Walks

Dear North London Ramblers,                                                       Following updated advice from the Ramblers Association I am pleased to let you know that we have restarted our walks programme.

Stephen R   

Saturday 24 July                    Hastings to Rye                                    St Pancras International 9.34 (Dover Priory service), Stratford International 9.41, arrive Ashford International 10.11, (change to platform 2) 10.25 (Eastbourne service) arrive Hastings 11.07. Book return to Rye. Following some fairly steep ascents up and along the cliff top coastal paths for lunch near Pett Level. There is no convenient pub or café en route so do bring a picnic.  After which the terrain levels out, before leading up through the New Gate into Winchelsea for tea. After tea and we reach The Look Out, offering panoramic views across Romney Marsh and the Kent Downs beyond. From there down via Ferry Bridge to Rye. Drop out possible after 10 miles at Winchelsea. About 12 miles E124/5 L189/199                                      Led by Jane R  Mobile: 07906 987 503

Saturday 31 July                     Cambridge Circular                             Kings Cross 9.42 (Platform 10) arrive Cambridge 10.30. This walk starts with a City Centre tour of the University Colleges before we head out along the River Cam to Grantchester for lunch either at the famous Orchard tearooms, the Green Man Pub or a picnic on the green. Return to Cambridge via Byron’s Pool and Trumpington.  A level easy-paced stile free walk on paved, gravel and grass paths. Drop out at 7 miles by bus service from Trumpington. About 9 miles E209 L154       Led by Stephen R.                              On the day: 07540 437466

Saturday 7 August              Guildford to Horsley

Waterloo 9.45 (Portsmouth Harbour service), arrive Guildford 10.24. Buy return to Guildford. An attractive stile free undulating steady-paced walk at times following the North Downs Way, with many viewpoints to the South and North. Going past historic Guildford Castle and up to Pewley Down, arriving at St Martha’s Church high on the Downs, with particularly fine views.  Carrying on for picnic lunch at Newlands Corner, with a kiosk, cafe and toilets. A wooded stretch follows, then a walk across fields to Horsley station.

About 12 miles                        Led by Jan C and Susan W

Wednesday 11 August                     Harpenden Circular              

St Pancras (Luton service, Platform B) 10.13, West Hampstead 10.22 arrive Harpenden 10.51    A varied fairly level walk through fields, woodland and by the River Lea. Leisurely pace.   Lunch in Wheathampstead after 4 miles: Pub or picnic.  Drop out point for buses to Harpenden and St Albans.   

About 8 miles.                               Led by Breda J 07578 688 801

                                                                               

Saturday 14 August      Stansted Abbots/St. Margarets Circular

Liverpool Street 9.42 (Hertford East service), Tottenham Hale 9.55, Cheshunt 10.09 arrive St Margarets 10.21.A fairly level steady-paced walk with a couple of stiles in the lovely conservation countryside of the Ash Valley. Lunch at Wareside; Pubs or bring a picnic. Return via Amwell Nature Reserve renowned for bird watching. Possible 1¼ mile extension to Rye House or a further 3 miles to Broxbourne

About 8 miles E183/195 L167         Led by Sheila S 07775 907629

Saturday 21 August         Borough Green & Wrotham Circular

Victoria 9.25 (Ramsgate service), Bromley South 9.42 arrive Borough Green & Wrotham 10.06. A moderately-paced undulating walk following the small River Bourne for lunch at Plaxtol; Bring picnic or at the Papermakers Arms which attests to what the river was used for in the past. Return via the well-managed Mereworth Woods enjoying organised successive cuts. A stead-paced undulating walk

About 10 miles   E147/8 L188                           Led by Sue C                  

Saturday 28 August              Hertford North Circular

Kings Cross 9.51 (Stevenage Service), Finsbury Park 9.58, Alexandra Palace 10.05, Enfield Chase 10.18 arrive Hertford North 10.35. Via undulating paths in Panshanger Country Park, the site of a former mansion where in the landscaped grounds the ruined orangery may be seen. Lunch at Cole Green Picnic Site. The Cowper Arms pub is nearby, to reserve a table tel. 01707 330202. The return to Hertford is a level walk on the Cole Green Way. A steady paced walk with no stiles.

About 9 miles. Maps E 174, 182, L 166.    Led by Peter H on the day 07456 502096

Summer Bank Holiday Monday 30 August      Tottenham Hale to Waltham Abbey

Meet 10.30 Tottenham Hale (National Rail, Victoria Line Zone 3). Linear walk along the Lea Valley towpath on flat comfortable surface to Waltham Abbey.   Several picnic spots available for lunch, advisable to bring packed lunch, choice of venues for refreshments at end of walk in Waltham Abbey.   Drop out points at Ponders End and Enfield Lock for National Rail Services to Liverpool Street.  Buses to Epping, Loughton (bus 66) and Walthamstow from Waltham Abbey and trains from Waltham Cross to London Liverpool Street available at end of ramble.

