Walk leaders' descriptions of what happened on the day. Look for pictures under the 'Photos' menu.

Sat 10 Sep 2011 Chappel Beer Festival Walk

23 miles. Ldr Rob Myers

I kept to the same format as last year with a 13 mile walk around Colchester in the morning. This started by going through Highwoods Country Park which my house backs on to. In fact there is an entrance to the park about 10 yards from my house so I could show the group where I lived. On leaving Highwoods we did a section of the Camuplodeum devised by former LDWA member Derek Keeble. After briefly popping into the grounds of Essex University we walked along the River Colne into Castle Park. We had lunch at the Castle Inn. In the afternoon there was a 9 mile walk to Chappel mainly along the Essex Way. Everyone was impressed by the magnificent Chappel Viaduct and we all posed for group photos. Some people left at Chapple Station where the East Anglian Railway Museum is situated and the Beer Festival took place. 6 of us went to the festival and tried some of the 450 beers available. There was a slight problem with food as the hog roast stall wasn't operating and the mighty sausage company stall had run out of sausages. Everybody else had a vegetable curry but as a strict carnivore I had a burger. Whilst we were eating our food there was a fairly heavy shower which sent most people scurrying into the Goods and Restoration Sheds of the museum. We stayed where we were and were rewarded with a superb rainbow when the sun came out. Four people departed at 7.30 and two of us stayed for a further hour. Two women stopped off at our table to eat their food and one of them turned out to be the chief brewer of Brentwood Brewery Company and we had a very interesting chat. The bad news, according to her, is that barley is a spring crop and the summer rain came too late to save it. She predicts that beer prices will soar next year. After briefly listening to the band in the Goods shed we decided to catch the free bus. The spirits in the bus were high and the passengers rendition of the Proclaimers 500 miles was truly impressive. Inspired by their triumph the passengers attempted a version of Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody which received mixed reviews. Rob


Thu 1 Sep 2011 London Parks

7 miles. Ldr Rob Myers
I first led this walk last year as a hastily arranged extra walk due to public demand. This year I had time to fully recce it and to iron out a few of last year's kinks. 15 people gathered at Holland Park station. The walk started with a circuit of Holland Park including the beautiful Japanese Kyoto Gardens. Proceeding to Kensington Gardens we passed by the floral tributes on the gate of Kensington Palace to mark the anniversary of the death of Princess Diana. A circuit of Kensington Gardens followed including the Flower Gardens, Albert Memorial, Round Pound and Elfin Oak. We arrived at the Long Water to find that the Italian Gardens were boarded up for restoration. We walked down the side of the Serpentine noting in particular the new reed beds planted to attract Heron. We later passed a Heron busily eating bread on the concrete. After rounding the bottom of the Serpentine and going past the famous "Upside Down" tree and the flower garden, we left Hyde Park and entered Green Park by way of Wellington Arch. In Green Park we found that the Canadian War Memorial was also boarded up for restoration. Lastly through St James's Park in fading light to reach journey's end at Trafalgar Square. Some disagreement over which pub to use so we ended up using two. Rob

Thu 25 Aug 2011 Regents Park Area

7 miles. Ldr Rob Myers

My attempt to do this walk last year was abandoned late in the walk due to very heavy rain. I decided to do the walk in the reverse direction and 15 of us gathered at Baker St tube. We started with the delights of Queen Mary Gardens where late August is a good time to see the magnificient rose gardens. We then did a circuit of the lakes and then walked through the fountains of Avenue Gardens. Approaching the zoo we stopped off at the Indian Fountain in Broad Walk which hadn't produced drinking water for years and we were amazed to find that if you put your hands directly under the pipe then water came gushing out. This was part of the multi million pound investment the Royal Parks Foundation are making in upgrading ornamental and drinking fountains. We next climbed up Primrose Hill to admire the view and then walked along Regents Canal to Little Venice. Turning left we went via Paddington Basin to Paddington Station where the walk ended. I decided to use the Mad Bishop and Bear pub at the station which served a wide range of Fuller's Beers and was recommended in my CAMRA guide. It worked well. Rob


Linear Mile End to Greenwich Wed 17^th August.  

Ldr Ldonica Vanclay

Well all 17 of us started in the rain and drizzle along the
starting route of the 2012 100 - through Mile End Park, canal and Canary Wharf
then Mudchute Farm and under the Thames by foot tunnel to Greenwich - at which
point the rain stopped and we all oohed and aahed at the most spectacular
sunset.  Along the Thames and through Greenwich Park up to the high points
for views and to take it up to 6.5miles. Can't beat Dave's record of most
walkers - but I reckon we get the award for most spectacular sunset!  And
then a drink at where else - but Wetherspoons!

Ldr Dave Williams

24 turned up for my 20+ stroll , they were advised to bring their sense of
humour & they certainly needed it !On a near-perfect day for walking the only highlight of the morning was the short break on top of Puttenham Common offering extensive views across to
Haslemere & beyond. With nothing further to report we reached Farnham, our lunch stop where some adjourned to the pub, others to the fish & chip shop & the
remainder to partake of their packed lunch by the river.We departed after lunch with the promisr of an ice-cream stopat Tilford, however to the leader's consternation the ice-cream van was nowhere to be seen!

However when all seemed lost we managed to take advantage of one at The
Donkey at Charleshill. With spirits restored the race was now on to reach Godalming in order to
cqatch the 18.56 train & abrisk pace ensured we reached our objective in
good time  having covered some 26.5 miles !  Photos

A special mention must go to Judith who volunteered her services for the back-marker job & inspite of severe provocation stuck manfully to her task with  great stoicism to the bitter
end !

Wed 10 Aug  National gallery tour and Hidden London.

7mls Ldr Susanne Waldschmidt

A beautiful evening which bought out 23 LDWA members.  The tour of the National Gallery added an extra mile to the walk! Amazingly enough there are quite a few paintings in theGallery with a walking theme, including the superb Renaissance painting 'The Walk to Emmaus' where the three subjects look as though they have just completed a 100. We then walked via St James Park and the river to hit the backstreets and alleys north of the river before finishing at the Dickens Inn in St Katherine's dock. It was good to have peter and Hilary Saw  join us. Big apologies to the four people I missed before the gallery tour.There clearly are a lot of culture vultures in London LDWA so I will try and repeat this tour next summer specially for those who missed out.

Sun 31st July Greensand Way Linear Walk Part5  

21mls Ldr Susanne Waldschmidt

18 walkers came out on a hot and sunny day to
walk from Knole Park, Sevenoaks to Maidstone.  The Greensand Way is a really
beautiful and varied walk with lots of surprises. The Swan on the Green at East
Peckham was perfect for a lazy summer rest. After lunch the mood of the walk
changed when we left the Greensand Way to follow the River Medway to Maidstone. 
A little rushed at the end as we all were keen to catch the hourly train back to
London.

Thank-you Mike R for taking over in Maidstone and
getting us to the station by the quickest route with just minutes to spare.

On a dark & dank evening 14 hardy souls turned up at
Snaresbrook for a traipse around the southern edge of Epping
Forest. However , within a very short time many of them were regretting
their decision due to the very wet conditions underfoot which had turned many of
the tracks, normally dry at this time of year, into a soggy quagmire!
I'm pleased to say that inspite of these conditions everyone
survived this ordeal with no reported incidents.Towards the end the weather even brightened up for us & we reached 'The Walnut Tree', the Wetherspoons pub in Leytonstone in fine spirits, where the majority of us took advantage of the offer of a curry & a pint for £5.99 to round off a mostly enjoyable evening.

Saturday July 9^th West Essex Circular.    

22mls Ldr Lonica Vanclay

  Yes - this time there was no fog, the
rain held off all day and it even got quite warm and sunny in parts!
  15 of us walked the 20 miles and were able to enjoy the sweeping
views, the green fields and the fantastic spread of flowers - wildflowers in
the fields and the beautiful and colourful Essex garden flowers.  Lots of
lovely old houses to admire enroute.  The Dial at Elmdon provided
excellent beer and lunch and we were able to sit in the garden to enjoy it.
 The ups and downs, gentle though they were, still rather put paid to the
view that Essex is completely flat!  So no need to repeat the walk for a
third time!!

 Wed 06 Jul 2011 Bushy and Hampton Court Parks
7mls Ldr Rob Myers
When I travelled to Kingston at lunchtime there were bad problems at Waterloo due to a train failure and a person under a train, so it was with great relief that the trains were back to normal by the time people started arriving for the walk. 17 walkers gathered for the start. We walked through Kingston town centre admiring the bright and cheerful banners advertising the Kingston summer festival. Entering Hampton Court park we immediately came across the first of many herds of deer before heading for the top of the Long Water where we could see all the marquees of the Hampton Court Flower Show in the distance. We left Hampton Court park via a 750 year old oak and a golf course to reach a short stretch of the Thames Path before entering Hampton Court Palace. After passing through the grounds of the palace we crossed over to Bushy Park and lingered to admire the recently restored Statue of Diana which was designed by Sir Christopher Wren. Next we did a circuit of Waterhouse Woodland Gardens before going via Bushy House and Heron Pond to exit Bushy Park. We finished the walk at the Bishop Out of Residence pub overlooking the Thames. Definitely one of my favourite walks. Rob

Wed 29 Jun 2011 Osterley to Kew

9mls Ldr Rob Myers
22 people turned up at Osterley station for this walk which equalled the summer evening walk
attendance record. The walk swiftly proceeded to Osterley Park where we looked at the famous
NT house first built by Thomas Gresham in 1576 and completely remodelled by Robert Adam in
1761. We then wandered through the grounds admiring the trees and lakes and left the park by
crossing the M4 and joining the Grand Union Canal at Hanwell Locks. Now a Scheduled Ancient
Monument this is a flight of 6 locks which drops down 53 feet. We stopped to admire Brunel's
Three Bridges Lock where a road bridge is on top of another bridge carrying the canal which
is in turn on top of a railway line. We followed the Grand Union Canal to Brentford Lock where
we saw the remnants of the local boat repair industry. A short walk along a very attractive
section of the Thames Path took us to Kew Bridge where we headed via Kew Green to the
Railway Tavern at Kew Gardens station. Most people stayed for a pint or two reflecting on a
very satisfying walk. Rob

Saturday 18th June Shoreham by Sea

22mls Leader Jerome Ripp
12 of us set out from the Sussex coast on a windy and rather dull morning with the leader saying that in view of the unsettled weather, the promised 22 miles would not be forthcoming. Little did we all realise how that prediction would be fulfilled. Up to the downs at Mill Hill nature reserve with some early excitement as we were almost mauled by some excited cows and managed to find a very long way through the reserve with several ups and downs. Order was resumed with the South Downs Way which was now followed all the way to our first ring of Chanctonbury with a view down into several bottoms on the way. A very late morning break and then the descent through woods to Washington for lunch. The weather had been fairly kind with only squally showers to accompany the stiff wind.
After an efficient  stop at the Frankland Arms it was back into the hills and a pleasant route up to Cissbury Ring where we sank into the soft grass for a well earned 40 winks. From here however the walk went downhill both literally and metaphorically. The descending path was very pretty with a view over the golf course but it was not the intended path and suddenly we arrived in a residential area on the edge of a town which was not the plan. The leaders attempt to fight his way out of this mess by diving into the luxury housing estate was to no avail although we did pass the amusing Bacon For Sale sign. By now it began to look as if head torches and a tent might be needed but with Trevor providing some local knowledge, nerves were steadied and a plan made to get back on track. Via Sainsburys a path slowly emerged that lead back up into the hills and finally we reached our third ring of Lancing with a view across to the ornate college.  A final descent and we just made the 18.40 train having covered a marathon of 26 miles. An epic walk according to D.W. which put this leader up with some of the greats.

Wed 15 Jun River Wandle Trail

9mls Ldr Andy Davies

Wed 8 Jun Richmond Riverside and Park Circular

7mls Ldr Douglas Robinson

Fourteen of us met at Richmond Station for the walk by the Thames and through Richmond Park. The weather was perfect with very clear views of Central London from the Park, including the protected view of St Pauls from Henry's Mound. One little problem was being caught out by the early closure of the toilets at Pembroke Lodge - good job that the bracken was nice and high. We also thwarted by the oak procession moth - is this the first time that an LDWA walk has had to detour because of an insect? Because of the presence of its caterpillars, we could not walk through the poets corner and hence missed the Ian Drury bench. Ah well, you can't win them all and it was slightly earlier to the Roebuck than planned.

Wed 1 Jun Trent Park circular

7mls Ldr Peter Russell

21, including several recovering from the 100, had a brisk walk around the perimeter of the park
with a loop inwards to the house and lake. We saw the massive 1702 obelisk placed there in 1934
by the super-rich Philip Sassoon (to be seen from the honeymoon bedroom of the Duke of Kent),
then the Anglo-Saxon Camlet moat, then a ditch of 10-foot-high poisonous giant hogweed, and so
to the mansion with its classical sculptures and history including the imprisonment of Hess before itbecame an emergency teacher training college whose estate was preserved as green belt (more on Trent Park here: http:/ /www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trent_Park). We missed out the final fields of buttercups but were pleased to have extra time at the Cock and Dragon pub with its good Thai curries where Jerry joined us after failing to find us or the house or obelisk.

