For further details please contact the Walks Secretary. See the Web Album for photos, maps and profiles of most walks.

Sat 28 Aug "The Western South Downs"

22 miles. Ldr Jerome Ripp

15 gathered at Winchester station representing a cross section of LDWA groups; 3 from Thames valley, 3 from Surrey, 1 from Wessex and 2 from the canine club. The leader began with a short guided cultural tour of the city, cathedral, college, and ancient city walls. We headed north along the Itchen Way through pleasant fields a trifle muddy from the recent rains, but we were fortunate in having clear skies and sunshine for most of the day. A break at Itchen Abbas and then we left the valley and steadily climbed up into the south downs to reach our picnic lunch spot in a field at Cheesefoot Head with good views over to Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight, according to our Wessex member. A long track south on the Kings Way and a short sharp climb to join a Roman road and the Monarch's Way to Owlesbury and the church in a typical quiet village setting. The final section took us over the rolling hills of Hazeley and Twyford Downs with Winchester appearing directly in front. But there was still some way to go as we skirted St. Catherine's hill and then a long stretch by the Itchen, the last mile in particular seemed rather lengthy but we all made it back to Winchester in good spirits having covered about 22 miles according to the leader but our feet, the general level of tiredness and the GPS suggested that we had done 24 miles. Photographs Info & Profile

Wed 25 Aug 2010 Regents Park Area
7 miles. Ldr Rob Myers

It had been raining heavily all day and was still raining when the walk was due to commence at 6.30. Some people had texted to say that due to the weather they would not be turning up but astonishingly 13 people did. We set out from Little Venice for a walk along the Regents Canal to Primrose Hill. Due to the conditions we did not linger too long to admire the view but carried straight on into Regents Park. We wandered through Avenue Gardens and traversed the boating lake. We passed a lot of disappointed spectators from the open air theatre who had seen their performance cancelled due to the rain. At this point less than a mile from the finish darkness descended and I made a navigation error that meant I had to abort the walk. At the same time the heavens really opened and we headed quickly to the most convenient pub. This was the Wetherspoons next to Baker Street tube. We were all drenched but the beer and food somewhat revived us. In retrospect I should have started the walk half an hour earlier and done it in reverse. Definitely a lesson for the future. Rob

 

Tue 17 Aug 2010 Thames Stroll

8 miles. Ldr Rob Myers

14 people gathered at Pimlico for a sightseeing walk along the Thames. We crossed Lambeth Bridge to pass Westminster Palace and mingled with crowds and performance artists on the South Bank. We passed the London Eye and Shakespeare's Globe before re-crossing the Thames at London Bridge. Proceeding past Tower Bridge we visited St Katherine's Dock before finally doing a stretch of the Thames Path along Wapping High Street and Limehouse Basin to finish at Canary Wharf. Most people stayed on at Wetherspoons pub at West India Quay for food and drink. Rob

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 

Wed 11 Aug 2010 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

 

Sun 8 Aug 2010 Around Caterham

24 miles. Ldr Mike Ratcliff

Starting just north of the M25 at Woldingham Station, thirteen of us began our Sunday walk at almost 09.00 exactly. With the weather forecast predicting a good day, we were not so surprised when the sun began to shine quite fiercely early on in the walk. Fortunately, most of the climbing on this fairly hilly route was in the early stages of the walk before the more penetrating heat that we had later in the day had set in. Despite the North Downs Way being so close to the motorway south of the Caterham Valley, we were still treated to the delightful views looking south into Kent, Surrey and Sussex in the distance and into the sunny morning from the North Downs ridge. Walking towards the east for a short while we soon made our way up the steepest and longest climb of the day back over the downs just north of Oxted to join the Vanguard Way. Now skirting Woldingham Village itself, we left the long distance path for a while to reach our most easterly point of the route at Beddlestead House. As we travelled back, now towards the west we soon found ourselves in more urban surroundings as we walked between Chelsham and the northern limits of Warlingham. We sauntered through the peaceful grounds of All Saints' Church only to find ourselves amongst a Sunday boot fair very shortly after. The steepest gradient of the route was now to be found as we approached Kenley, creeping round the side of the old quarry in the woodland there, where the cutting through the chalk hills allows the railway to snake its way up into London. Slowly and carefully descending the very steep, slippery chalky slope to reach the A22, we now passed that main road and almost immediately another railway line to tackle another hard climb up onto Kenley Common where the views behind us looking back to the wooded hills and the chalky cliffe face were fantastic. It was now well past noon but enjoying the fabulously clear and sunny day we finally reached the Wattenden Arms in a quiet spot between Kenley and Old Coulsdon near the Aerodrome. After lunch, we continued our way south and west, following the London Loop past Old Coulsdon and into Happy Valley where the grass looked so parched and so much of the undulating terrain around had a dry, yellowing feel to it, so typical of late summer. Now having picked up the Downlands Circular Walk we reached what was for me one of the true highlights of the day in the form of the Church at Chaldon, where we stopped inside for a while to admire the amazing 12^th century wall painting. This was a delight! After a nice rest under the shade of the trees in the churchyard we continued our way south towards the main ridge of the North Downs through fields of maize and wheat. Finally reaching the North Downs Way, we had great views of Riegate, Redhill and South Merstham when looking south west with the motorway beneath us in the haze. We were now travelling back towards the Caterham Valley to the east along some ancient tracks and with a sense of history all around. The tree cover that we had for much of this section made it a refreshing time after so much open and exposed terrain that seemed to characterise much of this route. Reaching the A22 we crossed back over, several miles to the south of where we made our crossing earlier in the day at Kenley. Finally, at Winders Hill we left the long distance path to make our final push north through some beautiful rolling cornfields that seemed to glow in the early evening light and gradually make our way down through the 'Rookery' into the valley that winds its way back up towards Woldingham and the station. Mike

Thu 29 Jul 2010 Eastern Delights (Walthamstow to Liverpool stn)

9 miles. Ldr Dave Williams

Noone was more surprised than me to see 20 gullible souls (a record for an evening walk!) turn up at Walthamstow Central. Perhaps they had been lured by the exotic title of the walk. Sadly however they were to be quickly disillusioned for there were to be no delights or indeed anything else of any interest apart from having to scramble under the world's lowest railway bridge! The walk proceeded without any mishaps across Walthamstow marshes & wended its way through the fleshpots of Clapton, Hackney & Shoreditch before ending up at Liverpool Street where the group were greeted by some exotic dancing (which I had gone to great lengths to arrange!). However noone could be persuaded to join in so we adjourned to a local hostelry, The Gun. Chris D.'s eyes immediately lit up when he informed us that this was the venue where in past times young ladies used to perform some dubious entertainment. He claimed however that he himself had never ventured here before but noone really believed him!! Dave

Sat 24 & Sun 25 Jul 2010 Summer on the Downs - Plumpton Green to Eastbourne

62 miles (100km). Ldr Mike Ratcliff

OK, so weekend social walks are generally supposed to be easy going, fun affairs with not too much stress or strain along the way. Absolutely, but why not just occasionally do something a little more ambitious. That was basically what I started to think roughly nine month's ago when the thought arose to try and devise a longer summer walk for the group on the South Downs. Something a little more testing. Well, maybe not quite a hundred kilometres testing but certainly more than the usual twenty to twenty five miles that we all enjoy most weekends. Looking at the old OS explorer maps of the eastern end of the South Downs, I found it terribly hard to decide which areas to include and not too include, knowing what lovely walking many of the paths and tracks in that region provided. Trying to come up with a route that included all my favourite bits was just impossible without the mileage getting ridiculous. Ridiculous? Well how can we ever define ridiculous? I wasn't sure so the more thought I gave it, the more happy I was to just let it be and accept that if I wanted to add a longer walk to the programme in my favourite walking area, I might as well make it really long and a hundred kilometres is such a nice round number. So I decided that this would be my goal and in the end I settled on a route of exactly one hundred kilometres (sixty two miles), starting from Plumpton Green and ending at Eastbourne with a main stop at Rottingdean at twenty five miles. With there not being any spaces left in the programme around the summer solstice when I would ideally have liked to walk with the most daylight, I got the best slot I could which was Saturday July 24^th. In hindsight this was a great choice as the weather we had over this weekend was superb, especially on the Saturday when eleven of us set out from Plumpton Station at 09.45. I had planned the route to have a 'dropout' option for people who wanted to come along, but only for the day with our usual distance of twenty miles or so. So a happy eleven was a good start, though how many would really want to join me for the long haul all the way to Eastbourne I didn't really dare anticipate too much until we actually left Rottingdean and were walking into the night. But Saturday morning was fine and bright and we soon covered the couple of miles or so south from the station to reach the base of Blackcap and the prominent South Downs ridge forming a dramatic horizon that dominated our view south and the whole area north of Brighton. After a vigorous climb up onto the South Downs Way, we travelled west to Ditchling Beacon where shortly after we left the main hilltop track to walk south into the heart of the downs near Lower Standean and Stanmer Down. After continuing south for some time we skirted the northern end of the site of Sussex University at Moons Corner to swing north up to Waterpit Hill and Balmer Down where we enjoyed a fabulous but windy picnic lunch on top of the highest point in the area with fantastic views of the sea to the south and the unmistakable graceful sweep of Firle Beacon in the East. The gleaming white cliffs at Seaford Head and the Cuckmere Valley were just visible in the far distance. For those of us that would be walking all the way to Eastbourne we could now see most of our hard work to come in stark technicolour in front of us. After lunch we soon rejoined the South Downs Way to walk south and cross the A27 near Lewes. Shortly after crossing the railway line running parallel with the road, we endured the long but gradual climb back up into the hills near Kingston and continued to Swanborough Hill where the sun was now very strong but visibility superbly clear which made for such an enjoyable afternoon with more views of the sea and the myriad of colours that leap out at you from the hills on summer days like this. Continuing on down to High Hill we were now approaching the northern limits of Rottingdean and a well earned rest. The White Horse in the centre of town just near the sea front served as a superb venue for those whose day's walking was complete and wanted some refreshment before the journey home as well as the six of us who planned to tackle the remaining thirty seven miles through the hills and along the coast to Eastbourne. After an hour or so in the pub we said our goodbyes and our group of eleven became just six. But half a dozen is a nice number and still makes for a good group on any occasion. So we carried on along the seafront at Telescombe in fast changing but still positive conditions with the light still strong but definitely now feeling like afternoon. We eventually left the front to climb up to Telescomb Tye, Fore Hill and Mill Hill before descending to the valley at Southease which forms the last major gap in the South Downs ridge before swinging down to Eastbourne. The next nodal point on our journey would be at Southease itself where we crossed two major roads, the River Ouse and a railway line all in the space of a few hundred metres. With the light now fading, the radio masts at Beddingham Hill were beckoning us eastwards and up the long winding climb of Itford Hill. Now back on high ground we were also back in what I tend to think of as the Downs proper with Firle Beacon sweeping down to the north and the lights of Newhaven beaming bright to the south. That Saturday night we were especially lucky as a gorgeous, almost full moon soon rose and kept us company with an effervescent presence. After turning due south off the South Downs Way we descended over Blackcap Hill down to Stump Bottom where we turned back up to Gardener's Hill and back north towards Bostal Hill and the Bopeep car park. After this long climb back up through the dark, crisp night to reach the ridge we soon found ourselves at the trig point at Firle Beacon, coincidently at almost exactly midnight. The circuitous route that we were taking allowed us only a very short time back on the top with us soon descending down to the old coach road that runs parallel with the downs for several miles to Alfriston. This ancient byway is under tree cover for much of its length and at that time of night with the moonlight beaming through the leaves from the cool clear sky, the atmosphere was quite unique for us six walkers. I guess it was around this time with well over half the distance completed and the aches and pains of a very long distance walk starting to creep in that we now thought more about the coming morning and the final push over the hills to Eastbourne. I knew that we would soon be back down at the coast at Seaford but even that still felt like quite a long way off with another hard climb rapidly approaching and a weariness now setting in that maybe all overnight walkers will experience at some stage. Finally reaching the outskirts of Alfriston after our mammoth push down that never ending flinty track, we made the gruelling climb back up to the South Downs Way near Black Patch though after probably less than a mile of walking west we turned off the line of summits to take the Green Way, another old bridleway that took us on an undulating route south through woodland and farms towards the coast. With the intense neon lights of Newhaven Harbour seeming almost tangible in the early hours of that Sunday morning we walked towards them with the smell of 'civilisation' drawing us in. We soon found ourselves passing the old church at Bishopstone and then soon down on the seafront at Seaford itself. I now realised for sure that we were making excellent time on this trip as I had always anticipated that we would have seen the dawn by the time we rejoined the coast at Seaford. Continuing darkness however was all we had with only the sound of the sea and the very faint outline of the horizon made visible by the moon. The growing lights of the town also added to the strange atmosphere of this very sleepy place as we walked eastwards towards the towering mass of Seaford Head that dominated the murky skyline. Now needing a serious rest we crashed out on the tourists benches by the beach at the eastern end of the seafront by the famous Martello Tower that sits solid and strong, guarding the town at the base of the cliffs. Dawn! After we had all rested our stiff and aching bodies by the sea with some of us even grabbing a few moments sleep, we pushed our way up the rising chalky outcrop that culminates in the summit of Seaford Head, over to the other side with the beautiful panorama of the Cuckmere Valley opening up before us. The shocking white ripples of the Seven Sisters trailing away to the far horizon under the fresh new light of dawn. The walk following the South Downs Way up to the Golden Galleon at Exceat was rather tedious though it was lovely to turn round after crossing the River Cuckmere and to aim for the first of those great coastal peaks in front of us. The river was very low, the earth very dry and the morning air was still quite cool and fresh though the climb up to the finger post at Cliff End soon got the blood really pumping hard again. And so we traversed the hills one after another with the sea to our right and a bright pink strip of morning light piercing through the petrol grey coloured cloud across our view to the east. Reaching our final rest stop at Birling Gap we made a special effort I think to take stock of the situation and savour the moment with the knowledge that our long hard journey was nearly at its climax. We lay there on the stony grass bank by the car park with the morning air now warming up and the day now fast establishing itself. With the last efforts at foot surgery and other remedial action complete, we rose from our resting, sprawled postures for our final push up to the Belle Tout Lighthouse and on towards Beachy Head. Very, very weary now with the finish now almost in our grasp the great sprawl of Eastbourne soon came into view as we crept round the side of the hill above Whitebread Hole with the sea more grey now and a thick, dark low cloud rolling in from the south. All that now remained was the formality of walking from the base of the hill and the terminal point of the South Downs to Eastbourne Station. It was a joy to have finished but certainly a greater joy to have persevered to walk through the night and gain such a unique experience in such a wonderful place. Mike Photographs

