Book 1, Walk 1 (R) - Henley Circular via the Great Wood
Length: 16.1 km (10 miles)
Toughness: 2 out of 10 (4 if muddy)
London Paddington: 10-11 hrs Reading service. Ealing Broadway 10-18 hrs
Arrive Twyford: 11-01 hrs
Leave Twyford: 11-08 hrs Henley service
Arrive Henley-on-Thames: 11-19 hrs
Return: Henley to Paddington via Twyford: 15-53, 16-24, 17-09, 17-46 and 18-17 hrs
As I do not intend to post this walk for New Year's Day this coming year I thought we would give it a Wednesday spin before current year-end. As in recent postings, doing the walk backwards (clockwise) is preferable in winter, as you can walk beside the Thames in failing light quite easily / safely.
I suspect all of you will have done this walk, albeit proper way round, so I will leave you to read the Directions to refresh your memory of its highlights ( The Oxfordshire Way, the Great Wood and the Thameside walk).
Lunch will be at the usually excellent Stag and Huntsman pub, Hambleden, a little over 2 hours into the walk.
After lunch we walk on the Thames Path back to Henley for tea at the Chocolate Theatre Cafe (formerly the Henley Tea Rooms) .
The railway station is nearby.
T=1.1
Walk Directions here: L=1.1
Wednesday, 29 November 2017
Tuesday, 28 November 2017
Chesham to Great Missenden evening walk
CW2 4a - Chesham to Great Missenden
Length: 9.5km (5.9 miles)
Catch the 17:59 Metropolitan line train from Baker Street to Chesham arr. 18:46, to meet at 18:50 prompt outside the the entrance Chesham Station.
Finish up at The Cross Keys for a drink / meal.
Trains from Great Missenden back to London xx:29 xx:59 until 22:59
T=2.4.a
Length: 9.5km (5.9 miles)
Catch the 17:59 Metropolitan line train from Baker Street to Chesham arr. 18:46, to meet at 18:50 prompt outside the the entrance Chesham Station.
Finish up at The Cross Keys for a drink / meal.
Trains from Great Missenden back to London xx:29 xx:59 until 22:59
T=2.4.a
Sunday, 26 November 2017
Sunday walk: Wadhurst to Tunbridge Wells
Wadhurst to Tunbridge Wells
Length: 13.8km (8.5 miles) Toughness: 4/10
09:57 Hastings train from Cannon Street (Orpington 10:21), arriving at Wadhurst at 11:01.
Return trains from Tunbridge Wells to Cannon Street are at xx:09 and xx:39 (journey time 51 minutes).
There are no trains to or from Charing Cross or Waterloo East today.
This shortish walk in the High Weald takes in open ridges, wooded valleys and landscaped parkland, including a permissive path through Eridge Old Park that can be overgrown in summer but should be passable at this time of year. Some suggested corrections to the walk directions are mentioned on the walk’s comments page.
The recommended lunch stop is the George Inn (01892-750350) in Frant village, after 8.3km. It is a popular pub so do ring to reserve a table before leaving Wadhurst. There are many options for tea in Tunbridge Wells.
You will need to download the walk directions.
T=3.196
Length: 13.8km (8.5 miles) Toughness: 4/10
09:57 Hastings train from Cannon Street (Orpington 10:21), arriving at Wadhurst at 11:01.
Return trains from Tunbridge Wells to Cannon Street are at xx:09 and xx:39 (journey time 51 minutes).
There are no trains to or from Charing Cross or Waterloo East today.
This shortish walk in the High Weald takes in open ridges, wooded valleys and landscaped parkland, including a permissive path through Eridge Old Park that can be overgrown in summer but should be passable at this time of year. Some suggested corrections to the walk directions are mentioned on the walk’s comments page.
The recommended lunch stop is the George Inn (01892-750350) in Frant village, after 8.3km. It is a popular pub so do ring to reserve a table before leaving Wadhurst. There are many options for tea in Tunbridge Wells.
You will need to download the walk directions.
T=3.196
Sunday walk: Haddenham to Aylesbury Vale
Haddenham to Aylesbury Vale
Length: 17.4km (10.8 miles) Toughness: 4/10
10:05 Oxford train from Marylebone arriving at Haddenham and Thame Parkway at 10:39.
Return trains from Aylesbury Vale Parkway to Marylebone are at xx:10 (journey time 70 minutes).
The main walk from Haddenham to Aylesbury is 15.7 miles, but a morning short cut plus a shorter ending in Aylesbury Vale reduce this to a more comfortable 10.8 miles which, with a fairly early start, should be accomplished before dusk without difficulty. This walk combines tranquil stretches of the Thame valley with a few energetic climbs and passages through two Rothschild estates.
The recommended lunch stop is the The Long Dog (01296 651 320) in Waddesdon High Street. The Lion (01296 651 227), further along the High Street, is another alternative.
You will need to download the walk directions.
T=3.192.a
Length: 17.4km (10.8 miles) Toughness: 4/10
10:05 Oxford train from Marylebone arriving at Haddenham and Thame Parkway at 10:39.
Return trains from Aylesbury Vale Parkway to Marylebone are at xx:10 (journey time 70 minutes).
The main walk from Haddenham to Aylesbury is 15.7 miles, but a morning short cut plus a shorter ending in Aylesbury Vale reduce this to a more comfortable 10.8 miles which, with a fairly early start, should be accomplished before dusk without difficulty. This walk combines tranquil stretches of the Thame valley with a few energetic climbs and passages through two Rothschild estates.
