Perfect day for an autumnal walk; a bracing chill in the air, sky blue, bright sunshine. Accordingly I followed one of my favourite routes via three pubs (and three pints). The 1140 bus from Hitchin stops outside the Strathmore Arms in St. Paul's Walden at midday. In other words: opening time. Had a pint of Side Pocket then walked along a stretch of the Chiltern Way.

 Turned left at Hill End Chalk Pit towards Preston.

 Ambled through the silent stillness of Hitch Wood. Leaf litter underfoot, in spring these slopes will be carpeted with Bluebells.

 As Ray Davies and the Kinks once put it: "We are the Village Green Preservation Society". Pint of Citra at the Red Lion in Preston which is owned by the villagers.

On to Wain Wood, another ancient woodland noted for its Bluebells.

 And out into open countryside back to Hitchin. Pint of Landlord at the Half Moon.