Evening Walk - Oxleas Wood and Shooter’s Hill (Falconwood Circular) [New Walk]

Through ancient woodlands up to Shooter's Hill with far views across the Southeast, on to Severndroog Castle Folly

Length: 6.3 km, Ascent/Descent: 124m

Net Walking Time: ca. 1 ½ hours, Toughness: 1 out of 10.

Take the 18.42 Dartford via Bexleyheath train from Charing Cross (Waterloo East 18.45, London Bridge 18.51, then via Lewisham and Blackheath), arriving Falconwood 19.15.

From Victoria take the 18.34 Dartford train via Denmark Hill, Peckham Rye and Nunhead, arriving  Falconwood at 19.11.

Return trains: xx.00 and xx.30 to Cannon Street via London Bridge and xx.14 and xx.44 to Victoria.

Falconwood is in Zone 4.

This is an undulating route in the Royal Borough of Greenwich through several mostly ancient woodlands with a rich variety of plants and trees, up the southerly flank of Shooter’s Hill, past a large south facing meadow with far views across South East London (and a café) and on through more woods past remnants of a stately home’s gardens to the architecturally interesting folly of Severndroog Castle, with its tearoom.

The descent back to the station passes another terraced garden and drops along Oxleas Meadows to cross over into Shepherdleas Woods for the return to Falconwood station.

Covid-compatibility: not really any fenced paths but lots of semi-wide woodland paths. Trains should not be too busy with this late start and the high frequency and long trains on those lines.

Food/Drink: presumably all shut.

For walk directions, map, photos, height profile and gpx/kml files click here. T=short.44

Sunday Walk - The White Cliffs: Dover to Deal or Sandwich (start time revised: now with a later train)

Length: 17.7 km (11.0 mi), Ascent/Descent: 475m

Net Walking Time: ca. 4 ½ hours, Toughness: 6 out of 10.

Too short for you?  Walk on to Sandwich (map-led). 

Take the 10.12 Dover Priory train from St. Pancras (Stratford I’nal 10.19) arriving Dover Priory 11.29.

Return trains from Deal: xx.18 (105 minutes to STP).

Return trains from Sandwich: xx.12 (110 minutes to STP).

Take the 09.37 Dover Priory train from St. Pancras (Stratford I’nal 09.44) arriving Dover Priory 10.41.
Return trains from Deal: xx.31 (87 minutes to STP).

Return trains from Sandwich: xx.25 (92 minutes to STP). 
Buy a Sandwich return  with High Speed Surcharge (same price as a Deal rtn). For a Super Off-Peak price: try Southeastern's ticket machines.

This simple walk (it should be impossible to get lost if you keep the sea on your right-hand side) is nevertheless one of the finest coastal walks in England, taking you right along the top of the famous White Cliffs of Dover. On a clear day, you get stunning views of the Channel, and the ferries buzzing in and out of Dover Harbour, and the French coast from Boulogne to Dunkerque.

There are two significant climbs, one out of Dover and the other out of St. Margaret's Bay. Otherwise the terrain is level or gently undulating. The last quarter of the walk is totally flat, along a tranquil coast path behind the pebble beach of Deal. Though less dramatic than the White Cliffs, this section of the walk is full of historical and natural interest, passing Walmer and Deal castles, and a stunning display of coastal flora on Deal’s shingle beach.

When using mobile phones on this walk, check they haven’t switched to a French network, as happens routinely at St. Margaret’s Bay, for example

Covid-compatibility: not many fenced paths presumably and lots of wide, open grassy cliffs; some congestion likely nearer Deal along the promenade (face coverings at the ready).

Lunch: Picnic, although some pubs/kiosks/ice cream vans may be plying for our business.

Tea: plenty of options in Deal and Sandwich, some of whom may sell takeout drinks and snacks.

For  walk directions, map, photos, height profile and gpx/kml files click here. T=2.30

Saturday Walk: A Swim at Seaford?