Sat 28^th May 2011  Faccombe Foray

21mls Ldr Steve Singleton

The forecast was for a mainly cloudy day with a possibility of showers and a fresh breeze.   Thirteen of us, including several people new to the group, met at Kintbury Station, near Newbury, for a walk over the Berkshire Downs to Faccombe and back. Our start was delayed by latecomers, but by 9:45 we were on our way through Kintbury. Our route took us south past Titcomb Manor and across Inkpen Great Common, then south to climb over the eastern shoulder of Walbury Hill, which at 297m is the highest point in the Home Counties. It was cool and breezy on the ridge.  We descended to Combe for elevenses, before re-ascending to the conspicuous radio mast on Combe Hill. A long descent to Combe Bottom followed, after which we walked west down the valley before climbing steeply again to Linkenholt. A walk across field paths took us to Netherton, from where there was three quarters of a mile on a minor road, uphill, to the Jack Russell at Faccombe for lunch. Those who did not want to eat in the pub were able to use some rather worse-for-wear picnic tables by the village pond. Service at the pub was slow, and it was nearly an hour before we were able to set off again; the weather was grey, cloudy and breezy; those people eating outside got rather cold. After lunch a descent northeastward was followed by the last major climb of the day, over the shoulder of Pilot Hill. Our descent took us along the edge of a quarry, with a sheer drop to our left, then north to East Woodhay and onwards to Ball Hill. We carried on north through sunshine and showers to Hamstead Park, where the three people who had come by train sped on ahead to catch the 17:46 train, for which time was tight. Our route took us through the park to Hamstead Lock on the Kennet and Avon Canal for the last two and a half miles along the towpath. One of our party, who was suffering from severe blisters, decided to stay at the lock and wait for her friend to pick her up in her car; the rest of us made our way back to Kintbury, having covered approximately 21 miles with 2500 feet of ascent; we were pleased to find when we got there that our train travellers had caught their train.

Saturday 21st May. Stane Street Circular.

25mls Ldr Mike Ratcliff

Starting at Billingshurst Station fifteen of us took a clockwise route south of the town to cross the railway just east of the Roman road that runs from London down to the coast. We continued west through some quite lush green farmland that seemed healthy looking despite the recent hot dry weather and soon picked up the Wey South Path at Lording's Lock that took us north through some very low lying areas and at times along the route of an old canal. Reaching Newpound Common we had a short road walk then soon continued through more attractive farmland up to Malham. By this stage the sun was very strong and the sky seemed very blue. There was just enough breeze however to make things feel OK. We then took quite a contrived route that laced together a series of small winding paths that resulted with us continuing generally north to meet the Sussex Border Path near Rudgwick. Reaching our most northern point along the route we then began our walk down to Tisman's Common for a good lunch stop. We rested nicely there for an hour and were able to relax in the sun sitting in the pubs' garden. After an hour or so we continued our way south to cross back over to the east side of Stane Street at Five Oaks and then took a nice weeving bridleway that took us almost all the way back to Billingshurst. We reached the station in good time for the 18.01 train and with the sun still shining.

Sunday 15th May Alton to Farnham. 

17.5mls Ldr Lonica Vanclay

It was a beautiful sunny day when 21 of us set off from Alton -   the blue skies, warm sun, fresh bright green leaves and flowers throughout the day made for a bucolic        English  countryside day.    And we had all sorts - a long cracked clay path through the young green wheatfields, forest, heathland - some of which had had a fire through a while ago and looked post apocalyptic;  Frensham Pond with its sand and boats; streams and open fields.   Lunch was at the lovely Dockenfields Inn - most of us had sandwiches.  The barman said lunch would be 45 minutes (or was it 4 to 5 minutes the time in which Deep got his salad!)  So Don settled for dessert only which also took 4-5 minutes and poor old Paul passed altogether as he didn't want to hold us up!  Having admired the views we upped the pace a little in the afternoon - but still made time to watch cricket on the village green while we had icecreams.  And still in time for the 4.30 train…but then it was only 17.5 miles with an average walking speed of 3.5mph. 

So we've seen it all in snow and now in sun - perhaps I could get away with repeating it in the autumn in a few years time.

Sat 7 May 2011 Essex Way

20 miles. Ldr Rob Myers

Forest Row Circular. Saturday 16th April 2011.

Ldr Mike Ratcliff

Ten of us made it to our starting point  in East Sussex on a morning of disruption on the rail network though it was worth the effort I hope as the sun was shining for us early that day and the conditions underfoot were excellent. We began our days hike walking west away from Eridge Station and towards Ashdown Forest, soon to pick up The Weald Way just north of Crowborough. Much of the mornings walking was characterised by patches of woodland that had some of the first bluebells of the season on display and a very green and lush feel to the whole area despite the hard and often cracked ground due to the distinct lack of rain over the previous weeks. When designing this route I was delighted to find such a terrific selection of ancient trees along the way which eventually seemed to characterise much of the walk. We stopped for a morning rest on a very distinctive area of heathland in the midst of the Ashdown Forest area just before we picked up The Vanguard Way which would take us all the way to our lunch stop at Forest Row. From this point we had a hazy but still spectacular view looking north to the Weald with the North downs rolling along the distant horizon. After some more miles of woodland and skirting round the enormous Royal Ashdown Forest Golf Club we eventually found our lunch stop at Forest Row where most of us spent and hour and more relaxing in the sun in the park near the centre of the town. After leaving the town we continued following The Vanguard Way to find a junction on top of a beautiful ridge to the north that meets the High Weald Landscape Trail. We now began our walk back eastwards, following the long distance path and eventually joining The Sussex Border Path which at this stage followed the course of an old dismantled railway. This provided the group with some flat and easy walking that lead us for a couple of miles or so to Balls Green where we finally took a more inventive route back over the hills near Withyham and Eridge that seem to run all the way eastwards towards Tonbridge Wells which was clearly visible in the distance. After a few more undulating miles back on The Sussex Border Path we eventually made it back to a familiar track that we had actually walked some of that morning when setting out and walked the final half mile back to the station in the sun.

Sat 9th April - West of Winchester

Ldr Jerome Ripp

A record crowd of 27 gathered at Winchester, was it the glorious summer weather, the lovely countryside or possibly the charm and caring consideration of this modest leader as many of the ladies thought. The tricky bit was getting out of Winchester on the south through the wealthy leafy suburbs but once on the Clarendon way it was plain sailing and we climbed up and over Compton Down for the first of many superb views. A break at Hursley church for nutritional and spiritual sustenance and then forward now on the Monarch's Way into a vast woodland and finally north curving round through some lovely valleys to a well deserved lunch stop at King's Somborne. We had done 23 K in just over 4 hours. A long break was enjoyed by all at the pub or on the benches of the common or just meandering round this pretty town. Return on the Clarendon way through more woodland and views which each place being better than the one before. A stop at Farley Mount to see the monument to the horse and then we steamed on for the final section round the golf course on Teg down and so back to Winchester achieving the return of 6.20 having covered 24 miles.  Photos

Sat 2nd April -East Croydon to Coulsdon South

21 miles -  19/20 people. Ldr Peter Buchwald

Feeling the joys of spring on a sunny day

We meandered through suburban streets

Walked a drunkard's zigzag path

Through leafless woods, uphill and down

Until to Kenley came for lunch.

We waited long for slowly cooked food

Then continued past The Sun in Coulsdon South

At a church in Chaldon and a cruciform painted wall

We marvelled at Jacob's Ladder,

The sins of dancing girls and very rich men.

Past Alderstead Heath up to the North Downs Way

We walked through darkened woods

With panoramic views in grassy clearings

Until we stopped at Oxted for a pint of beer.

Photos

Sun 27 Mar Fords and Hills of Herts Circular

20 miles Ldr Nick Marshall

Despite losing an hour's sleep to the putting forward of the clocks, 21 people turned up on time and enjoyed a 20 mile circular walk from Ware in weather which became increasingly warm and sunny as the day went on. Nobody actually qualified for a free pint by walking through all three fords before lunch at the pretty village of Standon (if you want to know why, try looking up "Standon ford" on Youtube), but the three brave souls who did two fords got a pint anyway. The attached pictures illustrate a range of fording techniques, from Paul's Careful-not-to-create-waves, via Rod's I've-got-waterproof-socks-so-there, to Steve's "Damn the torpedoes! Full speed ahead!" And at the end there was still plenty of daylight left in which to get home.

Photos

Sat 12th March Lewes Circular

20 miles Claire Kirkbride - 20 people

The joint walk with Blackheath RA proved successful in forming links between our two groups; inspirational to the Ramblers and an insight for the LD Walkers, who warmed to the idea of stopping for 5 minutes every hour on this occasion.  We were joined by a Rambler from Rodmell who left us within a few minutes, knowing a greener way out of Lewes town, which he has now taught me - turn right out of Lewes station ... We were quickly on the banks of the Ouse, mercifully free from mud and surprisingly sunny and mild despite a pessimistic forecast. We took a break outside the youth hostel in Telscombe and turned northwards onto the Downs, quickly into the Kingston valley for lunch.  The sun was less in evidence in the afternoon, but the weather held fair as we walked through the western edge of Lewes onto the Downs by the Gallops, sighting Blackcap before descending into the Ouse valley north of Lewes and returning from Offham through the suburbs in hot pursuit of an ice cream van whose driver never sighted us and kept disappearing round the next bend in the road ahead! The scenic route through the town brought us through the Castle precincts and back to the station without a drop of rain.

Sat 5th March A Visit to 'Uphusband'

22 miles Ldr Jerome Ripp

A bitterly cold day and even some sunshine kept the 14 of us going at a brisk pace all day. A frustrating start from Andover as massive new housing developments had obliterated some of the paths and we ended up on the road to Smannell. From there it was superb countryside to the north with woodland  and then glorious views to the Purbecks as we followed the newly signposted Betty Parker Way, named after the devoted Ramblers compaigner. Lunch at Hurstbourne Tarrant (the Uphusband of the walk title, a media guru of 200 years ago) was at the George and Dragon, a lovely pub furnished as if it were  someone's front room. The longer afternoon followed the Test way, over the hills to St. Mary Bourne and then south to the edge of Harewood forest. It was time to head west back to Andover which was reached in time for the 17.04 train having covered nearly 22 miles in 8 hours in a fine walking area.

Sat 19 Feb 2011 Cholsey Circular
22 miles. Ldr Steve Singleton
It was a wet morning with rain forecast until lunchtime, and the leader was not surprised when only seven walkers, including the leader, were at Cholsey Station at 9:11 a.m. The rain stopped as we set off, however, and the remainder of the day was dry but misty, the mist serving to hide Didcot Power Station from our view. About an hour into the walk, the leader received a phone call to say that three more walkers were on their way, but had been directed to the wrong train at Reading Station; they would join us at lunchtime. Our route took us southwest from Cholsey, across the A417 and up Unhill Bottom, where unfortunately we had to negotiate a large field which had been ploughed since the route was recce'd. Shedding the mud from our boots we continued up to cross the Ridgeway, then followed paths in a generally southwesterly direction, descending towards Compton. A slight route-finding error by the leader brought us into the village further south than had been intended, but we found a pleasant footpath to get us back on route. From Compton we set off northwards, climbing to the Ridgeway again; we followed the Ridgeway west for a short distance before picking up paths past Churn Farm and over Churn Knob before descending into Blewbury for lunch. We met our missing three walkers at the Red Lion; they had been misdirected on to a train taking them back towards London, but had then caught a later train back to Cholsey and, lacking maps, had walked to Blewbury by road - full marks for persistence! Those who ate at the Red Lion reported that the food was very good; the remainder of the group ate their sandwiches at a grassy area with benches a short distance away. After lunch we continued west from Blewbury to Upton, then north to East Hagbourne, before turning east to pick up a long track south to Blewburton Hill, where we had a tea stop and admired the view. We descended southward to pick up a path going east to Aston Tirrold, then carried on back to Cholsey at a steadily increasing pace, dictated by the desire of some of the group to catch the 16:37 train; unfortunately we got there a couple of minutes after it had departed, having covered a total distance of approximately 22 miles. Steve 

