Sundon Saunter
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The Sundon Saunter is one of the challenge events put on by the Beds Bucks and Northants branch of the Long Distance Walkers Association. For a whopping £5 you get a choice of 3 distances (12, 18 or 27 miles) on a route that really shows off the beauty of the Bedfordshire countryside. The weather was a bit uncertain as I left home due to storm Abigail but we had great conditions for the day. Sure, there was a bit of a 20mph head wind for much of the first half but it was a bright day with no rain – I’ll take that. We set off to scale Sharpenhoe Clappers, thankfully via a kinder route than I have known in the past. The views from the ridgeline at the top were breath-taking. We made our way through the countryside to Battlesden and then up to Woburn for a good view of the Abbey. The wind was behind us now which was a bit of a relief. The last checkpoint was at Harpenden which was a new experience for me, actually visiting the place after 30 odd years of going through it twice a day. Officially 27.5 miles I managed to do 28.8. I’m not sure how that happened. For some reason I thought I would be finished shortly after lunch but I am pleased to say I got back before dark in a little under 7 hours. Garmin time 6 hours 52 minutes. Certificate time 8 hours 55 minutes (can’t be right, I was still asleep at 7:30!!!) Noel
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