Extra Walk 177 – Chipstead to Kingswood
Length: Up to 15½ km (9.6 miles). Toughness: 5/10
10:20 Tattenham Corner train from London Bridge (Norwood Jct 10:33, East Croydon 10:37, etc), arriving Chipstead at 10:57. Chipstead and Kingswood are both in TfL Zone 6 so you can use Oyster, contactless or a Travelcard.
Trains back from Kingswood to London Bridge are at 25 & 55 minutes past the hour. Change at East Croydon for Clapham Jct or Victoria.
This is a short but fairly hilly walk close to the London-Surrey border, a mixed landscape of ancient woodland, open downs and farmland. The Well House Inn in Mugswell was taken over by the “Time Well Spent” group in 2015, so the lunch pub will be more food-oriented than you might remember from a previous visit. The tea place is also an attractive pub/restaurant with the bonus of being right next to the station, the Kingswood Arms.
You'll need to print the walk directions from the Chipstead to Kingswood Walk page. You can vary the amount printed in the usual way, depending on whether you want to keep the directions for the short cuts and the alternative ending back to Chipstead. T=swc.177
Saturday, 30 September 2017
Haywards Heath Circular via Lindfield - Low hills in the Ouse Valley
SWC walk 141 - Haywards Heath Circular via Lindfield
Main walk: 19km (11.8 miles)
With bus at end: 16km (9.9 miles)
Bluebell Railway ending: 12km (7.5 miles)
Toughness: 4 out of 10
9.42 train from London Bridge (9.56 East Croydon) to Haywards Heath, arriving 10.27
You can also get....
9.47 train from Victoria (9.53 Clapham Junction, 10.03 East Croydon) to Haywards Heath, arriving 10.29
9.10 from St Pancras International Thameslink platforms (9.22 Blackfriars) to Haywards Heath, arriving 10.18
Best ticket: READ CAREFULLY: If you travel from London Bridge or St Pancras you can get a Super Off-Peak Day Return to Haywards Heath valid only on Thameslink, for £7.40 (with a Network Card). You must travel back on London Bridge/St Pancras services if you buy this ticket. Otherwise (eg from Victoria or if you want a choice of routes on the way back) the fare is £14.85 (off-peak return). See bottom of page for best ticket for Bluebell ending.
For walk directions click here. For GPS file click here.
It has been a while since this walk had a Saturday airing. It doesn't offer rocket, bells and poetry - this is gentle countryside, a bit woody, only gently hilly - but you may get the distant (or not so distant) hoot of a steam train. There is a bit of Haywards Heath suburbia to get through to begin with, but the walk takes an ingenious route making use of open spaces and a nature reserve.
Lunch is in a small-ish pub in the middle of nowhere - a big group might try and stagger its arrival. Food is served till 3pm.
After lunch there is a possible Bluebell Railway ending: see the end of this post
Tea is in one of several places in the pretty village of Lindfield, which despite being on the outskirts of Haywards Heath still has a country feel.
From there the walk repeats its outward route through Haywards Heath, but you can avoid this by taking a bus from Lindfield. This is the 16km (9.9 mile) version of the walk. The buses include the 31 at 35 past the hour till 17.35, the 30 at 55 past the hour until 17.55, and the 270 at 16.53 and 18.06. After this you are relying on Shanks's Pony, free and available till all hours of the night.
Trains back from Haywards Heath go at
- 17 and 48 past to London Bridge
- 26 and 56 past to Blackfriars and St Pancras
- 14 and 44 past to Victoria
BLUEBELL RAILWAY ENDING
A route is provided in the walk document that links the lunch pub with Sheffield Park station on the Bluebell Railway, Britain's oldest and most iconic steam railway, and then to Sheffield Park Gardens (National Trust). It is just 5.3km (2 miles) from the lunch pub to the station and another 1km to the gardens, making this a total walk from Haywards Heath of 12km (7.5 miles). The station is the headquarters of the Bluebell Railway and there is lots to see and do there even if you don't take a train. Both it and Sheffield Gardens have a tea room.
However, getting back after your visit is not quite straightforward. The Bluebell has a 5.15 train to East Grinstead - expensive but atmospheric - but alas there are gargantuan engineering works on the normal railway from East Grinstead to Victoria this weekend, involving a one hour bus replacement journey, so you just don't want to go there. (Just for the record, the 17.15 steam train gets to East Grinstead at 17.55 and you would then get the 18.08 replacement bus service to Purley, arriving 19.11, take the 19.15 train to East Croydon, change there for the 19.34 to Victoria, arriving 19.50.)
The alternative - not as ridiculous as it first appears - is to get the 121 bus at 17.01 (only!) from Sheffield Park station or 17.05 from Sheffield Park Gardens (which shut at that time anyway) to Lewes arriving 17.33. This would connect you to the 17.54 or 18.16 train from Lewes to Victoria. To do this option, ideally you should buy a day return to Lewes in the morning - £18.50 with a Network Card. But if you decide to do this ending on the spur of the moment, a single from Lewes to Haywards Heath costs just £4.45 with a Network Card. You can't use your cheap Thameslink ticket on the Lewes-Victoria trains, but you can change at Haywards Heath and pick up a London Bridge or Thameslink service there (a few minutes wait for a London Bridge train, with the St Pancras one shortly after as a back-up): in total you would then have paid £11.85 on the train fare, plus whatever the Sheffield Park to Lewes bus costs. T=3.141
Main walk: 19km (11.8 miles)
With bus at end: 16km (9.9 miles)
Bluebell Railway ending: 12km (7.5 miles)
Toughness: 4 out of 10
9.42 train from London Bridge (9.56 East Croydon) to Haywards Heath, arriving 10.27
You can also get....
9.47 train from Victoria (9.53 Clapham Junction, 10.03 East Croydon) to Haywards Heath, arriving 10.29
9.10 from St Pancras International Thameslink platforms (9.22 Blackfriars) to Haywards Heath, arriving 10.18
Best ticket: READ CAREFULLY: If you travel from London Bridge or St Pancras you can get a Super Off-Peak Day Return to Haywards Heath valid only on Thameslink, for £7.40 (with a Network Card). You must travel back on London Bridge/St Pancras services if you buy this ticket. Otherwise (eg from Victoria or if you want a choice of routes on the way back) the fare is £14.85 (off-peak return). See bottom of page for best ticket for Bluebell ending.
For walk directions click here. For GPS file click here.