Sat 12 Feb 2011 Eastbourne circular
20 miles. Ldr Clare Kirkbride
There was a good turnout (20) for Clare's social walk around Eastbourne starting at 10.15am.  The weather was overcast and mild.  We walked up to the Beachy Head ridge, and avoided the sea mist on the top by turning northwards along the South Downs Way towards Willingdon, with fine views of our afternoon route across the Pevensey Levels, descending through the day's only patch of greasy mud to the Wheatsheaf pub.  Startled by 6 customers for lunch, the chef served us in due course, but the dishes were worth the wait, and we left our lunch spot within the hour.  We took a very small detour to head east across fields which were reasonably dry underfoot then followed part of the Cuckoo Trail between Polegate and Stone Cross where we joined part of the 1066 Country Walk, diverting to admire the ancient buildings in Pevensey village including the two churches and the castle, which was in use from Roman times when the sea lapped the foot of the walls, till the end of World War II.  We negotiated a little floodwater on the Pevensey Levels as well as a train at the level crossing before arriving at the Castle Inn in the village of Pevensey Bay for tea.  The pub dog, a massive beast, was incensed by our hats (!) but the bar staff served us with generous helpings of good tea and coffee, before we emerged to tackle the trail along the shingle for half-a-mile or so.  Thereafter, the station lay more or less an hour away, so the sprinters scorched ahead, and the leader dawdled with the last of the group, and arrived at 6pm.  The ascent totalled 420m and the distance 20.4 miles. Clare

Sat 5 Feb 2011 Woolhampton Circular
21 miles. Ldr Steve Singleton
Thirteen walkers from London and Thames Valley Groups met at Midgham Station (which is actually at Woolhampton) at 8:36 precisely on a windy February morning. There had been showers earlier on, but by the time we met, the weather was dry and cloudy; it was to stay like that all day.   We set off on roads through Woolhampton, then picked up a path through Midgham Park to Midgham village. We carried on westward towards Colthrop Manor, with views over towards Thatcham, before turning north via Bucklebury Common to the Slade for elevenses. Jerome thought that the elevenses stop was well chosen, having sheltered under the same tree for lunch on a Thames Valley Group walk he led a few months earlier. We carried on north and east via the outskirts of Westrop Green and Frilsham, and then crossed the M4 to Yattendon for lunch. The four people who ate at the Royal Oak said that the food was good; the leader can confirm that the beer was in good condition, as it should have been as the brewery is just across the road from the pub! After lunch we carried on eastward, crossing the M4 again, to Bradfield Village, before following the valley of the River Pang upstream, and then turning south to walk through Chapel Row towards Woolhampton.  This part of the walk was directly into the  fresh wind, and without shelter! At Kiff Green Jerome decided to leave the group and hurry back along the road to catch the 16:24 train, as the trains were only once per hour. The others who had come by train went with him; the rest of us took a more leisurely route on footpaths and got back at 16:35, having covered approximately 21 miles. Steve 

Sat 29 Jan 2011. Swalecliffe to Birchington
22 miles. Ldr Mike Ratcliff
Twenty one of us met in the sleepy suburb of Whitstable that is Swalecliffe on a very chilly Saturday morning in late January. The exposed north Kent coastline soon came into view within minutes of leaving the station while walking north through some residential streets. We took a right turn near the sea wall to begin a long stretch walking east towards Herne Bay with the remains of it's old pier appearing out of the sea like a ship approaching the town. After reaching Hampton Pier, the centre of the town became more conspicuous while we made our way past many beach huts and then seafront cafe's and amusements. Passing through Herne Bay we continued our way along the Saxon Shore Way to Bishopstone where we left the coast to take a southerly route bringing us now inland across our first fields of the day with super views looking south down to the low agricultural land of the Thanet Peninsular. Following the Wantsum Walk we soon crossed the Thanet Way and closed in on the tiny hamlet of Boyden Gate where we began our most desolate stretch of walking of the day across the Chislet Marshes towards our most southerly point at Chitty and eventually to Sarre in the east where we stopped for lunch. The day was cold, grey and overcast all morning until this point where we began to see the first chinks of blue sky with some encouraging beams of sun warming the mood of the place as we relaxed for some well earned food and drink. We had by now completed twelve miles and leaving the pub for another ten, we left Sarre to walk north, once again picking up the Wantsum Walk. This gradually guided us back up to the A299 near St Nicholas at Wade and then over more low reclaimed farmland towards the stunning towers of Reculver which had been within sight from different angles all day, standing proud on the cliff top between Herne Bay and Margate. Reaching this nodal point of the walk with it's mixture of ancient Roman and medieval ruins we began our final push eastwards to our eventual finish at Birchington on Sea which lies on the western edge of Margate. As the terrain was so exposed with the freezing North Sea to our left and the bleak open expanse of Thanet to our right, there was no shelter from the elements at all for the last few miles which gave our group a rather interesting twist to the day as the wind was still blowing from the north east as it had done all day but the chilly bite had now become quite fierce indeed, with many of us having the use every piece of clothing we had to protect us from the piercing cold blowing directly at us off the sea. Being able to see our target from so far away also made the final few miles deceptive as the town never seems to get any closer when the visibility is so good like that. We did however eventually arrive in Birchington all quite exhilerated, not to say exhausted, well before dusk and a great sense of satisfaction it seemed all round. Mike 

Sat 22 Jan WWW Wintry Winchester Linear Walk

Sat 15 Jan 2011 Winter walk from Staines to Putney

Sat 8 Jan 2011 London Parks
18 miles. Ldr Rob Myers
Heavy overnight and early morning rain deterred some walkers, however, there was a good turnout of 23 that gathered at the start in Trafalgar Square. The weather was dry throughout the day with occasional sunny intervals which was really pleasant. The walk proceeded through St James Park, Green Park and into Hyde Park where Serpentine Running Club were holding their monthly handicap race consisting of two laps of the Sepentine. This kept us entertained and I think we avoided obstructing the runners. We took the opportunity to explore Kensington Gardens including some of Anish Kapoor's stainless steel structures in his "World turned upside down" exhibition. Shortly afterwards we explored Holland Park and enjoyed seeing the Kyoto Garden and several peacocks. A necessary stretch of road walking took us to the Thames at Hammersmith for lunch at the "Rutland Arms". We were served very quickly and the beer was good. The afternoon walk began with a walk along the Thames Path to Colney Reach and on to Chiswick House and Gardens. This was the former home of Lord Burlington who was obsessed with of all things roman, so there were plenty of roman statues and even a small temple. There was also a couple of obelisks fashionable during Victorian time. A further stretch of the Thames Path followed past Kew Bridge to Brentford. Here I inadvertently did a stretch of the Thames Path which I hadn't recce'd. Fortunately I got away with it. From Brentford Lock a short walk along the Grand Union Canal took us to Boston Manor Park where we passed the Jacobbean mansion currently closed to the public due to safety issues. Another road section took us to Gunnersbury Park which was our final destination. The former home of the Rothschild family which has been a public park since 1926, Gunnersbury Park contained many fine old trees as well as a lot of dilapidated buildings some of which are used as museums. A fine walk enjoyed by all. Rob

Mon 3 Jan 2011 Peter Saw's Christmas walk

Sun 2 Jan 2011 Clapham Junction to North Downs
17 miles. Ldr Susanne Waldschmidt
12 walkers accompanied by Father Christmas walked due south through the green spaces of south London. Highlights included a prison, lots of dinosaurs and Susan's Christmas cake and mince pies. The walk finished with a tram ride to Croydon.

Sun 19 Dec 2010 Thames Path - Abbey Wood to Westminster linear
20 miles. Ldr Mike Ratclif
Well, despite the freezing weather conditions over the previous few days and the terrible disruption to our regional rail network and very icy roads, eight of us determined and maybe slightly stubborn walkers persevered hard enough to make our way to Abbey Wood railway station at the eastern fringe of London on this snowy Sunday morning. Just a couple of days before the shortest day of the year, we met with a shimmering winter sun just beginning to inject a rare warmth into our cold limbs as we began our walk north on the Green Chain Walk up through Thamesmead and the Erith Marshes to skirt round the attractive urban lake of South Mere, with the water topped with a frozen powdery matt coating and the occasional darkened thinner patch of ice allowing us a glimpse into the icy depths of the lake. There were several horses chained up around the housing estates near the periphery of the lake who seemed so happy to see us, as they probably anticipated a welcome feeding, with the occasional sprinkle of their early breakfast hay laying scattered along our route. After crossing the A2016 we made our final push through the 'inland' section of our walk to at last reach the spectacular sight of the Thames spanning the panorama before us at Barking Reach. After a peaceful pause in the snow on the waterside path, we began our journey west towards the inner city along this ancient artery that winds its way through the heart of the capital. We very soon reached Tripcock Ness opposite Creekmouth on the Essex shoreline. At this point our path swung southwards for a while until reaching the famous Royal Arsenal at Woolwich with it's lovely old mottled brick workshops and riverside canons on permanent display guarding the city. After passing several seemingly ancient piers on the south bank of the river near the currently disused Woolwich foot tunnel, we continued on a stretch of the Thames Path that was common with the Capital Ring that took us briefly away from the river and into the northern reaches of Charlton. When we eventually rejoined the riverside we were immediately confronted with one of the highlights of our days scenery - the unmistakable silhouette of the Thames Barrier, looking cold and grey under the now darkening, murky winter sky. We continued our way to meet the Greenwich Peninsular at Bugsby's Reach and pushed on around the deceptively lengthy path that hugs the circumference of this ancient finger of industrial land. It was at this stage of the walk that we were greeted by the famous iconic crown of the O2 Arena with its white coating looking somewhat gloomier than usual as it reflected the mood of the threatening winter sky above it with the occasional flake of snow now floating to earth around us. To reach our long awaited lunch stop, we burrowed our way through the quaint alleyways and cobbled back streets through the old wharves near the Cutty Sark and The National Maritime Museum to finally reach the entrance to the Greenwich Foot Tunnel and a shock by the hum and bustling energy of the local city life and colour all around in the immediate vicinity. After a warm and relaxing hour at the local Wetherspoons pub and plenty of soup and coffee to combat the persistent cold outside, we set off to tackle the remainder of our route, immediately crossing underneath The Thames via the old foot tunnel that's spanned the river, allowing countless pedestrians a free crossing for the last hundred and eight years. Arriving on the north bank at The Isle of Dogs for the first time that day, we continued our way upstream past Millwall and West India Dock with the tremendous towers of the financial and business buildings in this area soaring upwards around us. Fantastic! Reaching Limehouse, the river swings due west then south slightly to Bermondsey and Wapping. By this stage we could feel the surrounding culture of the city changing markedly. We were now in the heart of Docklands and fast approaching St Katherine Docks. Shortly after passing by the oldest pub in London, 'The Prospect of Whitby', we soon had one of the most iconic skylines in the world dropped upon us like a weight in the form of the awe inspiring pinnacles of Tower Bridge spanning the freezing winter flow of the Thames in Central London. The OXO Tower, HMS Belfast, Custom House, The Tower of London and the mighty rising presence of 'The Shard', all helped add to the colourful, pulsing glow of the city at this stage of the rivers' route. Our penultimate crossing of The Thames was by using the Millenium Footbridge between Blackfriars and Southwark Bridge that took us from St Pauls over the waves to the Tate Modern Gallery on the south bank. By this stage of our walk we were amongst so many other people, just enjoying the life and energy of the evening city. Some people commuting, some tourists and many like ourselves just going about their daily business adding to the unique human character of London. After our last stretch of river walking along the south bank past The National Theatre and The Royal Festival Hall, we made our last traverse of the river back over the footbridge just south of the Charing Cross rail bridge with such spectacular night views of The London Eye and The Houses of Parliament immediately to the south. All glowing a myriad of colours in the cold night sky. We eventually found ourselves at Embankment Station where we climbed our way up to The Strand and Charing Cross Station to end a happy and satisfying midwinter walk. Mike Photographs & GE Track

Sat 11 Dec 2010 Linear Bexley to Docklands

Sat 27 Nov 2010 A winter crossing of map 173
20 miles. Ldr Jerome Ripp
"Winter crossing" was an appropriate title for a walk on a bitterly cold day where the temperature never seemed to go above zero. 10 polar explorers set out from Hatch End station to pick up the London Loop going east, on which we stayed for most of the day. There were some delightful wooded areas, open spaces, a reservoir dug by French prisoners of war at the time of Napoleon, parks and river walks. These were adequate compensation for the less salubrious parts such as a tramp along the A1 (very thoughtless of the romans to build this road across the Loop) and the downtown urban jungle of Borehamwood. However we all found a good lunch place there and our 19 mile crossing finished at Cockfosters just as it got dark. Jerome

Sat 20 Nov 2010 West Essex Circular
19 miles. Ldr Lonica Vanclay
20 of us set off at 9.30 - thick but high grey clouds in the sky.  This being Essex wide open spaces, low ridges and sweeping vistas of fields with scattered trees lay ahead - certainly that had been the case when I did the recce three weeks ago.   However just an hour into the walk and through the first of many pretty small villages with thatch cottages the fog rolled in - and for the remainder of the walk we could seldom see more than a 100 yards ahead.   Trees at very close quarters when we walked through a small copse - otherwise fields and mud - It could have been anywhere!   Fortunately the pub was very welcoming - a 17^th century farm cottage now a very cosy pub - tasty food - and the pub owner even brought us a bowl of chips to share. He promised that if we came back in the summer he'd show us the 17^th stained glass sundial in the church.   And I have to say - I think I will have to do the very same walk again in the summer so at least we can see what we should have seen. Lonica