The recommended lunch stop is the The Long Dog (01296 651 320) in Waddesdon High Street. The Lion (01296 651 227), further along the High Street, is another alternative.
You will need to download the walk directions.
T=3.192.a
Saturday, 25 November 2017
Saturday Walk – Harlow Circular: an easy short walk close to London
Extra Walk 55 – Harlow Circular
Length: 14 km (8.7 miles). Toughness: 1/10
10:40 Stansted Airport train from Liverpool Street (Seven Sisters 10:53), arriving Harlow Town at 11:16.
There are six return trains each hour from Harlow Town, with the fastest ones (from Stansted Airport) at around xx:02, xx:17, etc.
I haven't done this walk myself and no-one has seen fit to upload any photos of it, but the author describes it as ideally suited for a short winter's day (sunset is at 4pm). Its only previous Saturday posting was back in 2009, but a couple of anonymous explorers recently posted some sparkling reviews – brilliant! fantastic! – so it's about time a few more Saturday Walkers had a chance to enjoy it.
The lunchtime stop is in the village of Hunsdon, just under halfway round the walk. You can choose between an up-market gastropub, the Fox & Hounds, or a more traditional pub lunch in The Crown. The walk document suggests a couple of pubs on the way back to Harlow for refreshment, and I'm sure there'll be the usual range of coffee shops if you look around the town before catching a train. There should also be a trolley service on the Stansted Airport trains.
You'll need to bring the walk directions on this pdf document. There are only a few pages and it was updated at the start of the year, so there shouldn't be any problem with the directions. T=swc.55
Length: 14 km (8.7 miles). Toughness: 1/10
10:40 Stansted Airport train from Liverpool Street (Seven Sisters 10:53), arriving Harlow Town at 11:16.
There are six return trains each hour from Harlow Town, with the fastest ones (from Stansted Airport) at around xx:02, xx:17, etc.
I haven't done this walk myself and no-one has seen fit to upload any photos of it, but the author describes it as ideally suited for a short winter's day (sunset is at 4pm). Its only previous Saturday posting was back in 2009, but a couple of anonymous explorers recently posted some sparkling reviews – brilliant! fantastic! – so it's about time a few more Saturday Walkers had a chance to enjoy it.
The lunchtime stop is in the village of Hunsdon, just under halfway round the walk. You can choose between an up-market gastropub, the Fox & Hounds, or a more traditional pub lunch in The Crown. The walk document suggests a couple of pubs on the way back to Harlow for refreshment, and I'm sure there'll be the usual range of coffee shops if you look around the town before catching a train. There should also be a trolley service on the Stansted Airport trains.
You'll need to bring the walk directions on this pdf document. There are only a few pages and it was updated at the start of the year, so there shouldn't be any problem with the directions. T=swc.55
Saturday walk - Dorking Circular
Dorking Circular (SWC walk 274)
Length: 16km (10.1 miles), 18.8km (11.6 miles)
Toughness: 4 out of 10 to 6 out of 10
9.31 train from Victoria (9.37 Clapham Junction, 9.59 Sutton) to Dorking, arriving 10.24.
There is also a 9.24 train from Waterloo (9.33 Clapham Junction, 9.40 Wimbledon), arriving 10.13, if anyone finds that more convenient, but note the information in the next paragraph
So long as you travel both ways by the Victoria trains, then you can buy a cheaper "Southern only" return to Dorking (if available).
For walk directions click here. For GPX file click here.
Autumn colours will probably be past their best by now, but the dribs and drabs lingering on can still be very pretty. This walk has plenty of woods, particularly after lunch on the main (ie slightly longer) walk.
I was initially attracted to it because it offered 9 and 10.6 mile option, but I see on closer inspection that the author has hidden in the small print a sneaky supplement to those distances by starting his measurements from Dorking West, a station with about three trains a day. Starting from Dorking main station bumps the distances up to the ones stated at the top of this post, but at the end of the walk a good 2km or more is through the streets of Dorking, so actually you have more like 8.8 and 10.4 miles to do before nightfall.
You don't have to choose which walk you are doing until after the Wotton Hatch pub, the only lunch stop on the short walk, one of two possible lunch stops on the main walk (the other being the Stephan Langton). If it is a big group and the Wotton Hatch pub is busy, it clearly would be useful if the main walkers ate at the Langton, but you would be advised to ring first to check they have space.
If anyone is feeling really heroic, there is also a 22.6 km (14 mile) long option. You get access to two other pubs on this walk, but will almost certainly finish in the dark.
Dorking High Street has various tea options. Allow 15-20 minutes after them to get to the station.
Trains back are at 26 and 58 past to Victoria and 4 and 34 past to Waterloo, with only minutes difference in journey times. T=3.274
Length: 16km (10.1 miles), 18.8km (11.6 miles)
Toughness: 4 out of 10 to 6 out of 10
9.31 train from Victoria (9.37 Clapham Junction, 9.59 Sutton) to Dorking, arriving 10.24.
There is also a 9.24 train from Waterloo (9.33 Clapham Junction, 9.40 Wimbledon), arriving 10.13, if anyone finds that more convenient, but note the information in the next paragraph
So long as you travel both ways by the Victoria trains, then you can buy a cheaper "Southern only" return to Dorking (if available).
For walk directions click here. For GPX file click here.
