The SWC will be heading back to Dornie, Scotland in 2027! We have secured a combination of lodges and cottages from 9 May-16 May 2027. If you are interested in the trip, please contact goepfertkarenATyahoo.COM
#2027-05-09T09:00 #7days
Saturday, 22 August 2026
The Jungle Book at the National Theatre
Join us for a fun-filled evening of music, adventure and jungle magic. After all, nobody is too old to enjoy a classic. It will be a perfect show to close our 2026 social calender.
Directed by Indhu Rubasingham, the beloved tale of The Jungle Book is reimagined with innovative puppetry by two most celebrated puppetry designers Finn Caldwell and Nick Barnes. This thrilling new adaptation brings the jungle roaring to life on the Olivier stage.
Ticket from £25. To book your ticket, please click here.
Pre-show F&B will be posted closer to the time
We will set up a WhatsApp event group. If you wish to be on it, please email your mobile number to swcsocialATgmailDOT.com
#2026-12-10T19:00
Inside Aardman: Wallace & Gromit and Friends at Young V&A
In Aardman’s 50th anniversary year, go behind the scenes of your favourite stop-motion animations and explore how Aardman’s iconic characters and worlds are brought to life.
A joyful, educational, and highly tactile experience and a
"must-see" expo that combines nostalgia with iconic sets, original
models, and interactive, hands-on activities.
Tickets £11 or £5.5 (Art Fund). To book your ticket, please click here. Book the 2:30pm slot.
The current plan is to link this exhibition in conjunction with a Sunday walk and lunch nearby.
A WhatsApp group will be set up for this event. Please email your mobile number to swcsocialATgmailDOTcom if you wish to be on it.
Crickhowell Trip - 4 Nights, 4 Walks (2 with bus journeys, 2 from/to Crickhowell)
A Thursday to Monday trip with 4 walks:
Notes:
- Travel is by car or by train and
bus: Paddington to Newport, change to Abergavenny, buses to Crickhowell (14 on
Mon-Sat, 5 on Sun): Line X43 from the bottom of Station Road, Line 43 from the bus
station.
- note that the X43 now runs evening
journeys, all the way to Bwlch, i.e. it is possible to travel to Crick on Thursday after
work.
- Train and bus details are based
on the current schedule, which may be different in September.
Friday 25 September: 10.11 Bus Line 43 from Crickhowell Square (calls all stops in Llangattock), arrives Llangynidr, Village Hall at 10.26. Walk SWC Walk 332 Llangynidr to Bwlch or Circular: 21.9 km (13.6 mi) with 781/685m ascent/descent. 7/10 rating. With lots of options, shorter and longer. Picnic lunch.
Saturday 26 September: 09.26 Bus Line X43 from Crickhowell Square (does not stop in Llangattock), arrives Bwlch, All Saints at 09.36. Walk SWC Walk 308 Bwlch Circular via Mynydd Troed, then Llangorse Lake or Pen Tir: 21.6 km (13.4 mi) with 837/840m ascent/descent. 7/10 rating. With two principal options, and two shortcuts on the Llangorse Lake option. Picnic lunch on the rarely walked Pen Tir option, but a pub and tearoom in Cwmdu for ‘tea’.
Sunday 27 September: Meet at 10.00 at the Crickhowell Square bus stop. And start walking. Walk SWC Walk 370 Crickhowell Circular via Mynydd Llangatwg and Craig y Cilau: 18.9 km (11.7 mi) with 680m ascent/descent. 6/10 rating. Shorter and longer options: one extension, several shortcuts plus an opportunity for caving (for beginners).
Monday 28 September: Meet at 09.30 at the Crickhowell Square bus stop. And start walking. Walk SWC Walk 333 Crickhowell Circular via Table Mountain and the three Pens: 20.4 km (12.7 mi) with 973m ascent/descent. 8/10 rating. Feel free to walk this main walk version, or even the much harder 10/10 version, as some did last year on the Brecon Trip, but my intention is to walk the very different (and shorter) version which leads in a westerly loop from either Pen Cerrig-calch or Pen Allt-mawr (the latter route partly map-led) and down the lower part of the wooded Cwm Cumbeth (11.5 km/7.2 mi, 658m ascent; or 16.5 km/10.3 mi, 741m ascent) back to Crickhowell. [There is an even shorter version described.] This will enable me to check the old text, equip the currently map-led stretch with written directions, and still leave Crick relatively early for London.
