Monday Walk - Lyme Regis to Axminster station– a pretty and remote route through quiet woods, streams, fields and lanes.

Length: 11.9 miles/19.1 km with 502/484m ascent/descent (allow 5-6 hours walking time; add time for lunch stop).

Toughness: 6/10

Start: Meet at the clocktower on the seafront at 10am.

Walk Notes:  this is a gently undulating walk starting along the river Lim in town, then onto the Wessex Ridgeway and through the woods of Hole Common.  Some parts may be boggy depending on recent rainfall.   After this you cross the A35.  TAKE CARE as fast traffic both ways.  If you walk to your left along this road for roughly 100m, there may be a safer place to cross using the central reservation.  Continue on through Wyld Warren, another wood, and finally along Evil Lane into Axminster.  Plenty of shops, cafes pubs in Axminster (if you have time to linger) otherwise purchase supplies for the train.

Walk note:  There is a ‘secret doorway’ in the fence of Higher Wyld Farm which you go through to continue the route. 

Lunch:  Buy something to eat and drink before setting off as no pubs or shops on this route until you get to Axminster.  The Old Inn at Hawkchurch is closed on Mondays.

 There is a Tesco Superstore about 7 minutes from Axminster station if you wish to buy supplies for the train. 

 Option 2:  If you wish to skip this walk, then the buses back to Axminster from Lyme Regis leave from The Square (at the clocktower).

Bus timetable for 2026 can be found: here

GPX and map can be found here:  https://www.walkingclub.org.uk/walk/lyme-regis-to-axminster-via-hawkchurch/

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 #2026-06-29T10:00

Sunday Walk - The Thames Path from Reading to Shiplake

SWC Walk 61a – Reading to Shiplake

Length: 13.2 km (8.2 miles). Toughness: 1/10

Take a non-stop GWR train from Paddington to Reading no later than the 10:50 to Oxford, arriving Reading at 11:13. There are slightly earlier fast trains to Paignton and Swansea, but I'm guessing these two might be more crowded. Another possibility is a semi-fast Didcot train leaving at 10:38 which gets in just two minutes later at 11:15.

Freedom Pass holders can of course take advantage of free travel on the Elizabeth line service from Abbey Wood (Liverpool Street 10:02…Paddington 10:15, Ealing Broadway 10:26 etc), arriving Reading at 11:10.

As there are a multitude of trains arriving on different platforms I suggest meeting on the overhead concourse, near the escalator leading to the northern exit.

Trains back from Shiplake are half-hourly at xx:04 & xx:34, but only the xx:34 connects at Twyford with a GWR service to Paddington. On both there's a 20-minute wait for an Elizabeth line train.

If you need to buy a ticket from London the best option is a return to Shiplake via Reading (or to Henley-on-Thames: same fare), which covers both the outward and return journeys. If you have an Oyster 60+ or Travelcard it's cheaper to buy a return from Boundary Zone 6 to Reading, then use contactless for the short hop from Shiplake to Twyford. Freedom Pass holders will also need to pay this small extra fare, and wait at Twyford for the Elizabeth line train.

Each Saturday The Times features “a good walk” and on June 6^th it picked out the Thames Path from Reading to Shiplake. This reminded me of the rather neglected SWC Walk 61, which tends to get an occasional winter posting followed by tales of woe from walkers encountering excessively muddy or flooded stretches. There was no hint of any such calamity in the newspaper article so let's hope that the weather gods are in a better mood for this summer outing.

The two walks start differently: Walk 61 goes straight to the Thames from the station's northern exit, whereas the article describes a route from the southern exit via Forbury Gardens, the Abbey ruins and the River Kennet (will any map-reader be tempted to try this?). The routes merge at the confluence of the two rivers and a stretch on the southern bank of the Thames leads to Sonning, where you can choose between the popular Bull Inn and Coppa Club “an all-day restaurant and social hub” for lunch.

The Thames Path then switches to the ‘quieter and more remote’ northern bank. When you reach Shiplake Lock you can either continue on the Thames Path around a loop of the river or take a short cut across farmland to Shiplake. The full version of Walk 61 carries on to Henley-on-Thames but regular walkers will know all too well that a vital footbridge on the approach to Henley has been closed since 2022. There's a published diversion via Harpsden but it takes you a long way from the river, so unless you have a strong craving for tea'n'cake at one of the town's fine tearooms I suggest using the Baskerville Arms as a watering-hole and returning from the station at Shiplake.

Please bring the directions from the L=swc.61.a page. #2026-06-28T11:15

Sunday Walk - West Bay to Lyme Regis – an undulating coastal walk with fine views.

Length: Around 8 miles (14.2 km) with 2200 feet (675 m) of elevation if walking along the beach from Charmouth to Lyme Regis at low tide.

