Length: 21km (13 miles) - though shorter routes available
Toughness: 5 out of 10
10.23 train from East Croydon to Ashurst, arriving 10.58.
Suggested connecting train: 9.53 (East Grinstead) service from Victoria (9.59 Clapham Junction), arriving East Croydon 10.10.
Also possible, though with a tight connection, is the 9.42 from St Pancras Thameslink (9.46 Farringdon, 9.52 Blackfriars), arriving East Croydon at 10.18.
Buy a day return to Eridge.
For walk directions click here. For GPX click here.
The magic of evaporation is now at work and I am taking a punt that the Wealden winter mud will now have dried out to allow us to do this fine walk in comfort. It boasts plenty of nice hills and pastures and views, probably some lambs and doubtless multiple signs of spring.
Lunch is at a pub in Spedhurst that accommodated us perfectly well on a previous outing (though it was sunny and we sat in the garden). Tea is bizarrely in the cafe of a country hospital - at least if you can get there by 4.30pm. Otherwise, there are pubs in Groombridge or by Eridge station. There is a shorter ending (15.8km/9.8 miles) to Ashurst station but this has no tea, or you can cut out the hospital tea and go straight to Groombridge (18km/11.3 miles)
Towards the end of this walk there are also good displays of wood anemones - both above Harrison Rocks (note, take the path along the top of the rocks for the best displays) and in the lane leading down to Eridge station. They may not yet be at their best, but there should be more than were evident on the Cuxton walk last week. Only on reasonably warm days do the flowers open up and give the best effect, however. (Will we ever have a warm sunny day in this country?)
Lonely Eridge station and its lovely adjacent pub are a great place to finish the walk. Trains back are at 50 past the hour, serving Ashurst five minutes later. T=3.236
Saturday, 31 March 2018
Saturday Walk Aldermaston to Woolhampton
Aldermaston to Woolhampton T=swc.117
Length: 12.6 miles (20.3km) 5 out of 10
Lunch: The recommended lunch stop is The Bull Inn in Stanford Dingley (8.4 km/5.2 mi).
Tea: There are two pubs close to the station, The Angel & the lovely Rowbarge. Note that from the Rowbarge you have to allow time to avoid getting cut off by the level crossing gates or the canal swing bridge.
Length: 12.6 miles (20.3km) 5 out of 10
It's 60 years since the first Aldermaston march, which took 4 days to walk from Trafalgar Square to the Atomic Weapons Establishment on the Easter weekend. Subsequently they started in Aldermaston.
This walk is an undulating landscape with some fine views over the West Berkshire Downs, which consist of a mix of ancient woodlands, commons, fields and pretty villages with pleasant, historical pubs. The route passes through the chalk stream river valleys of the Kennet, the Bourne and the Pang. Lunch destination is the very pretty village of Stanford Dingley in the Pang Valley.
The walk also leads through the Bucklebury Common, one of the largest commons in Southern England. In the main this consists of a variety of woods, but you’ll also walk through one of Berkshire’s largest heathlands and see part of a famous Avenue of Oaks.
At the end there is a choice of finishes either along the Kennet & Avon Canal or (my preference) through the landscaped Midgham Park.
Trains: Get the 0922 Bath Spa train from Paddington, changing at Reading (0954) for the Aldermaston train 1012 arriving 1025 (usually platform 2). From Ealing Broadway, get the 0853 Reading train arrive 0947. Return trains are from Midgham at xx27 until 1927, then 2019, 2116, 2204, 2254 changing at Reading. Buy a return to Midgham.Lunch: The recommended lunch stop is The Bull Inn in Stanford Dingley (8.4 km/5.2 mi).
Tea: There are two pubs close to the station, The Angel & the lovely Rowbarge. Note that from the Rowbarge you have to allow time to avoid getting cut off by the level crossing gates or the canal swing bridge.
Friday, 30 March 2018
Good Friday - Ely Circular: Ely, River Great Ouse, Fens, and Ely Cathedral for Evensong
SWC 118: Ely Circular
Length: 18 km (11.2 miles): shorter and longer options available
Toughness: 2 out of 10. Most of the walk is flat
London Kings Cross: 10-14 hrs Great Northern, Cambridge service
Arrive Ely: 11-21 hrs
Return: Direct services back to Kings Cross: where you have to change at Cambridge [C]: 16-25, 16-58, 17-25, 17-54, 17-59[C], 18-29, 18-59, 19-06, 19-52[C], 20-06, 20-52[C],21-06, 21-50[C], 22-06
Ely Cathedral: Sung Evensong at 17-30 hrs
In previous years on Good Friday I have sent you off on the Chilham to Canterbury walk for your Easter pilgrimage. However, with the mid-point lunch pub closure, and Walker's posting of a Canterbury Circular walk in mid April, I thought Ely would be a good alternative this year. That said, I have never done this walk, so I will leave you to read the walk notes for background information.
Your lunch stop is the Red Lion in Stretham, some 5.1 miles into the walk. Best 'phone ahead with numbers -01353-648132.
There are lots of tea options back in Ely, including the Cathedral's cafe. For those wishing to attend Evensong in the Cathedral, you should have time for tea before attending the service.
Enjoy !
T=swc.118
Walk Directions here L=swc.118
Length: 18 km (11.2 miles): shorter and longer options available
Toughness: 2 out of 10. Most of the walk is flat
London Kings Cross: 10-14 hrs Great Northern, Cambridge service
Arrive Ely: 11-21 hrs
Return: Direct services back to Kings Cross: where you have to change at Cambridge [C]: 16-25, 16-58, 17-25, 17-54, 17-59[C], 18-29, 18-59, 19-06, 19-52[C], 20-06, 20-52[C],21-06, 21-50[C], 22-06
Ely Cathedral: Sung Evensong at 17-30 hrs
In previous years on Good Friday I have sent you off on the Chilham to Canterbury walk for your Easter pilgrimage. However, with the mid-point lunch pub closure, and Walker's posting of a Canterbury Circular walk in mid April, I thought Ely would be a good alternative this year. That said, I have never done this walk, so I will leave you to read the walk notes for background information.
Your lunch stop is the Red Lion in Stretham, some 5.1 miles into the walk. Best 'phone ahead with numbers -01353-648132.
There are lots of tea options back in Ely, including the Cathedral's cafe. For those wishing to attend Evensong in the Cathedral, you should have time for tea before attending the service.