#2026-09-24T18:00 #5days
Photography Exhibition - Between Light and Shadow by London Independent Photography (Ealing)
I'm pleased to be joining seventeen other photographers for our exhibition at St Mary's church as part of the Ealing BEAT Arts Trail.
Fellow SWC walkers are welcome to attend the private view on 3 September 7:00pm - 9:30pm, at St Mary's Church W5 5RH.
Direction: South Ealing tube or 65 bus from Ealing Broadway.
Sunday Walk: Theydon Bois to Epping
#2026-08-30T10:30
15.5 km 10 miles 3/10
A pleasant rural walk, with plenty of shade, taking in nature reserves, a Roman road, an interesting old church All Saints, Theydon Garnon (do look inside), and a Railway Heritage Centre.
Posted recently, but you’re getting it again because the Theydon Oak are holding hold their annual Oakfest "Sausage and Cider" Festival (50 ciders, 10 ales) this weekend. Unfortunately, SWCs official cidernado will be unable to attend, but don’t let that stop you. You can always buy him one next time you see him.
Transport
Get the Central Line to Theydon Bois to arrive at 10.30. Use Journey planner to time your journey.
Finish at Epping Station, also on the Central Line. Both stations zone 6. It is also possible to finish at North Weald and get a bus to Epping. Maybe even a heritage bus (there's a special bus event today).
Lunch
The recommended stop is the Dog House, (formerly the Moletrap) open from 12 tel: 01992 522093 Booking advised. Picknickers can stop at the nearby village pond. (There’s a bench).
You also have the Kings Head in North Weald tel:01992 525001 and a café at the Railway Centre there
Tea
The Theydon Oak, innit.
For a quieter end to the day, the other ending would take you past The Garnon Bushes pub +44 1992 560211, and, later, pubs and cafes in Epping High Street.
Directions here t=swc.409
The Theydon Oak ending is the leftmost of the two GPS options.
One more thing:- If you have an old print-out, note that at the decision point for this ending, after the motorway bridge, the route through the Garnon Bushes Reserve has been tweaked. (The original path is overgrown). You now continue ahead and take the second left, a well defined path at a fingerpost. (GPS and written directions updated).
Frida - The Making of an Icon at Tate Modern
A nice way to celebrate the August Bank Holiday for those staying put.
Discover the extraordinary story of how Frida Kahlo became one of the most influential artists of all time, a cultural phenomenon, and an internationally recognised commercial icon.
The exhibition showcases over 30 of Kahlo’s most iconic works that introduce her ‘many selves’ – the dedicated wife, the intellectual, the modern artist, and the political activist. Alongside treasured garments, jewellery, photographs and memorabilia, there are over 200 works by her contemporaries and the artists she inspired from later generations, celebrating her lasting impact on those who continue to reimagine and reclaim her remarkable story.
Ticket £25, Art Pass £12.5, Tate member Free. Book 5:30pm slot. Meet at the entrance to the exhibition or inside.
Post Exhibition F&B TBD.
A WhatsApp group will be set up for this event. if you wish to be on it, please email your mobile number to swcsocialATgmailDOTcom.
#2026-08-28T17:30
Evening Walk: Tantalizing Northern Heights of Totteridge (short circular)
Evening Walk: Tantalizing Northern Heights of Totteridge (short circular)
Distance: Approximately 5 miles or 9 km for those more metrically minded
Difficulty: 2 out of 10
Train: Meet 18:30 outside the Totteridge & Whetstone Northern Line Underground Station (High Barnet Branch)
This walk explores the Northern Heights, an area of greenbelt on the northern fringes of London. It passes through woods and meadows and has a surprisingly rural feel for being on the outskirts of London. More information about the route can be found here. We will adjust the route to create a walk of about 4-5 miles or so…..
Post walk refreshies can had at the Orange Tree pub or various other establishments in Totteridge.