 

Tue 13 Jul 2010 Epping Forest

8 miles. Ldr Lonica Vanclay

The rain held off - just the occasional drizzle to cool us.  6 of us stepped out from Loughton and wound our way through the seemingly endless and very green trees of Epping Forest - with a few viewpoints, a pond and golf courses to give some variety. Very calming….with a dramatic sunset through the clouds. The boys adjourned to Wetherspoons; despite Dave's tales of banana beer, we girls opted to head straight home, hoping to keep the peaceful green in our minds as long as possible. Lonica

 

Sat 10 Jul 2010 Alton circular
22 miles. Ldr Lonica Vanclay
20 walkers met up with me at Alton railway station and we set off to Hawksley via the Hangars Way.  The forecast was for very hot weather - so we walked at a steady pace and what with the breeze and shade we all survived the heat admirably.  Lovely simple pub - Dave was impressed that the pub had 6 real ales - it was certainly quiet so we definitely contributed a fair proportion of their takings for lunch that day!  Then via lanes and more open countryside back to Alton.  2 caught the 5.45pm train by a whisker - the rest of us were pleased we had time to enjoy an icecream before boarding the next train half an hour later. Lonica Photographs

Thu 8 Jul 2010 London parks and Regent's canal
9 miles. Ldr Peter Buchwald

5 women; 7 men

 

They met in Green Park ticket hall
For a sunny summer London stroll
Were joined by one from far away
Who from her hotel had escaped.

Set off through the park so green
Walked under an old triumphal arch
Stopped at a grid of pillars in memory
Of the seventh day and that same month.

Across the corner where people speak
The hotel escapee sought socks and they
Continued through the city streets
Crossed Regent's Park to Primrose Hill.

They found the canal gate closed
And walked around to join it further on
Saw some fishermen and made their way
To lonely Camden Lock at evening time.

They passed Kings Cross and Islington
Pretty girls out for an evening run
Some locks with tidy narrowboats
To the Wenlock Arms, a quiz and beer.

Peter Photographs

 

Sun 4 Jul 2010 Battle to Hastings
21miles. Ldr Peter Buchwald
1 dog; 3 women; 7 men

We set out briskly from Battle station
Walking westward in the Conqueror's steps
Through forests green and rolling meadows
Talking of history in the bright sunlight.

Our wonderful small dog had a great time
Jumping over stiles and running happily along
Just pleased to be with us on his lead
At lunch we tethered him so he could rest.

We drank good beer and had good food
But alas! an old witch spoiled our fun
We left the pub in trepidation
Continued our walk with reconsolidation.

Past a village church, through orchards,
An old windmill and a military canal
To hills where fires were once lit
Guiding the ships into old Hastings town.

Peter Photographs

 

 

Sat 26 Jun 2010 Fishersgate to Ferring

25 miles. Ldr Mike Ratcliff

Probably the hottest day of the year so far was in store for the ten of us who set out from Fishersgate Station at 09.05 this particular Saturday morning. Starting in the urban sprawl of Southwick that stretches almost continuously west from Brighton, we soon left the town behind to ascend rapidly up towards the main ridge of the South Downs at Fulking Hill, just west of Devil's Dyke. With beautiful views looking north towards Surrey we swung left to walk the famous track that stretches west along the chalk ridge towards Amberley and eventually all the way to Winchester. However our mission for the day was far more modest with Goring by Sea as our target, back down at the coast. We ascended and descended the undulating hills with the hard chalk and even harder heat all around making progress rapid but tiring. We soon reached Truleigh Hill with its enormous radio masts and then descended one of the main valleys that dissect the downs where the River Adur passes through, soon to reach the sea near Shoreham. After walking through the district of Bramber and reaching a common section of track with the Monarch's Way, we were now approaching Chanctonbury Hill with its timeless, grand hill fort standing so mysterious but alluring as ever. Surely one of the most highly charged points in the region! After a pause to take in the moment at this magical place we were then greeted by our first views of the village of Washington below us to our right as we continued the final stretch of our mornings walk. The Frankland Arms gave us a well earned lunch stop and a chance to refuel and cool down with the fierce heat and humidity of the day now at its most intense. After more than an hour of rest and recuperation and a good deal of lounging in the sun with drinks, we continued our way on with a fairly brisk ascent back up into the hills near Sullington. Approaching Chantry Post, an old and familiar junction of the South Downs Way just east of Amberley, we finally said farewell to the beautiful long distance past that had provided us with our route for most of the day and made our final descent of the chalk ridge, now travelling south towards the coast. Passing by numerous ancient tumuli and equally ancient field systems, the historically charged landscape with its many ghosts started to flatten out as we re-crossed the Monarch's Way to pass through the quaint old village of Patching with its fabulous church. Crossing the A 27 for the second time that day we proceeded towards our final Hill of the day with arguably some of the most awe inspiring views in the area. At Highdown Hill we didn't just find ourselves amongst the ancient earthworks of another exquisite Iron Age hill fort but were confronted by a shock of blues and greens of the Channel gleaming at us through the clear afternoon air, now free from the humid haze that had characterised much of the morning's walking. After twenty five long and sweaty miles, we now made our way from Highdown with a short walk down to the station and our train taking us back along the coast. Mike 

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 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 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 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 22 May 2010 Hamstreet to Rye
25 miles. Ldr Mike Ratcliff
An extremely warm day actually saw some of us beginning the walk with jackets on as the cool low cloud that characterised this barmy May day slowly dissipated to reveal a hazy but warming sky over Hamstreet in Kent. Sixteen of us began the walk from this quite remote station in south Kent heading southwest following the Saxon Shore Way towards East Sussex and the coast. Starting the walk on relatively high ground we soon began the very gradual decent down towards Romney Marsh via the tiny village of Warehorne and eventually through Appledore passing the fantastic old church of St Mary's up on the hill just south of Kenardington, looking out southwards for eternity towards the Channel. It's truly amazing to think that this spot, so far inland today was the very shoreline itself when the church was built! With our route running roughly parallel with the Royal Military Canal until Appledore we then swung due west, leaving the Saxon Shore Way and traversing the modest but beautiful hill of Chapel Bank and then on to the National Trust site of Smallhythe Place. With the sun now hanging almost at its highest point and the temperature in the mid twenties we proceeded due south via the High Weald Landscape Trail towards our lunch stop at Wittersham on the Isle of Oxney. This so called 'Isle' is an appropriate name as although fairly low lying itself in comparison with much of the region, it towers above the surrounding country of the supremely flat Romney Marsh like a miniature range of mountains. Wittersham however, proved an excellent choice of stop, especially on a muggy day such as this that couldn't help but make us feel hot and weary no matter how much you drank. As is so often the case with pubs, unless you are reasonably familiar with the place, they're always rather hit and miss but in this case The Swan in this village was a massive hit. An excellent pub that bent over backwards to make us feel welcome and gave us excellent food, drink and service! After leaving the pub we almost immediately passed by the splendid Norman church of St John the Baptist with the sun glowing behind its silhouette giving it a strangely ethereal presence. Now heading southeast we descended quite dramatically down to the real marshlands near Iden to pick up the Sussex Border Path running alongside the River Rother. Swinging south the river joins the Royal Military Canal that we left much earlier in the walk far to the north. Now reaching the final stages of the walk we left the towpath and headed onto the most open and exposed section on our walk which took us across the almost featureless plain of East Guldeford Level. Featureless except for several rather striking features - that of the enormous wind turbines that together form the wind farm that has become such a distinctive coastal landmark - visible right across the region since being erected just a few years ago. With the sand dunes on Camber now well in sight we then headed due south towards the beach where the sea suddenly appears in dramatic style, the waves only becoming directly visible as we reached the crest of the dunes and began to descend to these famous sands. After some well deserved ice creams and lots to drink at the kiosks on the seafront, we promptly began our final push back to Rye. Crossing the golf course and rejoining the River Rother, this time walking upstream we approached the ancient Cinque Port with the sun now more mellow, sitting quite low in the western sky creating an attractive silhouette of the citadel as evening drew in. Picking the pace up over the last mile or so we managed to reach the station just in time to catch the 18.56 train back to Hamstreet and London which was packed. The train carried sixteen hot, tired but happy walkers I hope! Mike Photographs