Sat 6 Nov 2010 Circular from Billingshurst
20 miles. Ldr Jerome Ripp
A lovely autumn day, with  beautful colours, amazing light and perfect weather. There was a short sharp shower but it conveniently came when we were ensconced in the pub. A sizeable contingent of 19 for our 20 mile walk headed east across the fields to Coolham for a morning stop at the polish war memorial in the village. Then beside the nearby airfield that had been used by the fighter pilots of WW2 preparing for the D Day missions. Trees along the route commemorate those who did not make it back, appropriate route for this remembrance time of year. The deer park at Knepp castle gave us a few more snippets of history; the largest hammer pond in Sussex, the new ornamental castle and the remains of the original Norman castle. The church at West Grinsted has  a poetic memorial to another fighter pilot and an ancient herringbone masonry wall.  Lunch at Dial Post was fine but the presence of saga tours made for a lenghty stop and a finish in the dark. Early on the return, trumpets and tally ho was heard, a drag hunt with all the trimmings of redcoats and dogs chasing a piece of scented cloth. A literary break at Shipley to admire the windmill next to the house where Hilaire Belloc lived and later another fine Tudor house The Blue Idol where William Penn and his Quaker friends used to meet before leaving to America where he founded Pennsylvania. The last 3 miles was now taken at a gallop as the light was fast fading and unfortunately some of the group without torches became detached but I think we all made it back although the leader might have to face some punishment from some of the group next time we meet. Jerome Photographs

Sat 30 Oct 2010 A Wander round Woodcote circular
21 miles. Ldr Steve Singleton
A  total of 21 walkers set out from Goring and Streatley Station in excellent weather conditions, fine and sunny with a gentle breeze, and with beautiful autumn colours in the many woods through which we passed.  Our route took us downriver, briefly following the Thames Path, and  then  climbing  away from it via Great Chalk Wood and Cold Harbour to Whitchurch Hill.   We stopped for elevenses on a bank near Path Hill, then carried on eastwards to Cane End before turning north towards Checkendon for lunch on the green by the church, or in the Four Horseshoes pub, where the food may well have not been up to its normal standards because the chef had taken the day off!   The afternoon's route took us on to hillier ground, northward to Well Place then steeply upward to the ridge east of Hailey; we followed the ridge westward before descending  to Ipsden.  The fine weather we had experienced so far was interrupted by a shower, but it soon passed over and before long the sun was shining again.  As we got back towards Goring, some of the group raced on ahead of the leader, thinking that we might not make the 17:12 train, but in fact everyone was at the station with plenty of time to spare. Steve Photographs, GE track, Info & Profile

Sat 16 Oct 2010 1066 Circular
23 miles. Ldr Mike Ratcliff
Starting our walk just a few miles north from the coast, the eight of us who started our northerly loop from Battle would sadly only have a few rare glimpses of the sea on this day although we would get to enjoy the beautiful undulating countryside that characterises this part of East Sussex. We soon passed the Abbey after leaving the train station and descended to lower ground just west of Senlac Hill where the famous battle of Hastings was fought in 1066. Following the 1066 country trail west we soon passed through Catsfield which was our most southerly point on our route then up to Steven's Crouch where we had great views looking north and west into the heart of the Weald. After leaving the 1066 trail we continued north and west through some very rural areas with good conditions underfoot and the occasional burst of sun through the intermittent patches of heavy cloud. Dallington was a highlight on the route with it's beautiful Norman Church and other ancient buildings. Finally reaching our lunch stop at Woods Corner we enjoyed the comfort of the wood fire and excellent coffee at The Swan before continuing on our way. Thanks to Lula who arrived too late in Battle to start the walk with us, we were now nine as she showed determination by making her own way to the lunch stop by herself. The later stages of our walk were characterised by some great woodland walking which seemed all the more special at this time of year with so many of the trees having their leaves turned gold and red and starting to form an autumnal mouldering carpet under our feet. Passing a couple of Jack Fuller's follies soon after leaving the pub added a sense of eccentricity to the day and as we eventually swung round to walk back south, the evening light began to produce the most beautiful atmosphere as we walked into the sun with our long shadows following in our trail behind us. Mike

Sat 9 Oct 2010 Witley to Haslemere
20 miles. Ldr Peter Buchwald
OSE 133 & 145, 22 people

We walked along suburban streets
Through Witley village, past a church
Forded a babbling brook into heathland
Dressed in its autumn golds and reds.

Watched comical ducks at Elstead Mill
Crossed an ancient bridge over a river
Reaching mysterious swamps and woods
To the God of Thunder's former home.

Skirted round the Devil's Punchbowl
Shrouded in swirling liquid mists
And in the woods a haunted place
Where three villains once were hanged.

We passed an old forgotten temple
A pub closed in the sleepy afternoon
Strode across green meadows and open fields
To the vibrant life of Haslemere town.

Peter Photographs

Sat 2 Oct 2010 John Merill's Epping Forest Challenge Walk
23 miles. Ldr Rob Myers
The weather was dreadful in the week before the walk so it was a massive relief for the 12 walkers present (including 3 first timers) to begin the walk in bright sunshine. From Waltham Cross station I took the group to the Town Centre to see one of the 3 surviving Eleanor Crosses (out of 12) in the country (the others being at Geddington and Hartingstone). From there we walked to Waltham Abbey where stopping at the grave of King Harold I gave a short talk on the history of Waltham Abbey Church and gave the group a chance to visit it. The route began by leaving the Abbey Grounds and entering Lea Valley Regional Park where we passed a series of fish ponds once used by the monks, a dragonfly sanctuary and a carved boulder from London Bridge used to mark the Meridian Line. After crossing several fields and a couple of nurseries we came across the first of 2 obelisks erected by Victorian farmers to mark the places (according to local legend) where Queen Boadicea took poison following her defeat by Roman Governor Suetonius and the place where she died. Shortly afterwards we entered Warlies Park where we saw some fallow deer. Also we walked through a field with a threatening looking bull in it. I realised I was wearing my bright red England shirt and had to cover it up fast. We passed the 2^nd obelisk and headed towards Copped Hall which was a famous mansion dating back to Edward 3^rd that is currently being restored. We entered Epping Forest via Epping Cricket field under which was the M25 tunnel built at great cost following a public outcry. After about a mile we reached Amesbury Bank Iron Age Fort the alleged site of Boadicea's battle. Lunch was at the Kings Oak, High Beach where the food, though slightly pricey, was delicious and served amazingly fast. After lunch we had another long stretch through Epping Forest, where the saw the famous long horned cattle, to Queen Elizabeth's Hunting Lodge. This was a Tudor grandstand used to watch the deer hunt below. We ascended Pole Hill to get good views of London's skyline before descending to reach King George's Reservoir. The last few miles back to Waltham Cross were a pleasant walk along the Lea Valley Navigation back to Waltham Cross. A few of the walkers fell behind during this stretch and at Waltham Cross and I said goodbye to the rest of the group at the point and waited for the stragglers. They had, however, bypassed me and by catching a bus arrived at the station at the same time as the rest of the group. I was quite touched that some of the group decided to wait at Liverpool Street for my train in order to thank me. A first timer Rachel had suffered an adverse reaction to her boots and had dashed into Boots in Liverpool Street to buy a fetching pair of pink slippers. This was a memorable walk. One that I will definitely repeat at some stage. Rob

Sat 4 Sep 2010 Ardingly and Wier Wood. (Balcombe Circular)
24 miles Ldr Mike Ratcliff
Twelve of us set off from Balcombe Station nice and early that morning. There was still a lot of moisture at ground level with the morning due and what appeared be the aftermath of an overnight rain shower. We walked due south from the village of Balcombe, crossing the railway line that runs down to Brighton and back up to London. We soon joined the Sussex Ouse Valley Way, south east of Ardingly reservoir and carried on heading into the morning sun along the valley to return to the railway track that we had recently crossed to the north. This time though, we walked underneath it in magnificent style as this was the Ouse Valley Viaduct no less. It really is a magnificent monument in the landscape and its warm, mottled brickwork looked fabulous on this crisp sunny autumnal morning. We soon reached the banks of Ardingly Reservoir where the usual watersports were taking place near the damn on its southern shores. We followed the waterside path that lead us round the lake towards the north and west and almost back to Balcombe itself, but we soon turned eastwards again and walked on in the direction of Wakehurst Place and Tilgate Wood. It was just in this area that we took an opportune moment for a great morning break by the waterside at the peaceful northern extremity of the reservoir. Skirting the ancient woodland in this area to our north and with great views looking south towards the Downs, we soon found ourselves at the county showground at Ardingly and then down into the village itself where we encountered one of the few busy roads on the route. After crossing this we descended sharply down the valley to the east of the village and then soon picked up the High Weald Landscape Trail that allowed us some excellent walking through delightful woodland and some warm open fields with good conditions underfoot for this time of year. We kept ourselves on this long distance path until we reached Philpots and then broke off towards Chiddingly and then due east to our lunch stop at West Hoathly. With almost fifteen miles done and having had a really good rest in their sunny beer garden at the pub we continued our way north through more thick woodland up to the old steam railway line of the Bluebell Railway that runs through Sharpthorne just to the south. Now joining the Sussex Border Path for a very short distance we soon reached our most north easterly point on the route only to cut back sharp west, through Bushy Wood back to the High Weald Landscape Trail. Passing the magnificent Gravetye Manor we pushed on west to cross Ardingly Road just south of Selsfield Common and then down a very long winding track that made for excellent walking at this stage of the day. This took us along the bottom of Paddockhurst Park and through Great Wood in the late afternoon sun back to Balcombe where we pushed hard in the last few miles to successfully reach the station just in time to catch the once hourly train. Mike Photographs, GE track, Info & Profile

Thu 2 Sep 2010 Summer Evening Walk - London Parks

7 miles. Ldr Rob Myers
This additional summer evening walk was hastily arranged at the last moment in response to requests to extend the season. The email circulated just before the walk seemed to encourage some members to try a summer evening walk for the first time. On a perfect late summer night 22 walkers gathered at Holland Park. We did a circuit through this attractive park before proceeding to Kensington Gardens. Here we looked at the annual floral tributes left on the main gate of Kensington Palace on the anniversary of Princess Diana's death. The route through Kensington Gardens went passed the Diana Adventure Playground, the Flower Gardens and Speke's Monument before reaching the top of the Serpentine. Walking down the side of the Serpentine we crossed into Hyde Park and from there to Green Park and St James's Park. Leaving the parks we symbolically finished the last summer evening walk in Trafalgar Square. Due to the early sunset and early park closures it was decided to start the walk at 6 and finish at 8.15. This left plenty of time for socialising at the Old Shades pub which served excellent beer and probably the best sausage and mash that I have ever tasted. Rob

Sat 28 Aug 2010 "The Western South Downs"

Wed 25 Aug 2010 Summer Evening Walk - Regents Park Area

7 miles. Ldr Rob Myers

Sat 21 Aug 2010 Chiltern Choice
c15 miles.  Ldr Steve Singleton (replacing Julian Mason at last-minute notice)
Five of us met at Wendover station to walk a route hurriedly planned by the leader the evening before to visit as many as possible of the places mentioned in the walk description in 'Strider' as we could fit into a 15 mile walk.  The weather forecast was for light rain, but the morning was dry, though dull and cloudy.  From the station we set off along the B4009, then bore off left on the Ridgeway to climb to Combe Hill.  We descended to the church at Ellesborough, then headed south to climb Beacon Hill.  We carried on south to pick up the Ridgeway again and followed it past Chequers Knap to Upper Cadsden.  We could have stayed on the Ridgeway over Whiteleaf Hill, but instead followed the path across the golf course to pick up the Icknield Way at Whiteleaf.  We followed the Icknield Way round the outskirts of Princes Risborough, before leaving it on a footpath to Looseley Row.  We climbed to the windmill at Lacey Green, then took the footpath to Lily Bank Farm and turned left to the Pink and Lily for lunch.  Most walkers had brought packed lunches, but we were all driven inside the pub by a heavy rain shower.  By the time we were ready to leave the sun was shining.  We returned past Lily Bank Farm, then attempted to follow a track through Monkton Wood to Great Hampden.  We misplaced the track but made it to Great Hampden OK.  We carried on past Hampden House and Little Hampden Common to Dunsmore, then it was back to Wendover Station, arriving at 16:11, in perfect time for the 16:13 train back to London. Thanks are due to David Wise, who knows this area of the Chilterns very well, for keeping the leader on track when he was unsure of which way to turn!   Steve 

Sun 15 Aug 2010 East Croydon to Oxted
20+ miles. Ldr Dave Williams
After last year's debacle it was a major surprise to find that 21 poor souls plus 2 dogs had turned up at E. Croydon. They were greeted with the news that because of a refurbishment the lunch stop had been changed and it would now be a very late lunch. Unfortunately this news did not go down too well to say the least! The walk proceeded at a modest past Riddlesdown & through Kenley & Old Coulsden before climbing up onto  Farthing Downs. We stopped to admire the famous 'heaven & hell' mural in Chaldon Church before continuing onto the NDW & at last reaching the Harrow at Chaldon where an excellent lunch was enjoyed by all. There then followed the shortest ever stretch between lunch & tea, a mere 3 kms. But it was the undoubted highlight of the day. The tea stop at Godstone was laid on courtesy of the Royal British Legion in honour of the 65th. anniversary of VJ Day. We were treated to a scrumptious spread & we lingered longer than intended but noone complained. From there it was a short walk to St. Peter's Church at Tandridge where we admired the old oak tree and paused at the grave of the Captain of the Amethyst (Yangste Incident of 1949). We finally reached Oxted without further incident and the leader had hopefully gone some way to restoring his battered reputation! Dave Photographs