#2026-08-25T18:30
T=swc.228
L=swc.228
Sunday Walk – Kentish orchards and a unique church (Tonbridge Circular)
SWC Walk 220 – Tonbridge Circular, via Tudeley
Length: between 12¼ & 19¼ km (7.6 to 12 miles), depending on afternoon route. Toughness: 2 or 3/10
10:08 Tonbridge train from Cannon Street (London Bridge 10:13, Sevenoaks 10:37), arriving Tonbridge at 10:46. If you just miss this, the slightly slower 10:15 Hastings train arrives at 10:58..
From south London you could travel out on the Portsmouth Harbour train (Clapham Jct 09:42, East Croydon 09:53) and change at Redhill (arr 10:04, dep 10:21) to reach Tonbridge at 10:51. If the main group don't march off too quickly you should be able to catch up.
From Tonbridge there are three trains an hour back to London Bridge and Cannon Street at xx:18, xx:38 & xx:50, plus an hourly train at xx:26 for anyone returning via Redhill.
After a rather tiresome trudge out of Tonbridge this is an undemanding walk through parkland, farm fields and extensive orchards, with the world-famous Chagall windows in Tudeley church the highlight of the outward leg. A little further on the ‘Country Pub & Dining’ Poacher & Partridge should be able to provide a pub lunch for those who want one, but if it can't oblige it's less than an hour back to the many eateries in Tonbridge.
You could end the walk here if you wish (12¼ km), but the directions include several alternative routes on the other side of the town: around the Racecourse Ground (14 km); a short loop out to Barden Lake where there's a park café (16½ km); or a longer loop around Haysden Country Park (up to 19¼ km).
Please bring the directions from the L=swc.220 page. #2026-08-23T10:50
In the steps of the unknown sailor and across a heathery heath (Haslemere to Farnham)
SWC Walk 144: Haslemere to Farnham via remote heathery heathlands
Length: 14.7 Miles or 23.6 km for those more metrically minded (various options exist to lengthen or shorten the walk – see walk instructions for details)
Difficulty: 7 out of 10
Train: Take the 9:30 AM South Western Portsmouth Harbour train from London Waterloo arriving in Haslemere at 10:29. Return trains from Farnham are hourly and half-hourly until 23:00. Buy a day return to Haslemere (you may then need a separate Farnham to Woking single).
This walk is chalk full of variety and interest….from the fine view points of the Temple of the Four Winds and Gibbet Hill (the second highest point in Surrey) around the Devil’s Punchbowl then across heathery heathland with interesting World War II relics and finally to the romantic ruins of Waverley Abbey before arriving in Farnham. Also, interestingly, the early part of the route passes by a few landmarks associated with the poignant tale of the unknown sailor. More information and the walk instructions can be found here.
Unfortunately, the Three Horseshoes is currently closed and being refurbished, so the suggested lunch stop is the Duke of Cambridge in Tilford, 9.6 miles/15.5 km into the walk with a possible second afternoon refreshment stop at the Barley Mow also in Tilford. On arrival in Farnham, there are numerous options for post walk bevies….the Mulberry near the station and the William Cobbett a short distance further on are two recommendations….See walk instructions for details….
Look forward to seeing you on the walk!
#2026-08-23T09:30
T=swc.144
L=swc.144
Pete's 'Big Birthday' [updated Friday 21st ]
As many of you will now know, it is my 80th birtday on 21st August, and I'm having a party on Saturday 22nd August from 5pm. All SWC walkers are invited. I've put some invites with the destination on various WhatsApp groups - please ignore any rsvp by date and feel free to just turn up, just don't expect to get a burger until later on!
The venue will be a members club bar on Acton High Street that I'm involved in, which will be for our sole use. It has a courtyard garden and, of course, good beer.
There will be a BBQ offering burgers. The numbers are now fixed, but you can RSVP to petegat80@gmail.com to get a reply with the location.
Gifts not required!.
Transport
There are some disruptions, so check with Journey Planners!
- The club is a 17 minute walk from Acton Town station. Turn right after the barriers to exit the station, walking in the same direction slightly uphill then use Google. The bus stop (S Acton Town) is currently closed for roadworks. For bus E3 or 70 to Acton Old Town Hall from Acton Town station keep walking to the next stop after crossing the road.
- From Acton Central on the Mildmay (Richmond) line it is a 5 minute walk. Turn left out of the station and then left again downhill to the High Street.
- From Ealing Broadway take the frequent SL8 or 207 bus (direction White City) to Acton Old Town Hall (approx 8 minutes). Exit the station and turn left down hill. At the lights turn right for the bus stop outside Sainsburys.
