Thames Path : Richmond to Putney [walk check] [extra midweek walk]

10 miles. Easy.

A walk check (its the Thames Path, a National Trail, so it shouldn't be too scary or eventful) passing 10 bridges, 8 of which you can cross - you can choose north or south bank between each bridge. You end up at Putney Bridge, where there is a riverside Wetherspoons (south bank, behind the church) with a £1 pint / £1 a bottemless tea/coffee promotion. Its 10 miles along paved paths, about 4 hours walking, so you should arrive mid afternoon when its quiet. If its nice, there's outside seating.

Catch a train/tube to be at Richmond Station at 10:30, or join at 1 of the bridges along the route, or at the pub at the end.

Central London dwellers could do it's sister walk, Thames Path : Tower Hill to Putney Bridge, which ends up at the same pub. If you do, please choose the south bank past newly opened Battersea Power Station development to check the riverside path there.

l=swc.390

Battle Circular

Sunday Walk – SWC Walk 30:  Battle Circular t=swc.30

Distance:  11.8 Miles or 19 km for those more metrically minded

Difficulty:  3 out of 10

Train:  Take the 9:25 AM Hastings bound train from London Charing Cross (stopping at London Bridge at 9:34), arriving at Battle at 10:44.  Return trains from Battle are at 07 and 44 minutes past the hour. Buy a day return to Battle. 

This is a pretty walk through the rolling hills of 1066 country. It offers some fabulous views of the surrounding country-side with a picturesque town and historic abbey.  You can find more information about the walk and download the walk instructions here.

The recommended lunch spot is in Netherfield (8 miles or 13km into the walk) where there is a choice between the White Hart and the Netherfield Arms. Tea and other late afternoon refreshments can be had at various places back in Battle.

Enjoy the walk!

Sunday Walk: Henley Circular via Middle Assendon

14 km 8.8 miles, Difficulty 7 out of 10
This Chilterns walk, a shortened version of the Stonor circular, still has dramatic views.
Trains: Get the 09:42 Tfl Reading train from Paddington (Ealing Broadway 09:50). Change at Twyford for the Henley train (arr 10:31 platform 3, dep 10:45 platform 5) arrive Henley 10:57.
Get a return to Henley-on-Thames. Trains from Henley at xx:27 xx:57 till 16:59 17:36 18:07 18:42 (and later).
Freedom Pass holders can travel as far as Twyford on the Tfl trains but still need to buy a return from there to Henley.
Full ticket holders can (if they wish) change again at Slough for a faster return to Paddington. 

Lunch: The Rainbow in Middle Assendon (01491-574879). 

Tea: The Chocolate Café (tel  01491 411 412) on Henley’s waterfront, open weekends to 5pm. The station is 5 minutes away. Henley has plenty of pubs. The Angel is nearest the café. 

Walk Directions: available here. We are doing the shorter version that heads left for Bix Bottom after the Rainbow (paragraph 22). 

(Any dinosaurs thinking of using Ye Olde Book 2 through Lambridge Woods, don’t. The paths have changed. One of our dinosaurs did just that recently and is lucky not to be still missing). The online directions work fine.

If anyone is contemplating the longer walk via Pishill, note that the Crown 01491 638364 is currently closed. Their website, claiming they would reopen soon, disappeared recently. (With shorter daylight, this option not recommended anyway).
T=2.6.a

Farewell to Autumn: Chorleywood to Chesham

t=SWC.81

Length: 16km (10m)
Toughness: 5 / 10
Transport: Take either the train from London Marylebone to Chorleywood, leaving at 10:27 and arriving at 10:54, or, take the Metropolitan Line from e.g. Bakerstreet to Chorleywood, leaving at 10:17 and arriving at 10:58. Return trains from Chesham are at xx:26 and xx:56.

A lovely walk in the tranquil Chess valley with one of the more quirky teashops at the end in Chesham: The Drawingroom.

Saturday walk - Guildford to Gomshall - a Surrey Hills classic

Length: 19.2km (11.9 miles) T=2.13

Toughness: 5 out of 10

Shorter options of 11km (6.8 miles) or 17.2km (10.7 miles)

Longer option of 23.4km (14.5 miles)

Catch the 9.30 train from Waterloo (the fast Portsmouth Harbour train, not the stopper at 9.33) to Guildford, arriving 10.02.