It has been a while since this walk had a Saturday airing. It doesn't offer rocket, bells and poetry - this is gentle countryside, a bit woody, only gently hilly - but you may get the distant (or not so distant) hoot of a steam train. There is a bit of Haywards Heath suburbia to get through to begin with, but the walk takes an ingenious route making use of open spaces and a nature reserve.
Lunch is in a small-ish pub in the middle of nowhere - a big group might try and stagger its arrival. Food is served till 3pm.
After lunch there is a possible Bluebell Railway ending: see the end of this post
Tea is in one of several places in the pretty village of Lindfield, which despite being on the outskirts of Haywards Heath still has a country feel.
From there the walk repeats its outward route through Haywards Heath, but you can avoid this by taking a bus from Lindfield. This is the 16km (9.9 mile) version of the walk. The buses include the 31 at 35 past the hour till 17.35, the 30 at 55 past the hour until 17.55, and the 270 at 16.53 and 18.06. After this you are relying on Shanks's Pony, free and available till all hours of the night.
Trains back from Haywards Heath go at
- 17 and 48 past to London Bridge
- 26 and 56 past to Blackfriars and St Pancras
- 14 and 44 past to Victoria
BLUEBELL RAILWAY ENDING
A route is provided in the walk document that links the lunch pub with Sheffield Park station on the Bluebell Railway, Britain's oldest and most iconic steam railway, and then to Sheffield Park Gardens (National Trust). It is just 5.3km (2 miles) from the lunch pub to the station and another 1km to the gardens, making this a total walk from Haywards Heath of 12km (7.5 miles). The station is the headquarters of the Bluebell Railway and there is lots to see and do there even if you don't take a train. Both it and Sheffield Gardens have a tea room.
However, getting back after your visit is not quite straightforward. The Bluebell has a 5.15 train to East Grinstead - expensive but atmospheric - but alas there are gargantuan engineering works on the normal railway from East Grinstead to Victoria this weekend, involving a one hour bus replacement journey, so you just don't want to go there. (Just for the record, the 17.15 steam train gets to East Grinstead at 17.55 and you would then get the 18.08 replacement bus service to Purley, arriving 19.11, take the 19.15 train to East Croydon, change there for the 19.34 to Victoria, arriving 19.50.)
The alternative - not as ridiculous as it first appears - is to get the 121 bus at 17.01 (only!) from Sheffield Park station or 17.05 from Sheffield Park Gardens (which shut at that time anyway) to Lewes arriving 17.33. This would connect you to the 17.54 or 18.16 train from Lewes to Victoria. To do this option, ideally you should buy a day return to Lewes in the morning - £18.50 with a Network Card. But if you decide to do this ending on the spur of the moment, a single from Lewes to Haywards Heath costs just £4.45 with a Network Card. You can't use your cheap Thameslink ticket on the Lewes-Victoria trains, but you can change at Haywards Heath and pick up a London Bridge or Thameslink service there (a few minutes wait for a London Bridge train, with the St Pancras one shortly after as a back-up): in total you would then have paid £11.85 on the train fare, plus whatever the Sheffield Park to Lewes bus costs. T=3.141
Tantalizing Tisbury
SWC Walk 251: Tisbury Circular -- Through the Vale of Wardour and Up Win Green Hill T=SWC.251
Length: 16.4 Miles or 26.3 km for those more metrically minded (for those wanting something shorter, a shorter version of 10.7 miles/17.2 km is available)
Difficulty: 10 out of 10 (or 5 out 10 for the shorter version)
Train: Take the 9:20 AM South Western Exeter St. David/Bristol Temple Meads' train from London Waterloo (9:29 Clapham) arriving at a Tisbury at 11:07 (be sure to be in the front three cars of the train). Return trains are at 18:01; 19:03; 20:01; 21:01 and 22:03. Buy a day return to Tisbury. If you are willing to commit on your return train time, you may be able to take advantage of South Western Railway’s half-price advance ticket special if you book online at least the day before.
This walk explores the Vale of Wardour, an area of outstanding natural beauty in Wiltshire, and climbs the highest peak in South Wiltshire. In the morning, the walk passes through Wardour Park with its neoclassical mansion and romantic castle ruins. After lunch, the route takes you up onto Win Green Hill with commanding views far and wide (including to the coast). It then traverses a ridge before descending back into the valley for the return to Tisbury. A short cut which shares the morning and afternoon stretches is available near the lunch pub. More information and the walk instructions can be found here.
Lunch is at the Grove Arms in Ludwell (01747 828 811), 6.6 miles/10.6 km into the walk. For those opting for the shorter version, lunch is at the highly acclaimed Forester in Donhead St. Andrew (01747 828 038). Post walk refreshies can be had at various spots in Tisbury – including the Boot Inn and the Beckford Bottle Shop.
Enjoy the walk!
Length: 16.4 Miles or 26.3 km for those more metrically minded (for those wanting something shorter, a shorter version of 10.7 miles/17.2 km is available)
Difficulty: 10 out of 10 (or 5 out 10 for the shorter version)
Train: Take the 9:20 AM South Western Exeter St. David/Bristol Temple Meads' train from London Waterloo (9:29 Clapham) arriving at a Tisbury at 11:07 (be sure to be in the front three cars of the train). Return trains are at 18:01; 19:03; 20:01; 21:01 and 22:03. Buy a day return to Tisbury. If you are willing to commit on your return train time, you may be able to take advantage of South Western Railway’s half-price advance ticket special if you book online at least the day before.
This walk explores the Vale of Wardour, an area of outstanding natural beauty in Wiltshire, and climbs the highest peak in South Wiltshire. In the morning, the walk passes through Wardour Park with its neoclassical mansion and romantic castle ruins. After lunch, the route takes you up onto Win Green Hill with commanding views far and wide (including to the coast). It then traverses a ridge before descending back into the valley for the return to Tisbury. A short cut which shares the morning and afternoon stretches is available near the lunch pub. More information and the walk instructions can be found here.
Lunch is at the Grove Arms in Ludwell (01747 828 811), 6.6 miles/10.6 km into the walk. For those opting for the shorter version, lunch is at the highly acclaimed Forester in Donhead St. Andrew (01747 828 038). Post walk refreshies can be had at various spots in Tisbury – including the Boot Inn and the Beckford Bottle Shop.
Enjoy the walk!
Thursday, 28 September 2017
Broadstairs to Margate - £10 ticket
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A pleasant coastal walk, low chalk cliffs, channel views, some nice beaches, and 3 historic towns.