Autumn colours will probably be past their best by now, but the dribs and drabs lingering on can still be very pretty. This walk has plenty of woods, particularly after lunch on the main (ie slightly longer) walk.
I was initially attracted to it because it offered 9 and 10.6 mile option, but I see on closer inspection that the author has hidden in the small print a sneaky supplement to those distances by starting his measurements from Dorking West, a station with about three trains a day. Starting from Dorking main station bumps the distances up to the ones stated at the top of this post, but at the end of the walk a good 2km or more is through the streets of Dorking, so actually you have more like 8.8 and 10.4 miles to do before nightfall.
You don't have to choose which walk you are doing until after the Wotton Hatch pub, the only lunch stop on the short walk, one of two possible lunch stops on the main walk (the other being the Stephan Langton). If it is a big group and the Wotton Hatch pub is busy, it clearly would be useful if the main walkers ate at the Langton, but you would be advised to ring first to check they have space.
If anyone is feeling really heroic, there is also a 22.6 km (14 mile) long option. You get access to two other pubs on this walk, but will almost certainly finish in the dark.
Dorking High Street has various tea options. Allow 15-20 minutes after them to get to the station.
Trains back are at 26 and 58 past to Victoria and 4 and 34 past to Waterloo, with only minutes difference in journey times. T=3.274
A Traverse of the High Weald and Ashdown Forest (Horsted Keynes to Forest Row or East Grinstead)
Saturday Third Walk – A Traverse of
the High Weald and Ashdown Forest from Horsted Keynes to Forest Row (or East
Grinstead) t=swc.132
SWC Walk 132 (morning) and 23 (afternoon)
Distance: 11.7 Miles or 18.9 km for those more metrically minded (or 14.7-16.7 miles/23.7-26.8 km if carrying on to East Grinstead)
Difficulty: 4.5 out of 10 (5.5 on the extended route)
Train: Take the 9:17 AM Eastbourne train from London Victoria (stopping at Clapham Junction at 9:23 and East Croydon at 9:33), arriving at Haywards Heath at 9:59 or the 9:12 AM Thameslink Brighton train from London Bridge (stopping at East Croydon at 9:25), arriving at Haywards Heath at 9:55; in either case, THEN, catch the 10:18 AM number 270 bus from the Perrymount Road stop a short distance from the Haywards Heath train station for a short journey to arrive in Horsted Keynes at 10:40.
To return from Forest Row, you have a choice: either take the 270 bus a short ride to East Grinstead at 16:03; 17:04; 18:03; 18:57 or 19:46 and catch a train at 07 or 37 past the hour until 22:37 OR take a longer 270 bus journey back to Haywards Heath at 16:19 or 17:33 and catch one of the fairly regular trains back to London. Buy a day return to Haywards Heath; however, if taking the train back from East Grinstead, you may need to purchase a supplement back as far as East Croydon.
This walk combines the morning of SWC 132 with the afternoon of SWC 23 to make a linear traverse across the High Weald and the heathland of the Ashdown Forest. With any luck we should be able to catch the last remaining colors of autumn in the High Weald without encountering too much mud across the heathland….For the more energetic, the walk can be extended with a late afternoon/early evening possibly nocturnal walk into East Grinstead either along a former railway line (approximately 3 miles) or more challengingly by using the afternoon instructions of SWC 40 (approximately 5.5 miles). You can find more information about the walk and download the walk instructions here and here. Don't forget both sets of instructions!
The recommended lunch spot is the Red Lion (01825 740 265) in Chelwood Gate (5.5 miles/9 km into the walk). Tea and other late afternoon refreshments can be had at various places in Forest Row.
Enjoy the walk!
SWC Walk 132 (morning) and 23 (afternoon)
Distance: 11.7 Miles or 18.9 km for those more metrically minded (or 14.7-16.7 miles/23.7-26.8 km if carrying on to East Grinstead)
Difficulty: 4.5 out of 10 (5.5 on the extended route)
Train: Take the 9:17 AM Eastbourne train from London Victoria (stopping at Clapham Junction at 9:23 and East Croydon at 9:33), arriving at Haywards Heath at 9:59 or the 9:12 AM Thameslink Brighton train from London Bridge (stopping at East Croydon at 9:25), arriving at Haywards Heath at 9:55; in either case, THEN, catch the 10:18 AM number 270 bus from the Perrymount Road stop a short distance from the Haywards Heath train station for a short journey to arrive in Horsted Keynes at 10:40.
To return from Forest Row, you have a choice: either take the 270 bus a short ride to East Grinstead at 16:03; 17:04; 18:03; 18:57 or 19:46 and catch a train at 07 or 37 past the hour until 22:37 OR take a longer 270 bus journey back to Haywards Heath at 16:19 or 17:33 and catch one of the fairly regular trains back to London. Buy a day return to Haywards Heath; however, if taking the train back from East Grinstead, you may need to purchase a supplement back as far as East Croydon.
This walk combines the morning of SWC 132 with the afternoon of SWC 23 to make a linear traverse across the High Weald and the heathland of the Ashdown Forest. With any luck we should be able to catch the last remaining colors of autumn in the High Weald without encountering too much mud across the heathland….For the more energetic, the walk can be extended with a late afternoon/early evening possibly nocturnal walk into East Grinstead either along a former railway line (approximately 3 miles) or more challengingly by using the afternoon instructions of SWC 40 (approximately 5.5 miles). You can find more information about the walk and download the walk instructions here and here. Don't forget both sets of instructions!