- From Ealing Common take the frequent SL8 or 207 bus (direction White City). Exit the station and cross the road to then turn left for the bus stop.
- From Turnham Green, take the E3 direction Greenford. Exit the station to turn left under the railway line, then shortly cross the road to the bus stop by the Green. Note that the district line has engineering works and Piccadilly line trains are stopping at Turnham Green on Saturday. To walk is around 25 minutes.
- From Shepherds Bush on the Mildmay (Clapham Junction), take the frequent SL8 or 207 bus to Acton Old Town Hall. Exit the station to the bus stop outside.
- Farringdon to Ealing Broadway is relatively quick and easy.
- Acton Old Town Hall is on a night bus route!
#2026-08-22T17:00
The Thames Path from Putney to Richmond
SWC Walk 390 – Putney Bridge to Richmond
Length: About 15 km (9.3 miles), with options to shorten or lengthen. Toughness: 1/10
10:33 South Western Railway Windsor And Eton Riverside service from London Waterloo (Vauxhall 10:37 Clapham Jct 10:43) arriving Putney 10:46 (in TFL Zone 4). Meet upstairs in the ticket hall.
You can return on branches of the Overground (calling at South Acton, Acton Central) or the District line as well as South West Trains to Waterloo.
The introduction to this walk describes it as being along “a pretty section of the Thames Path”. If you check the walk notes you'll see the bridges where it's suggested you could switch to the other side of the river bank and some attractions along the way, including: St Mary's Church, Putney, and All Saints Church, Fulham; Fulham Palace, a former residence of the Bishop of London has nice gardens and a cafe. Entry to the palace is free but requires booking; The Emery Walker Trust, a museum in the home of a friend of William Morris and the nearby William Morris Society, a small, free museum in his home; the Water and Steam Museum, a Victorian water and sewage pumping engines, near Kew Bridge; Syon Park, a riverside stately home with gardens
At the end there are plenty of options in Richmond for refreshment and mulling away spare time.
You'll hardly need any directions for this walk, but the L=swc.390 page has some useful information about the features along the way.
#2026-08-22T10:33Henley Circular via the Great Wood
Henley Circular via the Great Wood
Train: Take the 10:08 Didcot Parkway train from London Paddington to Twyford (arrives 10:37) change to the 10:45 train from Twyford, arriving Henley on Thames 10:57.
Using Elizabeth line, “Reading” train to Twyford, it leaves Liverpool Street 9:35; Farringdon 9:38; Tottenham Court Road 9:41: Bond Street 9:43; Paddington 9:47; Ealing Broadway 9:55 and gets you to Twyford at 10:32.
Return trains: xx.00 and xx.30 mins past the hour.
Length: 16.1 km (10 miles)
Toughness: 3 out of 10
This is a very pretty walk, out along the sparkling waters of the river Thames, and back via the hills above. You follow the Thames path in the morning to attractive hamlet of Hambleden with its brick and flint red roofed buildings. The return is via the wooded geological terrace above river. More information and the walk instructions/gpx can be found here.
Lunch is at the Stag & Huntsman (01491 571 221) in Hambleton (3.7 miles/6km into walk). A booking for 8 has been made for 12:30....
Post walk refreshies can be had at numerous places in Henley.
#2026-08-22T10:00
T=1.1
L=1.1
T=1.1
L=1.1
Friday, 21 August 2026
Evening Walk: The Grandeur of Greenwich (Island Gardens to Greenwich)
Short Walk 12: The Grandeur of Greenwich (Island Gardens to Greenwich)
Distance: Approximately 4.0 miles or 6.4 km for those more metrically minded
Difficulty: 2 out of 10
Meet: Island Gardens (DLR) at 18:30
Return: Greenwich mainline train, DLR or even Thames Clipper
This walk principally explores the treasures of Greenwich Park with a classic start from Island Gardens and the view across the river. It then examines various nooks and crannies of the Park.
More information on the walk and its instructions can be found here.
There are plenty of watering holes in Greenwich for post walk refreshies…..
Look forward to seeing you there!
