After the inaugural run from the Red Lion at the very end of last year, a return to this friendly pub was overdue. So with Rapid in Baby Shower avoiding mode and Ringer just avoiding, it was time to set a new trail. Having checked previous runs from the now closed White Hart, rather than heading to the country park this trail would be the pits.

In glorious late summer sunshine, with no birthdays or anniversaries confessed to, it was straight over to the Hares who promised a spectacular run with potential sightings of bear, badger, owl and of course those magnificent herds of marauding wildebeest.

Pecker sought enlightenment along the marked footpath by the side of the pub but had to return empty-handed, to join t'others taking the footpath across the road. Before we met the pits there was the matter of a short loop as a warm up, heading past the old White Hart pub before looping back via gaps in hedges to almost where we started. Rapid was in a generous mood, kindly pointing out a short cut to Blow Felt & Atomic who could be seen in her high viz all the way from the Clappers. But there generosity ended. There were to be no more short cuts, just steep steps and a ploughed field to cross.

The steps led down into what was a former quarry and were slowly navigated – slowed by Nik-Nak consuming some of the small, but delicious blackberries – before a couple of falsies led us to the cliff edge overlooking the landscaped pit. With Bangers keeping Millie from chasing imaginary cats over the edge, the pack admired a fine view before continuing down the track. Five Baah loved the ploughed field so much he ran it a couple of times and then still managed to head off the wrong way when we hit the track running parallel to the railway. Minja was keen to cross the railway line and indeed that was the original plan but like all good plans they change when you check out the route and find paths which you never knew existed.

Ringer suggested this track could have been a railway siding and having googled the area [other search engines are available: Dep Ed], Industrial Railways of Bedfordshire – Sundon Cement Works he was sort of correct in that there used to be a 3ft 0in gauge railway linking the quarry to the works. Where is Fat Controller when you need him? However, we were even more lucky that we didn't lose any of the pack in the underground tunnels that still exist Sundon Chalk Pits Underground Tunnels

Back on the trail it was a return up the hill, past the long-closed Crown pub, later an Indian restaurant now also closed, before returning to the pub in just over the hour. Out of date biscuits were generously shared and Forking relished the opportunity to hand out down downs to all and sundry. Rapid's rod was returned to Rapid as a potential rattle for the new arrival, Blow Felt celebrated his plus 1 (apologies DE) and then, as expected Forking drank what was left. Subby called on the telling bone to pass on her thanks for all the volunteers for house decoration at Lost Cause's and all were reminded that Catch It needs your dosh so we can book Henlow Dogs for Run 1500.

Next week it is on to The Royal Oak at Roxton The Anchor at Great Barford, courtesy of Lady P.