Enjoy !
T=swc.118
Walk Directions here L=swc.118
Wednesday, 28 March 2018
Wednesday Walk - Milford to Godalming
Length:
18.6 km (11.6 mi) [extensions
possible, see route map]
Ascent/Descent:
327/344m
Net
Walking Time: ca. 4 hours
Toughness:
5 out of 10
Take
the 10.15 Haslemere train from Waterloo (10.22 CJ), arriving Milford 11.05.
Return
trains:
between 15.51 and 17.51 trains are on xx.25, xx.38 and xx.51,
then 18.25, 18.46, 19.11… Buy a Milford
(Surrey) return.
This
walk had no confirmed attendance last year on a weekend and has not had a
mid-week outing for 4 years…
It
is a rewarding walk full of interest - the Greensand Way, a pretty village pub,
an NT Arboretum (that’s free to walk through), a tea room by a canal, and
historic Godalming's pubs to end.
From
Milford Station, you come to the lakes and the magnificent timber-framed Enton
Mill – one of the many houses on this walk that have 17th or 18th
century galleting – black pebbles lining the mortar of the walls, a method much
used in those days in Kent and the south. In Hambledon you join the Greensand
Way, a sandy bridleway through The Hurtwood. Lunch is at the White Horse pub in
Hascombe, a village with a remarkable church covered in wall decoration, so
that it looks almost Moorish.
In
the afternoon, the walk goes through the National Trust's Winkworth Arboretum
and its lakes. The final approach to Godalming is along the River Wey and Godalming Navigation, to
the Church of St Peter and St Paul and the ancient High Street.
Tea: see webpage and pdf. T=1.20
Sunday, 25 March 2018
Sunday Walk: Henley Circular via Stonor
Book 2 Walk 6
14 km 8.8 ml (or 12 mile) (or 13.6 mile)
Difficulty 7 out of 10
A hilly chiltern walk with three options on offer.
Trains return on the hour, changing again at Twyford.
Get a return to Henley on Thames.
Tea: Henley has plenty of tea places and pubs. The Chocolate Cafe (01491-411412) on the riverside has become something of a favourite. Open 9-5:30 daily.
Directions are available here. They give clearer directions than what the book does (particularly through the wood near the end). The short walk is option (a) the 12-mile walk is option (b). T=2.6
Remember, clocks will have gone forward today. Its officially British Summertime. Put those hats and scarves away!
14 km 8.8 ml (or 12 mile) (or 13.6 mile)
Difficulty 7 out of 10
A hilly chiltern walk with three options on offer.
- The 8.8 mile version doesn't go as far as Stonor but still takes in some impressive scenery. The lunch stop is the 17th century Rainbow in Middle Assendon (01491574879).
- Those with a bit more lead in their pencil could press on, following the 12 mile version that goes as far as Stonor but not as far as Pishill. For lunch, you could either stop at the Rainbow as above, or picnic near Stonor. (Sadly, the short-lived Quince Tree is but a memory).
- Those whose pencil is HB and fully-leaded could try for the full 13.6 miles, stopping at the Crown in Pishill (tel 01491 638364) for lunch. The Crown serves till 3 (which will feel like 2 today).
Trains return on the hour, changing again at Twyford.
Get a return to Henley on Thames.
Tea: Henley has plenty of tea places and pubs. The Chocolate Cafe (01491-411412) on the riverside has become something of a favourite. Open 9-5:30 daily.
Directions are available here. They give clearer directions than what the book does (particularly through the wood near the end). The short walk is option (a) the 12-mile walk is option (b). T=2.6
Remember, clocks will have gone forward today. Its officially British Summertime. Put those hats and scarves away!
 |
| Yay! |
Sunday Walk - The North Downs: Wye Circular (Version of...)
Length:
17.7 km (11.0 mi) [or longer, see
below]
Ascent/Descent:
395 m; Net Walking Time: ca. 4 ½ hours
Toughness:
5 out of 10
Take the 09.10 train to
Ramsgate from Charing Cross,
(09.13 W’loo East, 09.21 LBG), arrives Wye 10.38.
Alternatively, take the 09.09 Margate train from St. Pancras, (09.16 Stratford
I’nal), change at Ashford (arr. 09.47, dep. 10.11), arrives Wye 10.17 (or wait in Ashford for above train).
Return
trains:
xx.21 to Victoria, xx.55 to Charing Cross (shave off 30-60
mins in each case by changing at Ashford onto a High Speed train to St.
Pancras).
This
is a very nice walk in its normal version that suffers from an uppity gastro-pub
that doesn’t really want walkers, definitely doesn’t really want walk-in custom,
does want customers to turn up exactly on time and expects customers to settle
for a long and drink-fuelled meal. That’s not great a combination for the average
SWC-punter. So why not try a slightly different route (longer, you guessed it),
that goes past one or two other pubs to check them out for a possible revised
route? Check the route map on our webpage here
for an idea.
The
description for the normal walk goes like this:
“This
walk goes high up on the Crundale Downs (“crun” in Old English meant chalk, and
‘dala’ meant dell or valley), with breathtaking views. The walk comes to an
isolated Norman church at Crundale, then on to a 15th century inn
for lunch. The walk then passes Crundale House and the manor of Olantigh,
crosses the River Great Stour and returns to Wye through its churchyard, for
tea at a teashop at the bottom of Church Street or at a pub next to the railway
station.”
Lunch: The Compasses Inn in Crundale (8.8 km, food to 14.30) on the
normal version of the walk. You should
book a table for 13.00 hours or thereabouts to guarantee you’re not late for the
booking.
Else
it’s either The Bowl Inn in Hastingleigh or The Timber Batts Pub & Forge in Bodsham.
Tea: The Kings Head or The Wye
Coffee Shop and Kitchen (open to 17.00) in the centre of Wye, or The Tickled Trout near
the station.
Saturday, 24 March 2018
Earlswood to Oxted
t=SWC.148
Length: 17km (10m)
Toughness: 4 / 10
Transport: Take the 9:57 from London Bridge arriving in Earlswood at 10:38. Return trains from Oxted to London Victoria at xx:24 and xx:54, to London Bridge at xx:19. A day return to Edenbridge should cover both journeys.