#2026-08-21T18:30
T=short.12
L=short.12
L=short.12
Wednesday, 19 August 2026
St. Margaret’s Circular
T=swc.165
L=swc.165
#2026-08-19T10:00
I won’t be attending due to a hospital appointment but I recommend either doing Shortcut 2 or continuing the full walk to the lunchtime pub, which is a Chef and Brewer, and then getting one of the frequent buses to Ware or either of the Hertford stations. I’m told you can use Tesco loyalty points to pay for food at the Chef and Brewer but as a Waitrose person I have no personal experience of this!
Ancient tracks and green lanes lead through the quiet, rolling East Herts countryside, then back along the Lea Navigation to St. Margaret's. The full walk is 15 miles but there’s a choice of two shortcuts.
Shortcut I gives a walk of 12.6 km (7.8 mi), rated 1/10.
Shortcut II gives a walk of 19.5 km (12.2 mi), rated 3/10.
For both of these options, the lunch stop is the Chequers in Wareside, a pleasant pub with a good choice of beers and (hic) ciders.
Trains
Get a return to St. Margaret's (Herts). Or Ware or Hertford if you get a bus from the midway point in Wadesmill.
Get the 10.08 train from London Liverpool St (Tottenham Hale 10:21) Arrive St Margaret's 10:47.
Return at xx:15 and xx.45
Lunch
For the two shorter routes, the Chequers Inn, Ware Road, Wareside (01920 467 010).
Anyone up for the 15 miler could lunch at the Feathers in Wadesmill 01920 462 606
Tea
There are several pubs on your approach to St Margaret's.
The Jolly Fisherman Station Road, Stanstead St. Margaret's, (01920 870 125). Has a pleasant garden by the Navigation.
The Oak 36 High Street, Stanstead Abbotts (01920 877 294). re
The Red Lion 1 High Street, Stanstead Abbots, (01920 410 056). One of the oldest buildings in the area.
Directions: here.
Tuesday, 18 August 2026
Sunday, 16 August 2026
Sunday walk: Walking past dinosaurs (Crystal Palace to Forest Hill)
#2026-08-16T11:00
13¼ km (8.2 miles). Difficulty 3/10
A shorter walk of 7¼ km (4.5 miles) omits Dulwich.
Earlier plans to post this walk were stymied by a massive restoration project in Crystal Palace Park, but that’s finally over. The fancy terraces have been spruced up and the ageing dinosaurs have had a makeover. Time to see what they've done.
Your day starts near a small museum, supposedly open 10-4, but not always, where, if your luck's in, you can learn the history of the Crystal Palace. Then through the newly restored Italian Terrace and down to the famous dinosaurs – modelled as Victorians saw them. All good as new, with bits stuck back on. The walk continues through Sydenham Hill Wood and Dulwich Wood to Dulwich, where you could visit Dulwich Picture Gallery with its collection of old masters (except you’re on a walk, remember).
Near the end of the walk, you pass the Horniman Museum with its unusual collections (open to 5.30pm, free admission). Unfortunately, the overstuffed walrus (an exhibit, not one of the staff) is in storage till 2027, along with the rest of the Natural History gallery, but there’s other stuff, right?
Trains: Get to Crystal Palace Station for 11:00 a.m.
Your best bet is probably the 10:28 from London Bridge (destination Victoria) arriving Crystal Palace at 10:52. Or the 10:20 from Victoria (Clapham Jct 10:28) (destination London Bridge) arriving Crystal Palace at 10:50.
Both stations are also served by the Windrush Line, starting from Highbury & Islington. The 10:12 from there arrives Crystal Palace 10:55.
Returning, there are frequent Windrush trains from Forest Hill towards Highbury and Islington as well as proper trains to London Bridge or Victoria.
Crystal Palace is in in TfL Zones 3/4, and Forest Hill in Zone 3.
Lunch:
On the Main Walk, the suggested lunchtime pub is the Crown and Greyhound (020-8299 4976) at 73 Dulwich Village, after 8 km.
An earlier option (and the only convenient pub on the shorter walk) is the Wood House (020-8693 5666) at 39 Sydenham Hill Road.
Tea
There is a good café at the Horniman Museum, plus, as you approach Forest Hill station, the Teapot, 56 London Road, open to 4.30 Sun.
The Signal, is a pub near the station,
Directions: here T=swc.137
If, heaven forfend, you should tire of our company, the walk can be curtailed at various points with directions to nearby stations. For a shorter walk, cut out the loop through Dulwich.
