Sunday Walk – A woodland walk in south-east London (Petts Wood)

Extra Walk 309 – Petts Wood Circular
Length: 12 km (7.5 miles). Toughness: 2/10

10:28 Orpington train from Victoria (Brixton 10:35 and lots of other stations in south London), arriving Petts Wood at 11:03. The station is in TfL Zone 5, so use Oyster PAYG or contactless.

If it's more convenient you can travel out from Charing Cross. The 10:16 Sevenoaks train arrives at 10:51; if you just miss this take the fast 10:25 to Orpington and sprint across to Platform 6 (arr 10:50; dep 10:54) to go back one stop to Petts Wood.

Direct trains back are at xx:22 & xx:52 to Charing Cross, xx:27 & xx:57 to Victoria.

There was a favourable report after this woodland walk's début in February and it looks well suited to a Sunday outing on these short days: well inside the M25, but with a rural nature. The suggested lunch stop is the Bull's Head in Chislehurst; their website says "booking is essential" for Sunday lunch, so call ahead if you want this (you'll get there at around 12:45). Unless you take the optional extension to Chislehurst Caves the afternoon leg should only take an hour, but there are more refreshment places at the end if you need further sustenance.

You'll need to bring the walk directions from the Petts Wood Circular walk page. T=swc.309

Sunday Walk - Mudflats and Birdlife on a tidal river, and some Big Skies: North Fambridge to Burnham-on-Crouch

Length:  20.9 km (13.0 mi) [shorter walk possible, see below]

Ascent/Descent:  127/120m

Net Walking Time: ca. 4 ½ hours

Toughness:  3 out of 10 

  

Take the 10.14 Southend Victoria train from Liverpool Street (10.21 Stratford, 10.34 Romford etc.), change at Wickford  onto the Southminster service (arr. 11.03, dep. 11.06), arrives North Fambridge 11.20. Nervous about the 3-minute connection in Wickford (the connecting train typically does NOT wait)? Take the 09.44 train from L’pool Street…

Return trains from Burnham are hourly on xx.21 (68 mins journey time). Buy a Burnham-on-Crouch return.

Serenity, tranquillity, solitude: you’ll find lots of it on this walk on the Dengie Peninsula in Essex, which largely follows the tidal River Crouch  eastwards towards the North Sea, on a wide grassy path atop the sea wall, and with the prevailing wind in the back. Far away from any conurbations, you’ll experience wide open and scenic countryside, constantly changing river views, salt marshes, reed ponds, mudflats, creeks, rich bird life, sailing boats and marinas, to then end along the promenade in charming Burnham-on-Crouch, with its plethora of tea options. Flat throughout (apart from the diversion inland for lunch at the good value pub The Three Horseshoes in Althorne), and with exceptionally easy route finding.

Shortcuts:

·        It is possible to shorten the walk by taking the train back from Althorne, just before/after lunch.

·        You can also cut short the approach to the river from Fambridge station in the morning by using a more direct route (cuts 1.4 km/0.9 mi) or cut the Burnham ending short by using a more direct route to the station (cuts 2.1 km/1.3 mi).

·        Taking both shortcuts therefore reduces the length of the walk to 17.4 km (10.9 mi).

·        Finally, if you bring your own lunch (no shops along the route) for a picnic by the river, you can cut out the walk inland to the lunch pub, reducing the walk by 2.9 km/1.8 mi.

Note: earlier in the year, the section of riverside footpath between Althorne and Creeksea was closed for works on the sea wall. Should – against expectations – the works still be blocking the path, an alternative route has been added to map and gpx file.

Lunch is at the family-run The Three Horseshoes  in Althorne(11.5 km/7.2 mi). For tea, you are spoilt for choice for cafes, restaurants and pubs in Burnham (we might even manage to gate crash the bar at The Royal Corinthian Yacht Club  again in its stunning location overhanging the river estuary…). For details on all these options consult the Walk Directions pdf.

For walk directions, map, height profile, some photos, a video and gpx/kml files click here. T=swc.162

Lewes to Brighton - an alternative contumacious, but also as it happens, a somewhat slightly less arduous jaunt

The South Downs and Brighton

This is for those of you who may wish to mingle with the Hassocks to Brighton walkers in the evening and who might struggle with the 12 or so miles and ups and downs their walk entails.  

This is an alternative map led (gpx)  walk which keeps the distance down to under 9 miles or 14km with an estimated difficulty of 3/10 and a total ascent of 363 metres.

The route initially follows the Lewes to Saltdean walk until just after Kingston (about 3.5 km into the walk where it leaves this route and continues in a south westerly direction to Woodingdean. I would suggest the Down Hotel 01273 390 860 for standard pub fare as a lunch venue (but I've not visited there) 

The afternoon leg of the walk swings by the racecourse before descending into east Brighton where there is a chance to meet up with the hardy Hassocks to Lewis walkers for potential evening revelries.