From the description:
This is a pleasant section of the Greensand Way, passing through gentle Surrey countryside, with a mix of pasture, arable fields and woodland, and some fine escarpment views typical of the Greensand Way
Saturday walk - Cuxton to Sole Street combination walk
Cuxton to Harvel to Sole Street (SWC 35c + Book 2, walk 17)
Length: 16.6km (10.3 miles), with optional 5.6km (3.5 mile extension)
Toughness: 5 out of 10
9.55 Southeastern high speed train from St Pancras to Strood, arriving 10.27, changing for the 10.34 (Maidstone West-bound) train to Cuxton, arriving 10.38.
You can also get the 9.09 from Charing Cross (9.12 Waterloo East, 9.18 London Bridge, 9.27 Lewisham) to Strood, arriving 10.13 to connect with the Cuxton train as above
Buy a day return to Rochester, which will also be valid for return from Sole Street.
This combination of walks has only been done once before and that many moons ago. It involves doing the morning of the Cuxton to Sole Street walk (SWC 35 : directions here and GPX here), switching when prompted to option c, to get to lunch at the Amazon and Tiger pub in Harvel. From there you can do the afternoon of the Snodland to Sole Street walk (book 2, walk 17: directions here - start from point [4] on page 3 - GPX here) to Sole Street.
If, as I suggest, you use the main walk start from Cuxton, this makes a walk of 10.3km (6.4 miles) before lunch and 6.3km (3.9 miles) after lunch.
- There is the option of a shorter start from Cuxton which reduces the morning to 8km (4.9 miles). You could potentially get the 10.22 train from St Pancras if you want to do this.
- At the end the walk there is a possible 5.6km (3.9 mile) extension up to the village of Cobham, with its choice of pubs: see option d) of the Cuxton to Sole Street walk.
Why am I choosing this walk today? The link route between the two walks contains two nice wood anemone woods, which just may be starting to flower (though last week's cold may have set them back). It is otherwise quite a cute little link route. This whole area is also one of chalk downland (a lot of it wooded) which, while certainly not mud-free, may be a little less muddy than other areas (famous last words).
Whether you do the standard Sole Street ending or the extension, there is a nice choice of pubs at the end of the walk.
Trains back from Sole Street are on the hour (00 past) to Victoria, taking 53 minutes. If you have a ticket from St Pancras it is also possible to get the train in the other direction, towards Rochester, at 25 past, changing there for a high speed service to St Pancras. But there is as 20 minute wait for a connection, making a total journey time of 1 hour 11 minutes, so this is not really worth it unless you really really want to end up in St Pancras. T=3.35c
Length: 16.6km (10.3 miles), with optional 5.6km (3.5 mile extension)
Toughness: 5 out of 10
9.55 Southeastern high speed train from St Pancras to Strood, arriving 10.27, changing for the 10.34 (Maidstone West-bound) train to Cuxton, arriving 10.38.
You can also get the 9.09 from Charing Cross (9.12 Waterloo East, 9.18 London Bridge, 9.27 Lewisham) to Strood, arriving 10.13 to connect with the Cuxton train as above
Buy a day return to Rochester, which will also be valid for return from Sole Street.
This combination of walks has only been done once before and that many moons ago. It involves doing the morning of the Cuxton to Sole Street walk (SWC 35 : directions here and GPX here), switching when prompted to option c, to get to lunch at the Amazon and Tiger pub in Harvel. From there you can do the afternoon of the Snodland to Sole Street walk (book 2, walk 17: directions here - start from point [4] on page 3 - GPX here) to Sole Street.
If, as I suggest, you use the main walk start from Cuxton, this makes a walk of 10.3km (6.4 miles) before lunch and 6.3km (3.9 miles) after lunch.
- There is the option of a shorter start from Cuxton which reduces the morning to 8km (4.9 miles). You could potentially get the 10.22 train from St Pancras if you want to do this.
- At the end the walk there is a possible 5.6km (3.9 mile) extension up to the village of Cobham, with its choice of pubs: see option d) of the Cuxton to Sole Street walk.
Why am I choosing this walk today? The link route between the two walks contains two nice wood anemone woods, which just may be starting to flower (though last week's cold may have set them back). It is otherwise quite a cute little link route. This whole area is also one of chalk downland (a lot of it wooded) which, while certainly not mud-free, may be a little less muddy than other areas (famous last words).
Whether you do the standard Sole Street ending or the extension, there is a nice choice of pubs at the end of the walk.
Trains back from Sole Street are on the hour (00 past) to Victoria, taking 53 minutes. If you have a ticket from St Pancras it is also possible to get the train in the other direction, towards Rochester, at 25 past, changing there for a high speed service to St Pancras. But there is as 20 minute wait for a connection, making a total journey time of 1 hour 11 minutes, so this is not really worth it unless you really really want to end up in St Pancras. T=3.35c
Saturday Walk - Cheddington to Leighton Buzzard
Length:
24.5 km (15.2 mi) [shorter walk
possible, see below]
Ascent/Descent: 234
m; Net Walking Time: ca. 5 ½ hours
Toughness:
5 out of 10
Take
the 09.24 Milton Keynes Central train from Euston (Watford Junction 09.41), arriving Cheddington
at 10.04. Return trains: XX.33,
XX.53 and XX.59 (34-47 minutes journey time), on XX.24 you can catch a train to Clapham Junction (68
minutes journey times). Buy a
Leighton Buzzard return.
“A splendid walk through East
Buckinghamshire’s rolling landscape of fields and wooded areas on the edge of
the Chiltern Hills, linking up a handful of delightful hill top villages to
provide panoramic views across pleasant countryside. Broadly following the
Thames/Great Ouse watershed in the morning, it initially heads west, mostly
with grand views of the Chilterns (when not walking in wooded areas), to then
turn north with far views into Aylesbury Vale to the west, on to lunch pubs at
either Aston Abbotts or Cublington. The afternoon route is more level, but
still features the hilltop village of Wing and ends with a fairly tranquil
descent into Linslade (for Leighton Buzzard station).“
It is possible to shorten the walk by taking a bus to Leighton Buzzard station, for
details see the ‘Walk Options’ chapter on page 2 of the directions.
Disclaimer: This walk involves a
level crossing of a dual carriageway.
Lunch: The Unicorn in Cublington
(13.9 km/8.7 mi, food all day), or (a little earlier and 250m off-route) the Royal Oak Inn in Aston
Abbotts (11.5 km/7.1 mi).