From Clapham Junction get the 9.27 Exeter train and change at Woking (arriving 9.45, departing 9.55)

Buy a day return to Gomshall ("any permitted", if given a choice)

For walk directions click here, for GPX click here, for a map of the route click here. 

OK, OK, I am not going to get a Grammy for original programming by choosing this walk, but it is that weekend of the year, when the autumn colour will probably be all gone, and there is nothing to do in the countryside but walk in it (most of you probably feel like this the whole year...) so I am opting for a familiar, comforting choice. If there is any leaf tint left, then this walk has plenty of opportunties to see it: otherwise it has nice views, a cosy village for lunch, some slopes to stretch those leg muscles.

I have also made a little change to the walk. Year in, year out, I advocate the beauties of the slightly longer ending via Abinger Woods, and everyone ignores me to do the "main walk". Well, now the longer ending is the main walk (this is what the pyschologists know as a "nudge" approach) . The less exciting former ending is still there as a short cut, reducing the walk to 17.2km (10.7 miles). You can also quit out of the walk just after lunch - the 11km (6.8 mile) version.

Some people might want to continue along the lovely wooded North Downs Way to Box Hill or Dorking stations. When I created this walk, back in the late Middle Ages, this 14.5 mile long option was seen as a big walk for a long spring or summer's day: but some of you are now capable of knocking it off on one of the shortest days of the year: in which case, be my guest.

I will leave you to look at the home page to disentangle the various lunch options, but note that the Lavender Goose (former Gomshall Tea Rooms) is long gone, and I have not been to the Abinger Tea Rooms since pre-Covid, so your tea option in Gomshall is probably one of the pubs. On the Box Hill extension, the Denbies Vineyard tea place shuts at 4.30pm. Pilgrim Cycles by Box Hill station (which used to do tea) no longer opens on Saturdays. So the Stepping Stones pub is your tea stop here.

Trains back from Gomshall are at 17.21 via a change in Guildford to Waterloo and 17.31 via a change in Redhill to London Bridge, both taking about 1 hour. The next train is then 19.21 via Guildford and 19.44 via Redhill, so unless you are stopping for dinner, you are getting the 17.21 or 17.31, basically.

Trains back from Dorking are at 30 past to Waterloo and 07 and 36 past to London Bridge (normally Victoria, but not this week). The 30 past and the 36 past stop at Box Hill three minutes later (so it has two trains an hour but they are within 6 minutes of each other!)

Saturday Walk - Lewes to Seaford (via Rodmell and Bishopstone), or from Southease

Length: 23.7 km (14.7 mi) [Shorter: finish at Bishopstone station (cuts 2.0 km)]

Ascent/Descent: 498/493m

Net Walking Time: 5 ¾ hours

Toughness: 6/10 

           or         

Length: 18.4 km (11.4 mi) [Shorter: finish at Bishopstone station (cuts 2.0 km)]

Ascent/Descent: 305/296m 

Net Walking Time: 4 ¼ hours

Toughness: 4/10 

 

Take the 08.56 Ore train from London Bridge (09.12 East Croydon), arrives Lewes 09.57. 

From Victoria, well…take the tube to Blackfriars and the 08.44 to East Croydon from there… 

For a start from Southease, take a train an hour later and change at Lewes (with a 4-minute connection). 

Return trains: xx.25 and xx.53 (change at Lewes). 

 

Up the South Downs, down to Rodmell, across the River Ouse, up the South Downs, down to Bishopstone and along the seafront promenade to Seaford. [Long Version of Southease to Seaford]

 

Lunch: The Abergavenny Arms in Rodmell (9.3 km/5.8 mi, food to 14.30); The Courtyard Cafe in Southease (11.3 km/7.0 mi, open to 16.00); Hampden Arms or The Flying Fish in South Heighton/Denton (off route and map-led, 17.7 km/18.3 km resp., food to 15.00/14.30 resp.; the first one is marked on the OS map, the 2^nd one not). 