 

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

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 10 Jan 2010 Another Ham and Venison Wrap
20 miles. Ldr Andy Shoesmith
11 of us set out from Wimbledon station at 9am. Fortunately an overnight thaw had made the pavements much safer and aided our way to Wimbledon Park, past the Tennis arena and on to Wimbledon Common. From there, we were almost exclusively walking on snow. We headed across Wimbledon Common, to Robin Hood Gate, entered Richmond Park, up the hill and around Isabella's Plantation, with a number of deer sightings, including a pretty large group, with some impressively antlered males. Then to Ham Gate, on to Ham Green, past the pond and through the housing estate to get to Teddiington Lock. By this time most of us were feeling pretty warm, having layered up to cope with extreme cold. The snow made walking harder than usual, but we pushed on, to make sure we got to our lunchstop on time. From Teddington Lock, we followed the Thames Path. The only snow-free bits were where the high tide had flooded across the footpath. Our lunch objective was the Roebuck pub, at the top of Richmond Hill, so appetites were heightened by the final pull up the steep slope. The food was well received, as were their excellent beers. Service was quick, so were out well within the hour. We were reduced to 9 after lunch (they definitely left the pub). From the Roebuck, we headed straight back into Richmond Park, where I managed to take a different route to that I intended. I blame the snow, which changes how everything looks. We headed close to the northern perimeter of the Park, past East Sheen and Roehampton gates. We then followed the Beverley Brook back to Robin Hood Gate. Then back into Wimbledon Common. This time we went past Putney Vale, then to the Windmill, across the golf course, back to Wimbledon Village and down the hill to the station. 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 27 Dec 2009 Peter Saw's Christmas Walk
c.18 miles. Ldr Susanne Waldschmidt
Cold but very sunny weather. 6 walkers. A walk including 3 rivers, beautiful parkland and of course a windmill after lunch in Morden Hall Park. A welcome send off from Peter and Hilary Saw with warm mince pies. A very enjoyable and sociable walk. Susanne

 

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

Sat 5 Dec 2009 Linear Ashurst and the Weald
23 miles. Ldr Mike Ratcliff
Our first walk of December saw nine of us walkers meet at Ashurst Station for a linear walk south over the High Weald to Buxted via sections of no fewer than five long distance paths. Starting in Kent we very soon crossed the border into East Sussex , following the River Medway upstream towards its source in the weald near Forest Row. A gloriously mild and sunny day was a welcome bonus although it was truly difficult to imagine more testing conditions underfoot with a tremendous amount of standing water and clawing mud paying testament to the recent heavy rains. We soon past Henry VIII's Hunting Lodge of Bolebrook Castle and then climbed to a beautiful promontory on an area of high ground near Coomb Wood where we were treated to spectacular sweeping views over the hills of the mid weald to the south where we were heading. Picking up the old dismantled railway near Hartfield we swung back eastwards to take the Wealdway south towards our long climb up through woodland onto the open, barren expanses of Ashdown Forest with its distinctive scrub and heather strewn terrain. By this time in the year, winter always somehow seems to have its talons through our landscape with the trees now looking bare and beautiful and the daylight hours seeming so brief and precious. Finally reaching Poundgate after fifteen miles we were welcomed by a very comfy and warm pub, The Crow and Gate, which had a delightful log fire going and a beautiful rustic atmosphere, especially welcome now as the weather was by this time turning against us with a heavy grey sheet of cloud sweeping in on the strong south westerly winds. With two thirds of the walk complete, we left our lunch stop well rested but although it was still only early afternoon there was no mistaking the strong sense of night already setting in. Under a menacing sky and with rain now starting to fall we took a south easterly course towards Hadlow Down through some steeply undulating fields, ploughing our way through sopping wet grass and leafy undergrowth that felt at times like it was floating on a subterranean sea. However, determination was clearly in abundance as we made our final push south west down a very long, winding bridleway that was clearly a very ancient track, forming a deep and well trod gash in the rural landscape. With head torches now on, our procession of bobbing lights finally made our north westerly ascent into Buxted where another pub, The Griffin Inn, made a very pleasing resting place for us to wind down while we waited for our train to carry us back through the night to London. Mike Photographs, Info & Profile

 

 

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 14 Nov 2009 East Croydon to Crayford
c. 22 miles. Ldr Jerome Ripp
"No one will come, go back to bed" said my wife as we stared out of the Stygian 6.30 gloom into rain, high winds, hail and the odd rumble of thunder. Worst storm of the year said the forecast. "Better just check" I said and sure enough there were 8 other nutters, I mean determined walkers ready for anything that the weather could throw at us. By the time we had crossed the Addington hills for the first mile we were very wet but the old adage says "Rain before 7, fine before 11", and when we passed near Susan's house in Spring Park, the rain had gone and the strong winds soon dried us out. We even managed a short break at Keston Ponds and then on to lunch at Farnborough. Things went downhill rapidly after that with some torrential driving rain which led to our first retirement and then the leader decided that since we were on the London Loop, the walk needed another loop and managed to walk about a mile to almost return to the lunch stop. Dave Williams would have been proud of me. However it was a short crisis, the path was resumed, the sky cleared and it was a pleasant bracing afternoon with even a glimpse of the sun for a few seconds. Through parks, woods and then the Cray valley. 6 of us made it to the end at Bexley, having covered about 21 miles in 7 and a half hours. Jerome

 

Sat 7 Nov 2009 Berrylands to East Croydon
21 miles. Ldr Jerome Ripp
17 of us gathered at Berrylands station for what turned out to be a glorious autumn day, lots of sunshine, bright crisp and clear. We were following the South West section of the London Loop and despite the proximity of urban sprawl, we spent most of the day in lovely countryside; woodlands, downs, riverside paths. Some muddy sections but generally the ground conditions were very good. Along the Hogsmill river, over the A3, passing a Go Kart track and soon down to the duck ponds at West Ewell for a break. A lovely trail in Nonsuch Park and after a road section, another fine stretch over Banstead Down, through woods with lots of photo opportunities to capture the autumn colours. Lunch at noon in the Craft Centre Cafe in Oaks park which the participants thought was excellent food at reasonable prices. Over lavender fields and then a tricky road negotiation through Coulsdon but once through we were rewarded with a superb loop over Farthing Down, by now some of us feeling quite suntanned and then Happy Valley with its plethora of lovely trails. Now swinging North East over Coulsdon and Kenley commons to cross the A22 and a short detour from the London Loop enabled us to climb the side of a chalk quarry on a very steep and rough track. The day was fast fading as we crossed to Hamsey Green and then joined the Vanguard Way on the edges of Croydon. There was still another lovely stretch through Selsdon Wood and finally we had to use Paul Lawrence's super gadget phone to negotiate some roads to reach the Coombe road tram stop which was the end of the walk. 21 miles it was not, maybe 23 or even 24, but what a lovely day. Jerome Photographs

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 5 Sep 2009 Cobham and the Downs Circular
23 miles. Ldr Mike Ratcliff
This was my first walk leading for LDWA London Group so slightly nervous at the start, especially knowing that I'd probably have a massively bigger group than I've ever lead before with Kent Group. And so it was; but this was a great challenge with twenty one people eventually making it to Higham Station in north Kent for a typically Kentish walk - very undulating, open and agricultural with the majority of the walk on hard chalk downland along the North Downs ridge near my home. The early stages of the walk moved us south over the downs into Kent where we got some great views of the Medway Valley and down towards Aylesford and Maidstone. We took lunch at the village of Harvel after traversing the brutally steep but thankfully not too long climb back over the chalk ridge. After this we made our way north along stretches of the Wealdway via Luddesdown and Cobham back towards the estuary just west of where the Medway and the Thames meet. Again we had some super views but of a totally different kind with the bleak north Kent marshes (of Dickens fame) laying open beneath us and the densely industrial coast of south Essex clearly visible on the horizon. We finally made it back to Higham around half past six, later than planned but with a good twenty four and a bit miles in our legs and hopefully some more happy walking memories for those who were there. Thoughts go to Lou Shepherd who had to abandon the walk at Harvel after twisting her ankle on a stile. Thankfully she made it back to London in good time via taxi and train and the injury doesn't seem too serious! Mike. Photographs

 

 

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
 

Sun 23 Aug 2009 Thames Path Circular from Westminster via Greenwich
17 miles. Ldr Patrick Tso
There were 33 walkers at the start, predominantly from LDWA London Group but also including 4 from the Rambler's Hampstead Group, 2 from the Kennington, Chelsea and Westminster Group and several from the South Bank Group. 10 dropped out at the lunch break for various reasons. The weather was excellent and not too hot, we maintained a fast pace throughout and covered the 17.2 miles in 4.5 hours, excluding one hour lunch stop at a Greenwich pub. We also had two brief stops and in particular at St. Katherine's Docks where we saw the lock in action. Patrick. Photographs
 

Tues 18 Aug 2009 Summer evening walk - 15th Anniversary Walk
6 miles. Ldr Rob Myers
16 walkers gathered in near perfect weather at the Dickens Inn in St Katherine's Dock 15 years and 1 day after the first ever London group walk started from the same spot. The walk commenced with a tour of Wapping with the route passing Tobacco Dock and the News International printing works. Most of the rest of the walk was along the Thames Path. The group explored Wapping Old Steps where the first convict ship left for Australia before arriving at our first riverside pub "The Prospect of Whitby" where we had a 20 minute drinks stop. The walk continued along the Thames and we took the opportunity to explore Limehouse Basin. The walk finished at Canary Walk at our second riverside pub (a bit of a fiddle this as it was actually a dockside pub) the "Henry Addington" at Mackenzie Wharf. We sat outside, enjoyed a couple more pints and a meal, and looked forward with relish to the next 15 years. Rob. Photographs