Tea: several
pubs listed in the directions, they are all in the Linslade part of town,
i.e. close to the station. There is also
a re-opened pub in Leighton Buzzard’s centre (The Black Lion at
20 High Street), a bit further away, which has been voted ‘CAMRA Pub of the Year Bedfordshire’ in its first year. Or The Bald Buzzard, a micropub at 6
Hockcliffe Street.
Friday, 23 March 2018
Brief Encounters with Addison Jazz at 7:30pm
Our club veteran Jane is a member of Addision Jazz Choir. She and her choir are performing at St Paul's Church Covent Garden. She has asked me to post this invitation on her behalf. The event is a part of Brandenburg Choral Festival of London.
Ticket £18, (£5 for under 16) from the box office (link here). However, if you buy from a choir member, it will be £11. Please contact Jane for discounted tickets.
Thursday, 22 March 2018
Evening walk - Sole Street Circular
CW2 17a - Sole Street Circular
Length: 13.5km (8.4 miles)
Catch the 17:26 train from London Blackfriars, arrives Sole Street 18:16.
Alternatively travel from Victoria, changing at Bromley South to pick up the 17:48 to Sole Street.
Return trains: 22:31, 23:47
Will stop for a drink / meal at the Amazon & Tiger* half way into the walk at Harvel.
At the end of walk there is the choice of The Cock Inn, Henley Street with ~20 min walk to the station, or The Railway Inn, next door.
Civil twilight 18:50. (With the clocks going forward next weekend, this will be the last evening walk of the current season.)
This walk is re-scheduled. (Originally scheduled for Thu 22nd Feb 2018, but never took place due to fake colds etc.)
whatspub says they serve food 19:00 - 21:00 on Thursdays. Answerphone message when phoning, so unable to confirm. Bring emergency food if apprehensive. T=2.17.a
Length: 13.5km (8.4 miles)
Catch the 17:26 train from London Blackfriars, arrives Sole Street 18:16.
Alternatively travel from Victoria, changing at Bromley South to pick up the 17:48 to Sole Street.
Return trains: 22:31, 23:47
Will stop for a drink / meal at the Amazon & Tiger* half way into the walk at Harvel.
At the end of walk there is the choice of The Cock Inn, Henley Street with ~20 min walk to the station, or The Railway Inn, next door.
Civil twilight 18:50. (With the clocks going forward next weekend, this will be the last evening walk of the current season.)
This walk is re-scheduled. (Originally scheduled for Thu 22nd Feb 2018, but never took place due to fake colds etc.)
whatspub says they serve food 19:00 - 21:00 on Thursdays. Answerphone message when phoning, so unable to confirm. Bring emergency food if apprehensive. T=2.17.a
Wednesday, 21 March 2018
Wednesday Walk - Hurst Green to Chiddington Causeway (Penshurst Station)
Length:
21.6 km (13.4 mi) [shorter walks
possible, see below]
Ascent/Descent:
531/586m
Net
Walking Time: ca. 5 ¼ hours
Toughness:
7 out of 10
Take
the 10.08 Uckfield train from London Bridge (10.23 East C.), arriving Hurst Green at
10.40.
[From
Victoria, the 09.54 East Grinstead train gets to HG at 10.34,
but the Network Railcard is not valid, i.e. you’d have to pay a full price
Penshurst rtn ticket to use that service. The 10.06 Pompey Harbour train leaves
you just 1 minute to change trains in EC, good luck…]
Return
trains:
16.27, 16.48 and 17.29 to Victoria, 16.32 to Cannon St. (via
Tonbridge), 18.01, 18.38 and 18.55 to Charing X (via
Tonbridge), 18.31 to London Bridge. Buy a Penshurst return.
The last mid-week posting of the full walk was 9 years ago...
This
is a rewarding walk along the hills of northern Kent, much of it passing
through woodland, along the Greensand Way. In the afternoon you can enjoy views
over the countryside to the south. The walk also passes Chartwell, (former home
of Winston Churchill) and through the secluded upland village of Ide Hill, a
possible tea stop.
Shorter
Options: You may reduce the length of the standard walk by 12 km to 9 km by
following the main route directions as given until [3], then follow the Shortened
route directions to finish at Oxted. Alternatively, you can trim a 1km descent
and ascent section off the standard and short walks by using the short cut at
[2] indicated in the walk directions text. There are other options mentioned on
the webpage.
Sunday, 18 March 2018
Northamptonshire - Kings Sutton Circular
Kings Sutton Circular
Length: 17.2km (10.7 miles) Toughness: 3/10
09:40 Birmingham Snow Hill train from Marylebone, changing at Banbury (arr 10:36, dep 10:44) arriving Kings Sutton at 10:50.
Direct return trains are at 14:50, 16:50 and 18:50 (journey time 76 mins). Or take a train to Banbury (opposite direction) at 15:56 or 17:56 and change there for a fast train to Marylebone (approx. same total journey time).
Buy a Super Off-Peak Return to Banbury (£20:15 with railcard – same price as a return to Kings Sutton)
This walk through pleasant Northamptonshire countryside passes through four small villages, each with a good pub serving real ale. The suggested lunch pubs, both about halfway round the walk, are The Fox Inn in Souldern (01869 345284) or The Blackbird Inn in Croughton (01869 810237).
It is possible to lengthen the walk by starting or finishing in Banbury. Either option will add around 6- 8km to the length of the walk.
You will need to download the walk directions.
T=SWC.176
Length: 17.2km (10.7 miles) Toughness: 3/10
09:40 Birmingham Snow Hill train from Marylebone, changing at Banbury (arr 10:36, dep 10:44) arriving Kings Sutton at 10:50.
Direct return trains are at 14:50, 16:50 and 18:50 (journey time 76 mins). Or take a train to Banbury (opposite direction) at 15:56 or 17:56 and change there for a fast train to Marylebone (approx. same total journey time).
Buy a Super Off-Peak Return to Banbury (£20:15 with railcard – same price as a return to Kings Sutton)
This walk through pleasant Northamptonshire countryside passes through four small villages, each with a good pub serving real ale. The suggested lunch pubs, both about halfway round the walk, are The Fox Inn in Souldern (01869 345284) or The Blackbird Inn in Croughton (01869 810237).
It is possible to lengthen the walk by starting or finishing in Banbury. Either option will add around 6- 8km to the length of the walk.
You will need to download the walk directions.
T=SWC.176
Sussex Weald - Stonegate Circular
Stonegate Circular
Length: 15.5km (9.6 miles) Toughness: 3/10
09:55 Hastings train from Charing Cross (London Bridge 10:04, Orpington 10:20) arriving Stonegate at 11:07.