Tea: plenty of options in Seaford, see the webpage or the pdf for details. 

 

For summary, map, height profile, photos, walk directions pdf and gpx/kml files click here. T=2.26.a

Black Friday Evening Walk: Taming the Thames from London Bridge to Greenwich

Black Friday Evening:  Taming the Thames from London Bridge to Greenwich t=swc.245

Distance:          Approximately 6.2 miles or 10 km for those more metrically minded

Difficulty:         1 out of 10

Meet:                18:30 at exit to London Bridge Mainline Station across from Hays Galleria

Return:             Greenwich DLR, mainline train or Thames Clipper

This is an easy and varied walk along the south side of the Thames. It passes from iconic London landmarks, such as the Tower and Dickensian wharfs reminiscent of Oliver Twist, through quieter areas of Rotherhithe (where the Mayflower famously made a stop before setting across the seas) and Deptford before reaching Greenwich.  Along the way are plenty of historic refreshment points, such as the Angel, the Mayflower and the Dog and Bell….Spoiled for choice!

Additionally, tonight we will be treated to festive fayre from the Christmas by the River market!

Navigation is easy, just keep river on your left and follow the Thames Path markers. More information about the route can be found here.  

Enjoy the walk!

Wednesday Walk Otford to Eynsford - the River Darent, three villages, a ruined palace, two castles and a Roman villa

Book 1, Walk 23 - Otford to Eynsford

Length: 14.1 km (8.8 miles)   Options to lengthen and shorten

Toughness: 5 out of 10    two steady uphill sections to keep you awake

London Victoria:  10-25 hrs     Southeastern service to Ramsgate    Bromley South: 10-42 hrs

Arrive Otford:  11-01 hrs

Return

Eynsford:  05 & 35 mins past the hour   Thameslink service to London Blackfriars    Change at Bromley South for Southeastern service back to Victoria

Rail ticket: buy a day return to Otford

This lovely short walk packs a punch beyond its length and is full of interesting sights and features - water et al.  These are outlined in the Walk Directions below which I ask you to read, please.

I suggest we stop for luncheon in the village of Shoreham where, post Covid, I believe at least three of its four pubs have survived to tell the tale - and possibly serve us lunch today. A SWC stalwart is the King's Arms. 

After lunch, so long as the River Darent has not flooded our onward journey, we walk through a series of woods and along quiet roads to Lullingstone Park, where we cross its golf course and head up the Park before dropping down to its Visitor Centre. We then enjoy a leg beside the River Darent which takes us to Lullingstone Castle. A section of road walking then takes us to Lullingstone Roman Villa. From here if you wish you can leave the main route and head up to Eagle Heights to enjoy the views from above. Otherwise, you continue along the quiet road to go under Eynsford Viaduct and on into Eynsford village itself. The railway station is a bit of a hike from the village centre, but an alternative route is included in the Directions which avoids the trudge along the main road.

If perchance it has been muddy and your boots are in need of a clean, as you enter Eynsford you come to a ford beside the main bridge which in the past I have often used as a darn good, impromptu boot wash.

T=1.23

Walk Directions are here:  L=1.23 

Sunday Walk - Balcombe Circular via Ardingly Resevoir

Balcombe Circular via Ardingly Resevoir - winter version

T=swc.22 Length:16.2km (10 miles). Shorter walk (picnic only): 12.8km (7.9 miles)

Toughness: 4 out of 10 

The winter route is suggested because it includes quite a bit of walking on quiet lanes and dry tracks, so avoiding the worst of the mud. Ardingly Reservoir is particularly beautiful in low winter sunlight, and the walk should enable you to get to the Balcombe Tea Rooms before they close at 4pm.  (The summer walk is just an extra 2 miles for those who would like a longer walk. The directions cover both routes)

Trains: 09.39 train from London Bridge (St Pancras 9.24, East Croydon 9:53) arriving Balcombe 10.31.  Or, 09.29 from London Victoria (Clapham Junction 9.36) to Gatwick Airport (10.06) where you change for the 10.16 to Balcombe. The Victoria train is more expensive than the Thameslink from London Bridge.