Wed 11 Aug 2010 Summer Evening Walk - East London

8 miles. Ldr Lonica vanclay
With heavy rain the night before and the night after we were lucky to have a pleasant evening for the walk - and with 22 of us in total (the highest so far I am informed!) clearly others thought so too!  I am sure it was the sights enroute rather than the weather that were the attraction though.  Far from an urban experience the East End parks and canals meant it was just a few minutes of streets and houses at the start.  The East End stadium where athletes train; the start point for the London 100 in 2012; and the pretty well developed stadiums of the Olympic site itself were the highlights - the old Big Breakfast house a poor second now it is all boarded up.  Funnily enough it didn't seem to be a well known sight to many! And the beer and old East End atmosphere of the Palm Tree pub provided a great end for the walk. Lonica Photographs

Sat 19 Jun 2010 Redhill Circular
23 miles. Ldr Sally Adams
The walk was fine....well, at least I hope most people enjoyed it! We had very mixed weather...sometimes very sunny...and at other times, downpours of rain! I must have put my coat on and off at least 10 times! We had 28 walkers. They all kept up pretty well...a lovely bunch of people and a few newcomers....actually, there were quite a few 'first timers!'. Great! We stopped at a pub called the Haymakers......it was fine except that some people had to wait a while for their meals...probably longer than usual because there were more of us. People said it was quite cold sitting outside on the tree stumps!  We visited the famous musicians graves at Limpsfield, then went up on the North Downs and the weather turned beautifully sunny as you can see in the pics. We ended at about 6pm at Merstham where most people took the train to London. Don't ask me how long the walk was...I dont have a clue...I am no good with calculations as you know! Ask one of the walkers! Sally Photographs

Wed 16 June 2010 Summer Evening Walk - Greenwich and Docklands

7 miles. Ldr Rob Myers
At the start there were 13 of us, however 2 more arrived late and caught up, and a further 2 who were waiting at the wrong entrance were heroically rescued by Nick and Judith. The walk therefore proceded chaotically at first into Greenwich Park visiting the Rose Garden and the Flower Garden with its embedded Deer Enclosure by which time the entire party of 17 were united. After visiting Roman remains unearthed by the Time Team and Queen Elizabeth's Oak we proceded to the Royal Observatory for its stunning views of Christopher Wren's Naval Buildings. We descended to skirt round the Naval Buildings for a short walk along the Thames to look at the restoration work going on at the Cutty Sark (due to reopen in 2011). From there we used the Greenwich Foot Tunnel to go to the Isle of Dogs. In Docklands we first visited Mudchute Farm where my navigation came slightly unstuck and I left through a completely different exit than I had intended, fortunately we came out at the perfect place immediately opposite Millwall Docks thus bybassing the Asda car park. We did a full circuit of Millwall Docks before exploring West India Docks. As the time was approaching 9pm I decided to cut the walk short and headed for the pub in Canary Wharf. The group remarked that there was a nice contrast between the two halves of the walk which seemed to work well. Rob 

Wed 9 Jun 2010 Summer Evening Walk - Beverley Brook Walk and Richmond Park

8 miles. Ldr Andy Davies.
17 of us set off from Putney on a warm, humid but dry evening and crossed the Thames via the railway bridge footpath. Turning northwest along the riverbank we soon arrived at the point where
the Beverley Brook enters the Thames and looked back to note an impressive cloud formation above Putney bridge. We followed the path beside the brook towards Barnes Common, slowed only by the unsuccessful attempt to spot beavers (the brook's name derives from 'beaver's ley' - home of the beavers), then after quiet residential streets we reached some very well maintained
allotments and crossed Palewell Common into Richmond Park by Roehampton Gate. Continuing alongside the brook for a while we turned west up through the elegantly named Spankers Hill Wood, skirted Pen Ponds while trying not to disturb any nesting skylarks in the field and, thanks to Chris, found the tunnel-like path lined with flowering rhododendrons through Sidmouth Wood. After enjoying the views from King Henry's Mound we headed down to Petersham Gate, crossed the meadow with grazing cows and strolled along the riverside to the White Cross for some good beer and food. The group commented on how pleasant it was to enjoy such a quiet leafy walk in London. Andy Photographs

Sat 5 Jun 2010 "Brighton Rock" Circular
24 miles. Ldr Jerome Ripp.
This was my 50th walk as leader of an LDWA social walk (22 with London group) and as if to celebrate this event a record crowd of 29 turned up on a hot and rather sticky day. The walk had promised a long day with many hills and this was certainly the case. An early start through the suburbs and parks of Brighton and Hove and the first long slow climb up to the Devil's Dyke for a first break. An unusual descent right through the middle and then a climb up into woods before the descent to Poynings. A flat section lead to the base of Newtimber Hill and the steepest climb of the day. Several people found this to be quite a challenge and mobile phones were very uesful to slowly gather up straying sheep. Lunch was in 2 parts, apicnic on the ridge and then snacks below at Saddlescombe where a caravan in a barn was delighted to serve such a crowd. More climbing followed over Cow Down and into Pyecombe and then up to the iron age fort on Wolstonbury hill. There was lots of activity in the hills in such fine weather and we saw hang gliders, exhibition bikers and large balls for people to roll down the hills. We carried on up to the Jack and Jill windmill and now on the south downs way to Ditchling Beacon. Brighton was always to our far right and now we finally turned south and descended through some lovely green valleys via Standean and then a final ridge passing the Indian war memorial and so into the urban jungle. The group was by now well stretched out but I trust we all made it back to the station either on foot, by bus or taxi; the leader saying goodbye to most of his flock at a bus stop. An eventful 23 miles. Jerome

Tue 1 June 2010 Summer Evening Walk - In the footsteps of Mr Pooter
7 miles. Ldr Peter Russell
From drizzle at Archway to drizzle at Golders Green a group of six and Holly had a lovely walk whilst others sun bathed in Scotland.  We went through rhododendrons and azaleas in Waterlow Park and Kenwood.  We then kept to the  woods. We also found the Hampstead Heath hockey field with which has a bad slope, as pointed out by Chris Dent fresh from the 100.  We saw the  two 300- year -old oaks complete with their photographs of 120 years ago when Sandy Heath was a desolate sand mine which caused it's many  little hillocks, of which the largest was bit like a scree run and avoided by most. We finished with high class food and drink at the Old Bull and Bush, renamed the Cow and Hedge in Mr Pooter, although the old pleasure garden with wooden arbors is now built over. Peter

Mon 31 May 2010 Lewes Circular
20 miles. Ldr Clare Kirkbride
The weather was a pleasant compromise between the dismal Bank Hol rain of two days ago and the heatwave of the previous weekend, ie dry and cool with a breeze from time to time.  18 walkers met at 10am at Lewes station and walked almost immediately onto the river bank southwards to Southease, then via Rodmell to the crest of the Downs where we stayed till beyond lunch above Kingston.  We descended to the footbridge at Falmer, then up Long Hill to Blackcap where the "front-runners" set the excellent example of how to take a nap.  Numbers began to drop thereafter, as walkers left the group while we walked down to Offham then into Lewes (past the public lido!); only 6 walkers made it to the Lewes Arms (an excellent discovery, serving food till 5pm), and 3 onward to the station. Clare

Sat 8 May 2010 High Weald Woodland
c. 20 miles. Ldr Jerome Ripp
A group of 10 and a dog braved the prospect of a long journey due to rail repairs and ominous weather warnings of showers and rain. The reality turned out to be much more pleasant; the rambling bus journey to the start was through pleasant countryside and although we had intermittent drizzle, with colourful ponchos going on and coming off, there was no solid rain. One of the nicest things about the London group is the variety of interesting walkers one meets and this time it was good to meet up again with a multi-addiction mentalist. Anyway, on to the walk which went southwest, passing close to Darwell Reservoir and down to the amusingly named hamlet of Brown Bread Street for lunch. This was the only habitation we saw all day apart from isolated farms, as the route was in woodlands and across open country with fine views which even the low clouds could not deprive us of. The afternoon was considerably longer with a section of interesting gates and stiles to test the physical and mental ability and agility of us all. Eventually over Brightling Down with a second view of the Gypsum conveyor belt, the obelisk of Jack Fuller's folly, and the splendid pile of Stocknersh manor with its lake to return to Robertsbridge. It was, as is often the case with this leader, a generous 20 miles, probably more like 22 miles, but everyone enjoyed and that after all is the purpose of walking. Jerome

Sun 2 May 2010 Polegate circular
22 miles. Ldr Clare Kirkbride
There were ten of us to start the walk at Polegate station, as well as someone else enquiring about joining the club, as she is moving to the area and keen on walking longer distances. In persistent drizzle, we walked up the High Street, along a residential avenue and joined the Cuckoo Trail straightaway. Usually shared with cyclists and dog-walkers, the path was strangely deserted along the disused railway, called the Cuckoo Line; now there are more dunnocks and blackbirds though a cuckoo was heard last week. We saw swifts too. Still raining, we walked through Abbot's Wood, admiring anenomes, bluebells and the earliest of the ransome. The going was skiddy underfoot but not sinky. Each of the many stiles was defective in an entirely individual way, unstable forwards, backwards, sideways, upwards, downwards, but all were negotiated without a slip; every farm gate was mastered and replaced as found. We emerged from Bramble Wood, and found a bridleway leading across the Norman site of Michelham Priory, and found ourselves in the village of Upper Dicker. Avoiding visiting both the pub and farm shop, we crossed fields in thickening rain along the Vanguard Way to emerge at the hamlet of Golden Cross, where the welcome was first class, "Don't worry, rain's only water!".   We were well fed and watered, then moved on swiftly to keep warm. Briskly down the road past Farley Farm, home to the English Surrealists to Chiddingly through the picturesque churchyard and across more fields with high-spirited but friendly horses in one field, and a group of Shetlands complete with suckling foal in another. Past mouth-watering properties, moats, duck-houses, one rhododendron in full vibrant magenta bloom to Gun Hill. At last the weather relented as we began to turn southwards, with views of the South Downs. Past Hellingly's ancient church and towards Hailsham where we declined the bus. The rain stopped at four o'clock. Some sped down the Cuckoo Trail to catch the five o'clock train; others strode in the hope of tea, but the (salaried) staff had no intention of serving us at the Old Loom craft centre, so we made our way into Polegate and took refuge in "The Dinkum" pub. It was full, but tea was available, which was warm wet and welcome as well as £1 each but did not tempt us to a second cup. Tired and dry at last, we were ready for the next train, with more than one of us making the resolution to replace our waterproofs. Clare

Sat 24 Apr 2010 Selling, Chilham & Wye
25 miles. Ldr Mike Ratcliff
The sun was shining brightly on this particular Saturday in late April, even before the walk had begun. This was the first day since last summer that gave me the early confidence to set out in shorts and T shirt with a feeling of certainty that I wouldn't be needing anything extra for the entirety of the walk. And so it turned out. Kent has for many generations been spoken of as the garden of England and having lived in the county for most of my life I sometimes support this claim and at other times question it with the presence of two motorways and many large urban areas but this particular walk from Selling hopefully gave us sixteen walkers at least a little taste of why this term of reference originally came into being. Initially heading south east we quickly crossed the railway track that had carried most of our group down from London earlier that morning and soon dropped south into Chilham where we passed through the grounds of the beautiful Norman Church there in the north of the village. In almost every direction we looked that morning we were met with views of some sort of agricultural process taking place and in this part of the country it's of course fruit growing and hops that dominate the gently undulating landscape. Before even reaching Chilham it felt as though we had passed through several miles of orchard with barely seeing any other evidence of human habitation or activity. After passing through Chilham we immediately crossed the River Stour and continued our south easterly trajectory up onto the North Downs, initially through woodland and then onto a lovely open sweeping crest along the ridge of hills immediately south of Denge Wood. It was by this time that the lack of shade was starting to tell with the sun now surprisingly fierce for a mid spring day. A taster of the summer to come? We soon took our morning break on the side of one of my favourite hills in an area known as the Blue Downs with excellent views looking north back towards Chilham with the unmistakable pale stonework of Chilham Castle clearly visible, shining in the sun. We pressed on towards Wye, now taking a more southerly direction past Eggringe Wood and up onto the Crundale ridge that stretches several miles down towards the North Downs Way with the village Crundale itself visible below us. The walking in this area always feels good in different ways with excellent conditions underfoot and a sense of elevation that never quite seems to diminish with the openness of the Kentish countryside rolling off into the distance in all directions. Finally reaching the North Downs Way on the Broad Downs near Hastingleigh we reached our most southerly point of the route. Swinging sharply north we proceeded towards the Wye Downs with the sharp drop of the ridge now dramatically evident to our left. The town of Ashford now dominated the view of the landscape stretching out beneath us and with the sun now more to the west it really created quite an ethereal panorama that afternoon as we approached our lunch stop. Finally reaching the church at Wye after passing through the now sadly deserted Wye College we disbanded as a group for an hour to make best use of this pretty town. The Co-Op store did excellent trade that day as many of our group stocked up on extra fluids for the remainder of the walk and the pubs proved a very relaxing place to rest with a cool drink in the afternoon sun. After gaining an extra member of our band, seventeen of us now continued in a more due northerly direction, soon to ascend our steepest climb of the day back up onto the North Downs ridge on the other side of the valley. Finally reaching the summit of the ridge on the eastern edge of King's Wood we took the by-way north along the edge of the tree line which formed the longest single track of the day. Here we were treated to a truly magical view of Canterbury Cathedral just visible, glinting in the sun through the slowly swaying branches of the trees directly around us. Eventually descending the downs near Dane Street we were almost back within a stone's throw of Chilham. Continuing our way towards Shottenden we were now very much back in orchard country with a field of friendly lamas to greet us just south of the village. Passing just west of the locally famous hill known as 'The Mount', we wound our way through Perry Wood with several ancient earthworks still very evidently emerging from the woodland undergrowth. Finally making our way through the tiny village of Selling, we turned due east to head for the station with the still glowing but sinking sun now warming our backs. Mike  Photographs, Info & Profile