Return trains are at xx:23 (journey time 73 mins).
This walk in the Sussex Weald traverses rolling hills, quiet valleys, woods and pastureland. It arrives in the unspoiled village of Burwash for lunch and then passes Bateman’s, Rudyard Kipling’s former home, now a National Trust property.
Options for shortening or lengthening the walk are described in the directions.
The walk directions describe several possible places for lunch in Burwash, including the Rose and Crown (tel 01435 882600).
You will need to download the walk directions.
T=2.19
Length: 15.5km (9.6 miles) Toughness: 3/10
09:55 Hastings train from Charing Cross (London Bridge 10:04, Orpington 10:20) arriving Stonegate at 11:07.
Return trains are at xx:23 (journey time 73 mins).
This walk in the Sussex Weald traverses rolling hills, quiet valleys, woods and pastureland. It arrives in the unspoiled village of Burwash for lunch and then passes Bateman’s, Rudyard Kipling’s former home, now a National Trust property.
Options for shortening or lengthening the walk are described in the directions.
The walk directions describe several possible places for lunch in Burwash, including the Rose and Crown (tel 01435 882600).
You will need to download the walk directions.
T=2.19
Saturday, 17 March 2018
Saturday Walk – The Greensand Way to Haslemere
Extra Walk 145 – Witley to Haslemere, via Thursley
Length: 17.2 km (10.7 miles). Toughness: 5/10
10:15 Haslemere train from Waterloo (Clapham Jct 10:22), arriving Witley at 11:09. Buy a return to Haslemere.
There are four trains an hour back from Haslemere, at 02, 15, 32 & 39 minutes past.
There's an increasing trend for people to do these walks by simply following the line on a GPS device, and one or two have queried whether written directions are necessary. This section of the Greensand Way is one of several walks which have found their way onto the SWC site in this minimal format. It had a midweek outing in 2015 and the GPS route was fully revised after some helpful feedback, so it's overdue a weekend posting.
A short section at the start is the same as the Witley-Haslemere walk in Book 1 (#44) but the rest of the walk is completely different. The suggested lunchtime pub in Thursley is also on the Milford-Haslemere walk (#27), and as four Book 1 walks finish in Haslemere most of you will be familiar with the tea places there.
You can get more details of the lunch/tea places and download the walk's GPX/KML file (or print off a map of the route) from the Greensand Way 1 page (ignore the "Draft - under construction" notice). T=swc.145
Length: 17.2 km (10.7 miles). Toughness: 5/10
10:15 Haslemere train from Waterloo (Clapham Jct 10:22), arriving Witley at 11:09. Buy a return to Haslemere.
There are four trains an hour back from Haslemere, at 02, 15, 32 & 39 minutes past.
There's an increasing trend for people to do these walks by simply following the line on a GPS device, and one or two have queried whether written directions are necessary. This section of the Greensand Way is one of several walks which have found their way onto the SWC site in this minimal format. It had a midweek outing in 2015 and the GPS route was fully revised after some helpful feedback, so it's overdue a weekend posting.
A short section at the start is the same as the Witley-Haslemere walk in Book 1 (#44) but the rest of the walk is completely different. The suggested lunchtime pub in Thursley is also on the Milford-Haslemere walk (#27), and as four Book 1 walks finish in Haslemere most of you will be familiar with the tea places there.
You can get more details of the lunch/tea places and download the walk's GPX/KML file (or print off a map of the route) from the Greensand Way 1 page (ignore the "Draft - under construction" notice). T=swc.145
Saturday Walk St. Patrick’s Day on a Penshurst Circular
SWC Walk 300 – Penshurst Circular via Bough Beech t=swc.300
Distance: 13.4 Miles or 21.5 km for those more metrically minded (shorter options available roughly 9 miles or 15 km)
Difficulty: 5 out of 10
Train: Take the 9:39 AM Tonbridge train from London Victoria (stopping at Clapham Junction at 9:45 and East Croydon at 9:56), arriving at Penshurst at 10:33. Return trains from Penshurst are at 27 and 33 minutes past the hour until 18:33; then 19:33, 20:27, 20:31, 21:21, 21:31, 22:21 (some requiring a change at Tonbridge). Buy a day return to Penshurst.
This is a relatively new walk (having only had one Sunday outing last autumn) combining both some new and familiar territory. It makes an anti-clockwise circuit from Penshurst Station (AKA Chiddingstone Causeway) around Bough Beech Reservoir before passing through the charming villages of Chiddingstone and Penshurst en route back to Penshurst Station. Along the way, you encounter several country pubs where you can honor St. Patrick (and a popular bird watching site). There are a couple of short cuts available for those preferring a shorter route.
As a little twist for the day, for anyone interested in honing their navigational skills in advance of the upcoming hill walking trips, I would suggest we do the route in reverse relying on the old map and compass (not a line on a device) to navigate between the various refreshment points. With any luck, we will encounter the main group at one of the pubs along the way and of course at the end at the Little Brown Jug. If interested in this option, please bring a compass and a print out of the route using the OS Map tab on the introduction page for the walk.
Whichever option you choose, you can find more information about the walk and download the walk instructions here.
The recommended lunch spot is either the Wheatsheaf (01732 700 100) at Bough Beech (6 miles/9.5 km into the main walk) or the Castle Inn (01892 870 371) in Chiddingstone (8.5 miles/12.5 km into the main walk).
Tea and other late afternoon refreshments can be had at the Fir Tree House in Penshurst (on the main walk) or at the Little Brown Jug, a stone’s throw from Penshurst Station.
Distance: 13.4 Miles or 21.5 km for those more metrically minded (shorter options available roughly 9 miles or 15 km)
Difficulty: 5 out of 10
Train: Take the 9:39 AM Tonbridge train from London Victoria (stopping at Clapham Junction at 9:45 and East Croydon at 9:56), arriving at Penshurst at 10:33. Return trains from Penshurst are at 27 and 33 minutes past the hour until 18:33; then 19:33, 20:27, 20:31, 21:21, 21:31, 22:21 (some requiring a change at Tonbridge). Buy a day return to Penshurst.
