“Leighton Jones (our dad) has been an active member of the Knowle Society for more than twenty years now, with a particular passion for helping people discover the village and the surrounding countryside.
When approaching retirement, Leighton spotted an appeal for someone to lead the Society’s walks and simply thought, “That’ll do me.” It proved to be a role he continues to enjoy many years later…
His involvement with the Society has taken on several roles, including organising and leading the Society’s popular programme of walks, membership secretary and also serving as Chairman.
His contribution has extended far beyond walking. Leighton has been involved in the Society’s work to protect Knowle’s character, countryside and green spaces, as well as its planning and community activities. In 2011, for example, he put forward a number of areas for consideration as Local Green Spaces, and he continues to be actively involved with the Society many years later.
As he celebrates a milestone on the 9th of September 2026, this 80th Birthday Loop has been created by his family, with the support of Knowle Society, to show their appreciation for all his voluntary work within the community.
It is a walk based loosely on a walk he created in 2017 to highlight some of the green areas in Knowle that were under threat of development but has been extended slightly to take in a short part of The Grand Union Canal.
We would love you to enjoy this walk by either following the guide below, or by scanning the QR code which will send to a real time route on the Komoot walking site.
Happy 80th Birthday Dad!”