An early lunch is at the newly opened Royal Victoria Pavilion (a new Wetherspoons in a restored heritage building on Broadstairs sea front).
£10 tickets if you book by 6pm the day before on the southeastern website (you have to enter times to book, but valid on any train after 10am out, after 2pm back)
Catch the 10.08 St Pancras to Broadstairs. Arr 11.27. Buy a return to Margate.
(South Londoners - you might be able to travel via Bromley South or Orpington to link up with this train using the same £10 deal)
Directions / GPS / Map : SWC 101 : L=SWC.101
Wednesday, 27 September 2017
Wads Upon a Time in the High Weald
Book 2 Walk 18: Wadhurst Circular
Length: 19 km (11.8 miles) (Probably understated - nearer 21 km - 13 miles)
Toughnesss: 4 out of 10 (Very understated - per my scale, a minimum of 6 out of 10 in good weather)
London Charing Cross: 10-15 hrs Hastings service Waterloo East 10-18, London Bridge 10-23 hrs
Arrive Wadhurst: 11-19 hrs
Return: 16-00, 16-25 (changing at R.T.W), 16-58, 17-24, 17-59 and 18-29 hrs
This might be the first mid-week posting of this walk, a lengthy hike through the unspoiled countryside of the High Weald. It's a good time of year to do this walk as it can be very muddy and hard going in winter. Please note the walk length and toughness rating are both understated per my own notes and unofficial records. You need to maintain a good, steady - but not fast - pace to get to the pub in Mayfield in time for lunch. This pub was good the last time I paid it a visit, but that was some time ago. As was the Carpenter's Arms further into the village which, alas, closed down in 2014. Your lunch stop The Rose and Crown, No bad thing to 'phone ahead with numbers; 01435-872200.
After lunch do wander around Mayfield, an interesting village, and visit its historic church, St Dunstans. Then continuing on your walk, you head for Wadhurst Park, with its herds of deer, and then proceed to the village of Wadhurst, where you can stop for tea. It's a hike from the village to the railway station- the Directions give you two options for this homeward leg. The Wag's response to the query "Why is Wadhurst's railway station sited so far out of Town ?" is it was considered more useful to site the station beside the railway line.
T=2.18
Walk Directions here L=2.18
Length: 19 km (11.8 miles) (Probably understated - nearer 21 km - 13 miles)
Toughnesss: 4 out of 10 (Very understated - per my scale, a minimum of 6 out of 10 in good weather)
London Charing Cross: 10-15 hrs Hastings service Waterloo East 10-18, London Bridge 10-23 hrs
Arrive Wadhurst: 11-19 hrs
Return: 16-00, 16-25 (changing at R.T.W), 16-58, 17-24, 17-59 and 18-29 hrs
This might be the first mid-week posting of this walk, a lengthy hike through the unspoiled countryside of the High Weald. It's a good time of year to do this walk as it can be very muddy and hard going in winter. Please note the walk length and toughness rating are both understated per my own notes and unofficial records. You need to maintain a good, steady - but not fast - pace to get to the pub in Mayfield in time for lunch. This pub was good the last time I paid it a visit, but that was some time ago. As was the Carpenter's Arms further into the village which, alas, closed down in 2014. Your lunch stop The Rose and Crown, No bad thing to 'phone ahead with numbers; 01435-872200.
After lunch do wander around Mayfield, an interesting village, and visit its historic church, St Dunstans. Then continuing on your walk, you head for Wadhurst Park, with its herds of deer, and then proceed to the village of Wadhurst, where you can stop for tea. It's a hike from the village to the railway station- the Directions give you two options for this homeward leg. The Wag's response to the query "Why is Wadhurst's railway station sited so far out of Town ?" is it was considered more useful to site the station beside the railway line.
T=2.18
Walk Directions here L=2.18
Tuesday, 26 September 2017
A Nice Walk through the Duke of Norfolk's Modest Back Garden
Book 1, Walk 32: Arundel to Amberley
Length: 18.8 km (11.7 miles)
Toughness: 7 out of 10 (one steep climb up steps onto the Downs)
Lots of options to mix-and-match your route after South Stoke.
London Victoria: 09-32 hrs Southampton Central and Bognor Regis service. CJ 09-42, EC 09-53
Arrive Arundel: 11-00 hrs
Younger walkers: take the 10-06 hrs service from Victoria, arriving Arundel 11-26 hrs. Your younger legs will probably catch up the oldies during the morning leg.
Return: Amberley to Victoria: 17-17, 18-17 and 19-28 hrs
Return Arundel back to Victoria: 17-12, 17-47, 18-12, 18-52 and 19-23 hrs
Rail ticket: buy a day return to Arundel.
Today's walk is one of the best walks in Book 1 and a favourite amongst many a SWC walker - me included. Mid-week walkers did a mix-and-match variation of this walk last February, when it tipped down with rain all morning. Let's hope the weather is kinder to us today.
Soon after leaving the railway station you walk uphill through the pleasant town of Arundel, passing the Duke of Norfolk's Castle and then the Roman Catholic Cathedral, before you enter Arundel Park, all 1,240 acres of it. Walking through the park is quite lovely. On leaving the Park you walk above the River Arun (your water feature for a good part of the day) and head for South Stoke, a pretty hamlet with a lovely church. From South Stoke you have lots of options to continue your walk. The Book 1 route takes you beside the river to the village of Burpham for lunch at the very popular and always busy and booked up George Inn tel: 01903-883131. A table will be booked for us in advance. But if not heading for Burpham you can head for North Stoke for Lunch at the Bridge Inn in Amberley or return by the river to Arundel, taking lunch at the Black Rabbit pub.
Continuing on the Book 1 route, after lunch you have a lowland section before you climb up a steep flight of 196 steps up onto the South Downs. If you don't fancy this ascent, from Burpham you can reverse the Book 2 Walk 22 Amberley to Arundel walk which takes a gentler route up and along the South Downs. Back to the Book 1 walk, you now have a pleasant leg on top of the Downs before you walk through a farmyard and drop down to Amberley - either through the village and then to the station via Amberley Castle and a sweep of Amberley Wild Brooks, or direct down High Titten to the station. Tea is best taken at the Bridge Inn, next to the railway station, although there are other options in Amberley village.
If you are new to the SWC or a walker yet to try out this walk, it comes with my personal recommendation.
T=1.32
Walk Directions here L=1.32
Length: 18.8 km (11.7 miles)
Toughness: 7 out of 10 (one steep climb up steps onto the Downs)
Lots of options to mix-and-match your route after South Stoke.
