hiya bucks in Bourne End, Flackwell Heath, Marlow, Wycombe, Wooburn December 2017 | Page 33

On a bright and sunny day in early November we visited
Denham Country Park to stretch our legs and get some
much needed fresh air. Located in the very south-east
corner of Bucks, close to the borders of Middx, Berks and
Herts, it is easily reached via the M40, J1, or from the A40.
Open all year round there’s lots to do
here with plenty of open space and miles
of natural trails and woodland paths. Look
out for the brass rubbing posts to keep
the kids amused and see if you can spot
the wood carvings. Take a short walk from
the car park and you’ll find the Grand
Union Canal. Whilst the area immediately
surrounding Denham Lock isn’t the most
scenic with abandoned boats and barges
from long ago, the towpath was busy with
walkers, joggers and people cleaning
their houseboats and the reflections in the
water looked stunning today.
The visitor centre provides ample
information on circular walks and things
to do in the area, including the Colne
Valley food trail. There’s a lovely café with
an extensive menu including breakfasts
of sausage and bacon, Ploughmans
lunch, pizzas, baguettes and of course
homemade cakes.
There is a charge of £2.70 for
car parking (£3.70 in peak
times) but this money goes
towards improvements in the
park, as well as conservation.
Denham Country Park is part
of the Colne Valley Park which
stretches over 40 square miles,
has 200 miles of river and
canal and over 70 lakes. It’s a
fantastic place for wildlife watching.
We might be into the short dark days of winter
now but that’s no excuse for not getting out
and about.
Denham Court Drive, Denham, Bucks, UB9 5PG
www.colnevalleypark.org.uk
Helen Gerrish, Editor
hiyabucks.com
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