Sat 15 Aug 2009 Colne Valley circular including part of London Loop
20 miles. Ldr Julian Mason
Luck was on our side in that the northern section of the Jubilee line was working and 15 walkers were able to reach Stanmore station for the start at 10am. Almost immediately we were in deepest Stanmore common, deceptively spacious, following part of the London Loop. We then made our way across MI, past the former Elstree television studios, round Aldenham reservoir and up to Elstree aerodrome, where we crossed the airfield with due caution - is this the only footpath in the country that crosses a live runway? - and emerged in the attractive and historic village of Letchmore Heath. A short distance on was our lunch stop at Round Bush (or Round Bus as the signpost said). It was an early stop (on the dot of 12pm) but meant we were served quickly and were away within the hour. We passed Aldenham church, entered the drive to the new residential development at Wall Hall, soon turned off and, avoiding a golf course, made our way past Otterspool lodge - no otters seen- and a stretch of the Ver-Colne valley walk before arriving on the outskirts of Watford where a huge Tesco proved irresistible to some of the group. Re-assembled, we continued through Bushey and then largely on road to the edge of Stanmore, passing some of the most expensive residential property in the home counties (Bentleys and Maseratis were more common than Rovers or BMWs) then a small deer park, to reach the two next door churches of St John the Evangelist (one ruined) and the centre of Stanmore. We were back at the station a little early, the distance being a couple of miles less than advertised. Do LDWA rules require a refund for this or a bonus to the leader? Julian
 

Wed 12 Aug 2009 Summer evening walk - Around Greenwich
8 miles. Ldr Lonica Vanclay
At 6.15 as we started gathering at North Greenwich, the heavens opened and we dithered……. however, at 18.38 the rain stopped and 10 walkers set off with me along the Thames to the Barrier. Nick and Judith dipped out there - after only half an hour! But they had a good reason - off at the crack of dawn next day for the 100km walk in Belgium. Up through Maryon Park, lush and green, to Woolwich Common and via Charlton Park with its Jacobean grand house to Greenwich Park with its lovely flowers and out just as dusk came and the gates were due to close. And not a drop of rain we mused as we sipped our beers at Wetherspoons! Lonica

 

Sun 9 Aug 2009 Lewes circular
20 miles. Ldr Don Bolton
On a bright and sunny Sunday 28 walkers assembled at Lewes station for a 20 mile hilly walk. The circular route to be taken is counter clockwise so we went west to the foot and track bridge that crosses the A27 and then through Kingston. The first hill of the day was up a chalk track to the South Downs ridge. SE to Swanborough Hill then leaving the SDW to go south and then SE to Telscombe. Then to Piddinghoe to follow the River Ouse into Newhaven for lunch. One person left us for the delights of nearby Brighton, the group of 27 crossed the only bridge over the Ouse in this area and went up to South Heighton and back onto the Downs. It was in a sunny and hot afternoon that we went up the long hill to the SDW, a few photographs were taken and then downhill into Glynde. From Glynde steeply uphill, 10 of our party opted to go directly into Lewes and get the 17.22 train back to London. The remaining 17 went up to Caburn Fort which is a fantastic viewpoint and I was able to point out most of the route that we had walked that day. We lingered here for a little while and then went into Lewes. Great views on a good sunny day. Don Photograph
 

Thu 6 Aug 2009 Summer Evening Walk - Wanstead Park and River Roding
8 miles. Ldr Dave Williams
After the previous Saturday's fiasco the leader was more than a little apprehensive if anyone would actually turn up so was pleasantly surprised to find that 10 resilient souls had made their way out to this far-flung east London outpost. However to most people's amazement the walk proceeded without incident around the delights of Wanstead Flats & on into Wanstead Park. Just when it seemed that nothing could go wrong the worsening weather conditions finally caught up with the group & the last 2 miles were walked in a monsoon. Despite a minor abberation from the leader the group reached the sanctuary of the Wetherspoon's pub back in Leytonstone like drowned rats. A few made their way home but the rest stayed to take advantage of a few pints & a curry which soon put the world to rights-well almost! Dave.

 

Sat 1 Aug 2009 Berrylands to Guildford
20+ miles. Ldr Dave Williams
18 (fool) hardy souls assembled at Berrylands for a walk billed as 20+ miles! Little did they realise what they had let themselves in for!!!  We were soon joined by a late arrival & the group proceeded on their way through the rural Surrey countryside in high spirits.  After an uneventful but rather long morning we reached The Plough in Cobham where some of the group enjoyed a hearty lunch.  With the weather set to deteriorate we set off with the leader belatedly realizing that the total distance was going to be far in excess of 20 miles, but for reasons of self-preservation and to stave off an open rebellion he wisely decided to stay silent hoping to bluff his way out of this predicament.  With the weather rapidly deteriorating and spirits visibly sagging the leader was forced to gend off relentless questions about how far there was still to go.  One very wise soul (Rob) departed at Horsley and the rest of the group pressed on in what was by now very wet conditions to the proposed tea-stop at Newlands Corner only to find it shut for the day.  It did however allow the group which had become rather strung out to reassemble and we set off for the last lap into Guildford along the North Downs Way, where we finally arrived at 6.45pm.  The final distance covered was a mind-boggling 27.5 miles and gasps of disbelief were quickly followed by the realisation that the group had been cruelly duped!!!  The leader's reputation was in shreds and the majority vowed never to venture out on one of his walks again - he had well and truly cemented his reputation as one of if not the worst and incompetent leaders in the history of the group!!!  Dave.

 

Tue 28 Jul 2009 Summer evening walk - Epping Forest circular
8 miles. Ldr Lonica Vanclay
13 walkers (with 3 from Essex & Herts) set off from Loughton through the town with its grand houses and were soon in the thick of this wonderful old forest. For 2 and a half hours we followed paths and horse rides mostly through forest with a short stretch through overgrown fields - we could have been much further from London than we really were. Connaught Water was tranquil as the sky darkened - but we were safely ensconced in Wetherspoons for a pint before it was dark. The rain held off….and apart from a few runners, dog walkers and kite fliers it seemed we had the place to ourselves. Lonica

 

Sat 25 Jul 2009 Greensand Way Linear Part 3
24 miles. Ldr Susanne Waldschmidt
14 walkers for a strenuous but beautiful walk with lots of ups and downs in a hot and sunny weather. Picnic lunch on Reigate Hill and two stops for drinks. The 6 car drivers finished in the pub at Nutfield after 16 miles. Good to see all the old regulars. Susanne

 

Tue 14 Jul 2009 Summer Evening Walk - Bushy Park and Hampton Court Park
7 miles. Ldr Rob Myers
Just before the start dark clouds threatened heavy rain so it was a big relief that it never materialised. The walk in this attractive part of West London attracted 13 people including 1 newcomer. After crossing Kingston Bridge we headed into Home Park where they were just clearing up after the Hampton Court flower show. On leaving the Long Water we saw an attractive rainbow and later visited a 750 year oak dating from the reign of Henry III. After walking through the middle of a large herd of deer we left the park and walked along the Thames until we reached Hampton Court Palace. The Rose Garden and the Tiltyard were open to the public and we spent some time wandering round them. We crossed over into Bushy Park and were disappointed to find that the Diana Statue and Fountain were boarded up due to renovation. We followed the Longford River and then wandered round a gated wood which had attractive water features. We headed to the North of the park to get good views of Bushy Park and then followed a line of ponds to exit near Kingston Bridge. The Thameside pub we used was the oddly named "Bishop out of Residence" where most people stayed for a couple of pints. A really enjoyable evening. Rob

 

Sun 12 Jul 2009 East from Sevenoaks
21 miles. Ldr Lonica Vanclay
20 walkers set off for a circular walk from Sevenoaks. The grey clouds threatened rain at times but it held off and the humidity and warmth highlighted the deep green colours of the countryside. We passed through forests, strawberry farms, orchards, fields and pastures, climbed hills and followed streams and saw llamas and deer, a 6 tower oasthouse now a rather wonderful mansion - not to mention the wonderful views through to the South Downs at times. Who could believe Kent is so varied? Even the High Peaks group member who joined us for the day was impressed with the variety and beauty. The village green at West Peckham and the pub's microbrewery (Fuggles was my favourite - and what a name for a beer!) helped ensure lunch was relaxed and enjoyable - and a quick icecream at Igtham Mote underlined for us the joys of the English summer. Lonica

 

Wed 1 Jul 2009 Summer Evening Walk - The Thames and Docklands, Green Park to Greenwich
10 miles. Ldr Peter Buchwald

Into Green Park walked the 13 on a sunny summer night,
Crossed verdant greens and passed the palace of the Queen;
Found a glittering lake where pelicans would disport,
Passed a White Hall where Churchill had a seat of war.

Through a throng of people beneath a venerated clock,
Along an old river which once was tributary to the Rhine;
They saw a giant wheel which people call an eye,
And crossed that river by a newly built old railway bridge.

Trees draped in red and white were at the Hall of Festivals,
Where people were carousing and the 13 were joined by one;
We made haste and passed the ruin of an ancient palace,
By some narrow lanes upto the Tower Bridge where people dined.

A monument to Leonardo was found before the Surrey Docks,
A sufferance wharf where merchandise once shipped was taxed;
An old King's palace and a statue to a good man whose daughter passed away,
An enchanted forest now has grown in what was once the Russia Docks.

The Greenland Dock now houses pleasure boats by an old swing bridge,
A circumsphere lay on a dolphin's back , a mile of twisted wire;
And the Cutty Sark was hidden, shrouded in a canvas tent,
As we made our way in dusk to the nearest public house.

Peter Photographs & Route

 

Sun 28 Jun 2009 Gerrards Cross
21 miles. Ldr Steve Plested
15 people gathered at the station at 9.30 on a very bright and sunny day. The route rather fortuitously involved quite a lot of woodland hence generally avoiding the fierce sun. The walk was a series of 3 interlaping loops, the first taking in the scenic village of Hedgerley and included the sighting of a number of red kites. The second crossed Farnham common and Burnham Beeches (Robin Prince of Thieves was filmed here) to the lunch stop at Littleworth Common. The group split between 2 pubs for lunch and then rejoined to pass through a duck farm and circumnavigate Odds Farm, a local tourist attraction for families. More woods eventually took us back to Hedgerley where we briefly visited a local nature reserve. Finaly after negotiating a rather muddy and smelly tunnel under the M40 open fields took us back to the outskirts of Gerrards Cross.