Return trains from Balcombe: 14.44, 15.34, 16.44,17.34

Lunch: The Ardingly Inn (01444 892 214), 8.8km (5.4 miles) into the Winter Walk and 10.1km (6.3 miles) into the Summer Walk, serves a basic menu, but with good quality and hearty portions. Next door is the Ardingly Cafe (01444 891 113), which serves sandwiches, salads, soups and light meals until 4.30pm Monday to Saturday and 3.30pm on Sundays and bank holidays.

The Gardeners Arms (01444 892328), is an alternative lunch option 8.9km (5.5 miles) into the Winter Walk or 10.2km (6.4 miles) into the Summer Walk. It is often fully booked at weekends, so  best reserve a table in advance if you would like to eat there.

Tea: The Balcombe Tea Rooms (01444 811 777) serve great doorstop slabs of homemade cake, as well as doing simple meals such as lasagne or fry-ups. This is the recommended tea stop for the winter walk if you can get there before they close at 4pm.

The Half Moon Inn in Balcombe is a possible tea stop for both walks. Newly refurbished, it is open all afternoon and now serves tea and (sometimes) cakes. After 6pm it offers hot food, including deserts. 

For walk directions, map and GPS click here

Saturday Walk Chipstead to Kingswood

Chipstead to Kingswood T=swc.177

Length: 15¼ km (9.5 miles). Four hours walking time. There are various shorter options described
5 out of 10

"Just outside the London boundary, this undulating walk takes in a varied landscape of ancient woodland, open downs and farmland. You will have plenty of company in the popular recreational areas of Banstead Wood and Chipstead Downs, but few dog-walkers venture across the railway into the network of footpaths, horse rides and quiet lanes which make up the walk's middle section.

On the other side of the railway a section along an open valley in Shabden Park and across a golf course takes you to an out-of-the-way pub for lunch.

The return route starts along a remote area of quiet country lanes and narrow paths, followed by a woodland path through the Shabden Park's Long Plantation. After going back across the railway the final section is around the southern edge of Banstead Wood and across farmland to Kingswood station."

Trains: Get the 0947 Southern train from London Bridge to Caterham, Tattenham Corner (1002 East Croydon) arriving Chipstead 1029. Return trains xx16 & xx46. Return to Kingswood. These stations are on the same line and in Zone 6 so use Oyster.

Lunch: The suggested lunchtime stop is the Well House Inn (01737-830640) in Mugswell, after 5m, 8¼ km. Ramblers welcome & now seems to do food all day and have a large covered garden space.

Tea: The Waterhouse Café open to 3.30pm Mon–Fri on Waterhouse Lane. The alternative is the Kingswood Arms directly opposite the station.

Fading Autumn Color Along the Greensand Ridge (Holmwood to Shamley Green, Shalford or Guildford)

SWC 287:  Holmwood to Shamley Green, Shalford or Guildford t=swc.287

Distance:  11.6 miles (18.7 km), 14.5ish miles (23ish km) or 17.4 miles (28 km), respectively

Difficulty:  8 out of 10

Train:  Take the 9:25 AM Horsham-bound train from London Victoria arriving in Holmwood at 10:29. Unless walking on to Shalford or Guilford, the return journey requires a bus from Shamley Green to Guildford (bus number 53 or 63), each bus runs hourly and takes about 10 minutes, the 53 at 22 past the hour and the 63 at 52 past the hour with the bus stop located conveniently opposite the pub!  Plenty of trains in Guildford.....For those walking on to Shalford, trains run hourly at 31 past the hour (additionally the 53 and 63 buses both stop near the station). Buy a “any permitted” day return to Gomshall.

This walk provides a great late autumn outing with some invigorating hills to climb….Hopefully, there will also be some remaining flashes of color from the beech trees along the route….This is a largely map-led outing with a GPX file available for guidance. If you decide to walk to Shalford, you will need to consult the map and deviate from the GPX…it is a short diversion….With the short days upon us, the walk into Guildford would likely be in the dark, though it may be possible to make it to Shalford before darkness falls. You can find more information about the walk and download the walk instructions here.