About 8 miles   E174                  Led by Mary C on day 07485 267705

Wednesday 1 September       London Loop Section 9 – Kingston to Hatton Cross

Waterloo 9.58, Vauxhall 10.03, Clapham Junction 10.08, Wimbledon 10.17 arrive Kingston 10.27. This section of the Loop features easy walking on some extensive green stretches on entirely level ground, mostly on grass and rough footpaths with no stiles. Points of interest; Bushy Park, the Diana Fountain, Waterhouse Woodland Gardens, Crane Park, the Shot Tower and Hounslow Heath. Drop outs possible by bus from Hampton Road or from Fullwell Station. Bring a picnic for lunch on route. Finish Hatton Cross (Piccadilly line Zone 5/6)

About 10 miles London A-Z                      Led by Liz McS

Saturday 4 September                            Balcombe Circular             London Bridge 9.45 (Brighton Thameslink service Platform 4), East Croydon 9.59, arrive Balcombe 10.25.  A  moderately hilly walk going past Lord Snowden’s lake and Japanese Pavilion, the Nymans National Trust garden, and the village of Slaugham with its historic St Mary’s church and the ruins of a great manor house. Lunch will be at the Red Lion Handcross or the NT cafe at Nymans or bring a picnic.               About 11 miles. E134 L 187     Led by Josie R on the day 07849 177293

Wednesday September  8          Chalkwell to Benfleet

Fenchurch Street 10.04 (Shoeburyness service), Barking 10.18 arrive Chalkwell 10.53.Buy C2C Senior Rover, £7 with Freedom Pass. An easy-paced undulating walk breaking for morning coffee at Leigh Golf Range, then up to Hadleigh Castle to the Hub Café (card payments only) which provides light lunches or bring a picnic. Continue through Hadleigh Country Park with time for tea on Barge Gladys before taking the train from Benfleet.

About 7 miles E175                                                 Led by Desiree L

 

Saturday 11 September                      Stokenchurch Circular

Marylebone 9.12 (Oxford service), Wembley Stadium 9.22 arrive High Wycombe 9.50. 12 minute walk to High Wycombe Bus Station. 10.20 Bus 40 arrive King’s Arms Hotel, Stokenchurch 10.42 Buses from Stokenchurch back to High Wycombe at 16.14 and 17.14. A steady-paced undulating walk via Ibstone Common, Northend, Fire Wood to Christmas Common. Pub lunch or picnic at viewpoint on Watlington Hill – the viewpoint is brilliant but not quite near the pub. Descend to Swan’s Way. Back to Stokenchurch via Shirburn Hill and Cowleaze Wood.

About 13 miles  E171/2                                Led by Roddy E         

Wednesday 15 September       Otford to Eynsford (via Shoreham)

Victoria 10.25 (Ramsgate), Bromley South 10.42 arrive Otford 11.01. Buy return to Otford. An undulating steady-paced stile free walk in the Kent countryside via the Darent Valley, the castle at Lullingstone and the Roman Villa, After a climb to Meenfield Wood and a walk along the ridge, after 4 miles we drop down to Shoreham for lunch; Kings Arms or bring a picnic. Drop out possible from Shoreham station. The afternoon to Eynsford is fairly level.

About 8 miles E147/162 L188/177            Led by Ken C and Julie L

 

Saturday 18 September          Hassocks Circular via Devil’s Dyke

Victoria 9.15 (Littlehampton service), Clapham Junction 9.22, East Croydon 9.33 arrive Hassocks 10.12. A moderately-paced hilly walk via Wolstonbury Hill, four medieval churches; Newtimber, Poynings, Pyecombe and Clayton, the Devil’s Dyke (legend holds was dug by Satan to allow the sea to flood the many churches of the Weald and wipe out Christianity, was never completed thanks to a cunning monk called St Cuthbert) and Jack and Jill windmills. Lunch; The Devil’s Dyke pub but bring own food as it is likely to be busy. 

About 12 miles EOL11 L198        Led by Jane R mobile 07906 987503

Saturday 25 September                   Beaconsfield Circular

Marylebone 9.42 (Oxford service), Gerrards Cross 10.02 arrive Beaconsfield 10.08. A steady-paced undulating walk that passes the cottage of the poet John Milton in Chalfont St Giles and comes to Jordans, a hamlet with Quaker links. In between, there is typical Buckinghamshire countryside to enjoy – gently rolling wooded hills. Lunch at Chalfont St Giles; Pubs, a good deli or bring a picnic.