 

Wed 24 Jun 2009 Summer Evening Walk - Woolwich to Deptford
7.3 miles. Ldrs. Nick Marshall and Judith Griffiths
We had 8 people on our summer evening walk. It was a beautiful evening, but maybe the place names Woolwich and Deptford put people off! We did have to go through some grotty areas because part of the Thames Path is closed for safety reasons while some flats are being built. But we also went through parks and along the river by the Thames Barrier, ending up at the Dog and Bell pub in Deptford, which seemed to be appreciated by everyone. Judith and Nick
 

Sat 20 Jun 2009 Historic Colchester and Surrounding Villages
23 miles. Ldr Rob Myers
After promising to lead a walk in my home town of Colchester for the past ten years I finally did. It felt strange not to have to get up at the crack of dawn in order to make a London walk but instead to have everybody make a long journey to visit me. At the due departure time of 9am 9 walkers had gathered, however, after a half hour delay 13 walkers set out. The walk commenced with a stroll through Highwoods Country Park where the group got an excellent view of the town. Shortly afterwards the route joined the Camuplodunum which is a 25 mile circular route surrounding Colchester that had been devised 25 years ago by long time LDWA member Derek Keeble. The route passed through Crockleford Heath and Salary Brook before reaching the ancient port of Hythe. There was at this point an attractive amble along the banks of the meandering River Colne to Fingringhoe. Half way along this river walk was lunch at the Albion pub in the pretty village of Rowhedge. Simon the landlord of the Albion made us very welcome. The pub was a freehouse serving an excellent selection of Real Ale and pre-ordered substantial baguettes at £3.75. After Fingringhoe the walk passed through Friday Woods where the group were surprised to find a river crossing where a perfectly good bridge lay on the bank and the crossing was via an ill assorted collection of unstable logs. I was quite impressed that only Laura managed to get her feet wet. After the pretty Roman River Valley Nature Reserve we left the Camuplodunum to go to Gosbecks Archaelogical Park where the outline of a Roman Theatre and Temple was carefully laid out on the grass field. Here I gave a brief talk on the history of Colchester. After leaving Gosbecks we headed via Grymes Dyke and Hilly Fields into the centre of town. The walk ended with a brief tour of the historic highlights of the town including the Balkerne Gate, St Mary's Church, Victorian Water Tower, our beautiful Victorian Town Hall, and of course our jewel in the crown Colchester Castle. Rob
 

Tue 16 Jun 2009 Summer Evening Walk - Golders Green tube circular
7 miles. Ldr Peter Russell
Despite the name this was a walk mainly through leafy woods with 3 gardens and was much appreciated on a perfect summers evening with about 12 attending. We quickly found the Old Bull and Bush pub and passed along an avenue of limes to Pitt's gate at the entrance to a demolished house whose owner lend it to Pitt the elder as a favour but was killed by the mob when standing for parliament himself. Past the site of the gibbett elm into the delightful hill gardens and pergola build by Lord Lever and then a derelict reconstruction of a beach in the zoo made with mispent lottery money, through a water garden and into sandy heath which has many steep little hills and ponds from sand quarrying in the past. We approached the wall of Hampstead garden suburb across 2 games of cricket in lengthening shadows and finished with food and drinks at the Old Bull and Bush pub most of which is now an excellent restaurant with white leather chairs etc. Peter Photographs, Route, Info & Profile
 

Wed 10 Jun 2009 Summer Evening Walk - Along the North side of the Thames
7 miles. Ldr Peter Russell
8 walkers in total. Well I thought this would be a straightforward walk north of the Thames courtesy of Walk London with an early pub stop at Wetherspoons Trinity Square on the site of the scaffold, but it went mainly south of the river to avoid the heavy traffic occasioned by the tube strike and ended at dusk at 9.30, now read on. To begin at the beginning: we passed a male Chelsea pensioner and the sign telling us to break step as went south over Albert Bridge to stop and I made LDWA view the gold Buddha peace pagoda close up. At Chelsea bridge we crossed back to the north bank, had to avoid cyclists on the FP, averted our eyes from the sad shell of Battersea power station, looked at the stone statue of the unfortunate man, now wearing a toga, who was killed by Stevenson's rocket in 1830, passed the statue of Agriculture on Vauxhall bridge, saw Jeffrey Archer's massive penthouse on the far bank looking across to the site of the old Millbank prison and also the conservative party HQ in Millbank Tower. We nearly got run over as we jay walked back to the south bank across Lambeth bridge, do not repeat during a tube strike, and saw unappealing, but bombproof (maybe it now needs to be), Portcullis house full of MP's offices, across the water. We traversed under the London eye and the spiral County Hall, saw the new statue to Violette Szabo, 'carve her name with pride', I next persuaded the walk to divert to the foreshore which started as muddy sand and photographed the huge shield of the old LCDR next to Blackfriar's bridge. Some wisely returned to terra firms and saw Drakes Golden Hinde that looks too small to have sailed the Atlantic. Three others carried on under wooden piers and across slippery rough stones beneath the millennium bridge with unique views but had to make/attempt an escape up a vertical ladder and over the fence to a pub just upstream from the more famous Mudlark pub to the surprise of the drinkers, what's Neptune doing here?, because water lapped around the buttresses of London Bridge. We all skirted around the moat of the tower of London, saw part of the wall with a statue of the roman Trajan, dropped off some at Tower Hill tube, were reminded about the 2 LDWA members attending upcoming the no camera's allowed nude cycle ride by the naked Neptune (statue) above the portico of Trinity house and then retired to the familiar comfort of Wetherspoons for food and Tiger beer. Peter Photographs
 

Sat 6 Jun 2009 Summer Hills
22 miles. Ldr Jerome Ripp
It was raining in London but as 18 of us set off from Brighton station at 9, it was dry, breezy and cool, ideal conditions for a fast paced walk on the exposed South Downs. Through the town via Queens Park with its impressive gates and slowly climbing into the hills passing the race course. Over Falmer Hill and into the village for a rest on the village green. A long steady climb to the ridge and the route of the long distance South Downs Way which we followed all the way to lunch at the Newmarket Inn on the A27. Good food and a much needed rest as our pace was about 3.4 miles per hour. However the leader soon whipped the group up for a return to the ridge and a great view over the top and down to Kingston. This gave us the opportunity to climb back up again by a very steep path with an optional illegal extra but from here it was mainly downhill. Through a series of Bottoms and down to the Rottingdean windmill on Beacon Hill. A final stretch took us along the coast to the Marina where the party fragmented. It was too cold for a swim but some decided to stay for fish and beer while the rest had a race between the walkers and the bus users which seemed to be a dead heat at the station where we collapsed into the train after a 9 hour walk. About 24 miles and loads of contour lines crossed. Also I was told to mention the glorious poppies which adorned many of the fields near the ridge. Jerome Photographs, Info & Profile

 

Wed 3 Jun 2009 Summer Evening Walk - London Great Parks
10 miles.  Ldr Nicole Carbonara
17 walkers.  Sixteen happy walkers left High Street Kensington station in fresh weather and the seventeenth one joined the group at Marble Arch. We crossed Kensington Gardens, Hyde Park, Regent's Park and gathered at the top of Primrose Hill to admire the views on London of which we never tire, and there  we posed for the website photographs.  We were lucky to arrive in St James Park for the Trooping the Colour rehearsal and, after crossing Green Park, we stopped in Hyde Park Corner to admire the Household Cavalry making their way down to Horse Guard Parade. We finished the walk just after 9pm crossing 6 of the best London great parks. Then eight of us brilliantly ended the evening by savouring exotic delicacies at Wagamama Harveys Nichols. Everything was perfect: food, service, décor, vibrant conversations...  The only disappointment was that they didn't distribute any toys with the food to compare with the plastic Albert Einstein that Peter had won with his McDo Happy Meal before the walk. This fabulous prize was given to Dave, who relished it so much that he said he would display it on top of his telly, next to the plastic Mr Egg that already resides there.  A good start for our successful 2009 season of summer evening walks.  Nicole Photographs, Route, Info & Profile

 

Sun 31 May 2009 East Grinstead to Oxted
c 18 miles. Ldr Peter Buchwald
17 people. We left East Grinstead on a beautiful sunny day and walked through the town, up a high street, then a short path, and were soon into the countryside. After a cool wood, we were in a field and frightened some sheep and lambs in the distance, who ran from us into an adjacent field as we approached. Over some stiles, we met some inquisitive horses in the next field, who followed us across and looked at us wistfully as we walked away through some more woods. Then a succession of country paths, fields littered with millions of buttercups and healthy cooling woods. At one high point, we could see the North Downs on the horizon: just past where we were going to end. We reached the Wheatsheaf at 12:35 and we spent just over an hour having a good lunch, which for some of us meant lots of (albeit not exceptional) food, many beers and some delicious chocolate puddings with ice cream. We left the pub at 13:40 and continued past a church, keeping the River Eden to our right, eventually crossing it at a wooden bridge. At one point we were confronted with a pack of friendly mastiffs and muzzled bulldogs who followed us some way barking excitedly until either one of our number repulsed them or their owner called them back. We crossed the river again, then through a golf course and some fields, where the farmer seemed to have stretched a narrow string across all the footpaths. We found our way again after trying to avoid the string, and met some curious Llamas, one of which peered right into my camera lens (but the close-up photo I took of just two enormous front teeth was blurred and has been deleted). By this time, there was a nice cool breeze and we continued over a railway line, to a church, then another railway line and some very wealthy looking houses which some of us envied, and finally along the Greensand Way past an old watermill back to Oxted. Peter Photographs & Route

Sat 23 & Sun 24 May 2009 Wessex 100 week-end
c 20miles. Ldr Paula Buckton
The weekend started well when we realised the train many of us had boarded at Woking, having alighted a train out of Waterloo, had actually come from Waterloo at around the same time - bizarre - but thank you Dave for sussing that one! So having made it to Alton without losing anyone, we set off in traditional LDWA crocodile up the high st to arrive at Eggers School in plenty of time to chat to the 100 competitors. The London contingent (Don B, Don N, Margret, Chris D, Adrian and Tarra) all seemed in good shape and as the whole mass of 480 walkers attempted to funnel through a tiny gap in the school hedge onto a narrow foot path, we prepared for our walk, rounding up the car drivers as we went, and finally tracking down Paul L who took an age to change into his shorts! We were 23 in total - what a good turnout for my first venture into leading. Following the 100 route for the first 4 or 5 miles through the village of Hollybourne, across lovely fresh green and yellow fields and through cool woods, we enjoyed the sunshine and caught up with the gossip. With not a wrong turn (or even a peak at the map) we arrived in the village of Chawton (home of Jane Austen) where several of the party thought we had come across the first 100 checkpoint (it was actually a village plant sale) Some of us ordered toasties from the teashop, others basked in the sun with their sandwiches and a few called in to the pub for a quick one. Then we were off again to enjoy the cooling effects of Chawton Park Woods with its tall pines and wide paths, eventually making our way down rutted paths and bridleways to arrive at Upper Wield village Hall, which would be transformed into checkpoint 15 by early morning, manned by London Group for 24hrs. After collecting the key (thanks everyone for the many reminders) and gobbling down homemade flapjacks and cherry cake, we set off again across the fields, now following the final 7.5 miles of the 100 route. As we struggled with the rutted paths and a particularly long stretch of tarmac, we wondered how the 100 competitors would be coping with the hard ground and the heat. But finally we arrived back at Eggers, clocking just over 22 miles. Here the train goers hot-footed across the field, the B&Bers departed in search of comfy rooms and a few of us blagged a shower at the school before meeting at the Swan hotel for a well earned drink and a great value supper. With Nicole keen to hit the sack, the early shift (Dave, Susan, Susanne, Paula and Nicole) went back to Eggers to collect the food and were tucked into sleeping bags on the hard village hall floor at by 11pm. And so Sunday started when Dave set his alarm for 4am instead of 5 (he will pay!), but at least we had plenty of time to be set up for 5.30 as per our instructions (except that the first customer didn't arrive till 9.30! We could have stayed in bed!!) But apart from that the checkpoint went like clockwork with everyone working together to keep the walkers and runners supplied with hot and cold drinks, delicious toasted teacakes and other delicacies, all day and right through the night. The night shift (Rob, Colin, John and Gail, Paul L, Laurence and Ken who had already walked the 100 and came back to help us!!!) packed up around 5.30 and went home for a well earned sleep. For my sins, I ended up cooking breakfast at the finish where I learned that all the London contingent had finished. Mike, a Kent member and London group leader, finished in 27hrs. Well done to the finishers and many thanks to all the check-pointers (including the middle shift not yet mentioned, Corrine, Chris K, Peter R, Ted, Iain T, Paul T, Lois, Steve P, Nigel) - a great weekend all round. Paula Photographs, Info & Profile