The recommended lunch spot is the Red Lion (01825 740 265) in Chelwood Gate (5.5 miles/9 km into the walk). Tea and other late afternoon refreshments can be had at various places in Forest Row.
Enjoy the walk!
Wednesday, 22 November 2017
Wednesday Walk: Chilham Circular - a climb into the Kentish Downs and a descent to two historic houses
SWC 138 - Chilham Circular
Length: 15.6 km (9.7 miles)
Toughness: 3 out of 10
Either
London St Pancras: 10-08 hrs Margate service
Arrive Ashford International: 10-46 hrs
Leave Ashford International: 11-05 hrs Canterbury West service
Arrive Chilham: 11-17 hrs
Or
London Charing Cross: 09-40 hrs Dover Priory service
Arrive Ashford International: 11-00 hrs
Leave Ashford International: 11-05 hrs Canterbury West service, as above
Arrive Chilham: 11-17 hrs
Return: 14 mins past the hour, changing at Ashford International for St Pancras or Victoria
Today's walk takes us into the Kentish Downs, with the River Stour as our water feature for the day. The start shares the Book 1 Walk, Chilham to Canterbury before we join the Stour Valley Way , with a fine view of Chilham Castle below us.
Lunch is at the gourmet Compasses Inn, in Sole Street, Crundale. The food is pricey but usually excellent: a bit of a treat. The chef has won several awards in recent years. I have booked a table for four for 1 pm: I will 'phone actual numbers from Chilham station. But best bring a sandwich (NOT for eating on the pub's premises) just in case the pub cannot accommodate more of us: it will if it can but its owners have forewarned they tend to get booked up on Wednesday lunchtime.
After lunch (we need to be away circa 2-15 pm) we wend our way through woodland and through Godmersham Park back to Chilham, for tea at Shelly's Tea Room or a tincture at the White Horse pub.
Suitably refreshed at walk end, we have a short walk in the dark from Chilham Village to Chilham railway station for our train home.
T=swc.138
Walk Directions here: L=swc.138
Length: 15.6 km (9.7 miles)
Toughness: 3 out of 10
Either
London St Pancras: 10-08 hrs Margate service
Arrive Ashford International: 10-46 hrs
Leave Ashford International: 11-05 hrs Canterbury West service
Arrive Chilham: 11-17 hrs
Or
London Charing Cross: 09-40 hrs Dover Priory service
Arrive Ashford International: 11-00 hrs
Leave Ashford International: 11-05 hrs Canterbury West service, as above
Arrive Chilham: 11-17 hrs
Return: 14 mins past the hour, changing at Ashford International for St Pancras or Victoria
Today's walk takes us into the Kentish Downs, with the River Stour as our water feature for the day. The start shares the Book 1 Walk, Chilham to Canterbury before we join the Stour Valley Way , with a fine view of Chilham Castle below us.
Lunch is at the gourmet Compasses Inn, in Sole Street, Crundale. The food is pricey but usually excellent: a bit of a treat. The chef has won several awards in recent years. I have booked a table for four for 1 pm: I will 'phone actual numbers from Chilham station. But best bring a sandwich (NOT for eating on the pub's premises) just in case the pub cannot accommodate more of us: it will if it can but its owners have forewarned they tend to get booked up on Wednesday lunchtime.
After lunch (we need to be away circa 2-15 pm) we wend our way through woodland and through Godmersham Park back to Chilham, for tea at Shelly's Tea Room or a tincture at the White Horse pub.
Suitably refreshed at walk end, we have a short walk in the dark from Chilham Village to Chilham railway station for our train home.
T=swc.138
Walk Directions here: L=swc.138
Sunday, 19 November 2017
Sunday Walk Riddlesdown to Coulsdon South
Riddlesdown to Coulsdon South Book 2, walk 15
16.8 km. 10.4 miles or, with shortcut, 7.8 miles 12.5km.
Difficulty 4/10
This walk, all within travelcard zone 6, goes through some of the finest preserved commons in the green belt, including Happy Valley and Farthing Down. You also get to marvel at one of England's oldest - and possibly biggest - wall paintings in Chaldon Church. Find out what happens if you're not good.
Now the sun sets earlier you may prefer to take the shortcut (option a), soon after the pub.
Trains:
09:52 East Grinstead train from London Bridge (E Croydon 10:10) arriving Riddlesdown 10:17
Trains back: xx:21 & xx:46 from Coulsdon South to London Bridge
Get a Tfl Zones 1-6 travelcard.
Lunch The Fox, Coulsdon Common 01883 330 401- Busy, efficient and "oozing rustic charm and rural character" says their website. There's a possible earlier stop at Wattenden - the Wattenden Arms, open from 12.
Tea: There is a Caffe Nero, 5 mins north of the station at 132 Brighton Road, open until 5pm on Sundays. Additionally, the walk notes give directions to a pub. There's also a drinks machine in the station's cab office.
Walk Directions: here.
A reminder to any old timers still using early editions of Book 2 that the Riddlesdown start is given as option b of what was then the Coulsdon South Circular. Get with it, Daddio!
T=2.15
16.8 km. 10.4 miles or, with shortcut, 7.8 miles 12.5km.