The recommended lunch stop is the Royal Oak in Holmbury St. Mary (about 5 miles/9 km into the walk). Tea or afternoon refreshments can be enjoyed at the Red Lion in Shamley Green while waiting for the bus or at the Queen Victoria in Shalford also while waiting for the bus or train.

Enjoy the walk!

Saturday Walk Bow Brickhill to Leighton Buzzard - Three woods in the morning, Great Brickhill, Rushmere Park, the River Ouzel - then along the Grand Union canal to Leighton Buzzard

Book 1 Walk 41 - Bow Brickhill to Leighton Buzzard

Length: 14.7 km (9.1 miles)

Toughness: 2 out of 10     Mostly level walking today

London Euston: 09-24 hrs     West Midlands service to Northampton     Watford Junction: 09-39 hrs

Arrive Bletchley: 10-12 hrs   Change trains

Leave Bletchley: 10-20 hrs    West Midlands service to Bedford

Arrive Bow Brickhill:   10-27 hrs 

Return:   Leighton Buzzard to Euston: 15-54, 16-09, 16-34, 16-54. 17-08, 17-34, 17-54, 18-08 hrs and later 

Rail ticket: Buy a day return to Bow Brickhill 

With a bit of luck we should catch the last of the leaf colour from the oaks and beeches in Rushmere Park, after lunch in Great Brickhill.

Leaving Bow Brickhill railway station we soon find ourselves in Back Wood, where many a SWC walker has got lost. It can also be muddy at this time of year, but no matter, if we can extricate ourselves from this maze we soon find ourselves heading through Buttermilk and Duncombe Woods, where the going is much easier.  Lunch is taken in the village of Great Brickhill at the Old Red Lion pub, which serves good quality, honest pub grub in a comfortable setting.

After lunch we enjoy a leg through Rushmere Park, with its oak and beech trees, then we walk above the River Ouzel before crossing water meadows (hopefully not waterlogged today - if they are there is another route described in the Directions) to come out beside the Grand Union canal. An early tea can be taken here (the offerings in Leighton Buzzard are poor) at the Globe Inn. Then we conclude today's walk by walking along the tow path next to the canal all the way to Leighton Buzzard. The walk through town to the railway station is grim but fortunately it does not last long.

T=1.41

Walk Directions are here: L=1.41

Evening Walk: Cruising the Canal from Angel to Limehouse (without Victoria Park)

Evening Walk: Angel to Limehouse (without Victoria Park) T=Short.29

Distance:          Approximately 4.8 miles/7.7 km

Difficulty:         1 out of 10

Meet:                18:30 at Angel Underground Station

Finish:               Limehouse -- DLR or Canary Wharf – Jubilee Line

First off, apologies for the late post. I have been studying the forecast in the hopes of offering a real treat under a bright full super micro beaver moon…..however, the forecast continues to show cloudy conditions for both Thursday and Friday evenings…so have opted for a more “local” outing…..who knows, we may still get some nice views of the moon….

This variation of the Angel to Limehouse walk made for a nice winter evening walk last year, along the Regent canal with less traffic than usual. There was plenty of light to see the way forward….Refreshments can be had at the Grapes, the Narrow or further along into Canary Wharf where there are a number of chain establishments….

More information about the route can be found here.

Enjoy the walk!

Wednesday Walk Marlow to Henley - Thameside meadows and wooded hills

Book 2 Walk 8a - Marlow to Henley

Length: 13.5 km (8.4 miles) or 15.2 km (9.4 miles)

Toughness: 4 out of 10

Either

London Paddington: 09-56 hrs   Great Western service to Reading    Ealing Broadway: 10-05 hrs

Arrive Maidenhead: 10-30 hrs   Change trains

Leave Maidenhead: 10-34 hrs    Great Western service from Maidenhead to Marlow

Arrive Marlow: 10-57 hrs

Or

London Paddington: 09-43 hrs    TFL Rail service to Reading      Ealing Broadway:  09-51 hrs

Arrive Maidenhead:  10-24 hrs    Change trains

Leave Maidenhead:  10-34 hrs    Great Western service from Maidenhead to Marlow (as above)

Arrive Marlow:   10-57 hrs 

Return:  Henley-on-Thames to Paddington - changing at Twyford: 15-57, 16-27, 16-59, 17-36 and 18-07

Rail ticket: Seniors possessing London Councils Freedom Passes can travel on TFL Rail trains to Maidenhead using their "free" travel passes. You will then just require a day return from Maidenhead to - suggest - Henley-on-Thames (being the further of the two destination railway stations).  For the rest of you, try a day return from London (or the edge of your travel card) to Henley-on-Thames - although if you are very unlucky and encounter and over zealous ticket inspector, you might be asked to purchase a single ticket from Maidenhead to Marlow.