This is a relatively new walk (having only had one Sunday outing last autumn) combining both some new and familiar territory. It makes an anti-clockwise circuit from Penshurst Station (AKA Chiddingstone Causeway) around Bough Beech Reservoir before passing through the charming villages of Chiddingstone and Penshurst en route back to Penshurst Station. Along the way, you encounter several country pubs where you can honor St. Patrick (and a popular bird watching site). There are a couple of short cuts available for those preferring a shorter route.
As a little twist for the day, for anyone interested in honing their navigational skills in advance of the upcoming hill walking trips, I would suggest we do the route in reverse relying on the old map and compass (not a line on a device) to navigate between the various refreshment points. With any luck, we will encounter the main group at one of the pubs along the way and of course at the end at the Little Brown Jug. If interested in this option, please bring a compass and a print out of the route using the OS Map tab on the introduction page for the walk.
Whichever option you choose, you can find more information about the walk and download the walk instructions here.
The recommended lunch spot is either the Wheatsheaf (01732 700 100) at Bough Beech (6 miles/9.5 km into the main walk) or the Castle Inn (01892 870 371) in Chiddingstone (8.5 miles/12.5 km into the main walk).
Tea and other late afternoon refreshments can be had at the Fir Tree House in Penshurst (on the main walk) or at the Little Brown Jug, a stone’s throw from Penshurst Station.
Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
Saturday walk - Henley via Hambleden Circular - a classic Thames walk
Length: 14.9km (9.2 miles) - with possible 2.6km (1.6 mile) extension
Toughness: 3 out of 10
9.42 train from Paddington (9.50 Ealing Broadway) to Twyford, arriving 10.30, changing there for the 10.38 to Henley, arriving 10.50.
Buy a day return to Henley-upon-Thames
For walk directions click here. For GPX click here.
Would you believe this very nice little Thames walk has not had a Saturday outing for nearly five and a half years? (Though it has featured on Sundays much more recently.)
It falls into four almost equal quarters. The first takes you along the less manicured bank of the Thames north of Henley, an interesting walk passing close to Temple Island and a fine manor house. You then cross a wooded ridge to lunch in Hambleden (with a short cut possible).
The Stag and Huntsman in Hambleden is always a popular pub, so calling ahead to book a table might not be a bad idea, but we usually manage to squeeze in. Other options include the Hambleden Village Stores, which sells hot drinks and some deli items and has a couple of outside to eat them at. Alternatively, 2.2 miles after Hambleden is the Flower Pot Inn in Aston, a possible late lunch stop.
The section between Hambleden and Aston is a gentle stroll across the Thames valley with some fine views en route and the crossing of the dramatic Hambleden Weir. The last quarter of the walk crosses farmland over Remenham Hill, though you can take the riverside path instead if you wish.
If anyone wants to walk from Hambleden to Marlow after lunch (a 15.1km/9.9 mile walk from Henley), full instructions are now included in the walk document.
Back in Henley, the Chocolate Cafe is the obvious tea choice. If you want to work off some of the calories after tea, brief instructions are now given in the directions for the very pretty riverside extension down to the scenic Marsh Lock after tea: you could continue from there on the Thames Path to Shiplake, but this quite soon becomes suburban in character: better just to reverse your steps to Henley: out and back like this adds 2.6km/1.6 miles to the walk).
Trains back from Henley are at 23 and 53 past to 18.53, then 19.35, 20.23, 21.23, 22.21 T=2.07
Toughness: 3 out of 10
9.42 train from Paddington (9.50 Ealing Broadway) to Twyford, arriving 10.30, changing there for the 10.38 to Henley, arriving 10.50.
Buy a day return to Henley-upon-Thames
For walk directions click here. For GPX click here.
Would you believe this very nice little Thames walk has not had a Saturday outing for nearly five and a half years? (Though it has featured on Sundays much more recently.)
It falls into four almost equal quarters. The first takes you along the less manicured bank of the Thames north of Henley, an interesting walk passing close to Temple Island and a fine manor house. You then cross a wooded ridge to lunch in Hambleden (with a short cut possible).
The Stag and Huntsman in Hambleden is always a popular pub, so calling ahead to book a table might not be a bad idea, but we usually manage to squeeze in. Other options include the Hambleden Village Stores, which sells hot drinks and some deli items and has a couple of outside to eat them at. Alternatively, 2.2 miles after Hambleden is the Flower Pot Inn in Aston, a possible late lunch stop.
The section between Hambleden and Aston is a gentle stroll across the Thames valley with some fine views en route and the crossing of the dramatic Hambleden Weir. The last quarter of the walk crosses farmland over Remenham Hill, though you can take the riverside path instead if you wish.
If anyone wants to walk from Hambleden to Marlow after lunch (a 15.1km/9.9 mile walk from Henley), full instructions are now included in the walk document.
Back in Henley, the Chocolate Cafe is the obvious tea choice. If you want to work off some of the calories after tea, brief instructions are now given in the directions for the very pretty riverside extension down to the scenic Marsh Lock after tea: you could continue from there on the Thames Path to Shiplake, but this quite soon becomes suburban in character: better just to reverse your steps to Henley: out and back like this adds 2.6km/1.6 miles to the walk).
Trains back from Henley are at 23 and 53 past to 18.53, then 19.35, 20.23, 21.23, 22.21 T=2.07
Friday, 16 March 2018
Caroline, Or Change at Hampstead Theatre
Following a sellout season at Chichester Festival Theatre, the production is transferred to Hampstead Theatre. It has excellent reviews from all major press. To book, please click here. Pre-theatre F&B will be at Ye Olde Swiss Cottage, 98 Finchley Rd, London NW3 5EL, from 6pm. You can see the menu here.
★★★★★ Sunday Times | ★★★★★ Mail on Sunday | ★★★★★ The Telegraph ★★★★ The Guardian | ★★★★ The Times | ★★★★ Financial Times ★★★★ The Independent | ★★★★ Evening Standard | ★★★★★ The Stage
1963. In quiet Lake Charles, Louisiana, the destruction of a Confederate statue might just signal that change is in the air… But, whatever the progress of the civil rights movement, in the Gellman household things seem just the same – for now at least.
Eight year old Noah, heartbroken by the death of his mother and his father’s remarriage, sneaks down to the basement to spend time with the black maid he idolises, Caroline Thibodeaux: Caroline who runs everything. Whilst the basement may seem a fantastical place - even the appliances have a voice of their own - Caroline’s work there is repetitive and badly paid. But when Mrs Gellman comes up with a way for her to take a little more money home, the consequences for Caroline and Noah’s relationship are not what anybody might have expected…
An Olivier Award winning musical with a hugely original, highly eclectic and uniquely American score, Caroline, or Change creates an uplifting and profound portrait of America at a time of momentous social upheaval.