Difficulty 4/10
This walk, all within travelcard zone 6, goes through some of the finest preserved commons in the green belt, including Happy Valley and Farthing Down. You also get to marvel at one of England's oldest - and possibly biggest - wall paintings in Chaldon Church. Find out what happens if you're not good.
Now the sun sets earlier you may prefer to take the shortcut (option a), soon after the pub.
Trains:
09:52 East Grinstead train from London Bridge (E Croydon 10:10) arriving Riddlesdown 10:17
Trains back: xx:21 & xx:46 from Coulsdon South to London Bridge
Get a Tfl Zones 1-6 travelcard.
Lunch The Fox, Coulsdon Common 01883 330 401- Busy, efficient and "oozing rustic charm and rural character" says their website. There's a possible earlier stop at Wattenden - the Wattenden Arms, open from 12.
Tea: There is a Caffe Nero, 5 mins north of the station at 132 Brighton Road, open until 5pm on Sundays. Additionally, the walk notes give directions to a pub. There's also a drinks machine in the station's cab office.
Walk Directions: here.
A reminder to any old timers still using early editions of Book 2 that the Riddlesdown start is given as option b of what was then the Coulsdon South Circular. Get with it, Daddio!
Sunday Walk: Shiplake to Henley
Shiplake to Henley Book 1 walk 9
Shorter walk: approx 9 miles 14.7 km. Full walk: 11.1 miles 17.7 km.
A varied walk with riverside stretches and woodland paths. In addition, there are magnificent views over the unspoilt Thames valley.
From Shiplake Lock, the route follows the Thames, then up to the church beside Shiplake College, and through woods beside Crowsley Park to the church and pub in Rotherfield Greys. Be sure to visit the spectacular Elizabethan tomb of Robert Knollys in the church. The full walk, a further 7.4 km, takes you on to the National Trust estate of Greys Court, and through the beech woods of Lambridge, but, at this time of year, the shorter ending from Rotherfield Greys may be wiser. It all depends how fast your little legs are! Sunset is at around 16:08 today.
Trains
Take the 9:15 Oxford train from Paddington ( Ealing Broadway 9:24) and change at Twyford for the 10:31 Henley train to Shiplake. Arrives there 10:38.
Return from Henley at xx:46 changing again at Twyford.
Get a return to Henley..
(You could also get the 9:30 Plymouth train to Reading, then the the 10:18 Paddington stopping train (platform 14) back to Twyford for the same Shiplake train. You need a slightly dearer ticket, allowing changes at Reading.)
Lunch: First up, the recently reopened Bottle & Glass at Binfield Heath (tel 01491 412625). The traditional stop is the Maltsters Arms 4km. further on in Rotherfield Greys (tel 01491 628 400)
Tea: The suggested tea place at walk end is the Chocolate Café (tel 01491 411 412) on Thameside (Street), facing the river (open weekends to 6 pm). The station is 10 minutes walk away.
The Red Lion Hotel serves cream teas. There are also a large number of pubs in Henley for those in need of a stronger drink..
Directions Use these online directions, the book version is outdated.
If there has been sustained heavy rain, the first stretch along the river may be flooded. In that case, the High Wood start is advised.
T=1.9
Shorter walk: approx 9 miles 14.7 km. Full walk: 11.1 miles 17.7 km.
A varied walk with riverside stretches and woodland paths. In addition, there are magnificent views over the unspoilt Thames valley.
From Shiplake Lock, the route follows the Thames, then up to the church beside Shiplake College, and through woods beside Crowsley Park to the church and pub in Rotherfield Greys. Be sure to visit the spectacular Elizabethan tomb of Robert Knollys in the church. The full walk, a further 7.4 km, takes you on to the National Trust estate of Greys Court, and through the beech woods of Lambridge, but, at this time of year, the shorter ending from Rotherfield Greys may be wiser. It all depends how fast your little legs are! Sunset is at around 16:08 today.
Trains
Take the 9:15 Oxford train from Paddington ( Ealing Broadway 9:24) and change at Twyford for the 10:31 Henley train to Shiplake. Arrives there 10:38.
Return from Henley at xx:46 changing again at Twyford.
Get a return to Henley..
(You could also get the 9:30 Plymouth train to Reading, then the the 10:18 Paddington stopping train (platform 14) back to Twyford for the same Shiplake train. You need a slightly dearer ticket, allowing changes at Reading.)
Lunch: First up, the recently reopened Bottle & Glass at Binfield Heath (tel 01491 412625). The traditional stop is the Maltsters Arms 4km. further on in Rotherfield Greys (tel 01491 628 400)
Tea: The suggested tea place at walk end is the Chocolate Café (tel 01491 411 412) on Thameside (Street), facing the river (open weekends to 6 pm). The station is 10 minutes walk away.
The Red Lion Hotel serves cream teas. There are also a large number of pubs in Henley for those in need of a stronger drink..
Directions Use these online directions, the book version is outdated.
If there has been sustained heavy rain, the first stretch along the river may be flooded. In that case, the High Wood start is advised.
T=1.9
Saturday, 18 November 2017
London Loop Hatton Cross to Uxbridge
Hatton Cross to Uxbridge
Length: 18km (11 miles).
Meet at 11:00 at the entrance to Hatton Cross Underground station. (Allow 50 mins Journey time from Piccadilly Circus.) Pay as you go oyster or zone 1-6 travelcard. Stages 10 (6km) and 11 (12km) of The London Loop.
Directions by Tfl and available here (Stage 10 and Stage 11). There are various pubs and cafés along the longer route section from Hayes to Uxbridge.