Today's walk starts with a 2.3 km relaxing walk along the River Thames riverside path once we have left the centre of Marlow. At Temple lock we cross the river to continue along its southern side, in a westerly direction, to Hurley lock before heading inland to Hurley. We continue over a series of fields and water meadows to the village of Aston where we stop for lunch at the Flower Pot Hotel a homely pub. 

After lunch we have a choice of routes from Aston to take us to Henley: either via Remenham Hill  or via the river path (1 mile longer). We can decide which to take on the day.

T=2.8.a

Walk Directions are here: L=2.8.a

Sunday Walk: Saunderton to Princes Risborough

13km 8.1miles Toughness 3/10
This Chilterns walk starts along the east side of the Saunderton valley, goes through Lacey Green, then crosses the valley to Bledlow. After lunch there, in the 16th C pub, you continue with the alternative directions to finish in  Princes Risborough. 

Trains:
Get the 9:53 Aylesbury train from Marylebone arriving Saunderton at 10:51.
Return from Princes Risborough at xx:22 or (the slower) xx:56. Also 15:11,16:14, 17:11,18:14.
Get a return to Princes Risborough.

Lunch: You’ll  probably reach The Whip in Lacey Green (01844 344060) a little too early for lunch. 
The later Lions of Bledlow (01844 343345) is one of Mr Tiger's favourites 😺. The nearby Lyde Garden would make a good picnic stop, as would the churchyard.
Tea:
Your stop in Princes Risborough is the re-vamped Bird in Hand on Station Road (01844 345602). Best found by following the direction “(i) continue into Princes Risborough for a pub” (it is nearer the station than the town centre).
Directions: available on the “download walk” button. Right from the start, follow option b "Alternative ending at Princes Risborough" (As the mid-section follows the main walk, you'll need the whole document). t=2.2.b

Sunday Walk: Woldingham to Oxted

Short walk: 11½ km (7.1 miles), difficulty 3/10 Main walk: 16¾ km (10.4 miles), difficulty 5/10

A Surrey walk, not far out of London. The main 10.4 ml walk, option M, might be a bit long for the available daylight, so the shorter walk, option a, is recommended. But the choice is yours. Both variants visit Tandridge, famous for its ancient yew.
Trains
Get the 9:51 East Grinstead train from Victoria (Clapham Junction 9:58, East Croydon 10:09) arriving Woldingham at 10:25.
Return from Oxted at xx:29 and xx:59.
Get a return to Oxted.
Lunch
The recommended pub for the short walk is The Haycutter (01883-776955) in Broadham Green. Another option is the Barley Mow (01883-713770) in Tandridge, a short detour away. There are more pubs in Old Oxted.
If you do opt for the main walk, Godstone has several pubs and two tea rooms The pubs are the White Hart (01883-742521), the Hare & Hounds (01883-742296), and the more up-market Bell Inn (01883-741877).
The Green Rooms of Godstone (01883-740407) and the Old Forge Deli Café (01883-743230) serve light lunches. 
Tea
The Oxted Inn (01883-723440), a Wetherspoon's, is right next to the station.
There are several cafés in central Oxted. Robertson's in Station Road West (01883-712777) is open to 4pm. On the other side of the station, in Station Road East, you will find Caffè Nero at 139 (01883-730220) open to 5pm, and Costa Coffee at 62 (01883-723149) open to 5.30.
Walk Directions: here. Note that the short option misses out Godstone. 

For the short option click on a. 