Sat 17 Apr 2010 Forest Way
27.5 miles. Ldr Rob Myers
Twenty walkers and two dogs turned up at Loughton in glorius Spring sunshine to walk the Forest Way LDP. Our numbers were augmented by 3 locals who were treating the walk as a sponsered challenge having raised £1500 in their local pub. I was concerned when they turned up but fortunately they turned out to be strong walkers. From Loughton we went into Epping Forest swiftly leaving established paths and climbing up to Loughton Camp. This was an old Iron Age Fort containing caves where Dick Turpin allegedly hid out. We took compass bearings through the Forest admiring the beautiful oak, beech and hornbeam trees. On leaving Epping Forest we travelled on forest tracks, minor roads and ancient green lanes passing isolated farmsteads (some of which were mentioned in the Doomsday Book). We reached Epping Long Green an impressive ancient droveway which extended eastwards all the way to Rye Hill passing through the attractive village of Epping Green. From there we crossed Latton and Harlow Commons to arrive at our lunch stop at the Horns and Horseshoes. We seemed to have the pub virtually to ourselves and were served promptly. It was good to be able to eat and drink outside so early in the year. After lunch we passed through the villages of Matching Tye and Matching. At Matching we had a water stop beside the 12^th Century Church and the Marriage Feast House which was built by the vicar in 1480 for brides to spend the night before their wedding. From Matching we proceeded to Hatfield Heath where some of our party departed and the remaining walkers frog marched me to the ice cream shop. The raspberry ripple I had was delicious. Refreshed and cooled down we reached and crossed Hatfield Forest where the Forest Way ended. From there it was a further 2 miles to Stansted Airport along a couple of footpaths and a quiet road. The airport was shut down due to volcanic ash so it was virtually deserted when the remaining 15 of us walked in past astonished security staff. When I caught the coach back to Colchester the driver told me that I was only the fifth passenger he had carried all day. He was surprised to discover that I had walked all the way from Loughton to catch it.  Rob Photographs

Sat 10 Apr 2010 A promenade from Pangbourne
22 miles. Leader Steve Singleton

Because of an accident on the railway at Slough, trains out of Paddington were delayed. Eight walkers, including the leader, travelling by car or other train routes, were at Pangbourne Station for the start time of the walk. Another six walkers were on the way, on a train expected at about ten; in the meantime Nicole had improvised a walk in London for the rest of the group. As the first part of our walk was a loop, we would be passing close to Pangbourne at about a quarter to eleven; directions were phoned through to the group on the train for a rendezvous at Tidmarsh Church, and a map left at the station. It was a fine day with lots of sunshine and little wind; the sunshine over the previous few days had dried the ground so that there was little mud. The route took us from Pangbourne to the outskirts of Purley, and then down to the River Pang at Tidmarsh for an elevenses stop in the churchyard, where we met our missing six walkers. We then carried on to cross the M4 and go through the village of Bradfield.   We crossed the M4 again and made our way to the Red Lion at Upper Basildon for lunch, arriving there at about a quarter to one. Order for those who chose to eat at the pub had been phoned through in advance, and service was fast; we were able to leave by half past one.  We followed a meandering route with several hills, finally climbing Streatley Hill and descending into Streatley. We crossed the river and had a tea stop by the refreshment kiosk at Goring Lock, before following the Thames Path back to Whitchurch and going back across the river to Pangbourne Station just in time for the 5:17 train. Steve Photographs, Info & Profile

Seven of us (3 LDWA members and 4 non-members, who were trying LDWA), improvised a 22ml walk on the Capital Ring. Most of us walked CR 6 to 9 (Wimbledon Park to South Kenton via Richmond, Brentford, Brent Valley, Greenford, Horsenden Hill, Harrow on the Hill and North Wembley, finishing at Northwick Park). nic

Sat 27 Mar 2010 Cooling and the Hoo Peninsular
22 miles. Leader Mike Ratcliff
On the last day of British Winter, London LDWA tackled an area of North Kent rarely visited by walkers, even during the kindest of summer months. The flat marshes of North Kent seem to culminate on the Isle of Grain that appears to project itself out into the Thames Estuary, almost reaching out over the water to Essex. The bleak, desolate exposure of the terrain made itself clear soon after heading out north from Higham Station just before 09.00. Fifteen of us rapidly passed through the tiny hamlet of Church Street and the ancient site of a Benedictine Nunnery as we descended onto the flat reclaimed land of Higham Marshes and then on to Cliffe Fort where the old Napoleonic structure still stands solid, grey and weathered, defending the mouth of the estuary, looking across to the Essex shore where the docks of Tilbury were clearly visible on this beautiful clear morning. Flotsam and jetsam of varying ages and origins had scattered all along this stretch of coast like confetti as it always is and walking through the gravel port at Cliffe Creek gave the early stages of this route a real feel of the historic and industrial heritage of this unusual landscape. As we gradually swung round to take an easterly direction we continued to hug the coast by staying on top of the old sea defences wherever possible, allowing ourselves spectacular views over the estuary to the industrial heart of Canvey Island due north and eventually Southend to the east. For many miles and really a good proportion of this walk we didn't see another human soul with only a few sheep and the decaying, skeletal remains of old military structures for company that had braved the elements at the furthest reaches of this barren peninsular for goodness knows how long. With the spring sun now really very warm and bright with just the occasional fleeting cloud to hamper the glow, we passed Blyth Sands in the shallow waters to our left as we continued eastwards to Egypt Bay where we stopped for a well earned rest after a good few flat and easy miles. Making excellent progress by now we finally turned south to head inland and away from the waters edge for the last time. Heading for the main ridge of hills on Grain we ascended Northward Hill to reach our most easterly point of the route and joined the Saxon Shore Way, making a sharp turn to the west and into the Woods at High Halstow's famous RSPB Nature reserve. Along this stretch of the route were treated to some truly breathtaking views of Essex, the Thames Estuary and the foreboding marshes made famous by Charles Dickens lying flat, still and open beneath us. Eventually reaching Cooling we stopped at the Horseshoe and Castle pub for our lunch break with the satisfying knowledge that we had almost fifteen miles and two thirds of our walk completed behind us. Unfortunately it was at this same happy time that the weather started to turn against us and the light showers that were forecast for that day started to materialise. With lunch complete and our bodies well rested we continued under the darkening, brooding clouds coming in from the south and west and the surprising chill of the rain on an otherwise very mild day. Ascending back up to higher ground we continued travelling west through a number of quite remote farms and some very old looking orchards through the heart of the Hoo Peninsular towards Great Chattenden Wood. With the sweeping views of open terrain now pulling our eyes south we could see the Medway conurbation sprawling out beneath us and the River Medway itself meandering its way to our left, eastwards round the bottom of the Grain peninsular, eventually to meet the Thames in the wider estuary way in the distance behind us. Now entering the final stages of our walk we could faintly hear the rumble of the A2 in the distance and the village of Higham now coming into view. This area is littered with many small, old chalk quarries, many of them obscured with surrounding trees and it was approaching one such feature when we were greeted with our final great view, possibly the most comprehensive of the day, looking north again, actually allowing us to see most of the terrain of our whole day's walk in front of us. After twenty two miles we finally approached our destination of Higham Station with the clearing sky fittingly treating us to the days last burst of sunshine. Photographs

Sun 14 Mar 2010 Eastbourne Circular
20 miles. Ldr Clare Kirkbride
14 walkers strode out from Eastbourne station, including Gill from Eastbourne and two, Ann and Roy, who drove from Essex.  Clare undertook an intricate route as a change from the usual circular via Jevington, and we enjoyed mild sunny weather in the morning with clear views as far as Selsey Bill.  Nearer, there were calves and lambs but few spring flowers.  It was dry underfoot almost all the way.  We crossed Gildredge Park and the golf course, descending to Cornish Farm, ascending steeply to Belle Tout, recently renovated as a prestigious B&B.  Later, via we passed the red barn on Went Hill which has been re-painted a luminous vermillion.  We took the path southwards from Crowlink to Flagstaff Brow to the coast, following the remaining Sisters, and lunched at the café at Exceat (prices steeply hiked, soup now £4.90). After lunch, the sky clouded over and the wind picked up.  We passed through West Dean and Friston, descending to East Dean. At the Sheep Centre, the 6 fastest walkers set out independently with a view to catching the 16.55 train, and we followed, spending 20 minutes in the dark interieur of the pub at the top of Beachy Head.  We took the SDW to town and the usual shortcut up Staveley Road to the station.  Most walkers regrouped with 10 minutes to spare in order to take the 17.55 to London, the advanced party having enjoyed a walk along the prom.  Gill cycled home, and Clare lives near enough to walk from the station.   Roy's GPS recorded 19.5 miles at the town hall, so the round tour from the station was not less than 20 miles.  [An additional loop along the river north from Exceat then via Charleston Bottom would have added 3 miles and necessitated the 18.55 train, so was omitted.] Clare

Sat 6 Mar 2010 A view of the Medway Circular
20 miles. Ldr Jerome Ripp
21 of us gathered at Sole Street for what turned out to be the first walk of Spring, lovely sunshine and despite the keen north east wind, a couple of brave souls walked in shorts. Quite an international entourage with India, Sweden, France and Scotland all being represented in the group. North west on the Wealdway and into the large newly created nature reserve of Jeskyns with its many carved wooden statues. A week of sun and wind had done an amazing job on the ground and the expected mud was only infrequently met, as Dave W would say. A circuit round Shorne Woods passing close to the Hand and some views over the Thames estuary. After a break at Shorne Ridgeway we followed the Darnley Trail through Cobham Park, passing the Mausoleum, and although we were only a short distance from the lunch stop, the leader made lots of loops. This gave the opportunity for some fine views over the Medway from the open country above Cuxton. The White Hart has been renovated but unfortunately they forgot to renovate the customer service. The picnic group also had some entertainment as we found ourself in the middle of a wedding party in the churchyard. A shorter and more direct afternoon south along the North Downs through woodland and then Wealdway north on the lovely valley to the picture postcard Luddesdown Church. An easy day, in fact a doddle as one member would say, just under 19 miles and for once with this leader we did not have to run to catch the train. Jerome Photographs

Sat 27 Feb 2010 Linear Amberley and Arundel
23 miles. Ldr Mike Ratcliff
This was a walk that was as wet as possible that didn't see a drop of rain all day. Sadly however, the evidence of the downpours over the previous few days were all too evident from the start of the walk. Having to make an immediate diversion from Pulborough Station to avoid extensive flooding in surrounding fields, fourteen of us walkers were forced to take a short stretch of the A29 heading south from the town towards Coldwaltham and the River Arun which had burst it's banks in several places. Finally back on track near the ancient Roman station on Stane Street we headed due south to cross Amberley Wild Brooks which forms a natural flood plain just north of the town itself and of course on a day such as this we experienced the flooding all to well that makes this place such a rich haven for birds and other wildlife, having to wade along a barely recognizable track for some considerable distance. Eventually reaching the main village of Amberley we had by now earned a good mid morning rest in the local churchyard, soon to continue our way back to the River Arun and south again towards Arundel. A very straightforward route and a simple undertaking at almost any time but not today! Much of the Monarch's Way and the low lying fields around Houghton were completely submerged with only the tops of stiles just making themselves visible by popping their heads above the waterline. The B2139 proved to be the only available route to take us south towards Arundel Park , and when our group did eventually descend the valley back to the river the path was still deeply flooded in areas forcing us to do our fair share of scrambling through the woodland towards South Stoke. Finally reaching Arundel via Offham, we were greeted by the splendid views of the towers of Arundel Castle rising majestically above the town in the winter sunshine and we enjoyed a well overdue lunch stop in the town centre, with our group spreading out into a range of pubs and cafe's along the High Street. The afternoon saw our route head into terrain of a dramatically different nature. Heading north and east up into the South Downs via Warningcamp and another stretch along the Monarch's Way we were treated to some spectacular views looking west in the surprisingly clear and mild air near Perry Hill. After several openly exposed and undulating miles we gradually ascended to the main ridge of the downs running west to east, joining the South Downs Way itself at Chantry Post. Swinging round to take the route travelling west we now began our final push back to Amberley along that truly awe inspiring track heading for Winchester . Thankfully for us though we had just a few more miles to complete - beautiful ones too including a traverse of both Kithurst Hill and Rackham Hill with lovely views to the north with the Greensand Hills and North Downs ridge just faintly visible on the horizon. Despite missing our desired train by just a few minutes, for the majority of the group, this proved quite a stroke of luck as we spent our last hour out together with alcohol, caffeine and a log fire in The Bridge Inn just next to Amberley Station with night now drawing in. A day to remember! Mike Photographs