Rambling Man's journal.
Length: 18km (11 miles).
Meet at 11:00 at the entrance to Hatton Cross Underground station. (Allow 50 mins Journey time from Piccadilly Circus.) Pay as you go oyster or zone 1-6 travelcard. Stages 10 (6km) and 11 (12km) of The London Loop.
Directions by Tfl and available here (Stage 10 and Stage 11). There are various pubs and cafés along the longer route section from Hayes to Uxbridge.
Rambling Man's journal.
Saturday walk - Hayes to Knockholt - Lots of little woods on the outskirts of London
Hayes to Knockholt (SWC Walk 82)
Length: 16km (10 miles)
9.47 train from Charing Cross (9.50 Waterloo East, 9.55 London Bridge) to Hayes, arriving 10.33
Your journey today is entirely within zone 6, so use Oyster.
For walk directions click here. For GPX file click here.
You get straight out into the woods on this walk, and throughout the walk there are lots of different woody bits. So you should get exposed to lots of different species of trees, some of which will hopefully be showing their maximum tint by now.
Lunch is either at one of two pubs in Downe after 7km (4.3 miles) or at Cudham after 9.5km (5.9 miles).
(If you are minded to visit Down House, home of Charles Darwin after lunch, it is open until 4pm today, costs £11.80 (free to English Heritage members) and there is a handy 146 bus at 20 past the hour till late from Downe Church to Hayes and Bromley South)
It is worth doing as much as possible of the walk before lunch so as to get to the tea stop in time - the very lovely self-service coffee shop at Coolings Nursery, which has wonderful cakes and is worth pushing through all the acres of pot plants and garden implements to get to. It is 4km (2.4 miles) beyond Cudham and shuts at 4.45pm today, but useable daylight will have run out by that time, so you will want to be on your way well before that anyway.
Time your arrival at Knockholt station carefully, as it is a charmless place to wait, with little shelter and no refreshments. It is 2.5km from the nursery to the end of the walk, or about 40 minutes walk, and trains go at 12 and 42 past (the 4.42 will be the last one in anything resembling daylight).
Don't forget to tap in for the return journey. T=3.82
Length: 16km (10 miles)
9.47 train from Charing Cross (9.50 Waterloo East, 9.55 London Bridge) to Hayes, arriving 10.33
Your journey today is entirely within zone 6, so use Oyster.
For walk directions click here. For GPX file click here.
You get straight out into the woods on this walk, and throughout the walk there are lots of different woody bits. So you should get exposed to lots of different species of trees, some of which will hopefully be showing their maximum tint by now.
Lunch is either at one of two pubs in Downe after 7km (4.3 miles) or at Cudham after 9.5km (5.9 miles).
(If you are minded to visit Down House, home of Charles Darwin after lunch, it is open until 4pm today, costs £11.80 (free to English Heritage members) and there is a handy 146 bus at 20 past the hour till late from Downe Church to Hayes and Bromley South)
It is worth doing as much as possible of the walk before lunch so as to get to the tea stop in time - the very lovely self-service coffee shop at Coolings Nursery, which has wonderful cakes and is worth pushing through all the acres of pot plants and garden implements to get to. It is 4km (2.4 miles) beyond Cudham and shuts at 4.45pm today, but useable daylight will have run out by that time, so you will want to be on your way well before that anyway.
Time your arrival at Knockholt station carefully, as it is a charmless place to wait, with little shelter and no refreshments. It is 2.5km from the nursery to the end of the walk, or about 40 minutes walk, and trains go at 12 and 42 past (the 4.42 will be the last one in anything resembling daylight).
Don't forget to tap in for the return journey. T=3.82
Saturday Walk - Sole Street Circular
Sole Street Circular, Book 2 Walk 17a
8.4 miles/13.5 km
Toughness 5 out of 10
A short walk in the North Downs area of North Kent, a mixture of woodlands and open landscapes. This is a variation on the original Snodland to Sole Street walk (option a - alternative start from Sole Street in the instructions).
Trains: 9:34 from London Victoria to Dover Priory, arriving at Sole Street at 10:25. (09:58 Bromley South). If you just miss the 9:34 there's a 9:37 train direct to Bromley South that should get you there a few minutes before the 9:34. Return trains xx00
Lunch: Amazon & Tiger, Harvel, 01474 814705. Serves reasonably priced food til 2:30pm and real ales all day.
Tea: The Cock Inn at Henley Street (allow 15 mins to walk to the station and take a torch if planning a long stay...), or next to Sole Street station is The Railway Inn .
Click here for full details about this walk
T=2.17.a
8.4 miles/13.5 km
Toughness 5 out of 10
A short walk in the North Downs area of North Kent, a mixture of woodlands and open landscapes. This is a variation on the original Snodland to Sole Street walk (option a - alternative start from Sole Street in the instructions).
Trains: 9:34 from London Victoria to Dover Priory, arriving at Sole Street at 10:25. (09:58 Bromley South). If you just miss the 9:34 there's a 9:37 train direct to Bromley South that should get you there a few minutes before the 9:34. Return trains xx00
Lunch: Amazon & Tiger, Harvel, 01474 814705. Serves reasonably priced food til 2:30pm and real ales all day.
Tea: The Cock Inn at Henley Street (allow 15 mins to walk to the station and take a torch if planning a long stay...), or next to Sole Street station is The Railway Inn .