If high tide, a longer route is required between Charmouth and Lyme Regis making the whole walk 10 miles.

Toughness: 7/10

Travel: Bus X53 at 9.40am from Nisa Store (used to be Co-op) in Broad Street (next to Tesco) of Lyme Regis. Alight at West Bay by The George Hotel. 

This is a map led walk.  Please note:  there has been considerable erosion and path falls along the coastal path since 2025.  The National Trust has created new paths next to the old crumbling ones so PLEASE keep to these.

Walk Notes: West Bay is a small, coastal town a mile south of Bridport, and the location of the TV show Broadchurch!  Stunning golden cliffs tower above the beach of West Bay, and as you walk along the clifftop towards Lyme, you can look back and admire them.  West Bay has a small harbour, surrounded by cafes and ice-cream kiosks and a bakery.

This walk heads west towards Lyme Regis taking in panoramic coastal views.  We walk through Eypes Mouth, Seatown, and up to the Golden Cap. The Golden Cap is the highest point on the south coast, at 627ft (191m), with far ranging views along the shore to the tip of Portland Bill eastwards, and Lyme Regis and beyond to the west.  On a clear day you may even see Dartmoor. 

From here we walk down to Charmouth, and onto Lyme Regis.  As high tide is 18.33 today, we have to walk inland through Charmouth village and along the scenic cliff tops, through the golf course and woods and down into Lyme.   This alternative route is marked on the map/GPX.  Danger of being caught out by the tides if you decide to walk along the beach to Lyme today.  The undulating nature of the coastline, means that the tide is higher at some points of the beach (Black Ven) and there is NO way off.  Also, uneven rocks underfoot in some areas of the beach can slow down your walking.

 Refreshments: There is a bakery, and other cafes in West Bay if you need to pick up supplies.

The Anchor Inn overlooking the beach at Seatown is 2.9 miles from West Bay, so too early for lunch but a quick coffee?

The Beach Café and Heritage Centre on Charmouth beach, serving snacks, takeaway food, ice creams, tea coffee etc.  About 7 miles from start of walk in West Bay.

Tide times between Charmouth and Lyme Regis for Sunday 28^th June 2026:

High tide: 6.15; Low Tide: 11.42; High tide: 18.33; Low tide: 00.11

https://www.uktides.com/england/south-west/charmouth-june

Further details of walk, map, GPX etc can be found here:  West Bay to Lyme Regis

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#2026-06-28T09:40

Saturday Walk - Petts Wood Circular. A short walk through woodland

SWC Walk 309 – Petts Wood Circular

Length: 12 km (7.5 miles). Toughness: 2/10

10:31 Sevenoaks train from Charing Cross (Waterloo East 10:34, London Bridge 10:40, Lewisham 10:49, etc), arriving Petts Wood (TfL 5) at 11:08.

There are alternative services via other stations in south London: the 10:27 Orpington train from Victoria arrives at 11:04 and the 10:20 from Cannon Street at 10:52. Note that the walk starts from Station Square on the east side, so if you arrive on an earlier train (or by car) don't hang around by the exit onto West Approach.

Trains back are xx:54 to Victoria; xx:28 and xx:58 to Cannon Street; xx:11 and xx:41 to Charing Cross.

This is an easy walk through woodland and parkland in south-east London, with traces of the large estates they were once part of.

You should reach the Bull's Head in Chislehurst just before 1pm; the website of this Young's pub says "book or walk in" but as always it would be advisable to call ahead if you want to be sure of a table. If you're too hot, you could catch a TFL bus at Chislehurt or take the optional extension for a guided tour of Chislehurst Caves but the afternoon leg should only take an hour. There are plenty of choices in Petts Woord for tea and a micropub, One In The Wood, for those who like something stronger.

Please bring the directions from the L=swc.309 page.

#2026-06-27T10:31

Saturday Walk - Oxted Circular with woods for shade...

Length: 19½ km (12.1 miles). Four hours 45 minutes walking time. 5 out of 10.

Longer, after lunch option, via Chartwell: 22¾ km (14.1 miles)

"Much of this walk is on the wooded Greensand Ridge running parallel to and just south of the North Downs. At various points in the walk there are views across the valley to these downs, contrasting with far-reaching views out to the High Weald from the southern escarpment.

The outward route is across the National Trust's Limpsfield Common, the High Chart and Squerryes Park. This brings you to Westerham, described by Daniel Defoe as a “neat, handsome, well-built market town”. Quebec House owned by the National Trust' is open Wed–Sun afternoons from mid-March to October; admission is £7 (2022).