About 12 miles E172 L175                       Led by Pauline L               

Saturday 2 October                   Turkey Street to Enfield Lock          Liverpool Street 10.15 (Cheshunt service), Seven Sisters 10.33 arrive Turkey Street 10.47 (Freedom Pass Zone 6). A fairly level moderately-paced walk via the Turkey Brook (now flowing through Albany Park), River Lea wetlands, Gunpowder Park where the Lee Enfield rifle was produced and Enfield Island with its Royal Ordnance buildings. Lunch stop at ‘The Plough’ pub, Sewardstone Road – or bring a picnic. About 8 miles with optional 3 mile extension to Chingford Station following the London Loop over undulating terrain. E174 L166.                                                                                                  Led by Henriette V Z     Wednesday 6 October     London Loop Sections 10 & 11 Hatton Cross to Uxbridge

Meet 10.00 Hatton Cross (Piccadilly line Zone 5/6). Once escaping from the roar of the A30, we follow the River Crane through Berkeley Meadows and Cranford Park before joining the Grand Union Canal. From there we make our way via Stockley Park, the Colne Valley and Little Britain Lake to Uxbridge (Metropolitan and Piccadilly Lines, Zone 6). A mostly level steady-paced walk with several possible drop outs. Picnic lunch en route.

About 11 miles London A-Z      Led by Stephen R Mob. 07540 437466

 Saturday 9 October                    Guildford Circular           

Waterloo 9.30 (Portsmouth Harbour service), Woking 9.55 arrive Guildford 10.02. A steady-paced walk along the River Wey via Loseley to Compton for lunch at the Watts Gallery Tea Shop or bring a picnic. Return via Hogs Back and Stag Hill and hopefully time for a brief visit to Guildford Cathedral. A mostly level walk apart from two small hills in the afternoon.                                                                                     About 10½ miles E145                                            Led by Joyce N      

 Saturday 16 October                              Chilham to Canterbury

Victoria Station 9.25 (Ramsgate Service), Bromley South 9.42 arrive Chilham 11.17. [Alternatively – High Speed Service leaves St. Pancras International (Plat 13) 10.12 (Margate Service), Ashford International 10.50. Change to Platform 6. 11.05 (Ramsgate service) arrive Chilham 11.17] Buy return ticket to Canterbury West  Following the North Downs Way, we walk through orchards, passing through Old Wives Lees village and No Man’s Orchard Nature Reserve. Views of cathedral as we arrive in Canterbury. Picnic lunch at Chartham Hatch. Several steep but short ascents, otherwise a gently undulating walk.                About 9 miles E150 L179       Led by David B, bayscolledge@talktalk.net, on the day 07952 839653   

 Wednesday 20 October   Totteridge & Whetstone to Golders Green 

Meet 10.30 Totteridge & Whetstone Station (Northern Line Zone 4). Please wait on green opposite station. Via the Dollis Valley Greenwalk, following the course of the Dollis Brook at a leisurely pace on good mainly level paths. Picnic lunch at Windsor Open Space. Walk continues via Big Wood to Hampstead Heath Extension and Golders Hill Park for a tea break at the café, then on to Golders Green Station (Northern Line, Zone 3). Several drop-out points.

About 8 miles London A-Z        Led by Peter H Mob. 07456 502096

 Saturday 23 October                    Rye House Circular        Liverpool Street Station at 9.42 (Hertford East service), Tottenham Hale 9.55 (where leader joins train), Enfield Lock 10.04 arrive Rye House 10.18. We start the walk along the Hertfordshire Way on the canal towpath, before passing through Stanstead Abbotts.  A moderate climb takes us through open fields to our lunch stop at Hunsdon; pubs or bring a picnic.  Then walking south-west past Halfway House, eventually crossing the A414, and along the Harcamlow Way and across the railway at Roydon.  After a short distance along the Stort Valley Way we return to Rye House Station.                                          About 11 miles E174 L166/7  Led by Quentin P 020 7272 1666                      

 Saturday 30 October                  Royston Circular                             St Pancras 10.01 Platform B (Cambridge service), Finsbury Park 10.12 arrive Royston 10.56.  A steady-paced walk on the Herts/Cambridgeshire border through Reed, Hay Green and Therfield where we will have lunch at the Fox and Duck, or picnic on the village green opposite. Some uphill walking gives extensive views.                    About 9 miles  E194 L153/4                                    Led by Ken P

 

Ramble Surveys  Members surveying rambles for possible inclusion in a future programme are, subject to prior agreement, entitled to claim reimbursement of fares.  Please contact Stephen R for details. 

Travel Information Train times listed are the latest available at the time the programme was prepared. Alterations can take place at short notice. It is advisable to check with National Rail (Tel: 03457 48 49 50, www.nationalrail.co.uk) or if your journey involves travel on London Underground and/or London Overground, check with Transport for London (Tel: 0343 222 1234, www.tfl.gov.uk). At mainline stations please meet the group near the booking office in time for the train stated. Check our website walks page for programme changes before setting out. Do make sure you have the correct ticket for the journey as London Underground and most National Rail Companies fine passengers without a valid ticket £50. Wear a mask. 

Guidance for Members

Follow leaders at all times and carefully watch where they are going. Make sure you know the time and place for meeting after lunch. If you do not intend to complete the walk, please inform the leader.

Bring along some food and drink, as mention of a pub or café is no guarantee that food will be available.

Please bring some simple first aid equipment with you. Sorry, no dogs, except for assistance dogs

 

Please note that the Club is not liable or responsible for an individual’s personal safety.