Sun 14 Feb 2010 East from Sevenoaks
19 miles. Ldr Lonica Vanclay
What better way to spend Valentine's Day for those of us who love walking than a good walk -   and 20 likeminded souls joined me.  Hardy souls too - for the sleet and rain at the start boded a cold and bleak day…….however an hour or so in the skies began clearing and by afternoon it was just right for winter!  The willows and snowdrops promised that spring was not far off; the mud reminded us it was winter.   The pub's roaring fire and tasty food refreshed us…..and the conversations sustained us up and down the rises, in and out the forests, across the fields and through the orchards. Lonica Photographs

Sat 6 Feb 2010 Wivelsfield circular
20 miles. Ldr Clare Kirkbride
20 walkers met Clare at 0911 at Wivelsfield station from starting points as far afield as Eastbourne and north London.  A fast pace was sustained all day, 3.8 miles/hour in the first part of the morning on the flat plains of Wivelsfield and Ditchling, modified to 3.4 miles/hour uphill to Ditchling Beacon for 11.30am; over the latter part of the morning and during the afternoon's return to Wivelsfield, 3.6 miles/hour, the overall day's average speed.  The mileage was 20 miles, despite modifications to the route in order to avoid the submerged parts experienced a fortnight ago.  The going underfoot was soft, rarely disastrously so, but equally rarely were the footpaths free from moist mud.  The weather was kind, an early chill giving way to a mild and sunny day with superb views over the Weald almost to the North Downs and, southward, to the sea, Brighton racecourse, and the Seaford golfcourse [can't be sure - got home without my map!].  Fauna was not much in evidence: neither lambs, birds nor even the three fields alpacas passed in the autumn; we did meet any number of horseriders in the neighbourhood of Ditchling.  Breaks were taken at the foot of the South Downs before the 130m ascent to the Beacon, lunch at the Half Moon, and tea at the Cock Inn in Wivelsfield Green.  We were back in the vicinity of Wivelsfield station at 1630 and most walkers took the 1653 train back to London. Clare Photographs, Info & Profile

Sat 30 Jan 2010 Westhumble to Ockley
22 miles. Ldr Mike Ratcliff
Our walk in Surrey on the 30^th January was our final trek of a very tough walking month with snow and ice blighting our terrain on and off for the previous few weeks. This however was a perfect day to be out and spectacularly beautiful with a crystal clear blue sky and crisp icy air that remained mercifully still right through until dusk. Conditions underfoot were predictably easy going on such a chilly day with many of the footpaths and tracks utterly frozen allowing a nice firm floor to eat the miles up. Twenty of us set off walking from Boxhill and Westhumble Station at around 08.25, immediately climbing sharply the chalk hills up to the crest of the North Downs ridge. We continued westwards with wonderful early morning views looking south to the summits of the greensand ridge, with Leith Hill and Holmbury Hill being prominent among them. The low January sun and frosty air made much of that morning feel quite charged with atmosphere. Descending the North Downs saw us turn back on ourselves and continue east towards Westcott before which we swung south and down what appeared to be an extremely ancient track that meandered through some lovely woodland and up into the greensand hills. Arriving at our lunch stop we went on to spend well over an hour at The Plough Inn who were hardly expecting such a large group at that time of day - well ahead of schedule at 11.40! They did however provide us with a very warm, comfortable and cosy stop with a log fire and good food. Nicely rested and with the sun now simmering just past it's peak, we set off to climb up sharply towards our peak of Leith Hill. Blessed with such fabulous visibility, the Thames Valley and central London was clearly visible to the north and east and further on at Holmbury Hill the South Downs seemed to be spreading their undulating mass across the southern horizon forming a beautifully alluring silhouette. A crazily steep descent of Holmbury Hill was surely a bizarre memory that many of us will take from that day although thankfully we all made it down safely. A more flat and fragmented walk on the lower level terrain saw us push on through a patchwork of fields, farms and private estates, passing through Forest Green, Jayes Park and finally to Ockley itself with the first sense of dusk just starting to set in as we reached the station, well in time for the penultimate train of the day, taking us back through the hills and woodland of Surrey towards London. Mike Photographs

Sat 23 Jan 2010 Windsor Winter Wander
20 miles. Ldr Jerome Ripp
The real title of this walk should have been "LDWA takes over Windsor" as 32 of us gathered from all corners: visitors from Thames Valley group, Essex and Herts group, some new faces, some regulars and possibly even some gate crashers. If this carries on we will need bouncers. A rather grey but fairly mild and dry day with only small areas of mud and most of the walk was on fairly easy tracks or grass. The morning circuit took us North West along the Thames passing a wooden "friendless church" and a visit to Dorney Lake recently built by Eton College and the venue for the rowing events in the 2012 Olympics. A sweep round the Thames and then inland passing the medieval pile of Dorney Court where the first pineapple in England was grown and soon after passing the aptly named Pineapple pub. Then along the recently created Jubilee river, a flood defense system for Windsor and now a bird sanctuary. Pretty soon the castle beckoned us and we were back in Windsor and Eton for the first circuit in our figure of eight. It says a lot for the discipline and organisation of the leader that this large motley crew was rounded up, after lunch in various local hostelries and cafes, in just one hour. On through Eton College and its playing fields and then the Thames path south via Datchet to Old Windsor. Finally we found some contour lines as we marched into Windsor Great Park  and did a wide loop round to our group photo by the statue of King George on Snow Hill. The castle seems just ahead but its a mirage as it is nearly 3 more miles to the end. We all made it and the train having covered 32.9 km at an average pace of 5 km per hour according to a metric enthusiast with GPS. Jerome Photographs

Sun 3 Jan 2010 East Croydon to Caterham
18.5 miles. Ldr Peter Buchwald

We walked out along the Vanguard Way
As Croydon City was waking up in sun
Twenty two brave men and women
Led by a sick man, coughing and wheezing.

We passed the water tower near the park
Climbed Croham Hurst with its suburban view
Crossed icy magical dark woodland places
Where some lollards were nearly left behind.

We lunched at the White bear in Fickleshole
Then set off again through country lanes
Passed Epicure's Garden where lunatics
May once have revelled in the country air.

We returned to a more genteel place
A neatly manicured golf course, a public school
Then up a hill along the North Downs Way
And back to Caterham in dark suburban streets

Peter

Sun 20 Dec 2009 Farnham Circular
18 miles. Nicole Carbonara replaced Roger Moss
By the brightest and most crisp day of the year, 20 walkers set off in snow and ice for this beautiful walk designed by Roger Moss. Lots of new members, who were doing their first walk with LDWA, proved to be strong and fast walkers. We were able to complete the walk in daylight on one of the shortest days of the year without losing anyone, thanks to Steve, our very efficient backmarker, who kept the large group together without needing to use his legendary virtual whip. Yes, I know, the 21^st of December is the shortest day of the year, not the 20^th, but only by 5 seconds… In more than 10 years that I have been in this country it was the first time the sky didn't show a single trace of cloud all day long. The morning walk was mostly in deep forests with a small hill from where we could embrace a wide panorama while the (lengthy) orders of food were telephoned to the pub. We passed large and completely frozen lakes. Despite the fact that the pub was very busy preparing and serving their Christmas meals and had trouble coping with 16 hungry walkers, we managed to stop for less than one hour. The first part of the afternoon, before the tea stop, was in fields covered with snow, then more forests and great views from the North Downs Way. We enjoyed a leisurely tea in the in Seale, lovely tearoom with wonderful cakes. Then the last part of the walk was in a sumptuous sunset and we finished under a poetic moon crescent. We reached Farnham station at 4:45, in time for the 5 o'clock train to London. Nicole Photographs, Info & Profile

Sat 12 Dec 2009 North London Safari plus Panto
16 miles. Ldr Susanne Waldschmidt
An enjoyable walk for 14 walkers in good weather from Golders Green to Hackney Empire through parks and along canals, including hidden corners of Islington ans Hackney. Lunch at Freightliners Farm. Highlight of the walk was seeing several hundred Father (and Mother) Christmases at Camden Lock. Great performance of Aladdin to finish up with. Susanne Photographs

Sun 29 Nov 2009  Darenth Valley circular ….otherwise known as the golf courses traverse!
19 miles. Ldr Lonica Vanclay
10 walkers gamely followed as I set off from Eynsford railway station just before 9.30.  The morning was not as wet as had been predicted and steadily and cheerfully we walked past the Roman Villa (where as a child Paul had watched the mosaics being uncovered); the first golf course; then through woods to the information centre - where we hoped to meet Nick and Judith (who had gone home to get Nick's boots as he had mistakenly brought Judith's!).  Unfortunately they weren't there so we continued on along the river past the lavender and hop field, then up the hill and along the low ridge and down to Otford…..where to Dave's great delight we were given free mince pies complete with morris dancers …..open day in Otford!  I get a few brownie points for that he says!  And happily we met up with Nick and Judith…(who had detoured via the Bird of Prey centre!).  Lunch was good and the roaring fire was very welcome for those who had eaten sandwiches outside. Marita enjoyed the free coffee in the village hall - another open day delight! So an hour later we were off again and now we were 12 walkers plus leader  - though only for 5 minutes as Susanne was not well and took the train from Otford.  By now the rain set in and was steady - but undaunted we scampered up to the North Downs Way and followed it along for an hour or so before turning down to Knatts Valley - via another golf course.  Fortunately the rain was so heavy the driving range we had to cross was completely empty. Up the stairs and past the weekenders to Romney Street, then down through another golf course to the valley bottom.  As dusk came, the rain stopped and the full moon meant we didn't need torches as we followed the small road back to Eynsford passing - yes you guessed! - another golf course. Lonica

Sat 21 Nov 2009 Linear Wadhurst to the Rother
23 miles. Ldr Mike Ratcliff
Exactly one month before the shortest day of the year saw our group of walkers setting off from Wadhurst station on a typically autumnal day with most of the leaves now underfoot and the few remaining on their branches glowing with fiery hues typical of late November foliage. Heading east from Sussex we soon passed into Kent and down to Bewl Water where the scrawly rain clouds that had threatened us from the start now gradually began to dissipate, allowing a surprisingly warm and crisp blue sky to break through. As we traversed the main damn of the reservoir on it's northern shore we were treated to a spectacular glare of shimmering light as the low winter sun reflected off the water below us with the Bewl Valley meandering it's way north east through the haze when looking the other way. The Sussex Border Path served as our route for much of the days' walking with a notable variety of landscapes changing along the way, passing through golden deciduous woodland round the eastern shore of Bewl; some beautiful coniferous woods near Union Street and many farms with large, gracefully undulating fields both pastoral and arable, creating a patchwork of colours and textures for a travellers eye. One particularly striking feature of the walk were the ubiquitous oast houses that dotted our path of so many styles and ages that are so common around the Kent and Sussex border. Finally reaching The Moor for our lunch stop, most of us were feeling well due for a rest as we had by then completed over fourteen miles of our walk. The Eight Bells looked after us very nicely with a warm and comforting village pub atmosphere that rendered us jovial but almost too relaxed as by now the world was cooling down and the clouds were looking darker and heavier as we headed south east towards the Rother Valley. Standing for six hundred and twenty four years, Bodium Castle announced itself to us with no shortage of medieval drama and awe inspiring magnificence as we ascended the crest of the hill at Court Lodge Farm and found ourselves staring down upon this exquisite ruin with its fairytale castellated defences and impressive moat and grounds. We finished our walk by pushing on in a westerly direction towards Robertsbridge with the River Rother snaking it's way at the bottom of it's valley to our left. Under the dim glow of an early evening sun, passing through some lovely orchards with their soft floors of decaying fruit and leaves allowed us our last glimmers of daylight as dusk fell with the grand tower of the church at Salehurst creating an austere but pleasing silhouette on the gloomy western horizon. Finally the lights of Robertsbridge greeted us with some enticing smells wafting from the restaurants and shops on the high street as we crossed for our final climb up to the station and our walking complete. Mike.
Mike's reputation as a leader has travelled so far from London that a member came all the way from Yorkshire to walk with us. Nic Photographs, Info & Profile

