Autumnal Leaves (14 miles)

"...that strow the Brooks, in Vallombrosa"

Etruria lies too distant for a day trip, and unlike Chorleywood, is not covered by Oyster and Contactless. So on the anniversary of Milton's golden key to the palace in 1694, we can catch the Tube to scrunch through autumn leaves and admire their colour in as many woods around the poet's Chilterns home as we can.

For Milton, delights found in France and Italy were followed by turmoil, revolution and conflict at home. Look carefully at his village's church. The marks of cannonballs fired randomly by Cromwell's soldiers from their camp in a nearby field still remain around its east window. Part 12th-C and walled with Chiltern flint, inside are 14th-C wall paintings.

TRAVEL: CHORLEYWOOD is in Zone 9 on the Metropolitan line. Oyster and Contactless cover all travel. Sample single fare from Zone 1 - £4.90.

The station is also served by Chiltern Railways from Marylebone (£11.50 return from Marylebone with a Network card). The 9.57 am train from Marylebone will arrive in time.

Walk starts 10.30 am from CHORLEYWOOD station. Bring a packed lunch. Village stop for refreshments. As always in the winter it is advisable to pack a torch just in case required. Circular walk.

How to join?

• The walk is entirely free of charge;
• You only arrange for your own travel and pub expenses;
• Understand our terms and conditions below (the "IMPORTANT" part);
• Understand how to stay safe outdoors, as you will be responsible for yourself. See our quick safety tips:
  https://www.meetup.com/Free-Outdoor-Trips-From-London/about/

Feel free to ask any questions in the comments section!

IMPORTANT
Please bear in mind this is a free of charge, self-guided trip with a hobby group. It is not organized by a business nor any entity with commercial purposes.
Any trip details, travel advice, route planning, instructions and other content in our group merely represent our shared personal knowledge, research and suggestions as outdoor enthusiasts. As this is no business, there is no "product", "service" or "package" and also no "tour guide", "operator" or "walk leader".
Each participant is responsible for their own safety. Even if some of us are very experienced walking outdoors, nobody assumes responsibility for any kind of injury, damage or loss that may happen.
Despite this, we take extreme precautions and all trips we plan are very safe, fun, highly educational and popular. Our experienced members volunteer their time and effort to shape a pleasant and quality adventure for everyone :-)
By participating you acknowledge and agree with this disclaimer.

Here are our tips on staying safe during outdoor trips:
https://www.meetup.com/Free-Outdoor-Trips-From-London/about/

TRAVEL, ACCOMMODATION, INSURANCE
Although we provide detailed suggestions, each participant is expected to arrange their own travel and (if required) accommodation - this gives everyone the freedom and choice to join from wherever they want and stay wherever they want. Anyone interested in travel or outdoor insurance should also arrange this on their own. As mentioned above we always take extreme precautions, but some people may still feel safer if covered.
We advise not to buy tickets until the day. People getting tickets from the same station are encouraged to meet early on the day to benefit from discounts such as GroupSave.