London Victoria: 09-32 hrs Southampton Central and Bognor Regis service. CJ 09-42, EC 09-53
Arrive Arundel: 11-00 hrs
Younger walkers: take the 10-06 hrs service from Victoria, arriving Arundel 11-26 hrs. Your younger legs will probably catch up the oldies during the morning leg.
Return: Amberley to Victoria: 17-17, 18-17 and 19-28 hrs
Return Arundel back to Victoria: 17-12, 17-47, 18-12, 18-52 and 19-23 hrs
Rail ticket: buy a day return to Arundel.
Today's walk is one of the best walks in Book 1 and a favourite amongst many a SWC walker - me included. Mid-week walkers did a mix-and-match variation of this walk last February, when it tipped down with rain all morning. Let's hope the weather is kinder to us today.
Soon after leaving the railway station you walk uphill through the pleasant town of Arundel, passing the Duke of Norfolk's Castle and then the Roman Catholic Cathedral, before you enter Arundel Park, all 1,240 acres of it. Walking through the park is quite lovely. On leaving the Park you walk above the River Arun (your water feature for a good part of the day) and head for South Stoke, a pretty hamlet with a lovely church. From South Stoke you have lots of options to continue your walk. The Book 1 route takes you beside the river to the village of Burpham for lunch at the very popular and always busy and booked up George Inn tel: 01903-883131. A table will be booked for us in advance. But if not heading for Burpham you can head for North Stoke for Lunch at the Bridge Inn in Amberley or return by the river to Arundel, taking lunch at the Black Rabbit pub.
Continuing on the Book 1 route, after lunch you have a lowland section before you climb up a steep flight of 196 steps up onto the South Downs. If you don't fancy this ascent, from Burpham you can reverse the Book 2 Walk 22 Amberley to Arundel walk which takes a gentler route up and along the South Downs. Back to the Book 1 walk, you now have a pleasant leg on top of the Downs before you walk through a farmyard and drop down to Amberley - either through the village and then to the station via Amberley Castle and a sweep of Amberley Wild Brooks, or direct down High Titten to the station. Tea is best taken at the Bridge Inn, next to the railway station, although there are other options in Amberley village.
If you are new to the SWC or a walker yet to try out this walk, it comes with my personal recommendation.
T=1.32
Walk Directions here L=1.32
Sunday, 24 September 2017
A Mole Stroll
Dorking to Reigate SWC Walk 16
7.8miles 12.5 km
Difficulty 3/10
This walk part-follows the Greensand Way and the River Mole through the picturesque villages of Brockham, Betchworth and Skimmington. The church in Betchworth dates from 1080. More importantly, it was used as a location in Four Weddings and a Funeral. There's bit of a climb near the end of the walk, then down you go, down, down, down, to the grounds of Reigate Priory.
Trains: Get the 10:10 Dorking Train from Victoria (Clapham Jct 1018) arr. Dorking Main 1109.
Return at xx:29 from Reigate (direction Gatwick Airport) changing at Redhill for Victoria.
A return to "Dorking stations" covers.
Lunch:
The suggested pub is the Dolphin Inn in Betchworth 01737 842288 phoning advised.
The Royal Oak in Brockham is an earlier choice, the Skimmington Castle on Reigate Heath a later one.
Tea:
First up, there's a cafe in Priory Park.
The Vintage Tea House (now the Tea House ) 17 Church Street 01737 226561 is "open 7 days a week closed Sundays" according to their website. If they are closed, the nearby Cafe Rouge at 1 Church Street 01737 223700 is open all day.
There will be other places too.
Directions here
7.8miles 12.5 km
Difficulty 3/10
This walk part-follows the Greensand Way and the River Mole through the picturesque villages of Brockham, Betchworth and Skimmington. The church in Betchworth dates from 1080. More importantly, it was used as a location in Four Weddings and a Funeral. There's bit of a climb near the end of the walk, then down you go, down, down, down, to the grounds of Reigate Priory.
Trains: Get the 10:10 Dorking Train from Victoria (Clapham Jct 1018) arr. Dorking Main 1109.
Return at xx:29 from Reigate (direction Gatwick Airport) changing at Redhill for Victoria.
A return to "Dorking stations" covers.
Lunch:
The suggested pub is the Dolphin Inn in Betchworth 01737 842288 phoning advised.
The Royal Oak in Brockham is an earlier choice, the Skimmington Castle on Reigate Heath a later one.
Tea:
First up, there's a cafe in Priory Park.
The Vintage Tea House (now the Tea House ) 17 Church Street 01737 226561 is "open 7 days a week closed Sundays" according to their website. If they are closed, the nearby Cafe Rouge at 1 Church Street 01737 223700 is open all day.
There will be other places too.
Directions here
T=swc.16
Wivenhoe Circular
Wivenhoe Circular Book 1 walk 30
14.8km (9.2 miles)
Difficulty 2/10
An unusual walk along the mudflats and salt-marshes of the River Colne. The afternoon is good for birds and there is an interesting church at Fingringhoe.
The walk is in two halves connected by a ferry across the Colne and can only be completed when tides make the ferry times favourable. Today is such a day. Callooh Callay!
The ferry starts at 13.30 and stops at 17:00 so here’s the plan. Do the Wivenhoe loop first (takes about two hours) then cross over for the Rowhedge one (also takes two hours).
Trains
09:32 Clacton-on-Sea train from Liverpool Street arriving Wivenhoe at 10:47
Trains return from Wivenhoe at xx:56
The ferry costs £1 each way and is operated by volunteers so be nice to them. When crossing, double-check when the last returns are and plan accordingly. If you do miss the last ferry, you can either get a 66 bus to Colchester Station at approx xx:07 (may come a few minutes early) from Shipyard Corner (near jct of Head St and Chapel St:), or a taxi there. There are 2 trains an hour from Colchester.
Lunch
You could have lunch either side.
Faster walkers with a wait for the first ferry could visit the Rose & Crown before crossing (tel. 01206-826371). This would allow more time on the other side.
However, if you have lunch after the ferry you can pretend you're in France. There should just be time at the suggested stop, the The Anchor (tel. 01206-728382) on Rowhedge High Street (80 metres from the jetty) serving food all afternoon. Allow a minimum 2 hours walking time to catch the last ferry back.
Ye Olde Albion (tel. 01206-728972), a former CAMRA pub of the year, at Rowhedge Quay prides itself on being a proper old fashioned boozer. It does not serve food but welcomes walkers and allows them to eat sandwiches inside or out – but do please buy a drink.