The GPX route (essential) may be downloaded here  

Catch the 10:16 am Eastbourne/Littlehampton train from London Victoria to Lewes (10:23 am from Clapham Junction, 10:33 am from East Croydon). Arrives at Lewes 11:23am
If memory serves, a day return to Lewes should suffice. 

Last train from Brighton back to London St. Pancras is at 00:04am

  

Saturday Walk Pangbourne Circular

Pangbourne Circular

This walk starts with a stretch of the Thames Path and then moves away from the river for an easy walk through Oxfordshire woods and fields. You will need the download instructions to get to the lunch pub, as the pub in the book is closed.

Length 8.5 miles (13.6km) 3 out of 10

Travel: Take the 0957 Didcot Parkway train from Paddington (1005 Ealing Broadway) for a direct train to Pangbourne (1104), or the 1015 Cheltenham Spa train, changing at Reading (arr 1039) for the 1056 Didcot Parkway train arriving Pangbourne at 1104.
Return trains are xx17 and xx47 with the option of changing at Reading for a faster journey to Paddington.

Lunch: is the Sun Inn (tel 0118 9842260) at Hill Bottom. (Food 12:00-3:00)

Tea: As well as the options in the instructions, the Ferryboat Inn near the station has been recommended.

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Saturday walk - Hassocks to Brighton

Length: 22.5km (14 miles), but this includes a walk along Brighton seafront and up to the station which can be done by bus. To "civilisation" in Brighton (the start of Kemp Town Racecourse, after which you could walk entirely on illuminated roads) is 18.4km (11.4 miles). A shorter ending at Falmer also possible after 12.5km (7.8 miles)

Toughness: 7 out of 10: a big hill climb or two, but actually mostly not that tough

9.25 train from Victoria (9.32 Clapham Junction, 9.41 East Croydon) to Hassocks, arriving 10.20. T=3.50

Buy a day return to Brighton.

For walk directions click here. For GPX click here.

I have had a special request for this walk, which we have done before at this time of year without problems. See above for a breakdown of the length, which is not as long as it looks. This is a breezy walk over the South Downs, first approaching them on the flat, then climbing up onto the escarpment and then crossing their middle to arrive unexpectedly in the very heart of Brighton via Kemp Town Racecourse.

Chalk downland paths can be a bit slippery if it has been wet: watch out for that.

The Swan Inn in Falmer makes a reasonable lunch stop. Earlier in Stamner Park there is a nice and popular cafe. Between you cross the Brighton University campus, a slightly surreal experience after the wilds of the downs. In Brighton tea options are everywhere, but Google the location of the Mock Turtle Tea Shop for a special treat.

Trains back from Brighton: oodles of them: you can just turn up and go. Trains from Falmer to Brighton go every ten minutes and take ten minutes.

Saturday Walk - Milford to Godalming

Length: from 18.6 km (11.6 mi) to 21.9 km (13.6 mi)

Ascent/Descent: from 273/288m to 415/430m; Net Walking Time: 4 to 5 hours

Toughness: 5/10 to 6/10

Take the 09.15 Haslemere train from Waterloo (09.22 Clapham J, 09.43 Woking), arrives Milford 10.05.

Return trains are on xx.25  and xx.53, journey time 48 mins. Buy a Milford return.

This walk is that rare beast, a Book 1 walk that is extendable!

From Milford Station, you come to the lakes and the magnificent timber-framed Enton Mill – one of the many houses on this walk that have 17^th or 18^th-century galleting – black pebbles lining the mortar of the walls, a method much used in those days in Kent and the South. Near a pub and church in Hambledon, you join the Greensand Way, a sandy bridleway through The Hurtwood.

Lunch is at the White Horse pub in Hascombe, a village with a remarkable church, described by Betjeman as "a Tractarian work of art", and covered in wall decoration, so that it looks almost Moorish.

In the afternoon, the walk follows public rights of way through the National Trust's Winkworth Arboretum  and its lakes. You leave along the fringes of its woods to a horse training course and the rich outskirts of Godalming, with its many imposing buildings.

The final approach to the town is along the River Wey and Godalming Navigation‘s path, to the Church of St. Peter and St. Paul and the ancient High Street.

Optional Extensions:

Hydon's Ball (hill), a map-led diversion to the summit; adds 1.3 km and 64m ascent.

Hascombe Hill, map-led out-and-back from the lunch pub in Hascombe to the summit; adds 2.0 km and 78m ascent.

Lunch: The White Horse in Hascombe (8.4 or 9.7 or 10.4 or 11.7 km, depending on if and when you walk any of the two optional diversions; food to 14.30 [last orders]).

