On Sunday 14 April 2013 Robert Slater led a group of ramblers on an 11 mile walk from Arlesey to Hitchin passing along parts pf the Hicca and the Icknield Ways. Our prolific photographer kindly provided 65 photographs, most of which with captions which are reproduced below.

Leaving Kings Cross by train for Arlesey

Gathering at the meeting point with Robert.

Before walking important business - hands up for food orders at the pub.

That is the river Hiz, not His!!

Beautiful meadows and open countryside to cross

Time to pause and admire the view

Well maintained paths and gates in one of the most walker friendly counties in England

The unfamiliar sun begins to warm the ramblers up

John draws camera's attention to torrents

Our intrepid photographer risks a ducking for a good picture

The river meandres along with the ramblers

A host of wildlife

Bridges and fields to cross

Gates to negotiate

Beautiful vista to the left

Spring finally breaking through

Some chat and some contemplation

Where is the frog?!

Aha - frog - all alone!!

Railway line crossing in safety

Another frog

And of course the mandatory muddy paths!!

Stunning

Scene of a tragic incident which has become a sanctuary for wildlife.

The Icknield Way well signposted in parts

Sadly no time to visit today but logged for a visit another time

No tea stop at this pub as the group presses on to Hitchin

Via Pirton

Our future vegetables cover fields in luscious green

Butterflies sighted can be identified here, as well as English longhorn cattle

Faster walkers pause to allow for catching up

A chat about the historic area

About halfway through afternoon walk

Mating season for frogs?

Frogs, frogs, frogs

Marvelling at frogs' pond

While some take the opportunity of a rest

Sunshine and warmth

Look carefully to see English longhorn cattle sitting in field

No pics of the lunch stop I'm afraid but it was at the

Gardeners Arms,Letchworth( western boundary of town).Reasonably priced carvery plus selection of vegetarian dishes.

Our photographer enjoyed this specimen!!