The afternoon route climbs onto the wooded Crockhamhill Common, from where an optional extension loops out to Churchill's family home Chartwell, also owned by the National Trust. The garden and restaurant are open throughout the year, but the house is only open from March to October; admission is £20 or £14 for the garden only (2022). "

Trains: Get the 1007 Uckfield train from London Bridge (East Croydon 1022) arriving 1035, OR the 0950 East Grinstead train from Victoria (Clapham 0957, East Croydon 1010) arriving 1031. " Arriving from London, go down steps and turn right to meet up in a small parking area". Return trains x20, xx23 and xx53.

Lunch: In Westerham after 9km (5.6m), various options. The Kings Arms Hotel (01959-562990) is a Greene King chain pub and the Grasshopper on the Green (01959-562926) is a free house advertising local beers, and the George & Dragon has been revamped (01959-928414). There is a village green for picnics.

Tea: Various cafes and a Wetherspoon's pub, the Oxted Inn next to the station.

T=swc.63

#2026-06-27T10:07

Saturday Walk - Swimming in Folkestone or along the cliffs to Dover

SWC 13: Folkestone Circular or along the dramatic cliffs to Dover

Train: Take the 10:04 AM Ramsgate bound train from London St. Pancras (10:12 at Stratford International), arriving in Folkestone at 11:02 AM OR for those preferring the slow coach, take the 9:04 AM from London Charring Cross (9:13 at London Bridge), arriving Folkestone at 10:43 and wait for the arrival of the fast train. Return trains from Folkestone are at 56 minutes past the hour for the fast train and 38 past the hour for the slow train and from Dover are at 45 minutes past for the fast train and 28 minutes past for the slow train. Buy a day return to Folkestone or Dover if planning to continue along the cliffs.

Distance: 8.8 miles/13.9km for the Folkestone Circular or 9.2 miles/14.8 km for the route to Dover

Difficulty: 5 out of 10 on average with one steep climb

Given the extreme heat, I thought this relatively short walk with lots of swimming opportunities might fit the bill for those not going to Lyme Regis. There are several swimming options in Folkstone itself, the Mermaid beach near where you descend the zig zag path, the sandy town beach and the warren (if the area is open -- see note below). For those not interested in swimming or indeed much walking, you can explore Folkestone Artworks, the UK's largest urban outdoor exhibition of contemporary art. There are several maps with various routes through the town exploring different aspects of Folkestone. More information on the walk and the directions/gpx can be found here.

The suggested lunch stop is either a picnic or the Royal Oak ( 01303 244 787 ), a basic pub, about half way along the circular or linear walk. There are plenty of options for refreshies in Folkstone and Dover.

As a note: Last September, the Warren area was closed to repair the sea defenses -- a diversion was posted and the walk notes include an option to avoid the warren.  Based on all the timelines provided, this work should have been completed by the end of March -- so hopefully with a nearly 3 month cushion, it is complete!  Fingers crossed..... If the area is still closed, you will need to carry-on to Dover or do more of an out and back to the Royal Oak, as the circular route would sadly no longer work.....

Keep cool and enjoy the walk and the swims!

#2026-06-27T10:04

T=swc.13

L=swc.13

Saturday Walk - Seaton Circular via Beer and Branscombe with new extension – and a lovely heritage tramway

Length of walk: 8.6 miles/13.4 km with 526m ascent/descent

Toughness: 5/10

Main walk: A lovely walk along the beach from Seaton seafront heading west.   You walk along the Seaton esplanade, and then drop onto the beach and continue  until you come to steps which take you to the cliff top (passing a tearoom on the right with great views out to sea). 

Note: If the tide is high along the beach in Seaton, you can take the steps up from the end of the Esplanade next to a tea room. It is signposted ‘Coast Path Inland Route for high tides’ and it will take you to the cliff top from where you can continue the walk.

Route continues along the shady path and down to Beer (more refreshments) and then onto Branscombe beach which has a bar (The Sea Shanty Beach Café open 9am to 4.30) serving snacks, meals and drinks and facilities for refilling water bottles.   From here we turn inland walking past streams and the Manor Mill now grinding animal feed (open to public Wed and Sun only) through the picturesque village of Branscombe, and climb up through woodlands, around fields back to Seaton. 

There is a new extension (courtesy of Thomas G) which goes initially along the coast, then inland through a couple of scenic coombes, and past a very remote pub in Street. This adds 3.9 km and 129m ascent/descent.

Options 2 and 3 can be done on other days if you wish.

Travel:  Meet at the bus stop by the Clocktower, Marine Parade on the Lyme Regis seafront.  Bus 378 departs at 9.25am or Holmbush Carpark (west bound) at 9.26.  Journey is about 25 minutes long.  Get off at Seaton seafront.

Return buses from Seaton to Lyme Regis:  Bus 378 at 13.35; 15.05 and 17.10 from Seaton seafront.