Click here for full details about this walk
T=2.17.a
Wednesday, 15 November 2017
Wednesday Walk - Marley Common & Black Down: Haslemere Circular
Length:
14.2 km (8.8 mi) [incl. detour to the Temple of the Winds]
Ascent/Descent: 370
m; Net Walking Time: ca. 4 ¼ hours
Toughness:
4 out of 10
Take the 10.30 Portsmouth Harbour train
from Waterloo (Woking 10.55),
arriving Haslemere at 11.20. From
Clapham J take the 10.22 Haslemere train, arrives 11.17.
Return
trains:
four per hour, the fast ones are on xx.02
and xx.15.
This has not been posted on a Wednesday for 2 1/2 years, and then there was no walk report, so presumably no walkers showed up...
This very short walk routes through some very
beautiful countryside, mainly National Trust land - mixed
woods with heathlands of bracken, gorse, heather and bilberry, with some
exceptionally fine views from Black Down,
at 280 metres the highest point in both Sussex and the South Downs National
Park. A detour to the Temple of the Winds, a spectacular viewpoint, is
recommended.
Tea: Darnleys on High Street
(open to 17.30); for alternative options see webpage.
Sunday, 12 November 2017
Sunday Walk – [New] Oxshott, Cobham & Painshill Park
New Walk – Oxshott Circular
Length: 15 km (9.3 miles), or 12½ km (7.8 miles) to Cobham. Toughness: 2/10
10:02 Guildford (via Cobham) train from Waterloo (Vauxhall 10:06, Clapham Jct 10:12, etc), arriving Oxshott at 10:42.
Trains back from Oxshott are hourly at xx:11. If you want to give yourself the flexibility of a shorter ending buy a slightly more expensive return to Cobham & Stoke D'Abernon (see below; trains back at xx:08).
The main purpose of this new walk is the opportunity to visit Painshill Park, which claims to be “England's most elegant 18thC landscape garden”. However, you'd need to pay the entrance charge of £8 and November might not be the best time of year to appreciate its many charms, so by all means just treat this as a regular walk around Surrey's wooded heaths and the Mole valley (plus lots of expensive-looking houses in this affluent neighbourhood).
If you want an early break for refreshment The Cricketers has a nice location on Downside Common, which is also a good place for a picnic. You'll get there quite early and The Plough is more conveniently placed for a pub lunch, half an hour further on; The Medicine Garden nearby looks like an interesting alternative, but I haven't tried its café or restaurant. There are plenty more refreshment opportunities in Cobham's town centre but nothing near Oxshott station, so make sure you've had your fill if you take this ending.
If you do visit Painshill keep an eye on the time – it's easy to spend longer there than you intend. Sunset is at 4.18pm and you'd need to leave there well before 3pm to get through the heavily-wooded Oxshott Heath before dark (and catch the 16:11 train). The Cobham ending is shorter and much more manageable in failing light.
You'll need to print the directions from this temporary New Walk page. A fairly high proportion of the walk is on hard surfaces, so choose comfortable footwear. T=swc.305
Length: 15 km (9.3 miles), or 12½ km (7.8 miles) to Cobham. Toughness: 2/10
10:02 Guildford (via Cobham) train from Waterloo (Vauxhall 10:06, Clapham Jct 10:12, etc), arriving Oxshott at 10:42.
Trains back from Oxshott are hourly at xx:11. If you want to give yourself the flexibility of a shorter ending buy a slightly more expensive return to Cobham & Stoke D'Abernon (see below; trains back at xx:08).
The main purpose of this new walk is the opportunity to visit Painshill Park, which claims to be “England's most elegant 18thC landscape garden”. However, you'd need to pay the entrance charge of £8 and November might not be the best time of year to appreciate its many charms, so by all means just treat this as a regular walk around Surrey's wooded heaths and the Mole valley (plus lots of expensive-looking houses in this affluent neighbourhood).
If you want an early break for refreshment The Cricketers has a nice location on Downside Common, which is also a good place for a picnic. You'll get there quite early and The Plough is more conveniently placed for a pub lunch, half an hour further on; The Medicine Garden nearby looks like an interesting alternative, but I haven't tried its café or restaurant. There are plenty more refreshment opportunities in Cobham's town centre but nothing near Oxshott station, so make sure you've had your fill if you take this ending.
If you do visit Painshill keep an eye on the time – it's easy to spend longer there than you intend. Sunset is at 4.18pm and you'd need to leave there well before 3pm to get through the heavily-wooded Oxshott Heath before dark (and catch the 16:11 train). The Cobham ending is shorter and much more manageable in failing light.
You'll need to print the directions from this temporary New Walk page. A fairly high proportion of the walk is on hard surfaces, so choose comfortable footwear. T=swc.305
Sunday Walk - Quiet Chalky Uplands of NW Essex: Wendens Ambo (Audley End station) Circular
Length:
23.7 km (14.7 mi) or 17.5 km/10.9 mi
Ascent/Descent: 240
m; Net Walking Time: ca. 5 ¼ hours (both: full walk)
Toughness:
5 out of 10 or 3 out of 10
Take
the 09.43 Cambridge North train from Liverpool Street (Hackney Downs 09.50, Seven Sisters [Victoria
Line] 09.57), arriving Audley End at 11.00.
Return
trains:
at xx.10 and xx.47. Buy an Audley End return.