Tea: Hector’s on the Wey on the River Wey, plus lots of options on and just off the High Street, good ratings are getting: Café Mila, Changing Perceptions, The Branch Café and Arbor Tea Room. There are also some pubs…

For summary, walk directions, route map, height profile, photos and gpx/kml files click here. T=1.20.a

Christmas Party

Come and join us to celebrate another year of this wonderful club, to thank our webmaster, walk posters and trip organisers for their hard work through the year.

The party will be held at the familiar venue The Ship, 68 Borough Road, SE1 1DX.  We have the function room upstairs from 6pm.

Food is served till 9pm.  To see the regular menu click here. There is also a Xmas menu, click here for detail (or Call 0207 4037059). 

Enjoy the party.

Wednesday walk Hever to Leigh - Kent castles and the River Medway

Book 1, Walk 19 - Hever to Leigh

Length: 14.2 km (8.8 miles)
Toughness: 2 out of 10

London Bridge: 10-07 hrs   Uckfield service.       East Croydon: 10-22 hrs
Arrive Hever: 10-49 hrs

Return
Leigh to London Bridge (changing trains at Tonbridge): 26 and 56 mins past the hour

Rail ticket: buy a day return to Leigh (Kent)


You should be back at London Bridge in good time to don the glad rags and hit the SWC Xmas party with a swagger

The introduction to this walk in the TO Book claims this walk is both fascinating and very beautiful  through the Garden of England: I agree - but you can judge for yourself by coming along !

The walk may be short in length but you are spoilt for choice for sights along the way: two castles, a stately home, a proper water feature !, woods, farmland and undulating hills.  I leave it to you to read the comprehensive notes in the Directions which contain opening times of the castles. Ditto, information on your lunch and tea options.
Recommended !
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Your walk directions are here L=1.19

Sunday Walk: Dodgy Dinos - Crystal Palace to Forest Hill - with Xmas Market

13¼ km (8.2 miles).
3/10
You don’t get many London walks from me so make the most of this one. This journey through South London's green spaces starts near a small museum (free admission) where you can learn the history of the Crystal Palace. Then off you trot past the Crystal Palace Dinosaurs – modelled as the Victorians saw them (they were more likely all feathers and looked like can-can dancers but hey-ho). The walk continues through remnants of the ancient North Wood, past the Dulwich Picture Gallery (admission £9) and, near the end, passes the Horniman Museum with its unusual collections (open to 5.30 pm, free admission). Don’t, whatever you do, touch the walrus or sit on the iceberg. The Horniman is hosting a Xmas market today if you're still wondering what to get for Mr Tiger.

Trains Get to Crystal Palace Station for 11:00 a.m.
Southern’s 10:26 from Victoria  to Norwood Jct arrives Crystal Palace 10:54. The 10:38 from London Bridge to Crystal Palace arrives 11:00. You can also get the Overground - the 10:07 from Highbury & Islington gets there for 10:54 via East London.
Returning from Forest Hill, there's a train to London Bridge every 15 mins as well as frequent Overground trains.
Crystal Palace is in in TfL Zones 3/4, Forest Hill is in Zone 3.
Transport for London or National Rail’s journey planners will help you plot your own journey from wherever.
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 Short Walk) is the Wood House  (020-8693 5666) at 39 Sydenham Hill Road.
Tea
There is a good café at the Horniman Museum, plus several places on London Road as you approach Forest Hill station: a delicatessen, The Teapot, at #56, open to 4pm Sun;  and a Wetherspoon's pub The Capitol at #11-21.
Directions here
If, heaven forfend, you should tire of our company, the walk can be curtailed at various points with directions to nearby stations. Cutting out the loop through Dulwich would shorten the walk to 7 km (4.3 miles).
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Sunday Walk: Dorking to Reigate

Length:7.8 miles 12.5 km SWC Walk 16
Difficulty 3/10
This walk part-follows the Greensand Way and the River Mole through the picturesque villages of Brockham, Betchworth and Skimmington. The church in Betchworth dates from 1080. More importantly, it was used as a location in Four Weddings and a Funeral.
There's bit of a climb near the end of the walk, then down you go, down, down, down , to the grounds of Reigate Priory.
Trains: Get the 10:02 Dorking Train from Waterloo (Clapham Jct 10:11) arr. Dorking Main 10:52.
Return at xx:06 from Reigate direct to Victoria. There's also an xx:17 changing at Gatwick Airport for a Thameslink train (Bedford direction) to St Pancras - a longer journey but beats waiting an hour.
Get a return to "Dorking stations". This covers Reigate.
Lunch:
The suggested pub is the Dolphin Inn  in Betchworth  01737 842288 phoning advised.
The Royal Oak in Brockham is an earlier choice, the Skimmington Castle on Reigate Heath a later one.
Tea:
The cafe in Priory Park is reached first. Open till 4 in winter.
The Tea House, 17 Church Street,  01737 226561 closes at 3 on a Sunday.
The nearby Cafe Rouge at 1 Church Street 01737 223700 is a better bet, being open all day.
Directions here
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