For details of map, GPX etc, click here:  https://www.walkingclub.org.uk/walk/seaton-circular-via-branscombe/

Elevenses/Lunch/Tea:  There are plenty (maybe too many) options for stopping for tea, icecream etc on this route. 

The Mason’s Arms in Branscombe – a pretty thatched roofed inn.  https://www.masonsarms.co.uk/

The Fountainhead pub, in Street, on the extension route - https://thefountainheadinn.co.uk/pub-food-menus-branscombe/

Swimming opportunities in Beer and Branscombe.

Things to see and do around Branscombe:

Forge

The working forge was built in the 18th century and is believed to be the oldest in Devon. Simon Hall is the resident blacksmith.  Opening times: TBC 01297 680481

Watermill

A restored, working, 19th-century watermill. Open every Sunday and Wednesday afternoon from 06 April until late October. No admission fee.

Bakery (with tearoom)

A stone-built thatched building, previously the village bakery, with an original collection of baking equipment. 

Closed Sun, Mon, Tues.  Other days open 10-4.

Closed

 

Options for the Seaton Circular walk:

Option 1: You can do a longer version of the return walk to Seaton from Branscombe after lunch.  This extension is marked on the GPX and will add about 2 miles to the walk back to Seaton seafront.  Please be mindful of the last bus from Seaton back to Lyme Regis

Option 2: Once you return to Seaton you can continue the walk to Lyme Regis along the Undercliff (landslip). 7 MILES (12.0 km) with 425m ascent back to Lyme Regis from Seaton so please time this carefully.   

This is a very lovely but steeply undulating walk above the sea, under a dense green forest canopy with glimpses of the sea.  Many steps have been laid along this route, making this walk somewhat less challenging than it used to be.  Please be aware, once on this path you cannot get off (cliffs on one side and sea on the other. 

Directions to get onto the Undercliff path from Seaton seafront:  From the Seaton seafront, continue walking along the Esplanade eastwards.  Turn left into Trevelyan Road, and then right into Harbour Rd.  Walk over Axmouth Bridge and curve left with the road.  You can then pick up the SWC route/map/gpx for this Undercliff extension which you will find here:  https://www.walkingclub.org.uk/walk/seaton-to-lyme-regis-via-the-undercliff/

 Option 3 for Sightseeing on the Seaton Tramway

For those who don’t want to walk today, or only want a short walk, there is a lovely little tramway which covers 3 miles of unspoilt countryside along the beautiful Axe Valley.  It’s a narrow gauge heritage tram running between Seaton, Colyford and Colyton through River Axe estuary and two nature reserves along the river.  The trams are usually open topped so you can get a really good view of the surroundings. The Tramway station is located 5 minutes from the bus stop on the Esplanade near Tesco Superstore.

Details for the tram are here: https://www.tram.co.uk/.

T=swc.452

 #2026-06-27T09:25

 

 

 

 

Lyme Regis Weekend 26 June 2026 to 29th June 2026 IMPORTANT CHANGES TO OUTWARD TRAVEL ON 26th JUNE SEE BELOW IN COMMENTS

A coastal holiday in the beautiful counties of Dorset and Devon.  You can admire The Cobb in Lyme Regis the stone-built breakwater and jetty which has ‘starred’ in such films as Jane Austen’s Persuasion and The French Lieutenant’s Woman.  There are walks through woodlands, the forested canopy of the Undercliff walk, and rides on the Heritage Seaton Tramway through the Axe Estuary, and, weather permitting, swimming in the sea.  

Full details of the walks, GPX, travel and tide times have now been posted.

Friday Walk - Axminster to Lyme Regis walk

Map Led walk

Length:  7.2 miles (11.4 km) with 1,000 feet (300 m) of elevation gain

Difficulty: 3/10 Mainly across fields, woodlands and alongside streams.

Travel: Take the 10.20 train from Waterloo; Clapham J 10.27; Woking 10.46; arriving Axminster 13.02

Option:  If you want to go directly to Lyme Regis without walking, take the 13.15pm X53bus from Axminster station forecourt to Lyme Regis.  Its around 20  minute journey to Lyme Regis (Post Office stop).  Bus timetable here: Bus Times

Lunch: Bring a picnic as no pubs or shops until Uplyme.

Railway Kitchen Café in Axminster station is open Fri, Sat 7.30am - 3pm; Sun 8.30-2pm; Mon Closed

Tea/Dinner – plenty of options in Lyme Regis

This is a map/GPX led walk.  It was last checked June 2025.

Description:  This is a delightful walk from Axminster to Lyme Regis via the Prescott Pinetum.  The walk is through fields, and quiet lanes, and then through the Uplyme or Prescott Pinetum where you can enjoy a wander among magnificent oak and beech trees, and views across to the Viaduct.  