For the main option, click on M,

or for the whole document, don't click on nothing. T=swc.2

Saturday Walk: Hever to Leigh

8.8 miles / 14.2 km

A country walk in Kent past a couple of castles (Hever Castle, Chiddingstone Castle), a very grand stately home (Penshurst Place) and through some attractive villages. 

Hever Castle is open for business.  Chiddingstone Castle is closed, but the grounds are open (£3 honesty box donation).  Penshurst Place is shut, however the cafe is open. 

Trains

London Bridge 10:07, East Croydon 10:22, Hever 10:49.  Return trains from Leigh at xx:26, change at Tonbridge.  A day return to Leigh (Kent) seems like the best choice of ticket.

Lunch/Tea

Chiddingstone:  Castle Inn (01892 870371) - currently serving a limited menu from 12 to 3.  Tulip Tree Tea Rooms - sandwiches, salads, all day breakfast.

Penshurst:  Leicester Arms, (01892 871617).  Porcupine Pantry at Penshurst Place.  The Fir Tree House Tea Rooms are shut.

Leigh: Fleur-de-Lis pub near the station.  There's also a village shop.

Full walk details here

T=1.19

Saturday Walk Tring to Berkhamsted via Tom's Hill - the Grand Union Canal, Ashridge Estate, Berkhamsted Common and World War One trenches

SWC 366 - Tring to Berkhamsted via Tom's Hill

Length: 15.5 km (9.6 miles)

Toughness: 4 out of 10

London Euston: 10-24 hrs    West Midlands service to Northampton   Watford Junction: 10-39 hrs

Arrive Tring: 10-57 hrs

Return   Berkhamsted to Euston:  16-01, 16-23, 16-30, 16-46, 17-01, 17-24, 17-30, 17-46, 18-01, 18-24, 18-30 and later

Rail ticket   Buy a day return to Tring

This lovely walk is especially enjoyable in late autumn when the beech trees in the Ashridge Estate display lovely leaf colour. Let's hope we have better luck with the weather than this time last year, when it poured with rain for most of the day.

The walk starts with a leg along the Grand Union Canal, before we head inland over fields and through a farm to Tom's Hill, for the short ascent through its woods before we enter the National Trust's Ashridge Estate. We cross a golf course and head up to the village of Little Gaddesden where we stop for lunch at the Bridgewater Arms.

After lunch we head down a country lane to the Golden Valley which we walk through before its uphill to Ashridge House, now an international business school. Having walked past the House we walk down through woodland then up a grassy field and through more woods to Berkhamsted Common, where we enjoy some fine views. As we head towards the town of Berkhamsted we pass some World War One Trenches of historic interest  (fully explained in the Directions). The walk concludes in town, back along the canal, where two excellent canal-side pubs await our custom.

Enjoy !

T=swc.366

Walk Directions are here: L=swc.366

Saturday Walk - North Downs Way in Oyster Zone 6: Caterham to Knockholt

DAC is away...

 

Length: 26.2 km (16.3 mi)

Ascent/Descent: 580/587m

Net Walking Time: 6 hours

Toughness: 7/10

[shorter versions possible (see the webpage), but mostly depending on buses]

 

Take the 09.17 Caterham and Tattenham Corner train from London Bridge (East Croydon 09.32), arrives Caterham 09.58. 

From Victoria take the 09.09 Reigate train (Clapham J 09.16) and change at East Croydon (09.26/09.32). 

Return to Charing X (via Orpington, LBG and W’loo East) on xx.13 or xx.43, journey time 44 mins. 

Caterham and Knockholt are within the Oyster Zones 1-6. 

 

Tired of reading pages of detailed walk directions? Here is your solution: just follow the well waymarked North Downs Way along one of its better stretches (but do expect some road noise in the early stages), with just minimal directions to hand, found here. 

 

Lunch: Botley Hill Farmhouse in Botley Hill (10.2 km/6.3 mi, food to 15.00). A small table has been booked for 12.45 (12.30 wasn’t available anymore). 

Tea: a couple of pubs in Knockholt Pound about 4 km from the end and another one, a little closer and a little off-route, in Halstead.

 

For summary, map, height profile, some photos, walk directions and gpx/kml files click here. T=swc.111