An Olivier Award winning musical with a hugely original, highly eclectic and uniquely American score, Caroline, or Change creates an uplifting and profound portrait of America at a time of momentous social upheaval.
★★★★★ Sunday Times | ★★★★★ Mail on Sunday | ★★★★★ The Telegraph ★★★★ The Guardian | ★★★★ The Times | ★★★★ Financial Times ★★★★ The Independent | ★★★★ Evening Standard | ★★★★★ The Stage
Wednesday, 14 March 2018
Wednesday walk Berwick to Seaford - via Alciston, Berwick Church, Alfriston, High-and-Over and Seaford Head
SWC 90 - Berwick to Seaford
Length: 18.4 km (11.4 miles)
Toughness: 7 out of 10
London Victoria: 09-47 hrs Littlehampton and Ore service. CJ 09-53 hrs; EC 10-03 hrs
Arrive Lewes: 10-47 hrs Change trains
Leave Lewes: 11-09 hrs Ore service from Brighton
Arrive Berwick: 11-20 hrs
Return: Seaford to London Victoria via Lewes [or via Brighton (B) where noted]: 16-25, 16-54, 17-20, 17-57, 18-24, 18-41(B), 18-59, 19-17, 19-37(B)
Rail ticket: buy a day return to Seaford.
Younger walkers without Senior railcards: Suggest you travel to East Croydon and use your railcards there which come into play after 10 am.
Walker has kindly given his approval to my posting this lovely walk of his within three weeks of his giving it a Saturday outing. Wednesday walkers will be taking a different route to Saturday walkers, and we will divert from the Vanguard Way before Cuckmere Haven to walk through farmland which - hopefully - will be full of newborn lambs - a lovely sign that Spring is on its way. Just don't mention mint sauce........
Leaving Berwick we will take the Alternative Start in the Walk Directions to Alciston, with its interesting church, then on over fields to Berwick Church, to view the murals and artwork of the Bloomsbury Group's luvvies. Onwards then down and up vast fields to Alfriston, where we will stop for luncheon at one of its three pubs. I will probably make a booking for us at the comfortable George Inn.
After lunch I suggest we follow the Book One route (Glynde to Seaford) beside the Cuckmere river to the outskirts of the village of Littlington, then cross the footbridge to continue beside the river (on its 'tother side) until we reach the base of High and Over Hill - which we duly climb, high and over, then zig zag down to the river and follow it to Exceat Bridge. Here you can cut the walk short by taking a bus to Seaford, or in the other direction to Eastbourne.
From Exceat Bridge we walk along the Vanguard Way for a few hundred metres before turning right (westwards) gently uphill through farmland where - hopefully - we will see this year's new born lambs out in the fields with their mothers. Onwards then and uphill to Seaford Head car park, across another large field (more lambs) to the cliff edge where we turn right (again westwards) for a lovely clifftop walk to Seaford. Along the way don't forget to look back behind you for a fabulous view of the Seven Sisters. On arriving in Seaford those peckish can indulge in fish and chips at Trawlers - a favourite with SWC walkers. Otherwise, there are several wine bars and pubs close to the railway station for refreshments before you take the train home.
This is one of my favourite SWC walks which I find particularly enjoyable in lambing season.
So recommended !
T=swc.90
Walk Directions here: L=swc.90
Length: 18.4 km (11.4 miles)
Toughness: 7 out of 10
London Victoria: 09-47 hrs Littlehampton and Ore service. CJ 09-53 hrs; EC 10-03 hrs
Arrive Lewes: 10-47 hrs Change trains
Leave Lewes: 11-09 hrs Ore service from Brighton
Arrive Berwick: 11-20 hrs
Return: Seaford to London Victoria via Lewes [or via Brighton (B) where noted]: 16-25, 16-54, 17-20, 17-57, 18-24, 18-41(B), 18-59, 19-17, 19-37(B)
Rail ticket: buy a day return to Seaford.
Younger walkers without Senior railcards: Suggest you travel to East Croydon and use your railcards there which come into play after 10 am.
Walker has kindly given his approval to my posting this lovely walk of his within three weeks of his giving it a Saturday outing. Wednesday walkers will be taking a different route to Saturday walkers, and we will divert from the Vanguard Way before Cuckmere Haven to walk through farmland which - hopefully - will be full of newborn lambs - a lovely sign that Spring is on its way. Just don't mention mint sauce........
Leaving Berwick we will take the Alternative Start in the Walk Directions to Alciston, with its interesting church, then on over fields to Berwick Church, to view the murals and artwork of the Bloomsbury Group's luvvies. Onwards then down and up vast fields to Alfriston, where we will stop for luncheon at one of its three pubs. I will probably make a booking for us at the comfortable George Inn.
After lunch I suggest we follow the Book One route (Glynde to Seaford) beside the Cuckmere river to the outskirts of the village of Littlington, then cross the footbridge to continue beside the river (on its 'tother side) until we reach the base of High and Over Hill - which we duly climb, high and over, then zig zag down to the river and follow it to Exceat Bridge. Here you can cut the walk short by taking a bus to Seaford, or in the other direction to Eastbourne.
From Exceat Bridge we walk along the Vanguard Way for a few hundred metres before turning right (westwards) gently uphill through farmland where - hopefully - we will see this year's new born lambs out in the fields with their mothers. Onwards then and uphill to Seaford Head car park, across another large field (more lambs) to the cliff edge where we turn right (again westwards) for a lovely clifftop walk to Seaford. Along the way don't forget to look back behind you for a fabulous view of the Seven Sisters. On arriving in Seaford those peckish can indulge in fish and chips at Trawlers - a favourite with SWC walkers. Otherwise, there are several wine bars and pubs close to the railway station for refreshments before you take the train home.
This is one of my favourite SWC walks which I find particularly enjoyable in lambing season.
So recommended !