In summary, you walk briefly through Axminster, and then follow the Monmouth Rebellion Walk across fields and woodlands.  Leave the MRW at Hoyton Hill and continue towards Yawl, mainly along country lanes, until you enter the Pinetum (just beyond Cathole Farm)  where you can explore this magnificent wooded area with glimpses of the Cannington Viaduct.  Despite it’s title most of the woodland is mature oak and beech trees.  You will find the original Pinetum area in the lower slopes in the south east quarter of the wood.  After this, pick up the East Devon Way, which takes you along a very pretty riverside path into the heart of Lyme Regis.

Eating out in Lyme Regis:  There are many places to eat in Lyme.

Harbour Inn, Marine Parade (very near the Cobb).  Good idea to book. https://www.harbourinnlymeregis.co.uk/

Millside:  Modern British Menu 1 Mill Ln, Lyme Regis DT7 3PU Need to book in advance as this is very popular. https://www.eatatmillside.co.uk/

Herbies: fish and chip kiosk in between the Cobb Arms and Harbour Inn on Marine Parade. The best fish and chip kiosk in my opinion.

https://therockfish.co.uk/ Fish restaurant with great views.  Should book.

….And many other places.

GPX, map and further information can be found here: https://www.walkingclub.org.uk/walk/axminster-to-lyme-regis-via-the-pinetum/

 

#2026-06-26T10:20

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Evening Walk - Thames Path - East-to-West (Woolwich to Greenwich): Royal Woolwich Arsenal, Thames Barrier, Charlton, Greenwich Peninsula, Maritime Greenwich

Length: 11.0 km (6.8 mi) [Shorter and slightly longer walks possible, see below] 

Ascent/Descent: negligible 

Net Walking Time: ca. 2 ¼ hours 

 

Meet outside Woolwich Elizabeth Line Station at 18.30.

For that, take…

- either the 17.54 Dartford train from Cannon Street via London Bridge (17.59) and Lewisham (18.10) to Woolwich Arsenal and walk across to the Elizabeth Line Station. [This is a Kent Loop Line service back to Cannon Street, possibly showing as ‘Dartford via Slade Green’.] You can also get to Woolwich Arsenal with the DLR.

- or an Elizabeth Line train: i.e. the 18.11 from Liverpool Street (direction Abbey Wood via Canary Wharf).

Return trains: every 10 minutes to 20.47, then about every 20 minutes, all via London Bridge, then either to Cannon Street or via Central London Thameslink stations. Woolwich is in Zone 4, Greenwich in Zone 2.

The route summary in the original direction, west-to-east:

Follow quiet lanes from Greenwich Station to the Thames by the Cutty Sark and turn right downstream along this extremely fascinating stretch of London’s main river along Maritime Greenwich and around the rapidly changing Greenwich Peninsula with the O2-Dome and the IFS Cloud-cable car as well as its views across the river to Canary Wharf, the Mouth of the River Lea and the Royal Victoria Dock, before walking past Charlton and the Thames Barrier, with Silvertown and its Tate & Lyle Sugar Refinery opposite, and on to the finish at the former Royal Arsenal site in Woolwich.

You pass reminders of Britain’s great maritime past, many historic pubs, the imposing Greenwich Power Station, some new housing developments as well as some long-established industrial sites (including some spectacular Aggregates Businesses), some large outdoor artworks, an Ecology Park, Woolwich Dockyard and the refurbished Royal Arsenal site with its mixture of historic buildings, new and old housing, food & drink establishments and an Arts Centre (in development).

 

Walk Options:

Alternative Finishes are possible from various points along the route (from 680m to 7.1 km before the end of the walk), principally at Charlton Mainline or North Greenwich Underground. For details see the Walk Directions pdf. 

A Cross-Peninsula Shortcut cuts 1.2 km.

 

Refreshments en route: positively plenty options. 

Tea at the end: positively plenty options.

 

For walk directions, maps, height profiles, photos and gpx/kml files click here. t=short.42 

#2026-06-24T17:54

Wednesday Walk - CANCELLED due to heat - Sandling to Folkestone via the sea.

#2026-06-24T12:13

T=swc.51

This walk has been CANCELLED due to the extreme heat: see comments

 People have requested a swimming walk, so here’s one with two opportunities for sea bathing. The first is at Sandgate followed by somewhere called Mermaid beach, which is considered safer by previous posters. 

In the morning the walk passes Saltwood Castle the former home of the diarist and all round bad boy Alan Clark and of his father Sir Kenneth Clark of Civilisation fame. 

The walk itself is relatively short at 7 miles (11.2km) 

A recommended extension around Folkestone harbour takes the length up to 8.3 miles (13.4 km)

Toughness 5/10 Two steep climbs in the forenoon then more or less flat. 

