Steam along the Ridgeway, then explore Old Kiln Lakes and Oakley Hill Nature Reserve (0901)

We meet at 1000 for a short introduction to the history of the Old Kiln Lakes area and its link to the Chinnor heritage railway. We then board the 10.45 steam train for an hour's return journey to Princes Risborough, where Nigel will guide you as we see lovely views of the Chilterns, through historic Bledlow towards the mysterious Whiteleaf Cross. Arriving back at Chinnor, we explore Old Kiln Lakes, where historic quarries have been regenerated to attract a wide range of wildlife, including swans, geese and the iconic red kites. We visit a beehive kiln, a rare survivor from the site's industrial past, before heading out onto the Ridgeway, where we visit Oakley Hill nature reserve, home to rare chalk grassland flora and fauna, with superb views over the countryside from the edge of the Chiltern escarpment. We return via the historic sunken way of Donkey Lane, stopping at St Andrew's church, then return to the station (where train tickets are also valid for the 1430 & 1545 departures)