A walk exploring Horsenden Hill in West London, length: 5.3 km (3.3 mi), is followed by a visit to a secluded nature reserve. The reserve in question Perivale Wood opens to the public just two days a year to show off their bluebells.
The plan is:- do the SWC Horsenden Hill walk in the morning, stop for lunch or drinkies in the Ballot Box and visit the reserve in the afternoon, for which you need to book a slot (between 1 and 4 pm, cost £5.50). Numbers are limited so get booking. No dogs – sorry dogs. (The morning walk is, of course, free).
Lunch The Ballot Box, Horsenden Lane, UB6 7QL T: 020 8902 2825 (or picnic on the hill).
Tea .. and cakes.. on offer in the reserve.
Meet: outside Perivale tube 11:00. Central Line (West Ruislip branch). Zone 4.
Directions: here
Our short walk returns you to the station. The reserve's entrance is between 36 and 38 Sunley Gardens. To find, follow this map. t=Short.4
8 comments:
Just before you turn right across the canal you should see the entrance to Paradise Fields, the home of Ealing's Beavers. Worth a short detour. https://theealingbeaverproject.com/
The Eventbrite says only a few tickets left. So book early if you wish to go.
I’m trying to to get to Perivale on the 297 bus but running late. Will try and catch you up if you’re taking it easy and admiring the view at the summit.
There were no tickets available yesterday for the bluebell woods but I remember going a couple of years back and they were selling them at the entrance It was however horribly busy and VERY SLOW so don’t expect a fast SWC pace!!
I’m in the bluebell woods now enjoying cakes at £2 ditto tea and coffee and no problem paying £3 on the door for seniors.
We are still at the pub
See you a bit later.
N=8 at the station. The weather, w=sunny After the stretch along the canal, with ducks and stuff, it was time to veer off the walk route, through a forbidding looking gate, to explore the beaver bit at Paradise Fields. This was an interesting diversion with lots of information boards. Would be worth incorporating into the walk. We didn’t see no beavers but we did see a badly gnawed tree. Attempts to find a circular route were unsuccessful so probably best as a quick in and out,
Then it was up Mount Horsenden , Mr Tiger spurred on by the thought that at least it wasn’t Kilimanjaro. At the top, there wasn’t much of a view, unless you count Ealing Hospital, too many trees. So we went down again for a visit to the Ballot Box.
Would you believe it was the pub’s last day? Closing, seemingly for good, tomorrow. As a result, there was limited fare but at least everyone got something like what they wanted. And sat in the sunny garden.
2 parted company and the remaining 6 headed for Perivale Wood.. The open day was well attended. At times the logjam ahead slowed the pace to less than that of a snail. Even slower than Mr Tiger’s.
There were plenty of bluebells, perhaps a little past their best, but still plenty. (The reserve is contemplating moving the open day forward a week or two to compensate). Then it was Tearoom Time. The others gasped in amazement at the size of Mr Tigers piece of chocolate fudge cake. And you know what? They weren’t getting any of it.
We sat outside in the sun and, here, a n=9 th joined us. Started later but did the whole walk and the reserve At least, that’s what she said.
The talk turned to AI and robotics and Mr Tiger started dozing off. Then he left. People seemed to enjoy the day.
We never met walker n=10 who had transport difficulties and also started late, (maybe missed us cos of the beavers?)
See my photos on the SWC what’s app group.
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