Sunday walk: Wivenhoe Circular
#2026-08-16T09:38
14.8km (9.2 miles) Difficulty 2/10
We don’t often get a shot at this unusual walk, but, today, the stars are aligned.
The walk is in two halves, connected by a ferry that only runs when tides allow. Today is such a day.
The ferry starts at 13.30 and stops at 17:00 so here’s the plan. Do the Wivenhoe loop first (takes about two hours) then cross over for the Rowhedge loop (also takes two hours).
That loop is said to be good for birds and there's an ancient church at Fingringhoe.
Trains: Get the 09:38 Clacton-on-Sea train from Liverpool Street platform 13 (Stratford 9:45) arriving Wivenhoe at 10:45
Trains return from Wivenhoe at xx:56
The ferry costs £2 each way (cash or contactless) and is operated by volunteers. Takes 10 at a time. When crossing, double-check when the last returns are and plan accordingly.
If you do miss the last ferry, you could get the (infrequent) 53 bus from Rowhedge to Colchester Station at 18:00 (several stops, click 'all stops'). There are 3 trains an hour from Colchester.
Lunch
You could have lunch either side.
Faster walkers with a wait for the first ferry could visit the Rose & Crown before crossing (tel. 01206-826371). This would allow more time on the other side.
However, if you have lunch after the ferry you can pretend you've gone somewhere posh like France. There should just be time at the suggested stop, the The Anchor (tel. 01206-728382) on Rowhedge High Street (80 metres from the jetty) serving food all afternoon. Allow a minimum 2 hours walking time to catch the last ferry back.
Ye Olde Albion (tel. 01206-728972), a former CAMRA pub of the year, at Rowhedge Quay, prides itself on being a proper old fashioned pub. It does not serve food but welcomes walkers and, allegedly, allows them to eat sandwiches inside or out – but do check and please buy a drink.
Tea
Several options on the Wivenhoe side.
The Rose & Crown, near the quay,
The Greyhound (tel. 01206-825573) on the High Street, near the start of the walk.
The Black Buoy (tel. 01206-822425) on East Street.
The Station Hotel (tel. 01206-822991) next to Wivenhoe railway station.
Walk directions: here t=1.30
Saturday, 15 August 2026
Forest Row Circular - Heather at its best
Length: 17.7km (11 miles) with possible 5.5km (3.4 mile extension)
9.50 train from Victoria (9.57 Clapham Junction, 10.10 East Croydon) to East Grinstead, arriving 10.50, changing there for the number 270 bus to Forest Row at 11.05
(Slugabed option: taking the 10.50 train and the 12.05 bus, you could get the bus all the way to the lunch pub, arriving 12.27, and just do the 10.1km/6.2 miles afternoon of the walk.)
For walk directions, GPX and map click here
I have picked this walk in the hope that it might find the heather in Ashdown Forest at its best. There are two large areas of it in the afternoon of the walk. Otherwise the walk offers a nice mix of scenery, including fields, woods and heathland.
Lunch is at the isolated Red Lion in Chelwood Gate, which serves food all afternoon and has a large leafy garden. As mentioned above, it is on the 270 bus route. If you want to get a bus back to East Grinstead after lunch, they are at 55 minutes past the hour.
You may be able to get tea mid afternoon at the Ashdown Forest Centre, which also has displays about the nature in the area. Otherwise Forest Row at the end of the walk has lots of options - see the walk home page for details.
After tea, if you wish you can do a 5.5km/3.4 mile extension up the old railway line to East Grinstead - a pleasant and undemanding walk.
Or get the 270 bus at 03 past the hour to 18.03, then 19.46 OR the 291 bus at 31 past to 18.34, then 19.51 to East Grinstead station. Or there is a 500 bus which also seems to do the same route.
Trains back from East Grinstead station are at 06 and 36 past the hour.
#2026-08-15T09:50 T=swc.23
Saturday Walk: Southbourne to Chichester
#2026-08-15T09:35
11.5 miles 18.5 km. Difficulty: 3/10
Along the coast of Chichester Harbour AONB, sometimes venturing inland.
Chidham church, passed in the morning, has a collection of teasel dolls portraying key events from history. (Black Death, Joan of Arc, that sort of thing).