Tea
Several options on the Wivenhoe side.
The Rose & Crown, near the quay,
The Greyhound (tel. 01206-825573) on the High Street, near the start of the walk.
The Black Buoy (tel. 01206-822425) on East Street.
The Station Hotel (tel. 01206-822991) next to Wivenhoe railway station.
Walk directions: l=1.30
T=1.30
14.8km (9.2 miles)
Difficulty 2/10
An unusual walk along the mudflats and salt-marshes of the River Colne. The afternoon is good for birds and there is an interesting church at Fingringhoe.
The walk is in two halves connected by a ferry across the Colne and can only be completed when tides make the ferry times favourable. Today is such a day. Callooh Callay!
The ferry starts at 13.30 and stops at 17:00 so here’s the plan. Do the Wivenhoe loop first (takes about two hours) then cross over for the Rowhedge one (also takes two hours).
Trains
09:32 Clacton-on-Sea train from Liverpool Street arriving Wivenhoe at 10:47
Trains return from Wivenhoe at xx:56
The ferry costs £1 each way and is operated by volunteers so be nice to them. When crossing, double-check when the last returns are and plan accordingly. If you do miss the last ferry, you can either get a 66 bus to Colchester Station at approx xx:07 (may come a few minutes early) from Shipyard Corner (near jct of Head St and Chapel St:), or a taxi there. There are 2 trains an hour from Colchester.
Lunch
You could have lunch either side.
Faster walkers with a wait for the first ferry could visit the Rose & Crown before crossing (tel. 01206-826371). This would allow more time on the other side.
However, if you have lunch after the ferry you can pretend you're in France. There should just be time at the suggested stop, the The Anchor (tel. 01206-728382) on Rowhedge High Street (80 metres from the jetty) serving food all afternoon. Allow a minimum 2 hours walking time to catch the last ferry back.
Ye Olde Albion (tel. 01206-728972), a former CAMRA pub of the year, at Rowhedge Quay prides itself on being a proper old fashioned boozer. It does not serve food but welcomes walkers and allows them to eat sandwiches inside or out – but do please buy a drink.
Tea
Several options on the Wivenhoe side.
The Rose & Crown, near the quay,
The Greyhound (tel. 01206-825573) on the High Street, near the start of the walk.
The Black Buoy (tel. 01206-822425) on East Street.
The Station Hotel (tel. 01206-822991) next to Wivenhoe railway station.
Walk directions: l=1.30
T=1.30
Saturday, 23 September 2017
Cromwell's stronghold
SWC Walk 293 – Banbury Circular
Length: 17.2km (10.7 miles) / 32.5 km (20.2 miles)
Toughness: 2 out of 10
Catch the 9:40 from London Marylebone arrives Banbury 10:36.
This is a map based walk, so there are only basic directions included, with more detail in certain sections (Deddington option) where it is not so obvious.
Short walk: The recommended pub The Black Boy Inn, Milton is open at the weekend. (Noted as they've had to close for periods during the week due to the nearby road closure affecting business.) It would be advisable to phone on the day to check (otherwise you may opt for an early lunch at the Horse and Jockey or The Plough at Bodicote or a later lunch at one of the pubs in Bloxham).
Longer walk via Deddington: Lunch at one of the Deddington pubs.
Fast return trains: xx:04 xx:40, then final slow trains at 21:45 and 22:16 T=3.293
Length: 17.2km (10.7 miles) / 32.5 km (20.2 miles)
Toughness: 2 out of 10
Catch the 9:40 from London Marylebone arrives Banbury 10:36.
This is a map based walk, so there are only basic directions included, with more detail in certain sections (Deddington option) where it is not so obvious.
Short walk: The recommended pub The Black Boy Inn, Milton is open at the weekend. (Noted as they've had to close for periods during the week due to the nearby road closure affecting business.) It would be advisable to phone on the day to check (otherwise you may opt for an early lunch at the Horse and Jockey or The Plough at Bodicote or a later lunch at one of the pubs in Bloxham).
Longer walk via Deddington: Lunch at one of the Deddington pubs.
Fast return trains: xx:04 xx:40, then final slow trains at 21:45 and 22:16 T=3.293
Guildford to Gomshall
Guildford to Gomshall - Book 2 Walk 13
10.7 miles / 17.1 km (Main walk)
This walk starts with a steep climb out of Guildford up to the dramatic viewpoint of Pewley Down. It then joins the North Downs Way to climb to the hilltop church of St Martha-on-the-Hill.
Lunch is in the pretty village of Shere at the foot of the downs. After lunch the route heads back up onto the downland before descending to Gomshall.
Trains: Take the 9:35 Portsmouth Harbour train from London Waterloo to Guildford, arriving at 10:16.
Return trains from Gomshall are at 15:53, 17:53 etc to London Waterloo (changing at Guildford), or 16:04, 18:04 etc to London Bridge (changing at Redhill).
You will need a day return to Gomshall via any permitted route (to allow outward travel via Guildford).
Lunch: The White Horse (01483 202518) is a popular stop in the centre of the village, but you could also try the William Bray, a gastro pub 40m further up the road, or the Dabbling Duck tea room and restaurant.
The Compasses Inn in Gomshall is the recommended place to wait for the next train..
Click here for full walk details - including some ways you can lengthen or shorten the route
T=2.13
10.7 miles / 17.1 km (Main walk)
This walk starts with a steep climb out of Guildford up to the dramatic viewpoint of Pewley Down. It then joins the North Downs Way to climb to the hilltop church of St Martha-on-the-Hill.
Lunch is in the pretty village of Shere at the foot of the downs. After lunch the route heads back up onto the downland before descending to Gomshall.
Trains: Take the 9:35 Portsmouth Harbour train from London Waterloo to Guildford, arriving at 10:16.
Return trains from Gomshall are at 15:53, 17:53 etc to London Waterloo (changing at Guildford), or 16:04, 18:04 etc to London Bridge (changing at Redhill).
You will need a day return to Gomshall via any permitted route (to allow outward travel via Guildford).
Lunch: The White Horse (01483 202518) is a popular stop in the centre of the village, but you could also try the William Bray, a gastro pub 40m further up the road, or the Dabbling Duck tea room and restaurant.
The Compasses Inn in Gomshall is the recommended place to wait for the next train..