Trains. Catch the 10.04 Dover Priory train from Charing Cross calling at Waterloo East 10.07, London Bridge 10.13 reaching Sandling at 11.36 

You can shave 36 minutes off the journey time by catching the 10.40 high speed train from St. Pancras (Stratford International 10.48) and changing to the above train at Ashford (11.18/11.25)

This will be more expensive. 

Return trains to Charing Cross are .05 and .35 hrs and to St Pancras at 15.56, 16.05, 16.54, and 17.05 

Buy a return to Folkestone Central. 

Lunch can be had from many outlets along the seafront as soon as you reach Sandgate. 

https://www.theshipfolkestone.com/ got good reviews for its open air deck overlooking the sea. 

Tea There’s a Co-op near the station providing supplies for the homeward journey and many pubs and restaurants in Folkestone should you decide to remain for an evening meal. 

Sunday Walk: St Margaret's Circular

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). 

Get the 9:54 Cambridge North train from London Liverpool St (Tottenham Hale 10:07). Change at Broxbourne onto the Hertford East train (arr. 1019 plat 3, dep. 1023 plat 4). Arrive St Margaret's 10:52.

(The Hertford East train leaves Stratford (SRA) at 9:42)

Return at xx:03 and xx:33 changing again at Broxbourne (platform 1 to platform 2).

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. 

t=swc.165  #2026-06-21T09:54

Sunday Walk: Hassocks to Lewes:

8 km 11.2 miles, difficulty  5/10

Up the hill to Jack and Jill*

Then tumble down to Plumpton town

Hey diddle diddle Half Moon Inn then back along the top again.

Along the way we will behold a hilltop fort and ponds of old.

To continue on our South Downs walk, we march back down like the Duke of York.

Along the Ouse in seven-league shoes, then up through the castle into Lewes.

Trains: 

Get the 09:30 Brighton train from Victoria (09:38 Clapham Jct. 09:48 East Croydon) arrives Hassocks 10:28. Get a return to Lewes.

From Lewes, trains return direct to Victoria at xx:21. (Or,via a change at Brighton, at xx:24 and xx:46).

Lunch: the Half Moon 01273 890 253, Plumpton. A nice pub that involves going down from and back up to the downs. . Suggest booking). 

If you'd rather not "tumble down to Plumpton Town", like what the poet suggests, you could either picnic up top or keep your eyes peeled for the pink tables of the Pink Pit Stop off to the right, near the descent point..

Tea: The Lewes Arms a homely pub with good beer, beside the castle walls in Mount Place. On Mr Tiger's list of favourites. To find it, turn left when you reach the castle walls. (Or up to your left after the castle and High Street).

The White Hart, once a 16th Century coaching inn, now a quaint posh place on the High Street.

Oher establishments are available.

 T=1.29 

* Jack and Jill are windmills

Directions: Here.   #2026-06-21T09:30 

 

Saturday Walk: To Hell and back ....and even further

Saunderton Circular via Wheeler End

16.3km (10.1 miles).  Difficulty 4/10

A variant of the Saunderton via West Wycombe walk. A stroll through a mixture of woodland and sloping meadows in the Chilterns. It follows the shorter start as far as West Wycombe's Hellfire Caves and then branches off to Wheeler End. The return takes you through a small nature reserve before climbing to rejoin the main route. Anyone after an easier (6 mile) walk could return to Saunderton from West Wycombe (maybe after a visit to the caves - entry £9.50). 

Transport:

9:52 Aylesbury train from Marylebone arriving Saunderton 10:51

Return trains xx:57

Lunch:  The suggested stop is the Chequers at Wheeler End 01494 883070 . 

You could stop earlier in West Wickham at the Hellfire Caves cafe  or  The George and Dragon  01494 571 500

Tea: The Golden Cross is handy for Saunderton station. It’s on the main road, just past the station turn-in

Directions: info

 Main directions (After Bradenham follow the shorter option to West Wickham. GPS recommended).

Wheeler End option (tip: If the path through Butler's Hanging nature reserve looks overgrown, it is possible to walk either side of the two hedges to rejoin it at the far end).

#2026-06-20T09:52   t=2.3.variant

Saturday Walk - Balcombe via Ardingly Reservoir Summer Walk

Length: 19.5km (12.1 miles) but possibly a bit longer: see ** below,, or 16.7km (10.4 miles)

9.35 train from London Bridge (9.49 East Croydon) to Balcombe.

For walk directions, map and GPX click here. 

It is (nearly) the longest day of the year: soon you will be wishing you had made better use of the long evenings. So I wanted to pick a walk that makes good use of the daylight. This one has the advantage that it has a tea stop before its end at Wakehurst Place. So you can have a leisurely tea and then finish the walk in the lovely evening light….