Sat 16 & Sun 17 May 2009 2nd Wessex Weekend
41 miles. Organiser Don Bolton
Three of us met on the train to Rowlands Castle for the 2 day walk to Alton. Don B, Vala W and Russell B. The weather forecast was poor for Saturday 16th but turned out to be good but windy with only one shower. The route description is very good and we made excellent time to QE2 Country Park where we stopped for tea and coffee. In bright breezy weather we climbed Butser Hill and then made the incorrect decision to go round the beautiful hilly area known locally as THE BOWL to the north. We finally joined the correct route and just as we were going into East Meon we had the only rain shower of the day. Then had lunch sitting in bright sunshine outside the pub, wonderful. Rejoined the SDW going round the beautiful area of Winchester Hill and into the village of Exton. Then up the challenging Beacon Hill. From there north through Kilmeston, Hinton Ampner and into New Alresford. 27 miles done. Two of us were in the Swan Hotel in New Alresford and the third in a B&B in Old Alresford. After an excellent dinner in the Swan Hotel we agreed to meet at 9am in the hotel. Don N. joined us for breakfast and the 4 of us set off in bright sunny weather for the 13 - 14 mile walk to Alton. Route description was again good and we made good time but the 3 of us that had walked from Rowlands Castle were a little stiff. We found the New Alresford, Upper Wield and Shaldon checkpoints without difficulty and in a heavy rain downpour made our way into Alton early in the afternoon for a celebratory drink and lunch. A very physical Saturday and a fairly casual Sunday making a great weekend. Don

 

Sat 9 May  2009 Circular walk from Hollingbourne (Kent)
20+ml. Ldr Jerome Ripp
19 of us gathered at Hollingbourne, some old, some new, Steve newly returned from China and a few yo-yos. According to Gordon it was a stylish bluebell walk, Dave Williams thought it was right at the top of the yo yo league. One young lady was very excited at the prospect of being on a walk with me and happily announced at the end "that was the first time I've done it with Jerome". However I would not wish to embarass her by saying who it was. Anyway the walk was 20 miles on a sunny but rather cool day at times so we kept warm by striding up the North Downs 3 times and of course coming down 3 times. The Woodland Trust have done an amazing job in opening up Hucking Wood with its bluebell carpets and that was our first loop. Then on the Pilgrims Way past the new statue and then over to the Ringlestone Inn for lunch. A loop to the north and east and then back down past Harrietsham and the third up and down loop through woods and rape fields. Laura confirmed that most of the way was different to the walk that Nicole had recently done in the area which was of course good planning. A very fine area and a lovely day. Jerome

Sat 2 May 2009 Cowden to Eridge
23 miles. Ldr Nicole Carbonara
On a glorious spring day, 16 walkers were ready for this walk but 2 of them having not checked the website, indicating a change of departure station due to engineering work, ended up arriving one hour after we had started our walk. They walked straight to Hartfield and joined us for the lunch stop at 1pm. Less than one hour after the start I did the first head count and found out that we had lost 2 walkers. Although they didn't have a map, they managed to join us in Hartfield, after having caught a bus. Unfortunately that morning, one of us had fallen  and hurt her ankle. She decided to stop at lunch time and to take a bus from Hartfield to the closest station. After all these emotions, I asked for a voluntary back marker and Russell kindly accepted to keep everybody together so the afternoon went without further loss. We passed the Pooh Bridge, climbed to the top of Ashdown forest in the blooming gorse and walked on the ridge enjoying the wonderful clear views. Climbing down on the East slope the bluebells surrounded us everywhere and we enjoyed not only their blue mist but were especially overwhelmed by their subtle fragrance. We had a tea stop in the sun before the last push to the station. Three newcomers were trying LDWA. They said that they enjoyed the walk so we hope that they'll decide to join. The results from my GPS uploaded onto Anquet are: trip odometer 24.5ml; Height ascended 920m; movement time 6h52; stop time 1h33; movement average 3.4ml/h. Nicole Info Profile Photographs

 

Sat 25 Apr 2009 Walk to Bodiam Castle and beyond
20 miles. Ldr Jerome Ripp
A group of 11 took the long but lovely train ride to Robertsbridge for a glorious walk of 22 miles in brisk but warm sunshine. Via the Rother valley to Bodiam Castle, an impressive semi ruin stuck in an enormous moat. South through undulating countryside with lots of woodland carpeted with bluebells and lunch stop in the lovely village of Sedlescombe. A long section in the woodlands surrounding Powdermill reservoir with lots of variety and scenery that seemed more like Canada than England. North to Staplecross and a superb final stretch with an amazing view across the Rother valley. Megan said it was one of the 5 best walks she had been on. Of course the other 4 were also led by me!! A really great day. Jerome

Sat 18 & Sun 19 Apr 2009 1st Wessex Weekend
61 miles. Organiser Don Bolton
Four of us met at Eggars School in Alton to start the 61 mile walk to Rowlands Castle following the Wessex 100 route description. A 5th person, Don N., was going to join us at Heyshot and walk through the night with us. The weather was perfect for walking, clear but not too warm. We encountered some muddy paths on the 7.7 miles to the first checkpoint in Selbourne but the next leg to Steep was appalling. The paths were thick with mud and water, progress was slow, very tiring. After Steep we arrived in Petersfield one hour later than planned and stopped to buy water and snacks. Here we had our first retirement. The 3 of us set off to Harting Down in clear sunny weather, the views on the South Downs were spectacular and the paths firm underfoot so good progress was made. We arrived in Heyshot for our evening meal 1hr 50mins later than predicted and very tired. Don N. had been there for hours, Bill T. was also there and he was going to support us throughout the night and meet us at the 4 checkpoints we pass through with drinks, sandwiches and snacks. Denise G. also came to dinner with us. We had one more retirement so 3 of us set off into the night, that was me, Tara W. and Don N. With Don N. doing the majority of navigating no errors were made and we we made terrific progress on a clear night and mainly on good footpaths and wide tracks. Bill met us at Sutton, Slindon, East Dean and Stoughton Down. At Slindon and East Dean Bill gave us mugs of hot tea which is a fantastic morale booster in the middle of the night. We finally made it into Rowlands Castle on a very clear and beautiful morning. Bill had given us bananas and sandwiches which we ate on the train back to Guildford for breakfast. This Wessex 100 route is extremely beautiful, a very attractive route and if the mud has dried up before the 23rd May it will be a great route for the 500 participants. Don B. Photographs

 

Sat 18 Apr 2009 Lea Valley Walk Stage 2 Broxbourne to Harpenden
26.5 miles. Ldr Rob Myers
12 walkers including one first timer enjoyed a warm spring day for this walk that began with a stroll along the River Lea Navigation to Hertford. Breaks were taken at the Rye House Gatehouse, Amwell Reservoir and Hertford Castle. The leader gave a short talk on the Rye House plot and the history of Hertford Castle. The walk then passed Hertford Town FC and Dave was very excited to find that they were playing at home. It took a supreme effort of will for him to remain with us on the walk. After Hertford we used a disused rail track called the Cole Green Way. Half way along the track was the lunchtime pub. The Cowpers Arms was a real find and is highly recommended. A freehouse that served reasonably priced delicious food in relaxed surroundings. After lunch there was a boring bit around the outskirts of Welwyn Garden City before we took another break at Mill Green mill. This looked interesting and we wished we had more time to look around. Upon leaving Mill Green we passed a couple of man made lakes before wading through a stream under a bridge. Next came Lemsford Mill described by Queen Elizabeth I as the prettiest village in England and Brocket Hall, a stately home now used as a conference centre. We had a final drink stop in the attractive Wheathampstead church before pressing on to Harpenden. Everyone agreed that they had a great day's walk. Rob Details
 

Sun 12 Apr 2009 Dorking circular
19 miles. Ldr Don Bolton
16 of us assembled at the station, a few new faces and a few that I had not seen for a long time. We crossed the River Mole by the mill and then climbed up through Oak Wood to the Western Pub, crossed Zig Zag Road then down through Boxhill Country Park and Juniper Bottom to cross the Headley Road. Then up the very steep but stepped White Hill, unfortunately the great views from the top were obscured by mist. Up Mickleham Downs, through Headley, under the M25, round Walton-on-the-Hill and to the pub at Mogador. We had walked at a very good pace because I wanted to get to the pub for lunch around 12:30 and we were only just after this time. The Sportsman pub has been brilliantly well rebuilt, the food and service was excellent. We restarted at 1:40 and I told the group that we could have a more relaxed pace but they did not want it so we made very good time down Colley Hill, round the windmill on Reigate Heath to Betchworth and on to the Church Hall at Brockham for tea. Every Sunday between April and September this hall serves very low cost tea/coffee and home made cakes in aid of different charities. Everyone agreed that this was the best tea stop ever! From there a few miles back to Dorking and an early train back to London. Don

Sat 4 Apr 2009 Circular on and around the North Downs
22 miles. Ldr Nicole Carbonara
Despite a gloomy weather forecast, thirteen fit, strong and fast walkers joined me for this walk on and around the North Downs. After a dry start, drizzle came in and also a bit of light rain at times but soon it was dry again and the afternoon was sunny. Weather was perfect as all the tough climbing was done in the fresh morning, except that the lovely views from the hills were misty. We stopped for just under one hour at the pub, warming ourselves around the wood fire and we enjoyed a short "tea" stop in the sun, gazing on Leeds Castle. A future new member was trying us and we hope that he'll decide to join so that we can enjoy again his company in our walks. Results from my GPS: trip odometer 21.9ml; movement time 5h56; stop time 1h09; movement average 3.4ml/h, which is not bad considering the 800m steep ascent. Nicole Info Profile Photographs

 

Sun 29 Mar 2009 Digswell circular
20 miles. Ldr Denis Smith
We had a cloudy but dry day. We started off with 29, went through Digswell Woods, Welwyn, Ayot St Peter, the disused Hertford-Luton railway, and had a stop at Ayot St Lawrence by the Paladin Church. One Herts member found the pace (5.2km/hr) faster than she expected and decided to take a taxi to her home (about 7km). We crossed the Mimram again at Kimpton Mill, and made our way through the edge of Codicote to Rabley Heath, a village comprising about 20 large houses and one pub, the Robin Hood and Little John, where we lunched. We made our way by Woolmer Green and Datchworth Church to Watton-at-Stone, where another walker had to drop out with blisters; she and her sister took the train from there back to London. We stopped again on Datchworth Green and the remaining 26 continued along permissive paths back to Digswell. We had walked almost 35km and Hertfordshires gently rolling hills had given us over 400 metres of ascent. Denis Photographs

 