Click here for full walk details - including some ways you can lengthen or shorten the route
T=2.13
Southease to Rottingdean - Along the Ouse, then across the downs to the sea
SWC walk 65 - Southease to Rottingdean (or Southease Circular)
Length: 15.5km (9.6 miles), with extensions of up to 24.3km (15.1 miles)
Toughness: 4 out of 10 - one steep climb, basically
9.17 train from Victoria (9.23 Clapham Junction, 9.33 East Croydon) to Lewes, arriving 10.24, changing there (be quick) for the 10.28 to Southease, arriving 10.35.
Buy a day return to Southease. This is valid for return from Brighton.
For walk directions click here. For GPS file click here.
Autumn is officially here, but you can cock a snook at it it with this summery walk, which ends up at the sea. The route starts at remote Southease station and goes along the lovely banks of the River Ouse to Rodmell, then from there across fields to Kingston, near Lewes, where the Juggs is a popular pub but one that we usually manage to squeeze into.
Don't overdo it on the desserts, though, because almost immediately after lunch you have the only real exertion of the day, a steep but glorious climb up onto the downs. You then cross the heart of them to Rottingdean, where there are so many tea options you will be sorry you only have one stomach.
In theory a sea swim is then possible, but the sea seems to have got cold early this year....
To finish the walk at Rottingdean (the 15.5km/9.6 mile version of the walk), you take one of many buses into Brighton. Trains back from Brighton are too frequent to need listing.
An ALTERNATIVE ENDING (about the same length as the main walk - 14.5km/9 miles) splits off from the main route after the post-lunch climb up onto the downs and takes you down the South Downs Way to Southease to make a circular walk. Tea options here are the Abergavenny Arms in Rodmell and the YHA Cafe at Southease (but the latter closes at 4pm). Trains back from Southease are at 36 past till 19.36, then 20.39 (last train), changing at Lewes.
LONGER OPTIONS include:
- Walking along the seafront promenade into Brighton, a pretty walk under cliffs for at least half the way, then through the marina, adding 7.5km (4.7 miles) if you walk all the way to Brighton station, though you can shorten this at almost any point by taking the bus. This makes a total walk of 23km (14.3 miles).
- Walk back to Southease over the downs after tea. As far as I know this 24.3km (15.1 mile) version of the walk has never been done, so you could be the first. Allow a couple of hours to cover the 8.8km (5.5 miles) from Rottingdean to Southease (ie leave by 5.30pm at the latest because it will be dark at 7.30pm). See Alternative Ending above for trains back from Southease. T=3.65
Length: 15.5km (9.6 miles), with extensions of up to 24.3km (15.1 miles)
Toughness: 4 out of 10 - one steep climb, basically
9.17 train from Victoria (9.23 Clapham Junction, 9.33 East Croydon) to Lewes, arriving 10.24, changing there (be quick) for the 10.28 to Southease, arriving 10.35.
Buy a day return to Southease. This is valid for return from Brighton.
For walk directions click here. For GPS file click here.
Autumn is officially here, but you can cock a snook at it it with this summery walk, which ends up at the sea. The route starts at remote Southease station and goes along the lovely banks of the River Ouse to Rodmell, then from there across fields to Kingston, near Lewes, where the Juggs is a popular pub but one that we usually manage to squeeze into.
Don't overdo it on the desserts, though, because almost immediately after lunch you have the only real exertion of the day, a steep but glorious climb up onto the downs. You then cross the heart of them to Rottingdean, where there are so many tea options you will be sorry you only have one stomach.
In theory a sea swim is then possible, but the sea seems to have got cold early this year....
To finish the walk at Rottingdean (the 15.5km/9.6 mile version of the walk), you take one of many buses into Brighton. Trains back from Brighton are too frequent to need listing.
An ALTERNATIVE ENDING (about the same length as the main walk - 14.5km/9 miles) splits off from the main route after the post-lunch climb up onto the downs and takes you down the South Downs Way to Southease to make a circular walk. Tea options here are the Abergavenny Arms in Rodmell and the YHA Cafe at Southease (but the latter closes at 4pm). Trains back from Southease are at 36 past till 19.36, then 20.39 (last train), changing at Lewes.
LONGER OPTIONS include:
- Walking along the seafront promenade into Brighton, a pretty walk under cliffs for at least half the way, then through the marina, adding 7.5km (4.7 miles) if you walk all the way to Brighton station, though you can shorten this at almost any point by taking the bus. This makes a total walk of 23km (14.3 miles).
- Walk back to Southease over the downs after tea. As far as I know this 24.3km (15.1 mile) version of the walk has never been done, so you could be the first. Allow a couple of hours to cover the 8.8km (5.5 miles) from Rottingdean to Southease (ie leave by 5.30pm at the latest because it will be dark at 7.30pm). See Alternative Ending above for trains back from Southease. T=3.65
Thursday, 21 September 2017
Evening Walk - Sculpture in the City
Length: 2.1 km
The critically acclaimed Sculpture in the City is an annual exhibition showcasing contemporary works by internationally renowned artists in the confines of the City of London, on streets, in squares or on buildings. The exhibition usually opens around end June, and most sculptures are displayed until the following May.
Net
Walking Time: 1 hrs
Meet: Liverpool Street
Mainline Station, Liverpool Street Exit, Kindertransport Memorial, at 18.45 hours.
Finish is at Leadenhall Market. Liverpool Street, Bank/Monument, Aldgate/Aldgate East, Tower Hill and
London Bridge tube stations are just a short walk away, as are Fenchurch
Street, Liverpool Street and London Bridge mainline stations. All are in Zone 1.
The critically acclaimed Sculpture in the City is an annual exhibition showcasing contemporary works by internationally renowned artists in the confines of the City of London, on streets, in squares or on buildings. The exhibition usually opens around end June, and most sculptures are displayed until the following May.
2017 sees the
seventh incarnation of this popular attraction, displaying 18 artworks by 16
artists ranging considerably in scale – from a near seven-metre high bronze
sculpture, to dozens of plastic bags in a tree – thoughtfully placed between
iconic architectural landmarks such as the Gherkin (30 St. Mary Axe), the
Walkie-Talkie (20 Fenchurch Street), the Lloyd’s-Building (aka the Inside-Out
Building, at 12 Leadenhall Street) and the Cheese Grater (the Leadenhall
Building). Wander the City's public spaces and stumble upon world-class public
art, on an urban canvas recognised across the globe.
For more information on the exhibition, the individual artworks and a map click here.
A printed booklet with a map, photos of – and information on – the art works can be picked up at the City Information Centre, between St Paul's Cathedral and Millennium Bridge.
For more information on the exhibition, the individual artworks and a map click here.