T=swc.90
Walk Directions here: L=swc.90
Sunday, 11 March 2018
Sunday Walk Footloose and Fancy Free in Flitwick
SWC 231 – Flitwick Circular T=SWC.231
Distance: 15.2 Miles or 24.4 km for those more metrically minded (or a shorter option of 10.8 miles/17.3 km)
Difficulty: 5 out of 10
Train: Take the 9:49 AM Bedford bound Thameslink service from London St. Pancras, arriving at Flitwick at 10:42. Return trains from Flitwick are at 26 and 56 past the hour until 18:56; then, 19:29; 20:00; 20:30 and 21:08. Buy a day return to Flitwick. For those looking for a more relaxed start to the day, you could take a train an hour later and take the pre-lunch short cut which should have you arriving at the lunch village about the same time.
This is a varied walk through Bedfordshire, just north of the eastern edge of the Chilterns. Initially, it follows the Flit river along the edges of Flitwick moor before passing by some interesting Grade I listed buildings (De Grey Mausoleum and Wrest House). Eventually, it follows the Greensand Ridge and crosses Flitwick moor en route back to Flitwick. You can find more information about the walk and download the walk instructions here.
There are three suggested lunch venues in Clophill (9.5 miles/15.2 km into the walk)—the Flying Horse (01525 860 293), the Stone Jug (01525 860 526) and the Green Man Italian Restaurant (01525 860 352). Please do call ahead with numbers….
Tea and post walk refreshments can be had at the Crown or the Swan back in Flitwick.
Enjoy the walk!
Distance: 15.2 Miles or 24.4 km for those more metrically minded (or a shorter option of 10.8 miles/17.3 km)
Difficulty: 5 out of 10
Train: Take the 9:49 AM Bedford bound Thameslink service from London St. Pancras, arriving at Flitwick at 10:42. Return trains from Flitwick are at 26 and 56 past the hour until 18:56; then, 19:29; 20:00; 20:30 and 21:08. Buy a day return to Flitwick. For those looking for a more relaxed start to the day, you could take a train an hour later and take the pre-lunch short cut which should have you arriving at the lunch village about the same time.
This is a varied walk through Bedfordshire, just north of the eastern edge of the Chilterns. Initially, it follows the Flit river along the edges of Flitwick moor before passing by some interesting Grade I listed buildings (De Grey Mausoleum and Wrest House). Eventually, it follows the Greensand Ridge and crosses Flitwick moor en route back to Flitwick. You can find more information about the walk and download the walk instructions here.
There are three suggested lunch venues in Clophill (9.5 miles/15.2 km into the walk)—the Flying Horse (01525 860 293), the Stone Jug (01525 860 526) and the Green Man Italian Restaurant (01525 860 352). Please do call ahead with numbers….
Tea and post walk refreshments can be had at the Crown or the Swan back in Flitwick.
Enjoy the walk!
Sunday Walk: Great Chesterford to Newport (Essex)
SWC Walk 130
18.75 km 11.7 miles
(or 14.25 km 8.9 miles finishing at Audley End)
Difficulty 4/10
A varied walk through the rolling fields of north Essex to Saffron Walden. There you'll find half timbered buildings, an impressive church, remains of a Norman castle, an ancient turf labyrinth, and Bridge End Gardens. The afternoon goes through the parkland of Audley End and continues along the Harcamlow Way to Newport. It is possible to shorten the walk by finishing at Audley End station.
Trains:
9:43 Cambridge North train from Liverpool Street (Hackney Downs 9:50, Seven Sisters 9:57), arriving Great Chesterford at 11:05). Get a return to Great Chesterford.
Return from Newport at xx:13.
Or from Audley End at xx:10 and xx:47.
Lunch:
It's Mothers Day today, which is sometimes a problem (see below), but at least there's plenty of choice in Saffron Walden. The 8 Bells (01799-522790) is recommended. You also have the Saffron Hotel (01799-522676), The Cross Keys (01799-522207) and a Wetherspoons, The Temeraire (01799-516975).
Tea, Newport:
You pass the 17th C White Horse (01799-540002), about ten minutes before Newport station. Alternatively, detour to the much larger Coach and Horses (01799-540292) to the north of the village.
Tea, Audley End:
The Fighting Cocks (01799-541279) is on the way to Audley End station. You could also continue past the station turn-off then go down to the left to find The Bell (01799-540382). Both come recommended.
Audley End House is closed in winter but the gardens, stables, and service wing are open (£10.80 unless you're an English Heritage member).
Walk Directions here
You can shorten the walk by finishing at Audley End station. The route there involves a teensy bit of road walking.
For an even earlier finish, a 132 bus will whisk you from Saffron Walden to Great Chesterford at 13:05, 15:05, 17:05. Unfortunately, once whisked, there's a 45 minute wait for the train. (Just as well I did a whisk assessment).
T=swc.130
18.75 km 11.7 miles
(or 14.25 km 8.9 miles finishing at Audley End)
Difficulty 4/10
A varied walk through the rolling fields of north Essex to Saffron Walden. There you'll find half timbered buildings, an impressive church, remains of a Norman castle, an ancient turf labyrinth, and Bridge End Gardens. The afternoon goes through the parkland of Audley End and continues along the Harcamlow Way to Newport. It is possible to shorten the walk by finishing at Audley End station.
Trains:
9:43 Cambridge North train from Liverpool Street (Hackney Downs 9:50, Seven Sisters 9:57), arriving Great Chesterford at 11:05). Get a return to Great Chesterford.
Return from Newport at xx:13.
Or from Audley End at xx:10 and xx:47.
Lunch:
It's Mothers Day today, which is sometimes a problem (see below), but at least there's plenty of choice in Saffron Walden. The 8 Bells (01799-522790) is recommended. You also have the Saffron Hotel (01799-522676), The Cross Keys (01799-522207) and a Wetherspoons, The Temeraire (01799-516975).
Tea, Newport:
You pass the 17th C White Horse (01799-540002), about ten minutes before Newport station. Alternatively, detour to the much larger Coach and Horses (01799-540292) to the north of the village.
Tea, Audley End:
The Fighting Cocks (01799-541279) is on the way to Audley End station. You could also continue past the station turn-off then go down to the left to find The Bell (01799-540382). Both come recommended.
Audley End House is closed in winter but the gardens, stables, and service wing are open (£10.80 unless you're an English Heritage member).
Walk Directions here
You can shorten the walk by finishing at Audley End station. The route there involves a teensy bit of road walking.
For an even earlier finish, a 132 bus will whisk you from Saffron Walden to Great Chesterford at 13:05, 15:05, 17:05. Unfortunately, once whisked, there's a 45 minute wait for the train. (Just as well I did a whisk assessment).
T=swc.130
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