** There is an issue with a footbridge early on in the afternoon to which we will have to find a workaround. There are three options:

- One proposed by another walker is appended to this post as a comment.

- Another (my preference)  is to inspect the bridge and if it is impassible to do a map-led loop to the east via the village of Highbrook. This would add no more than 2km to the walk and might be quite pretty. Plus we have plenty of daylight to finish the walk!

- Skip Ardingly village altogether and do the direct route to Wakehurst Place. This reduces the walk to 16.7km (10.4 miles). If you do this you have to lunch at the Gardeners Arms. It is worth pointing out that there is an event taking place today (the Big Scooter Rally) at the South East of England Showground that you have to pass through to get to the Gardeners Arms. I don’t think it affects rights of way but the pub might be even busier than it normally is as a result.

Assuming you don’t do the direct route to Wakehurst Place, lunch is either at the Ardingly Inn or the cafe next door (the latter open to 2.30pm). I have not tried the pub since it was renovated but it seems to do food all afternoon. 

The cafe at Wakehurst Place is open until 5.30pm. In Balcombe there is the Half Moon pub for refreshments. 

Trains back are at 25 and 55 past

#2026-06-20T09:35. t=swc.22

Saturday Walk - Undulating walk through 1066 Country: Battle Circular

 DAC is away...

 

Length: 20.3 km (12.6 mi)

Ascent/Descent: 363m 

Net Walking Time: ca. 5 hours 

Toughness: 5 out of 10

 

Take the 09.15 Hastings train from Charing Cross (W’loo East 09.18, LBG 09.24, Orpington 09.39 etc.), arrives Battle 10.33. 

Return trains: 15.34,16.01,16.34, then xx.07 and xx.44

 

A walk through 1066-Country, centred on the charming town of Battle. Woods, valleys, far views, fairly undulating. Well worth it.

Lunch: The White Hart (food all day) and the Netherfield Arms (this is closed), both in Netherfield (13.5 km/8.4 mi). 

Tea: lots of choice in Battle, including The King’s Head, the Battle Brewery Taproom & Bottleshop, The Bull Inn, The Abbey Hotel, The Pilgrim’s Rest, but also plenty of cafés, restaurants and bars.

 

For walk directions, maps, height profiles, photos and gpx/kml files click here. t=swc.30

 

#2026-06-20T09:24

V&A East in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park

Tonight,  we are heading to the East London to visit two new V&A East Museums,  V&A East Museum and V&A East Storehouse. Both opened last year and already have become must-visit museums in London.  

Two museums are 15 mins walk apart.  Entrance to both museums are free,  but charges apply for special exhibitions (see below). 

East Storehouse:  This is a museum like no other.  It is a radical new 'working museum' where visitors explore more than half a million stored objects in an open-access warehouse rather than traditional curated galleries.  It exposes the behind-the-scenes life of a museum,  letting visitors to see conservation work live and even to book appointments to handle selected objects through its 'Order an Object' system.  It houses David Bowie Center and is the permanent home of the artist's archive.  

East Museum:  A museum of contemporary life, focuses on youth culture, creativity and communities that shape the modern Britain.  Apart from permanent collections,  a special exhibition 'The Music is Black, a British Story', celebrates 125 years of Black British Music with more than 100 sound tracks played directly to your headset.  More than an exhibition, through immersive sound, fashion, photography, instruments and multimedia installations,  it explores the power and impact of the Black British Music. You need to buy a ticket for this special exhibition.  

To Book,  please click here.  Book 18:30 slot.  If you wish to spend more time in this exhibition, book an earlier slot. 

No official pre-museum meet as people may wish to visit one or both museums at different times,  except if you attend The Music is Black - meet in the queue at 6:30pm or inside the exhibition.  

Post Museum F&B: We will meet at 8pm at the main entrance of East Museum.   Picnic if weather permits or a F&B venue (TBD) in Stratford Westfield.  More detail to follow. 

A WhatsApp group will be set-up for this event.  If you wish to be on it,  please email swcsocialATgmailDOTcom. 

#2026-06-18T18:30

Evening Walk - Visit Harmondsworth while you can: Heathrow Terminal 5 to West Drayton

Length: 10.8 km (6.7 mi) 

Ascent/Descent: 50m 

Net Walking Time: 2 hours 

 

Meet at 18.40 at the top of the escalators from the Elizabeth Line in the covered forecourt of T5, at street level. The escalators from the Piccadilly Line come up nearby. 

For that, take the Elizabeth Line train arriving at 18.37 (that’s the 18.07 from Paddington). 

Return trains from West Drayton are on: xx.00, xx.17, xx.30 and xx.47 (24 minutes to Paddington).