A printed booklet with a map, photos of – and information on – the art works can be picked up at the City Information Centre, between St Paul's Cathedral and Millennium Bridge.
Along the Hangers Way in Hampshire, and down Shoulder of Mutton
Book 2 Walk 11 (r): Liss to Petersfield
Length: 16.2 km (10.1 miles)
Toughness: 5 out of 10
London Waterloo: 10-00 hrs Portsmouth Harbour service (does NOT stop at CJ)
Arrive Haslemere: 10-48 hrs
Leave Haslemere: 10-55 hrs Portsmouth and Southsea service
Arrive Liss: 11-06 hrs
Clapham Junctioners
Clapham Junction: 09-52 hrs Portsmouth and Southsea service (which left Waterloo at 09-45 hrs)
Arrive Liss: 11-06 hrs
Return: Petersfield to Waterloo: 10, 18, 48 and 57 mins past rhe hour
Rail ticket: buy a day return to Petersfield
A fellow walk poster suggested I post this Book 2 walk in reverse, as there is more going on in Petersfield than in Liss at walk-end. I have done this walk backwards once before, and I recall it does work the wrong way round. Backwards, you get the plethora of stiles out of the way in the morning and later you descend the steep Shoulder of Mutton hill rather than climb it.
Much of the walk is along the Hangers Way long distance path (muddy in winter) but hopefully fine today. Lunch is taken at the usually good Hawkley Inn, some 10 km from Liss - so no dawdling today if you want a pub lunch. Booking ahead is advisable (01730-827205) and to check the pub is open - it's up for sale.
On arriving in Petersfield I leave it to you to explore the town and discover its fleshpots, or for the less hedonistic amongst you, suitable stops for tea.
T=2.11
Walk Directions here L=2.11
Tips on "Walking Backwards" here
Length: 16.2 km (10.1 miles)
Toughness: 5 out of 10
London Waterloo: 10-00 hrs Portsmouth Harbour service (does NOT stop at CJ)
Arrive Haslemere: 10-48 hrs
Leave Haslemere: 10-55 hrs Portsmouth and Southsea service
Arrive Liss: 11-06 hrs
Clapham Junctioners
Clapham Junction: 09-52 hrs Portsmouth and Southsea service (which left Waterloo at 09-45 hrs)
Arrive Liss: 11-06 hrs
Return: Petersfield to Waterloo: 10, 18, 48 and 57 mins past rhe hour
Rail ticket: buy a day return to Petersfield
A fellow walk poster suggested I post this Book 2 walk in reverse, as there is more going on in Petersfield than in Liss at walk-end. I have done this walk backwards once before, and I recall it does work the wrong way round. Backwards, you get the plethora of stiles out of the way in the morning and later you descend the steep Shoulder of Mutton hill rather than climb it.
Much of the walk is along the Hangers Way long distance path (muddy in winter) but hopefully fine today. Lunch is taken at the usually good Hawkley Inn, some 10 km from Liss - so no dawdling today if you want a pub lunch. Booking ahead is advisable (01730-827205) and to check the pub is open - it's up for sale.
On arriving in Petersfield I leave it to you to explore the town and discover its fleshpots, or for the less hedonistic amongst you, suitable stops for tea.
T=2.11
Walk Directions here L=2.11
Tips on "Walking Backwards" here
Wednesday, 20 September 2017
"Jack and Jill" - and Panoramic Views from the Ridge of the South Downs
Book 1, Walk 29: Hassocks to Lewes
Length: 18 km (11.2 miles)
Toughness: 5 out of 10
Either
London Blackfriars: 09-52 hrs Brighton service from Bedford. East Croydon 10-19 hrs
Arrive Hassocks: 10-58 hrs
Or
London Victoria: 09-54 hrs East Grinstead service
Arrive East Croydon: 10-10 hrs
Leave East Croydon: 10-19 hrs Brighton service from Bedford (as above)
Arrive Hassocks: 10-58 hrs
Return: Lewes to Victoria: 16-14, 16-54, 17-14, 17-52, 18-16 and 18-50 hrs, plus 07 and 22 mins past hour via Brighton
Rail ticket: buy a day return to Lewes. Younger walkers- head for East Croydon and use your railcards from there.
This lovely walk starts on the flat from Hassocks, going past Butchers Wood. On reaching Clayton, you should visit the Saxon church of St John the Baptist, before beginning your ascent of the South Downs - nothing too demanding. You pass the two Clayton Windmills on your way up - Jack and Jill - and once on the ridge of the Downs you are on the South Downs Way, from which you have wonderful 360 degree views as you pass Keymer Post then Ditchling Beacon. Further along the ridge, it's decision time: if you want a pub lunch, you drop down off the ridge and head for the pub - the Half Moon -in Plumpton. Sandwich eaters who do not want a drink at the pub can stay on the ridge, and save themselves the climb back onto the Downs.
Down in Plumpton you can shorten the walk by heading north to Plumpton railway station via Plumpton racecourse, some 3 km from the half Moon pub. Otherwise, you have another not-too-demanding ascent back onto the ridge of the Downs to continue along the South Downs Way on pleasant grassy ways. Eventually, you leave the ridge and drop down to the village of Offham, from where you start your homeward leg by walking beside the River Ouse all the way into Lewes for tea in the town or at the railway station's excellent cafe, the Runaway.
If you enjoy ridge walks you should enjoy today's walk.
T=1.29
Walk Directions here: L=1.29
Length: 18 km (11.2 miles)
Toughness: 5 out of 10
Either
London Blackfriars: 09-52 hrs Brighton service from Bedford. East Croydon 10-19 hrs
Arrive Hassocks: 10-58 hrs
Or
London Victoria: 09-54 hrs East Grinstead service
Arrive East Croydon: 10-10 hrs
Leave East Croydon: 10-19 hrs Brighton service from Bedford (as above)
Arrive Hassocks: 10-58 hrs
Return: Lewes to Victoria: 16-14, 16-54, 17-14, 17-52, 18-16 and 18-50 hrs, plus 07 and 22 mins past hour via Brighton
Rail ticket: buy a day return to Lewes. Younger walkers- head for East Croydon and use your railcards from there.
This lovely walk starts on the flat from Hassocks, going past Butchers Wood. On reaching Clayton, you should visit the Saxon church of St John the Baptist, before beginning your ascent of the South Downs - nothing too demanding. You pass the two Clayton Windmills on your way up - Jack and Jill - and once on the ridge of the Downs you are on the South Downs Way, from which you have wonderful 360 degree views as you pass Keymer Post then Ditchling Beacon. Further along the ridge, it's decision time: if you want a pub lunch, you drop down off the ridge and head for the pub - the Half Moon -in Plumpton. Sandwich eaters who do not want a drink at the pub can stay on the ridge, and save themselves the climb back onto the Downs.
