IMAGES TAKEN NEAR TO
Raans Road, AMERSHAM, HP6 6JP

Part of the Raans Farm estate

Ranns Farmhouse dates from the 16th Century and is built on the site of the older 12th century Raans Manor, believed to be the oldest manor in Amersham. This manor and farm played an important role in the history of Amersham Common and controlled much of the land around here, including most of the area which is now Amersham-on-the-Hill, and the land through which the railway passes. Over the years it has been owned by many powerful families including the de Mandevilles, the Duke of Bedford and Lord Chesham. The name seems to derive from the Jordan de Rane and his descendants, firstly under-tenants of Geoffrey de Mandeville 2nd Earl of Essex from 1166 and later owners until the late 14th Century.

This bridleway leads to Lane Wood at Chiltern Forest. It is on the Chilterns Cycleway and the London Green Belt Way.

The footpath from Little Chalfont to Amersham follows field boundaries within Raans Farm. The industrial estate starts as soon as you reach that gate ahead, though.

Under the Raans Road bridge the Metropolitan Line heading to Chesham

Viewed over the east side of Amersham and the River Chess, with Chesham in the distance. Seen while circling, waiting to approach Heathrow from the east on a flight from Glasgow.

The bridge across the Metropolitan Line

The footpath divides, on entering Lane Wood, with a bridleway off to the right and a public footpath to the left. This is part of Chiltern Forest.

The footpath from Little Chalfont to Amersham goes alongside this arable field, recently sown by the look of it. The industrial estate is never far away.