All stations are on the Elizabeth Line, with T5 and West Drayton being in Zone 6.

 

This is an interesting if noise-challenged and likely time-limited route from Heathrow Airport’s largest terminal through Longford Moor and Harmondsworth Moor, followed by a loop to and around the historic Harmondsworth village, with fine viewpoints and plenty of stretches along peaceful waterways.

The start of the route is about getting away from the busy and noisy airport while keeping distance from the M25 and M4 where possible, while the remainder of the route is dominated by a handful of waterways – the River Colne and two anabranches off it, the Wraysbury River and the Frays River; as well as two distributaries, both supplying some West London park estates with water – the Longford River (Hampton Court/Bushy Park) and the Duke of Northumberland’s River (Syon Park).

Harmondsworth Moor is a recultivated former gravel works and landfill site, with toxic waste having been removed and a Country Park-like environment then being created instead, and provides for fine viewpoints from modest heights to places including Wembley Stadium, Windsor Castle and the North Downs. Harmondsworth village delights with its Grade II*-listed St. Mary’s Church, a charming village green and the 13^th century Great Barn, England’s largest timber-framed building and Britain’s largest barn.

You continue past BA’s HQ back into Harmondsworth Moor, leaving it through a wet woodland (on a boardwalk) into West Drayton, now through meadows and past paddocks then through Frays Island, a narrow strip of woodland between the Rivers Colne and Frays, and follow roads to West Drayton Station.

The southern half of the route would be buried by a third airport runway and its associated buildings.

Note: The start out of Heathrow Airport (which is private ground) leads along road pavements that are signed as ‘Cyclists Only’. This is not adhered to by locals, including some Heathrow employees, but – technically – walking along them is trespassing. If you are uncomfortable with this, the alternatives are frequent buses to the Moor Bridge stop, either from T5 (not TfL) or from Hounslow West Underground (TfL). From there, continue in the direction of travel and pick up the directions on page 4 at the asterisk *).

Walk Options:

The 2.8 km Harmondsworth Loop to and around the village from the River Colne bridge can be cut.  

Bus Line U3 connects Harmondsworth and the Alternative route to West Drayton and Heathrow Central.

An Alternative across the M4 is described as the path under it beside the River Colne can be impassable.  

A Shortcut in West Drayton cuts 700m and a fine stretch between the Rivers Colne and Frays.

 

Refreshments: Several options en route in Harmondsworth and at the end in West Drayton. Check the webpage or pdf for details.

 

For detailed route maps, gpx/kml files, photos and walk directions click here. T=short.73

#2026-06-18T18:07

Wednesday walk: Constable country: Manningtree circular

Length: 17.3 km (10.7 miles) 4/10

This week we are heading back to the Suffolk/Essex border for this walk in the Stour valley. It passes numerous settings of Constable paintings along with his birthplace and a possible tea stop at Flatford Mill. More of the relevant paintings are mentioned here.

Last year there were complaints of excessive road walking on the full route. It seems to me that although there is an unavoidable road through Stratford St Mary, there is a footpath from there to Bergholt which might make an alternative – we could investigate today.*

Travel: Take the 1000 from Liverpool Street arriving at Manningtree at 1055 (note there is also a 1002 which is quite a bit slower, getting in at 1112). Three return trains an hour at approx 03, 20 and 52.

Lunch: Two pubs in Stratford St Mary after 9 km on the full route (assuming the 2023 building works at the Swan Inn reported on the introduction page have finished!). The shorter route (see below) misses out Stratford so for lunch in Dedham (some 6 km into the walk), a fairly upmarket pub lunch is available at the Sun Inn, (tel 01206 323 351), serving lunch daily from 12 noon to 3.30 pm. The Dedham Centre tearoom (tel 01206 322 677) in the Arts & Crafts Centre serves vegetarian food from 12 noon to 2.00 pm daily (groups of more than ten should phone to book). The Essex Rose tea room (tel 01206 323 101) is another alternative for lunches served from 11.30 am to 2.30 pm.

Tea: The suggested tea place is the National Trust’s Bridge Cottage Tearoom, by Flatford Mill (tel 01206 298 260), open up to 5.30 from May to September. At Manningtree station, the Station Buffet (tel 01206 391114) may also provide a welcome snack before the train home.

Short walk options: If you look at the map you'll see that the walk is nearly a figure of eight, so it is possible to miss out the smaller loop cutting out 4km. Turn right along the Stour Valley Way after Dedham - directions are given in the text.

It may also be possible to catch a bus from one of the villages en route to Manningtree or Colchester.

L=1.39

*Of course it's possible this has been tried before and rejected for some reason – if anyone knows, please comment below.

 #2026-06-17T10:00