Down in Plumpton you can shorten the walk by heading north to Plumpton railway station via Plumpton racecourse, some 3 km from the half Moon pub. Otherwise, you have another not-too-demanding ascent back onto the ridge of the Downs to continue along the South Downs Way on pleasant grassy ways. Eventually, you leave the ridge and drop down to the village of Offham, from where you start your homeward leg by walking beside the River Ouse all the way into Lewes for tea in the town or at the railway station's excellent cafe, the Runaway.
If you enjoy ridge walks you should enjoy today's walk.
T=1.29
Walk Directions here: L=1.29
Sunday, 17 September 2017
Sunday Walk - Benfleet Circular (via Canvey Island) [Swimming Walk]
Length: 23.2 km (14.5 mi) [much shorter
walk possible, see below]
Ascent/Descent:
40m; Net Walking Time: 4 ¾ hours
Toughness: 3/10
Take
the 09.55 Shoeburyness train from Fenchurch Street (09.59 Limehouse, 10.05 West Ham, 10.10 Barking,
10.19 Upminster), arrives Benfleet 10.39.
Return trains are on xx.01 and xx.31.
A flat walk, that starts and finishes
with a busy road stretch, features a fair amount of hard surface paths and some
A-road noise near the end, and passes – in succession – a golf course, a static
caravan park, an ex-landfill site, housing estates, another caravan park, a
sewage plant, an LNG terminal, an oil product terminal, an oil refinery, the
site of a never-finished oil refinery, another oil terminal and another – larger
– landfill site?????? And yet, and yet…
This is one not just for the
Industrial Romantic, or for fans of the Pub Rock legends Dr. Feelgood, or for students
of the lives of the ex-East End White Working Classes.
Without navigational challenges (as
all you do is: walk to the seawall and follow it) you experience an ever-changing
scenery of tidal creeks and mud flats, river marshes, salt marshes, flood
barriers, sluices and sandbanks, get views of the Benfleet Downs, of Hadleigh
Castle & Country Park, the Essex cliffs, Southend with its Pier, the North
Sea and the busy river traffic, of ships big and small, boatyards, yacht clubs
and marinas, pass sandy beaches and enclosed pools on the foreshore, jetties, extensive
seawall murals telling Canvey Island stories and – post lunch – long tranquil stretches
past grassy marshes with abundant birdlife.
A walk like no other? Most certainly.
Shorter Walk:
Canvey Island is linked to Benfleet station by many regular buses, enabling you
to start or finish the walk at almost any point along the way (in the first
half of the walk), as bus stops are often just a short distance from the walk
route. For a route map of the bus
network you should check here: http://www.plusbus.info/benfleet
(under ‘Additional Information’).
The most logical shortcut to a bus stop, right after the late lunch stop, is described in the directions. It results in a 14.6 km/9.1 mi walk (rated 1/10).
The most logical shortcut to a bus stop, right after the late lunch stop, is described in the directions. It results in a 14.6 km/9.1 mi walk (rated 1/10).
Lunch: The Labworth
Restaurant and Beach Bistro (9.7 km/6.0 mi), in its modernist building with panoramic views of the
Thames estuary;
The Lobster Smack (13.2 km/8.2 mi, food all day), recently
refurbished, this is the oldest surviving building on Canvey and a classic pub
which has so much history it even features in the Dickens novel ‘Great
Expectations’.
Tea: Three pubs and two Sub-continental restaurants on High Street, just past the station (see pdf for details).
Tea: Three pubs and two Sub-continental restaurants on High Street, just past the station (see pdf for details).
T=swc.258
Sunday Walk – An unusual church and a tall folly
Extra Walk 220 – Tonbridge to Hadlow (or back to Tonbridge)
Length: 17 km (10.6 miles) to Hadlow, or 24¼ km (15.1 miles) back to Tonbridge. Toughness: 2 or 3/10
09:40 Dover train from Charing Cross (Waterloo East 09:43, London Bridge 09:50, Orpington 10:07), arriving Tonbridge at 10:25. Buy a return to Tonbridge.
If you finish the walk in Hadlow you'll need to catch the hourly no.7 bus back to Tonbridge, at 15:09, 16:11 or 17:11 (last bus). There are four fast trains an hour from Tonbridge to London Bridge and Charing Cross, at 08, 21, 38 & 49 minutes past (three an hour after 8pm).
This is an undemanding walk in the Medway valley east of Tonbridge, with the apple orchards you would expect to find in the ‘Garden of England’ but also some unusual features: a church with world-famous windows to visit in the morning, a striking folly and some (free) landscaped gardens at the end of the walk. There's a nice lunch pub but the tearoom in Hadlow closes at 4pm on Sundays, so you might prefer to get the first available bus and look for somewhere in Tonbridge.
You'll need to print the directions from the Tonbridge to Hadlow Walk page. If you're not planning on doing the extended walk you can click the word 'Main' on the Walk Options heading to save a sheet or two of paper. T=swc.220
Length: 17 km (10.6 miles) to Hadlow, or 24¼ km (15.1 miles) back to Tonbridge. Toughness: 2 or 3/10
09:40 Dover train from Charing Cross (Waterloo East 09:43, London Bridge 09:50, Orpington 10:07), arriving Tonbridge at 10:25. Buy a return to Tonbridge.
If you finish the walk in Hadlow you'll need to catch the hourly no.7 bus back to Tonbridge, at 15:09, 16:11 or 17:11 (last bus). There are four fast trains an hour from Tonbridge to London Bridge and Charing Cross, at 08, 21, 38 & 49 minutes past (three an hour after 8pm).
This is an undemanding walk in the Medway valley east of Tonbridge, with the apple orchards you would expect to find in the ‘Garden of England’ but also some unusual features: a church with world-famous windows to visit in the morning, a striking folly and some (free) landscaped gardens at the end of the walk. There's a nice lunch pub but the tearoom in Hadlow closes at 4pm on Sundays, so you might prefer to get the first available bus and look for somewhere in Tonbridge.
You'll need to print the directions from the Tonbridge to Hadlow Walk page. If you're not planning on doing the extended walk you can click the word 'Main' on the Walk Options heading to save a sheet or two of paper. T=swc.220
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