Sat 31 Oct 2009 South Downs and Seven Sisters
23 miles. Ldr Mike Ratcliff
I had high hopes for our walk on the Sussex Downs on Halloween this year after walking the route out in full on the previous Tuesday and having a truly lovely day with plenty of warmth and sunshine. The forecast for the Saturday of the actual walk however was not so positive and so it turned out to be with heavy wind and rain lashing my car on the drive down to the south coast. Noticing I was the only driver who had turned up with only minutes to go before the train from London was due to arrive, I began to have doubts as to whether many people at all would drag themselves all the way from the city to the South Downs on such a wet and wild day. However, I was delighted to see fourteen walkers grouped together on mass appear from the train just as the weather started to ease. We began the walk from Glynde Station by crossing the A27 and ascending the long but gradual climb up Beddingham Hill to reach the South Downs Way on the main ridge in that area which was on that morning engulfed in a thick fog. That undulating ridge over Firle Beacon and on to Bostal Hill is on most days a walk leaders dream as the trail is so clear and consistent along the brow of the ridge with the route clearly visible far into the distance but unfortunately we had no such priviledge this time with most of the morning walking in visibility of just a few metres. Because of this however, the atmosphere was quite dramatic and rather mysterious. We made our way east along the local peaks and then along a very well trod bridleway that took us south towards Bishopstone and Seaford. By around eleven o'clock the fog was dispersing and as we descended from the hills a beautiful panorama opened up of the English Channel and the port of Newhaven beneath us. Meeting the sea at the far western end of the town of Seaford allowed us a lovely stroll along the front to the martello tower at the base of Seaford Head where the Wellington Pub awaited us, though many people stopped to have a packed lunch by the beach. The variety of blues and greens of the sea that day were beautiful and very unusual, seemingly arranged in bars of vivid colour. After lunch we still had the majority of the distance to complete as well as the more brutal climbs of the day, starting with of course Seaford Head itself. After we had warmed back up with this climb the open expanse of the Cuckmere Valley lay in front of us with what must be one of the most iconic views in England - that of the Seven Sisters glowing their way into the distance. Almost pure brilliant white as always! The ghostly silhouette of the Belle Tout Lighthouse was already visible away on the horizon. Several hours later and with some hard miles completed we finally reached the brow of Beachy Head with the still warming sun beginning to set behind us amongst some dramatic cloud formations that seemed to add to the enjoyment. As we began to swing round the headland to a more north easterly direction, the lights of Eastbourne suddenly came into view and the dark of night took hold. We were treated to quite a clear waxing moon that was very nearly full. A brisk night walk along the promenade and on to the glittering pier and the buzz of the town centre completed our twenty three miles in a very traditional and lively manner. Mike Photographs, Info & Profile

Sun 25 Oct 2009 Petersfield to Rowlands Castle
18 miles. Ldr Peter Buchwald
OSE 120, 133. 11 people and one dog.

It was a fine autumn day as I switched on my GPS
And set off through sunny streets of Petersfield
Chatting and laughing with my ten Companions
Past a large supermarket and down a lane.

We crossed grassy fields in bright cool sunlight
Passed through a village of quaint bungalows
Into the open country through pretty Buriton
Up and down hills along the South Downs Way.

We trod carefully down slippery chalk paths
Rapidly neared our pub which we found closed!
We walked another hour and half through woods
Until we came to Stoughton where we ate and drank.

We talked about King Charles the Second and his
Flight to France along the Monarch's way
We walked the avenue away from Stansted House
And finished in a pub with near an hour to spare.

Peter

Sat 10 Oct 2009 Circular Edenbridge and Chiddingstone
22 miles. Ldr Mike Ratcliff
Our walk from Edenbridge saw us cover some very differing terrain from the flat, Low Weald countryside around Edenbridge up to the hills of the High Weald north of Cowden in the afternoon. Sixteen of us walkers made the start from Edenbridge Town Station at ten to nine under a distinctly overcast and rain heavy sky. Although not raining at the time, the showers that had dampened the area overnight were clearly evident in the soggy ground that awaited us. Thankfully this was not to continue for long as a wonderfully strong sun rapidly broke through at about a quarter distance of the route. Walking north-east from Edenbridge we soon skirted the northern banks of Bough Beech Reservoir to continue east heading towards Tonbridge. We soon made our way south however, passing through the delightful village of Chiddingstone and eventually reaching our lunch stop at The Rock Inn at Hoath Corner, a remote spot that proved pleasantly tranquil and by this time very warm under a strong mid-day sun. Continuing south over the High Weald we were greeted with some beautiful views of the Ashdown Forest area stretching out in front of us and eventually descending down to lower ground where we joined the Sussex Border Path. We now made our way west with the long distance path, passing into East Sussex for just a few hundred yards and then starting our climb up to Cowden and back into Kent. Our final ascent of the day saw us climb our way north from Cowden up to our highest point on the walk up at the ancient site of Dry Hill Fort where we joined the Vanguard Way. The views that awaited us looking east towards Tunbridge Wells and north to the greensand ridge and North Downs were just terrific. A gradual descent down some extremely rutted tracks took us back down to Edenbridge, where we made our way back into town following the meandering River Eden where many old, decaying and ghostly pillboxes still stood sentry guarding the town. The sun at the final stage was casting long shadows of us all as it glowed low but warm in the sky behind us. Mike Photographs

Sat 3 Oct 2009 Witley circular
24 miles. Ldr Nicole Carbonara
16 walkers joined me at Witley station on a perfect day for walking: dry, cool and breezy.  I appointed a backmarker because I wanted to avoid losing people, as it happened last time and Ian kindly volunteered.  Thanks to him, we didn't lose anyone despite the fact that we didn't crawl too much, as we completed the 24ml walk with 1200m ascent in 7h at an average pace of 3.5ml/h.  LDWA and other groups from the South East of England were well represented: there were members from LDWA Kent, Surrey, Thames Valley, Wessex plus Surrey Walking Club and Ramblers.  The morning was hilly and varied with forests and ponds and lovely views from Gibbet Hill.  We arrived early for lunch at the pub.  I had ordered all the meals by phone and called them again later to let them know that we were early so everything was ready and we were all ready to start walking again after just over half an hour.  In the afternoon we climbed to the Temple of the Winds from where we enjoyed other lovely views and took photographs.  The second part of the afternoon was less hilly and in a more open landscape with more ponds and more great views.  We stopped for a leisurely tea in a comfortable pub but we had tea and cakes on their tables outside.  We reached the station at 5:15pm. nic Photographs, Info & Profile

Sun 27 Sep 2009 Linear Seaford to Eastbourne
20 miles. Ldr Patrick Tso
Today's walk from Seaford to Eastbourne via the Seven Sisters and Beach Head was great with initially 14 participants, but then two dropped out just after an hour at Exceat.  The weather was beautiful, blue sky and clam seas.  We have a brief stop when we descent the Seaford Head for members to take photos of the Seven Sisters Cliffs. The total distance was as predicted 19.8 miles, we did it in 5 hours and 30 minutes, and the overall walking speed was 3.6 miles/hrs.  Not really bad for some new comers who never walk with LDWA and for 20 miles, considering the ups and downs.  We had a 45 minutes lunch break at the Visitor Centre in Exceat and 20 minutes at Birling Gap for drinks after the Seven Sisters.  All the participants enjoyed the walk.  We had a small drink gathering with 8 participants at the Wetherspoon Pub in Victoria and one Russian girl actually brought with her Vodka to celebrate her finishing of the 20 miles as well as conquering the Seven Sisters and Beach Head.   
As I will be posted back to Hong Kong on 17/10/2009, this was my last walk in London as well as leading it.  I'd like to take this opportunity to thank LDWA London for giving me the chance to lead this walk and for me to meet so many nice and friendly people. Patrick
Thank you, Patrick, for joining us and leading this superb walk and best of luck in Hong Kong. nic Photographs, Track & Profile 

Sun 20 Sep 2009 Guildford Circular
22 miles. Ldr Don Bolton
30 walkers assembled at Guildford Station for a joint London & SWC walk of 21 miles. It was good to meet so many people that I had not seen for many, many months and to meet a few new people. The first 6 miles were along the River Wey and then along the Downs Link path, quite flat with few gates so walked very fast. Then we followed the Green Sand Way to Hascombe and then to the Merry Harriers pub at Hambledon for lunch. !2 walkers had opted for a cooked lunch and I had phoned their order to the pub about an hour before we got there at 1pm. We had not used this pub before but the food and the service was excellent and we were all out at 2pm. Then climbed up to Hydons Ball viewpoint, down and then through Juniper Valley to Winkworth Arboretum. Descended the steep hill and then through The Rides and down to Hascombe for tea at the very attractive boathouse. We were served tea and cakes very efficiently by the couple serving who were completely unfazed by so many walkers turning up unnanounced. Then back along the river to Guildford but at St. Catherines Lock I asked how many would like to do an extra 3+ miles with a long hill to climb but would be rewarded with fantastic views. To my surprise 11 people opted for the extra miles and the remainder walked back along the river to Guildford Station. We 11 went west past the Police HQ, then past Loseley House, down a long track to Polsted Manor then north and uphill to the ridge walk that gives great views over Guildford to Canary Wharf and across London to Heathrow. Eventually steely downhill to Guildford Station. A good long day in good weather with good companions. My thanks especially to John Elrick and Steve Garnsey for aiding me by looking after those at the back and ensuring no one got lost or feeling that they had been left alone. Don Photographs 

Sat 12 Sep 2009 Lea Valley Walk Stage 3 Harpenden to Leagrave
22.5 miles. Ldr Rob Myers
9 of us turned up in sunny conditions in Harpenden ready to travel to the source of the River Lea. Having only the last 12 miles of the Lea Valley Walk to cover we first had an enjoyable morning walk in the Hertfordshire countryside, involving sections of the Hertfordshire Way and Chiltern Way. We had a drinks stop in Wheathampstead churchyard before arriving at our lunch stop at the "Bright Star", Peters Green. This was an excellent pub which was not only "walker friendly" but also "horse friendly" as they had their own tethering bar and water trough. It also sold McMullen's ales and reasonably cheap food. Definitely recommended for future walks. The afternoon began with a visit to the ruins of Someries Castle which was the oldest brick building in Bedfordshire. We skirted around Luton Airport and then walked through the centre of Luton (am I the first LDWA leader ever to do this?). After a couple of miles streets gave way to parkland and then fields and we stopped off for a drink in the "Old Moat House". This was a pub in the oldest secular building in Bedfordshire with a thatched roof and lots of large carp swimming in the moat. Fully refreshed we then visited the source of the River Lea. This was the third of a series of walks, the first from Limehouse to Broxbourne took place on a freezing January day, the second from Broxbourne to Harpenden was on a beautiful spring day in April. In total we covered the full 52 miles of the Lea Valley Walk. Congratulations to Corinne for doing all 3 walks. Rob

Sat 29 Aug2009 Linear Robertsbridge to the sea
20 miles. Ldr Jerome Ripp
With engineering works on the line, I wondered if anyone would show up but London group are a hardy lot and by various methods 15 lined up at Robertsbridge to be shepherded to the sea. Weather was good all day with some warm sunny spells as well as some strong winds which buffeted us but some of the female members seemed to enjoy this. Due to the late start, the morning was short but lively as we met a frisky filly (or was it a charging stallion) and after 7 miles we were having lunch in the centre of Battle and admiring the diverse architecture. Then we followed the 1066 Country Walk through a lovely reverie of woodland and fields with the odd detour but we were rescued by the good sense of other group members and once by a local aged resident when the leader decided to follow a young redhead rather than the path! We slowly circled round Hastings and were rewarded with some glorious views including a Victorian folly, a wind farm and a stretch of coast from Dungeness to Beachy Head. The glens of Hastings cliff tops provided a rousing finish, then into the old town where the lure of live football removed 2 of the group but the rest charged on to the station led by a demure young lady who said she was "good on concrete". It seemed to be 23 miles in total and for a few of us the adventures continued with a tortuous train journey back, the leader did not return home till 10pm. A just reward some might feel! Jerome Photographs

Wed 26 Aug to Tue 1 Sep 2009 Summer Bank Holiday in the Alps.
Climb 5 10,000ft Alpine summits in 5 days  Ldr Nicole Carbonara
No, we didn't climb five 10,000ft summits in 5 days as planned but, as the group was exceptionally strong and fit, instead we climbed 7 summits in 4 days. On our day off we enjoyed a rather technical via ferrata in the morning, an easy climb in the afternoon and an outstanding homemade dinner, prepared by an Englishman, in the evening. The weather was absolutely gorgeous all week. nic
We would like to thank Nicole for our superb and exciting high-level walking holiday on the 3,000m peaks above Val d'Isere (1,850m). Even the sun shone on the team. It must rank amongst the best short breaks ever. Steve & Peter
Photographs, Info & Profile