SWC Walk 314: Seaford Circular T=SWC.314

Distance:  15.6 Miles or 25 km for those more metrically minded

Difficulty:  7 out of 10

Meet:  10:50 AM in front of the Seaford rail station (on public transport, the 9:24 Eastbourne train from London Victoria stopping at CJ 9:30 and EC at 9:40 should do the trick).

This walk explores routes through the South Downs not frequented on other walks – so hopefully not too busy….The walk can be done  either clockwise (recommended if interested in late afternoon diversion to Cuckmere Haven for a swim) or anticlockwise… The walk is somewhat “instruction-lite” so is best done with the aid of a map/GPX route…More information and some basic instructions and GPS route can be found here.

Bring a picnic – usually lunch is in Alfriston…which may have some shops/pubs open for take away (but don’t count on it).  Seaford has a range of shops for post walk refreshies and possible fish and chips on the seafront…

Welcome back and enjoy the walk!

Saturday Walk - The Chilterns: Whiteleaf & Pulpit Hill --- Wendover Circular (with Coombe Hill optional)

Length: 20.2 km (12.5 mi), Ascent/Descent: 550m

Net Walking Time: ca. 5 hours, Toughness: 7 out of 10.

Shortcuts possible, tougher afternoon option possible, for details see the webpage linked below.

Take the 09.27 Aylesbury train from Marylebone (Harrow-on-the-Hill 09.39, Rickmansworth 09.49 etc.), arriving Wendover 10.15. Return trains: xx.26 and xx.56.

This energetic walk serves as a fine introduction to the Chiltern Hills, first passing through woodland, then descending into hidden vales and fields before emerging out onto the Chiltern escarpment above Princes Risborough at a spot that commands panoramic views of the countryside below. Lunch would have been in Whiteleaf, a pretty village with many ancient cottages, after which the return to Wendover goes through wooded valleys and hills reminiscent of an earlier age. Then the walk continues along a fine open section of escarpment, with grand views north, before descending to the plains for a leisurely finish, in contrast to the landscape passed earlier.

Covid-compatibility: not many fenced paths (from memory); Coombe Hill on the tougher afternoon option will be busy but it is a wide, open area.

Lunch: Picnic.

Tea: plenty of options in Wendover some of whom may sell takeout drinks and snacks.

For walk directions, map, photos, height profile and gpx/kml files click here. T=2.1

Evening Walk - West End and Esher Commons (Oxshott Circular), now fully written up

Length: 10.0 km, Ascent/Descent: 139m

Net Walking Time: ca. 2 ¼ hours, Toughness: 1 out of 10.

Take the 19.03 Guildford train from Waterloo (Vauxhall 19.07, Clapham J 19.12, then via Earlsfield, Wimbledon, Surbiton etc.), arriving Oxshott 19.37. Return trains: xx.01 to 23.01, then 23.31.

This is a walk through several adjoining wooded commons on the Surrey/London border.

You start at Oxshott station and ascend the South Slope of the wooded Oxshott Heath to a fine viewpoint by the War Memorial. Skirt a pretty ex-sandpit and follow narrow paths through the woods and across the A3 into Esher Common. There you follow enchanting paths through the heathland and then some woods into West End Common to West End, a lovely Surrey village (willow-fringed pond, diminutive church, cricket green, nice pub), with a large garden centre. From there you return through more woods to The Ledges, the northwesterly escarpment of the Commons, hanging over the Mole Valley, and on back into Esher Common and past the atmospheric Black Pond, then eventually back to Oxshott station.

Note: There are far more paths in the woods than appear on any map. Follow the detailed written directions. Map and compass or a smartphone/GPS device would help navigation!

Covid-compatibility: not really any fenced paths; trains should not be too busy with this late start.

Food/Drink: the pub en route is of course shut and does NOT sell takeouts, according to its website.