Sun 15 Mar 2009 Witley to Haslemere
19 miles. Ldr Peter Buchwald
Joint Stroll SWC-London LDWA
We met at Witley station at 10:09 on a warm, sunny Spring morning where I was amazed at the crowd which alighted from the train. I counted about 33 people and another person later confirmed that number. We started along the Greensand Way between houses and were soon walking through woods. The ground had dried up a bit from the previous week but was still muddy and we passed rivers and streams as we meandered through the trees to the Wheatsheaf Hotel at Grayswood where I had reserved a table for about half the group. After a hearty meal we started on the walk uphill out of Grayswood, going away from Haslemere in a long loop. Through more woods and a steep hill to the top of Black Down and the Temple of the Winds which was a bit busy that afternoon, being occupied by us and a group of volunteers who were clearing vegetation. It was still early and we had time to return along the bottom of a small, muddy stream to Fernhurst where we had some afternoon refreshments. From there on, the last part of the walk was messy, and we made slow progress past a horse, through a field where we seemed to be sinking into a mixture of horse manure, urine and mud, and several people were electrocuted by some white wires on a fence. There was a last hill into Haslemere and then down to the station. Some of us ran the last kilometre or so of the walk to comfortably catch the 18:17 train back to London. One of the group overheard whispers in the train, about the strong smell of horse manure which seemed to accompany us. Thanks to Janette and Glenys for indicating the way from Temple of the Winds to Fernhurst and Fernhurst to Haslemere which I had mapped out on my GPS, but which I hadn't had the time to walk beforehand. Peter Photographs & Route

Sat 7 Mar 2009 Medway Towns circuit along North Downs and Medway
20 miles. Ldr Jerome Ripp
A group of 12 enjoyed lovely weather and good company in our 19 mile circuit of the Medway towns. Starting early from Rochester station we strolled along the High Street admiring the varied architecture and the numerous reminders that this is a town strongly associated with Dickens. A brisk and breezy stretch along the river Medway and then a long slow climb onto the North Downs where we spent the next few hours passing several megalithic remains on the way; Kits Coty House and the White Stone. A late lunch but much enjoyed at the Bell in Bredhurst and then a quick return across a country park with lake and a final urban stretch through Chatham. Jerome

Sun 22 Feb 2009 Tring Circular
21 miles. Ldr Steve Plested
At Tring station initially only 6 people were in attendance but arrival of the train boosted number to 19. The weather then changed from bright and sunny to overcast and remained so for most of the day. We set off North along the Grand Union Canal with a deviation to circumnavigate the 3 famous Tring Reservoirs (Startops, Tringford and Wiltstone), well known havens for ornithologists and piscators. More canal towpath took us to the outskirts of Wendover Woods and the first real ascent of the day. After viewing some brave souls on wires and ropes above our heads ("Go Ape") there followed a steep descent into Wendover for lunch. The Shoulder of Mutton did us proud and we were soon off along the Ridgeway through more woodland, a brief sunny interval lit up the woods and was most welcome as we climbed up and over the second major hill of the day. Open countryside and a few lanes then led us to the canal south of Tring which we followed back to the start with a few minutes to spare before the arrival of the train. If I correctly interpreted the comments at the end, a good time was apparently had by all. Steve

Sun 15 Feb 2009 Two Castles Walk: Hever (Kent) - Sevenoaks
c.18 miles. Ldr Dave Williams
22 or was it 23 mostly well-behaved souls turned up on a spring-like day at Hever. Conditions underfoot were needless to say rather muddy and boggy. The highlight of the morning for many was the short diversion to see the Chidingstone where in older days nagging wives were taken to be chastised! Because of the saturated ground we were forced to divert along the road & arrived at the pub in Leigh earlier than anticipated. Despite being rather slow to take the orders the service turned out much better than expected and we departed pretty much on time. The afternoon passed relatively uneventfully and we arrived back in Sevenoaks soon after 4.30 pm. Surprisingly I had one complaint that there wasn't enough mud -it just goes to show that there's no pleasing some people!!  Incidentally this must be the first walk in LDWA history where the leader never actually made it to the front at any point!!! Dave

Sat 7 Feb 2009 Linear Walk Alton to Farnham
18 miles. Ldr Lonica Vanclay
7 intrepid walkers joined me for what turned out to be a glorious and unusual walk….clear sunny weather with the terrain for the whole distance covered in several inches of clean white snow - not often we are able to walk in such conditions in southern England. The snow was firm and we were could still keep up a fast pace and complete the walk in excellent time. The views were superb. Frensham Pond was frozen - a contrast to the last time I was there in summer when people were sunbathing and swimming in it! Lonica

Sun 1 Feb 2009 Around Liphook
c22 miles. Ldr Margaret Romanski
I was delighted that 18 people turned up for the walk despite the engineering works. The weather was mostly clear and cold and the route varied - part wooded and part hilly with some fantastic views. We headed east from Liphook to the Temple of the Winds then dropped to Fernhurst for a pre-ordered lunch at the Kings Arms. I rather foolishly announced to the group that there were no hills in the afternoon only to be faced with the steepest climb of the day straight after lunch. I think the nick-name 'no hills Margaret' may stick for a while. In the afternoon we crossed Telegraph hill and stopped at the view point on Woolbeding common to return to Liphook very soon after dark. All in all a great day. Margaret Photographs, Info & Profile

Sun 25 Jan 2009 Coulsdon South Circular
17-18 miles. Ldr Kathy LoRaso
As the rain fell steadily, I hoped that no one would show up so that I could go back home (this did happen to me once on a Surrey Walking Club walk that I lead a few years ago). But no such luck. At Victoria, on the train and Coulsdon car park there were many smiling faces eagertyle="font-size: 8pt;">
Sun 22 Jun

2008 Polegate to Newhaven
19 miles. Ldr Colin Saunders
Report written by Lesley Secker

There was a turn-out of 21 bipeds, plus Holly and Tilly. As we all gathered outside Polegate Station, true to Colin's usual custom the map was held up on the wall while he indicated the day's route with the promise of several watering holes on the way (morning coffee, lunch, afternoon tea) along with a fine dollop of splendid views and plenty of fresh air.  Oh.... and a little bit of exercise thrown in for good measure! The first few miles took us via Abbotts Wood and as Colin planned to push onong> 2009 Circular walk from Wimbledon Stn
18 miles. Ldr Andy Shoesmith
25 walkers, including new and recent members, ignored forecasts of rain and gale force winds and enjoyed a mostly bright, sunny and clement walk. We headed up to Wimbledon Common, down to Robin Hood gate and entered Richmond Park. Going West, we passed a large herd of deer, on the way to Ham gate, then on to Ham and Teddington lock. We followed the Thames Path to Richmond, arriving at the Roebuck pub on Richmond Hill at midday, just in time for an excellent pub lunch. Others sat outside with a wonderful view over the river, and into the distance. For the afternoon, we re-entered Richmond Park at Richmond gate, meandering through varied scenery, with views to the City, passing Sheen and Roehampton gates, then following Beverley Brook back to Robin Hood gate. Back into Wimbledon Common, we headed North West to Putney Vale and then South to the Windmill, where we had a brief tea stop. The final stage took us back into the Common, across a few fairways of the golf course, then to Wimbledon village and down the hill to the station, arriving at 4 o'clock. All in all a great day; no rain, lots of sun and chat and no-one got lost! Andy

Sat 10 Jan 2009 Lea Valley Walk St. 1 Limehouse to Broxbourne
19miles. Ldr Rob Myers
13 walkers including 1 first timer braved arctic conditions for a very pleasant walk along the frozen canals and River Lea Navigation. It was amusing at times to see the ducks and swans attempts to walk on the ice. The walk started at the Limehouse basin and passed through Regents Canal, Victoria Park, Hackney Marshes and Walthamstow Marshes before a welcome cup of tea at Stonebridge Lock Café. Following that the walk progressed through Ponders End, Enfield Lock and Ramney Marsh before reaching our very late lunch stop at Waltham Abbey. Some walkers spent the lunch break exploring the Abbey Church built in 1050 by King Harold whilst others went to the pub. Following lunch there was a short but enjoyable final 4 mile stage via Cheshunt to Broxbourne where the Olympic Canoeing is due to be held. Everyone agreed that it was a thoroughly enjoyable day. Rob

Sat 3 Jan 2009 Clapham Junction to North Downs
19miles. Ldr Susanne Waldschmidt
14 walkers for a very quirky walk in brilliant, cold but very sunny weather through the open spaces of South London, including Clapham Common, Dulwich Park and Woods, Crystal Palace Park, Norwood Country Park etc. Highlights were Brixton prison and windmill, the manor in Brockwell Park, where we warmed up with a morning coffee, the dinosaurs, Addington Hill, with the sunset over London and the tram ride to East Croydon. Arins café turned out to be a real find. Excellent, cheap food with friendly and efficient service. I think the few, who went to the pub rather regretted the micro-waved pizzas and Fawlty Towers service. They had been warned. We managed to complete the walk comfortably before sunset. Lots of new faces but I think most enjoyed the walk, the company and above all the weather. Susanne

Sun 28 Dec 2008 Peter's Christmas walk
18 miles. Ldr Clare Kirkbride replaced Peter Saw
The walk went very well in splendid weather, fresh but not windy. Dry overhead and underfoot, we were 9, fuelled by mince pies thoughtfully provided by Peter, and led along the Hogsmill Brook by Peter, then afterwards as a team effort by Joan, Andy, Helen and Clare. We took elevenses at the cafe in Morden Hall Park to plan the rest of the day, which turned out to be the Wandle Trail to Wimbledon Park for lunch, then circuitously to Richmond Park, and more directly to the viewpoint of St Paul's for a glorious sunset at 4pm with clear views over the Downs. Finally, to Norbiton station. Clare

Sun 21 Dec 2008 Peter's pre-Christmas walk
23 miles. Ldr Chris Dent replaced Peter Saw
Oh what a perfect day! 8 walkers arrived at Norbiton Station to be warmly greeted by Peter and Hilary armed with a trayful of scrumptious mince pies. After devouring the treats, the party headed for Richmond Park. Peter left us at Ham gate, and the route then headed for Hampton Court via Teddington Lock, Kingston Bridge and HCGC park.Then towards Esher Common and Claygate where following a mini navigational faux pas, the outskirts of Epsom were reached at 2, and the majority of the party dived into the Cricketers pub. 3 of us hightailed it into Epsom for a caffeine fix at the Cafe Nero. 3 walkers decided to take the train home after lunch, and the remainder headed westwards and picked up the Thames Down Link for the return trek. With darkness falling, 2 walkers bade their farewell at Tolworth and the rest of us speed-walked the final stage to New Malden station. Chris 

 

Sun 14 Dec 2008 London Loop: High Barnet to Buckhurst Hill
18.5 miles. Ldr Nick Marshall
We had a nice walk yesterday - there were 8 of us and we walked just over 20 miles. Unfortunately when we got back there was a phone message waiting for us - some people had gone to Elstree and Borehamwood - and wondered where we were! We felt that we had done everything possible to alert people to the changes, and amongst the people who did walk with us there was at least one without email, one who hadn't walked with us before (although a member) and one who isn't a member, and they all managed to see the changes. So, what can one do? I haven't phoned the person who left the message as the line was poor and the phone number difficult to hear. Judith

