Sat 15 Nov. The Thames in autumn
20miles. Ldr Jerome Ripp
8.30 Kingston station, a party of 16 adventurous walkers, mostly London group stalwarts but also some non-members who wanted to experience a Jerome 20 miles, they said they would join the LDWA, let's hope they do because it was a cracking walk. A mild autumn day, even patches of blue sky helped to speed us on our circuit of the western suburbs. Not a single stile was also a bonus. Via the parks of Bushey, Fulwell, Cranford and Hounslow Heath, a green corridor led us to the end of the runway at Heathrow with planes roaring just over our heads. For a variety of noise we crossed the M4 and then the Grand Union canal was our companion. Lunch at the Old Oak Tree came after 14.5 miles which according to Nicole, making a welcome reappearance after her Greece experience, was a record for a morning walk. There had been a few accidental extras where the leader had pretended to get lost but in the afternoon there were some genuine detours. The police had closed part of the canal towpath and later on, after Osterley park, Syon park with tea, we finally reached the Thames only to find severe flooding on both banks. We eventually made it back to Richmond with Rob and Don deciding to swim to the station. Some people claimed it was over 22 miles but whats a few extra miles between friends!! Jerome

Sat 8 Nov. Arundel Circular
23.5 miles. Ldr Margaret Romanski
There were 11 of us with 2 joining at lunch time. The weather was mostly dry but overcast -although there was an absolute downpour just after lunch. People got very wet but it didn't seem to dampen spirits. The route was certainly appreciated. It was predominantly up on the downs, coming off only to visit the pub for lunch. It was advertised as hilly and there were lots of ups and downs. Visibility could have been better - which was a pity as on a clear day the views from the downs are excellent. The pace was good - we completed the distance in around 7hrs walking time. We stopped for lunch at The Cricketers, Duncton. The food was good and service efficient. By obtaining the menu via email the day before and phoning the food order in advance we managed to reduce the lunch break to around 40 mins. The early start and short lunch meant that we finished by 5.15pm without the need for torches. Margaret

Sun 2 Nov. Greensand Way part 2: Goldaming to Dorking
21 miles. Ldr Susanne Waldschmidt
15 walkers in a dry and sunny weather for a very beautiful walk with lots of variety. The pub was King's Head, Holmbury St Mary. We managed to get to Dorking just as nightfall was approaching though we had to shortcut the last mile or two. Quite a few of the group were keen to get on with the next stage. We paid our respects at the Founders Memorial on Pitch Hill. Susanne

Sun 25 Oct. Ghosts, Hills & Downs in Hampshire (Circular)
22 miles with 1000m ascent. Ldr Jill Goddard and Paul Lawrence replaced Nicole Carbonara
There were 12 of us, a mix of LDWA and SWC, and Jill lead at a very good fast pace. The pub was closed for holidays but we had been warned to bring sandwiches.  We sheltered out of the wind in Harting Down to eat our lunch.  It was rather windy but the views were attractive with some lovely autumn colours.  The tea stop was excellent, with a live fire, and the tea break was well deserved, we've had to work hard for it!  We got back to Rowlands Castle one hour ahead of your estimated time, partly due to a short lunch break and partly due to the group's good pace. The route devised was lovely and the weather kind to us but a little overcast and windy. Photographs

 Sun 12 Oct. Circular walk from Lewes
20 miles. Ldr Don Bolton
25 people set off on this very hilly walk on a misty Sunday morning. We stopped at the Caburn Fort viewpoint but the morning mist prevented us seeing the great views from this elevated position even though the photos taken here do not make it look too misty. After going through Glynde 2 of our party left us and the remaining 23 went up the long hill to the SDW. From there down to Denton for lunch at the Flying Fish pub. Lunch took 1 hr 15 mins and then over the Newhaven bridge and round the nature reserve to Piddinghoe. The final 6 of our party had become detached and got lost here and it took about 20 minutes to find them.
Through Telscombe and in glorious weather with fantastic views the long walk round and back up to the SDW. Because of our delays 19 took the short route back to Kingston and into Lewes to ensure that they would get the 18.16 train back to London. 4 of us continued the walk and were rewarded with great views and a magnificient sunset. Don

Sat 4 Oct. The Southern Wealdway
20 miles. Ldr Jerome Ripp
15 people came on the walk including 1 new member, 2 from Sussex group and 2 from Surrey group. Morning was fine but afternoon was blustery rain. We went down the Wealdway to Chiddingly and back on the Vanguard way. We hurried back as the weather seemed to be getting worse. There is only 1 train an hour and we decided to aim for the 4:34 return train. To be sure of catching it we went to Buxted which is 1 stop up the line from Uckfield. However the 6 people from other groups had come by cars which were parked at Uckfield. So for the last 2 miles the group split and they returned separately. They all said they were happy to do this, they knew the way and they are all experienced walkers whom I know. Jerome

Sun 28 Sep. Haslemere Circular
18 miles. Ldr Don Bolton
18 of us assembled at Haslemere Station just after 9.30am, 6 of these were women that I had never met before. The weather was beautiful, a clear sky, sunny and very warm later in the day. This was an 18 mile circular walk with almost 11 miles before lunch. We circled east then north to Combe Court via Grayswood, past Sandhills to join the Greensand Way. At mid-day I phoned the Three Horse Shoes pub in Thursley to tell them I had 18 people who wanted a drink and 12 of them also wanted a meal. In just over an hour on the Greensand Way we stopped for our lunch. We had reserved tables in the garden, service was quite good for such a large group and the food excellent. After a very lively lunch we were again on the Greensand Way up and into the Devils Punchbowl. A very scenic area with wonderful tree and scrub plant colouring. We stopped briefly at the Hindhead NT Cafe for tea and then followed the Grensand Way back to Haslemere. Pace was moderate (3.1mph) and most of our new companions said that they will join the LDWA. A very sociable and enjoyable day. Don

Sat 20 Sep. A literary pilgrimage
19 miles. Ldr Jerome Ripp
We had 14 on the walk and a glorious day. We had a picnic in a field followed by a short snooze. There was one new person and several who were relatively new or from the south coast. There were only a few regulars. The views were superb and I think that all were happy. Jerome

Sat 13 Sep. Great Missenden
21 miles. Ldr Chris Dent
Overcast conditions met the assembled company of 17 hardy souls in downtown Buckinghamshire. The South Bucks Way was heavy going leading away from the start, and the group was soon spread out across the many muddy fields. By mid-morning at the "coffee stop" at Little Hampden, the sun had broken through the clouds, and the mood of the group changed to a much sunnier disposition. The Ridgeway was reached , and the route turned westwards skirting the Chequers estate, and then headed towards the Coombe Hill viewpoint and the steady climb to the famous Monument to the locals who had served in the Boer War. Memories of the Chilterns 100 came flooding back !! Group photos were taken, and the word "lunch" was mentioned so a fast descent was made in the direction of Wendover and the Shoulder of Lamb pub. The two Daves departed the scene and headed for the station for pressing engagements elsewhere. The afternoon route followed the Ridgeway eastwards, and then veered south along the Chiltern Way. Approaching Gt Missenden, we were treated to the sight of hot air balloons in flight against the setting sun. Trust you are now well on the way to full recovery.  Chris