For walk directions, map, photos, height profile and gpx/kml files click here. T=short.17

Evening Walk - The City of London without the people: Sculpture in the City

Length: 2.7 km

Net Walking Time: 1 hour

Meet: Liverpool Street Mainline Station, Liverpool Street Exit, Street Level, Kindertransport Memorial at 19.45 hours.

Finish is at Leadenhall Market. Liverpool Street, Bank/Monument, Aldgate/Aldgate East, Tower Hill and London Bridge tube stations are just a short walk away, as are Fenchurch Street, Liverpool Street and London Bridge mainline stations. All are in Zone 1.

The critically acclaimed Sculpture in the City is an annual exhibition showcasing contemporary works by internationally renowned artists in the confines of the City of London, on streets, in squares or on buildings. The exhibition usually opens around end June, and most sculptures are displayed until the following May. But in the current Covid pandemic, the exhibition has been extended to the autumn.

2019 sees the ninth incarnation of this popular attraction, displaying 21 artworks (1 of them only from autumn 2019) by 19 artists ranging considerably in scale – from large glass- or fabric-works to small neon- or text-works, thoughtfully placed between iconic architectural landmarks such as the Gherkin (30 St. Mary Axe), the Walkie-Talkie (20 Fenchurch Street), the Lloyd’s-Building (aka the Inside-Out Building, at 12 Leadenhall Street), the Scalpel (Lime Street) and the Cheesegrater (the Leadenhall Building). Wander the City's public spaces and stumble upon world-class public art, on an urban canvas recognised across the globe. 

For more information on the exhibition, individual artworks and a map click here.
A printed booklet with a map, photos of – and information on – the art works can be picked up at the City Information Centre, located between St Paul's Cathedral and Millennium Bridge.

Eat/Drink: Leadenhall Market features more than 20 pubs, delis, bars, brasseries and restaurants. Some of whom may sell takeout drinks and snacks. For more details click here.

For walk directions, map, photos, and gpx/kml files click here. T=short.24

Sunday Walk - The Thames Valley: Pangbourne Circular (via Goring)

Length: from 16.0 km (10.0 mi), Ascent/Descent: 203 m [shorter ending possible in Goring] to 23.4 km/14.5 mi with 267m ascent, if adding a new morning extension and finishing in Tilehurst.

Net Walking Time: ca. 3 ¾ hours, Toughness: 3 out of 10, for the 16.0 km version.

Take either the 10.29 Didcot Parkway stopping service from  Paddington (Ealing B’way 10.37, Reading 11.26) or the 10.46 Worcester Foregate Street service and change at Reading (11.12/11.26), arrive Pangbourne 11.34. 
Return trains: xx.04 (from Tilehurst: xx.08). Shave off some minutes by changing at Reading onto a fast train. Buy a Pangbourne return (but buy a Goring return if you are finishing there).

Starting on the West Berkshire side of the Thames, this short walk links three pretty Thames-side villages via wooded ridges with splendid views. From Pangbourne you cross the river on the delightful Whitchurch toll bridge into Oxfordshire and ascend through Whitchurch-on-Thames and then some pastures to the highest point of the walk, with first scenic views down some pretty combes. The route follows the part-wooded ridge above the Thames Valley, with occasional splendid views of the valley and the Goring Gap between the Chilterns and the Berkshire Downs, before descending through a wildflower nature reserve and then leading along the valley bottom to Goring-on-Thames for lunch.

In the afternoon you return along the Thames Path Long Distance Trail, mainly through the river meadows, occasionally framed by wooded hills, then up through Hartslock Wood, and back down through Whitchurch and Pangbourne with its many tea options.

A finish in Goring-on-Thames, a modest extension in the morning, and a longer extension at the end of the walk along the Thames to Tilehurst station are possible.

Lunch: Picnic, although some of the cafes and pubs in Goring may sell takeout wares.