Sat 6 Dec 2008 SW London Christmas walk
17 miles. Ldr Lonica Vanclay
Was a beautiful sunny winter's day - cold but completely clear and sunny for the whole day. 17 of us started out from Richmond -following the Thames along to Hampton Court . The Kings Arms was warm and welcoming - though the soup was rather watery - and by the time we had lunch there we had become 20! Back through Hampton Court and we looped our way through Richmond Park taking in a gorgeous sunset and the view all the way back to St Pauls' Cathedral before arriving back at Richmond just on dusk. 10 of us enjoyed the tasty Persian meal and an intrepid indulged in the magic of Peter Pan at the Richmond Theatre - oh yes we did! Lonica

Sun 30 Nov 2008 LDWA in the city
17 miles. Ldr Peter Russell
This was a great walk to tick all those London sculptures and sights. The most impressive to me was Watt's monumental sculpture of 'physical energy', in Hyde Park, i.e. a naked man on a horse, that was less fussy than the beautifully re-gilded Albert memorial.  Half our crew of 18 were very pleased to walk around the gentle Princess Diana memorial fountain whilst I changed my wet socks by the Serpentine lido.  After the round pond, without nannies or model yachts today, but the chance of a debutante tea at £14 in the nearby orangery of Kensington Palace I was reminded of the era when the child Alice wanted to marry a hard guard so she could mend his socks, listen maybe after she fed the ducks by a very different Peter Pan to that of the group's panto outing 6 days later.  Incidentally we did not find  the pelicans in St James Park but counted 13 herons, including 2 on their tree top nests, and saw a flock of very pretty white bar-headed geese.   Earlier in the walk we passed ivy-clad graves in Highgate leading down to the pseudo-gothic Angela Burdett-Coutts model village.  Blots on the landscape that I tried to ignore were the Royal Free Hospital, the Lancaster hotel, the Hyde Park Hilton and finally the Hyde-Park  Barracks.   At dusk we saw Scott's statue and the silhouette of Florence Nightingale with her (incorrect) genie lamp before a glance at the white starry nets above Regent street.  We then all had 2 cheerful drinks of special beers such as 8%, wheat and strawberry (in place of alcopops) at De Hems near China town after completing 16 ¾ miles. Peter

Sat 22 Nov 2008 Three Bridges to Hayward Heath
21miles. Ldr Sally Adams
19 walkers started happily on a bright and fresh autumn day. We kept a good pace all day long to try to shorten the time we would walk in pitch dark in the evening, as sun sets around 4:30 these days. Lunch was in the magnificent National Trust Standen where we all enjoyed the building's architecture and the beautiful gardens with lovely views. Just as we were starting after lunch we had the good surprise of a few snow flurries but it didn't last long and sun came back fast, as bright as in the morning. All afternoon the views were fantastic, we passed near two magnificent reservoirs: Weir Wood reservoir and Ardingly reservoir. We stopped for a few minutes in West Hoathly to admire the lovely church, cemetery and surrounding sumptuous views. We watched a gorgeous sunset, and finished the walk with our headlamps, as usual, but spirits were so high after such a great walk that night and mud couldn't darken our moods. Photographs, Info & Profile

Sat 15 Nov 2008 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 Info & Profile

Sat 8 Nov 2008 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 Info & Profile

Sun 2 Nov 2008 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 2008 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 2008 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 2008 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 2008 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 2008 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 2008 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

Sat 6 Sep 2008 The Green Chain from Crystal Palace to Erith
18 miles. Ldrs Malcolm & Marita Sanders
Despite recent torrential downpours and soggy forecasts, six trusting walkers met at the Crystal Palace end of the Green Chain on Saturday morning.  Some, with eyes on the sky, shortened the walk at Oxleas Wood.  The incurable optimists kept right on through the final, greenest sections of Woodlands Farm, East Wickham Open Space, Bostall Heath and Franks Park and made it to Erith Riverside. Marita

Sun 31 Aug 2008 Sudbury to Marks Tey Linear
18 miles. Ldr Peter Russel
Eleven of us walked along the Stour Valley on  a sultry day. First stop was Great Henny church where 'Love birds wrecked spire'  thence to a good lunch at La Marsh and onto to Wormingford Church. Here everyone except Dave voted against a diversion to a secret bunker near its disused airport via overgrown paths and a toxic waste dump (both very Essex, and what might explain why no one from local groups attended the walk).  We dropped South to Marks Tey and  picked some perfect blackberries before getting the 5.32/6 trains to Colchester or London with seconds to spare and everyone said they had enjoyed the walk.  Peter

Wed 27 Aug 2008 Summer evening walk. Highgate Tube Circular
7 miles. Ldr Peter Russell
Everyone, well the 13 that turned up, managed to find the right exit, and we started at 6:45 then had a brisk 2h walk without hesitation, deviation or repetition along the Capital ring on the old railway line, see ticket.  We passed the Spriggan sculpture overhead, and had a pit stop, at Finsbury Park (so I ticked that box).  Next was the New River Path to Alexandra Park.  A mild uphill traverse to Muswell Hill then back along the old railway line.  Here we had a splendid view across London from the old viaduct and at least 2 sharp-eyed people saw an overhead bat.  The regulars evening walkers said it was a fitting end to the season over 2 slow drinks on an outside table at the Woodman.  This tube map, that never happened, shows 2 sides of our course.  The new river completes our triangle in a NW direction! Peter

Sun 17 Aug 2008 Greensand Way part 1 Haslemere to Goldaming
20 miles. Ldr Susanne Waldschmidt
Number of Walkers: 10, including leader (8 members & 2 non-members - 1 was on holiday from Germany. Weather: Very Good. A fairly strenuous but beautiful walk with lots of ups and downs. Very enjoyable with really good social interaction. Everyone seemed to enjoy the relaxed pace. Susanne

Wed 13 Aug 2008 Summer evening walk. Limehouse to Little Venice, via the Regent's Canal
9.5 miles. Ldrs Marita & Malcolm Sanders
Eight people, including the leaders, did the walk. The speed was faster than expected, at 3.8 mph. Six of us visited the E Bar near Little Venice for a social drink after the walk. Marita

Sat 2 Aug 2008 Guildford to Haslemere linear
20 miles. Ldr Dave Williams
A group of 22 hardy souls set off little knowing what they were letting themselves in for! Because the leader had failed to note the opening times we arrived at the planned morning coffee-stop at the Watts Gallery far too early which didn't bode well for the rest of the day! However there were no more setbacks & we arrived at the lunch stop in Godalming where 11 of us made short work of the hearty portions on offer. The weather remained fair as we resumed after lunch, the only casualty being Don B. who had the misfortune to slip off a stile but stoically carried on. After tea at Chiddingfold the group carried on without further mishap to reach Haslemere at about 6.30pm with the leader's reputation just about intact ! Dave.

Sun 22 Jun 2008 Polegate to Newhaven
19 miles. Ldr Colin Saunders
Report written by Lesley Secker

There was a turn-out of 21 bipeds, plus Holly and Tilly. As we all gathered outside Polegate Station, true to Colin's usual custom the map was held up on the wall while he indicated the day's route with the promise of several watering holes on the way (morning coffee, lunch, afternoon tea) along with a fine dollop of splendid views and plenty of fresh air.  Oh.... and a little bit of exercise thrown in for good measure! The first few miles took us via Abbotts Wood and as Colin planned to push on to Alfriston for lunch he decided on a morning coffee stop, at the "idyllic" Arlington Tea Garden, to keep us going until then.  It was a charming little establishment which also sold plants and sported a small menagerie, including chickens, a fine rooster; a couple of chinchillas in a cage plus a golden Labrador puppy curled up on a blanket sleeping peacefully in the sun (obviously had the right idea). After this welcome refreshment stop we set off for Berwick Station via Arlington Reservoir.  We made a brief stop at the station to look at plaque on the wall which commemorated the relaunching of the Vanguard Way by the National Chairman of the Ramblers Association on 6 May 1998. Here we joined the Vanguard Way, taking us into Berwick village and then on to Alfriston where the group dispersed to various hostelries and tea stops to have lunch.  After lunch we started off following the Cuckmere River.  The two Labradors enjoyed the romp along the banks and they both tested out their swimming skills, while we humans could only marvel at their agility and speed! Following the river as far as Littlington we diverted through the village, descended into Charleston Bottom (Friston Forest) to shortly ascend the 200 or so steps, taking us up through Westdean to the gap in the wall where our efforts were rewarded with the fine view of the Cuckmere River as it opens out into the sea.  We then descended into Exceat and on to the coast - then over Seaford Head into Seaford. with a bracing wind to either help or hinder our pace depending on our individual aerodynamic qualities!! Our final watering hole for the day was the kiosk right on the seafront next to the Martello Tower with picnic benches on the beach where customers can sit to enjoy their cups of tea, cakes and ice-creams while they watch the waves and breathe in the briny air.  The Martello Tower houses an interesting folk/local history museum and well worth a visit, but already closed when we arrived.  Some hardy souls pushed on to Newhaven with Colin to complete the 19 miles while a few of us took the soft option and called it a day at Seaford.  Great walk!!!

Sat 24 May 2008 Glynde Circular by Arlington Reservoir
21 or 25 miles. Conductor Nicole Carbonara
Joint Stroll SWC-London LDWA
Report written by Peter Crane SWC

This joint stroll with London LDWA saw a turnout of 21 gathering at Glynde station on a bright and breezy morning.  Only four of the party were Surrey members - Paul Tilley, David Watson, Peter Crane and Nicole, the conductor. We set off at a brisk pace onto the top of the South Downs and soon felt the full force of the breeze as we turned eastwards.  However it was sunny and warm and a morning that afforded excellent views in all directions.  We came down and through the delightful streets of Alfriston before climbing  up Wilmington Hill and making a steep descent by the Long Man.. Some descended quicker than others, but none as swiftly as the kestrel seen hovering and then swooping down upon its prey. We gathered again onto the Wealdway and proceeded to the Yew Tree at Arlington for lunch.  We had already covered 13 miles by this time.  Some enjoyed a picnic lunch in the sun while others took advantage of the inn's menu. After lunch we set off back in a westerly direction around Arlington Reservoir and past Berwick station along a short section of the Vanguard Way and then along varied paths through wood and fields at a lower level than in the morning.  There was an event going on at Charleston Farm but after a short stop, we all avoided any distraction and continued apace past Firle Place to the village of West Firle and the Ram Inn, where to maintain the Surrey tradition (LDWA do not normally have a tea stop) most of us had a welcome cup of tea,  although it necessitated some cups having to be re-washed as they did not have enough cups for the whole party.  Clearly they are not used to such a large group stopping for tea. Some stopped at Glynde station after a good 21 miles but a good half of the party were still ready for the extra four miles via Mount Caburn and a return home from Lewes. Nicole had chosen an excellent route and the weather proved ideal for a very enjoyable day's walking - Editor.

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