’ fields. The gentle breeze whispered through the swaying crops, creating a soothing soundtrack to accompany our footsteps. As we strolled past the mysterious Shillington Manor, we couldn’t help but wonder about the stories it held within its time-worn walls.
The path beckoned us onward, guiding us towards the idyllic village of Aplesy End. Following the footpath, we traversed well-trodden trails with rolling fields stretching out on either side. From Aplesy End, a quaint little village, we found the footpath next to Bury Farm and crossed into more lush arable farmland public footpaths leading to Hexton.
Refreshment Time
Soon, we arrived at the renowned Raven in Hexton, a charming pub that welcomed weary adventurers with open arms. The cosy ambience and refreshing drink revived our spirits, providing a well-deserved break before our journey continued.
Energised by the restorative pitstop, we resumed our hike along a scenic footpath that led us to Barton-Le-Clay. As we ascended into the Chilton hills, the sun emerged from behind the clouds, casting a golden glow upon the landscape. The climb was steep, demanding a degree of determination to get to the top, but the panoramic views that awaited us at the summit were simply breathtaking. We paused to catch our breath, soaking in the awe-inspiring views.
The time had come for a well-deserved picnic, and we indulged in the stunning scenery that unfolded before us. With each bite, the flavours seemed to be enhanced by being in nature and enjoying the magnificence of the landscape. The Chilton hills embraced us, their magnificence offering respite from the outside world as we enjoyed the beauty of nature, as well as a nice refreshing breeze.
Famous Trails
Our journey continued as we ventured through the enchanting Barton Hills National Nature Reserve. Lush greenery surrounded us, while birdsong was everywhere. The trail merged with the renowned John Bunyan Trail, a path dedicated to the author of The ‘Pilgrim’s Progress’, inviting us to walk in the footsteps of those who came before us.
We joined the ancient Icknield Way; a trail said to be one of the oldest roads in Britain, steeped in history and myth. This ancient route, with its centuries-old legacy, captivated our imaginations, evoking a sense of connection with the generations that had walked this path. The shaded walk along the Icknield Way offered some respite from what was now becoming a rather warm walk, enveloping us in tranquillity as we continued our journey.
A Great End to the Day
As the day drew to a close, our footsteps carried us back to Pirton, completing a remarkable 12.5-mile hike. Exhausted but elated, we returned to the welcoming embrace of the Mottle & Bailey pub. A refreshing drink in hand, we toasted to our shared triumphs and the memories of the hike we had forged along the way, and it was the perfect ending to a day well spent.
In the end, it was not just a hike; it was a fantastic journey through the footpaths and hills we take for granted every day. We had discovered the beauty of hidden trails, immersed ourselves in historical narratives, and revelled in the camaraderie that comes from shared experiences. Overall a great first Stomp for The Professional Man monthly meet-up, and I hope many more to come.