Lunch is in Bosham, once an important harbour. The church there is depicted on the Bayeux tapestry and the doorway bears marks where returning crusaders* blunted their swords. So it's old.
Finally, on to Chichester and through the Bishops Palace Gardens.
There’s a cathedral there. It’s an old one, full of old stuff. Individual entry is free (£7 donation suggested) closes at 5pm.
Trains
Get the 9:35 Bognor/Portsmouth train from Victoria. (Clapham Jct. 9:42, East Croydon 9:53) , arriving Southbourne at 11:15
Get a return to Southbourne.
Return trains to Victoria from Chichester: xx:09 and xx:39
Lunch
An early option is the Old House at Home in Chidham 01243 572 477 open from 12.
The recommended pub is the Anchor Bleu 01243 572956 in Bosham, (You pass another on the diversion). There's also Wendy's Cafe at Bosham Walk Arts and Crafts Centre 01243 572 475
Tea Cloisters Café (tel 01243 813590) in the grounds of the Cathedral is recommended though it closes at 4. There’s a Wetherspoons, The Dolphin and Anchor, in West Street 01243 790280
Directions here
A footpath on the approach to Bosham has been closed for a while, due to a gap in the sea wall. You are advised to take the diversion along a road (unless you can leap like a gazelle or are happy with wet socks). T=1.37
*Crusading is what people did before they had football. The winning team got to keep places.
Roydon to Sawbridgeworth
SWC walk #164 - Roydon to Sawbridgeworth
Length: 22.7km (14.2 miles)
Toughness: 3 out of 10
Catch the 9:24 from London Liverpool Street, (change at Broxbourne arr. 9:49, dep. 9:55 to connect with a slower train) arr. Roydon 9:59. Alternatively catch that slower but direct train at Tottenham Hale 09:39 arr. Roydon 9:59.
Direct return trains from Sawbridgeworth xx:03 (alt. x:16 xx:49 change at Harlow Town).
Buy a day return to Sawbridgeworth.
Lunch at The Hoops Inn, Perry Green, Hertfordshire, SG10 6EF
#2026-08-15T09:24 T=swc.164
Thursday, 13 August 2026
Evening Walk: Meandering around Mile End
Short 5: Meandering around Mile End
Distance: Approximately 4 miles or 6 km for those more metrically minded
Difficulty: 1 out of 10
Meet: Outside Mile End Tube station (Central/District/Ham & City Line) at 18:45
Return: Mile End Tube Station (Central/District/Ham & City Line)
This short walk explores Mile End and Victoria Parks. It also wanders along a section of the Grand Union Canal.
Post walk refreshments can be had at either the Morgan Arms, a gastropub or the CAMRA recognized Coborn Arms.
More information about the route and the instructions can be found here. A gpx for the diversion described below can be found here.
Enjoy the walk!
#2026-08-13T18:45
T=short.5
L=short.5
Wednesday, 12 August 2026
Wednesday walk: Margate to Ramsgate via the Broadstairs Folk festival
Length: 15.7 (9.8 miles) 2/10; about 12 km if you finish at Broadstairs
t's the Broadstairs Folk week on 7-14 August which will hopefully coincide with good swimming opportunities along the coast. There hasn’t been a festival outing as a weekend walk the last couple of years so I'm taking the liberty of suggesting a Wednesday slot. Early posting in case you want to try and get a cheap ticket. There seem to be quite a lot of things happening through the day in Broadstairs, see the programme here. I reckon the tide should be high in the afternoon and suitable for swimming at the beaches around Broadstairs or at Ramsgate. You could travel back from Broadstairs if you want to spend more time with music or swimming.
Trains: 0940 from Victoria, arriving at Margate 1122. There's very little time benefit in getting the high speed train from St Pancras at 0936, but it is quite a bit quicker on the way back from Broadstairs/Ramsgate (roughly one train an hour each back to Victoria or St Pancras and two to London Bridge).
Lunch and Tea: options all along the route, see the walk intro page. The Botany Bay hotel or the Charles Dickens in Broadstairs may be the best lunch pub bets. In Ramsgate, the Royal Victoria Pavilion seems to be a popular choice.
L=swc.101 IN REVERSE
#2026-08-12T09:40
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)