Tea: plenty of options in Whitchurch-on-Thames and Pangbourne; check page 2 of the pdf for details, some of whom should sell takeout drinks and snacks.

For walk directions, map, photos, height profile and gpx/kml files click here. T=swc.170

Shorter alternative - Otford Circular

I don’t know how this is going to work, but since (at very short notice) walk posting seems to have been resumed by some, let’s try an experiment. T=3.290

Meet at 11.20 in the car park of Otford station. Trains are available to get you there from Victoria (Dep 10.25 arrive 11.00) or Blackfriars (dep 10.16 arrive 11.18), or you may think it better, if you are able, to follow government advice and drive. 

Please read the new rules in the box above. We will split as rapidly as possible into groups of six, and walk socially distanced, as per government guidelines. 

As ever on our walks you are responsible for your own route finding. I suggest as a suitable walk Otford Circular via Shoreham (SWC walk 290: 8.7 miles)....... but other walks are possible - eg Otford Circular via Romney Street (Book 1, walk 43: 7.5 miles), Otford to Eynsford (Book 1, walk 23: 8.8 miles) or you could even do the Eynsford Circular (SWC walk 59: 13.4 miles) from there

You should exchange contact details with those you walk with for contact tracing purposes (though note that only people that coronavirus cases are in contact with for the two days before they get symptoms are traced).

You should bring all refreshments you might need for the walk, though last weekend I did notice somewhere in Otford doing takeaway teas. The Hospices of Hope shop is boarded up (for refurbishment, I have been told).

Trains back are at 29 and 59 to Blackfriars, 26 and 56 to Victoria

Saturday Walk - Stonehenge without the Tourists, a day before the Summer Solstice (Salisbury - Amesbury)

Length: 25.1 km (15.6 mi) [shorter and longer options possible]

Ascent/Descent: 330 m

Net Walking Time: ca. 5 ½ hours

Toughness: 6 out of 10

Take the 09.20 Salisbury train from Waterloo (09.27 Clapham J., 09.46 Woking), arriving at 10.50.

Meet outside the station building in the car park, to the right as you come out (and in small groups).

Return buses from Amesbury (outside Library) to Salisbury Blue Boar Row (from 19 mins journey time): Line 8 on xx.10 hourly to 18.10, then 19.15; line X4 on  (basically) xx.01 half-hourly to 18.30, then 19.00; line X5 on xx.20 hourly to 18.20

Return trains from Salisbury: 18.21, 19.26, 20.26 and 21.42

This superb walk has no major climbs but covers beautiful rolling countryside and farmland and fields of golden barley and wheat. You then have an evocative and magical approach to Stonehenge across Salisbury Plain. After passing close to the site the route takes you down the original approach used by the Druids – The Avenue – as you set off on the final leg to Amesbury and a bus back to Salisbury city centre. There is a lot to see on this walk and what you choose to do depends very much on your interests and how far you want to walk or travel. You get excellent views of Old Sarum hill fort and of Stonehenge from the walk route. [Stonehenge is closed to 4 July, so we should get excellent views of it from the right of way circling the site; Old Sarum is open for visitors, but you have to book in advance online, even if a member of English Heritage]. The ancient city of Salisbury has a fascinating history and the Visit Wiltshire website provides information about it. If you wish to visit Salisbury Cathedral this is slightly off route.

For walk directions and all options to shorten or lengthen the walk, a map, a height profile, gpx/kml files, and photos click here.

Lunch: Picnic, although some of the pubs passed may sell takeout wares.

Tea: the pubs in Amesbury may or may not sell takeout drinks and snacks, but definitely some of the cafes and pubs in Salisbury at the central square on Blue Boar Row should offer takeout drinks, hot and cold, and the Indian restaurants by the station may also sell takeout food.

T=swc.67

Rigoletto at Opera Holland Park (OHP) - Cancelled

OHP has cancelled all performances due to the COVID-19 outbreak.