This is a relaxing walk in the quiet
chalky uplands of north-west Essex, on the borders of Hertfordshire and
Cambridgeshire, very much off the beaten track, and with gently rolling hills,
plenty of woods and copses as well as some pretty villages. Right from the
start the walk takes you past picturesque thatched cottages with ample examples
of pargeting, a decorative medieval plastering technique, and on through some
farmland to the early lunch stop in Arkesden, one of the prettiest villages in
Essex with one of the best pubs and loveliest churches.
The route then gently ascends to
Chrishall, the dedicated lunch stop on the full walk, along field boundaries
and green lanes. Chrishall village is close to Essex’ highest point and the
approach offers fine views into the Hertfordshire plain and back down the wide
‘winding valley’ that gives Wendens Ambo its name. After lunch you follow the
Icknield Way to Elmdon, with views north out across the Cambridgeshire plain to
Cambridge, then alongside a high hedge with views off to your right into the
winding valley back to Wendens Ambo. A slightly longer,
more westerly route (25.7 km/16.0
mi) takes you over Essex’ highest point itself to Chrishall, this is rated 6/10.
Lunch: The Axe
& Compasses in Arkesden (4.9 km/3.0 mi, food from 12.00) for the short walk or The Red Cow in Chrishall (13.1 km/8.2 mi,
food to 15.30).
Tea: The Bell Inn, 10 minutes from the station, or The Fighting
Cocks, 5 minutes beyond the station.
Saturday, 11 November 2017
Saturday walk - Witley to Haslemere - Deep in the Surrey woods
Witley to Haslemere (Book 1, walk 44)
Length: 14.2km (8.8 miles)
Toughness: 3 out of 10
10.15 train from Waterloo (10.22 Clapham Junction) to Witley, arriving 11.09
Buy a day return to Haslemere.
For walk directions click here. For GPX file click here.
Think of deep woods, dingly dells, shady by-ways: this leafy walk on the Surrey-Sussex borderlands will hopefully be a riot of autumn colours after all the cold nights we have been having.
The Crown Inn in the pretty village of Chiddingfold is the traditional coaching inn lunch stop, but nearby alternatives are available (see walk directions). And you should have no trouble getting to Haslemere high street in time to take your pick of the various tea options - Darnley's being the traditional favourite.
Trains back are at 02, 15, 32 and 39 past, the 02 and 32 being the fastest (49-51 mins), but the other two not that much slower (58-61 mins). T=1.44
Length: 14.2km (8.8 miles)
Toughness: 3 out of 10
10.15 train from Waterloo (10.22 Clapham Junction) to Witley, arriving 11.09
Buy a day return to Haslemere.
For walk directions click here. For GPX file click here.
Think of deep woods, dingly dells, shady by-ways: this leafy walk on the Surrey-Sussex borderlands will hopefully be a riot of autumn colours after all the cold nights we have been having.
The Crown Inn in the pretty village of Chiddingfold is the traditional coaching inn lunch stop, but nearby alternatives are available (see walk directions). And you should have no trouble getting to Haslemere high street in time to take your pick of the various tea options - Darnley's being the traditional favourite.
Trains back are at 02, 15, 32 and 39 past, the 02 and 32 being the fastest (49-51 mins), but the other two not that much slower (58-61 mins). T=1.44
Saturday Walk Maidenhead to Marlow
Maidenhead to Marlow T=swc.56
Length: 8.8 miles (14.1 km) or 11.7 miles (18.9km)
3 out of 10
A pretty stretch of the Thames to Cookham in the morning. After lunch, a hill with a view of the Thames valley before descending into Marlow. If it's a fine day, you can extend the walk along the Thames Path to Bourne End, or even further to Cookham..
Trains:
Get the 1000 London Paddington (Ealing Broadway 1008) Arr Maidenhead 1045. Buy a return to Marlow.
Return trains are hourly at xx06 from Marlow and xx13 from Bourne End (the same train, changing at Maidenhead for frequent trains to London).
Lunch
Various pubs: The Bel and Dragon t: 01628 521263 (up market) The Kings Arms t: 01628 530667 The Crown t: 01628 520163 The Teapot Tea Shop t: 01628 529 514
Tea
Various places in Marlow including The Marlow Donkey close to the station. There is nothing at Bourne End Station, and I would recommend crossing the river on the railway bridge to go the walker friendly Bounty, which you will have seen across the river on the approach to Bourne End.
Length: 8.8 miles (14.1 km) or 11.7 miles (18.9km)
3 out of 10
A pretty stretch of the Thames to Cookham in the morning. After lunch, a hill with a view of the Thames valley before descending into Marlow. If it's a fine day, you can extend the walk along the Thames Path to Bourne End, or even further to Cookham..
Trains:
Get the 1000 London Paddington (Ealing Broadway 1008) Arr Maidenhead 1045. Buy a return to Marlow.
Return trains are hourly at xx06 from Marlow and xx13 from Bourne End (the same train, changing at Maidenhead for frequent trains to London).
Lunch
Various pubs: The Bel and Dragon t: 01628 521263 (up market) The Kings Arms t: 01628 530667 The Crown t: 01628 520163 The Teapot Tea Shop t: 01628 529 514
Tea
Various places in Marlow including The Marlow Donkey close to the station. There is nothing at Bourne End Station, and I would recommend crossing the river on the railway bridge to go the walker friendly Bounty, which you will have seen across the river on the approach to Bourne End.
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