The forecast was for rain all day, so I was surprised when four dedicated and keen (mad) Poly Ramblers turned up to catch the train to Streatham – after Geoffrey had given an organ concert in London Bridge Station. There were three train or tube station on the walk so there were options to cut it short but, every time I suggested we could go home, I got a firm ‘no’.

We left Streatham station and made our way to Tooting Bec Common which takes its name from the area’s links to Bec Hellouin Abbey in Normandie. We walked around the lake where the ducks were happy with the weather. I tried to take a photo, but my umbrella flew away into the lake. Thankfully, it landed on the edge of the lake, and I was able to retrieve it without falling in. I gave up on taking photos after this but I took some on the recce.

We went into Woodfield Recreation Ground and followed the railway along paths and streets to Balham. More road walking led us to St James’ Triangle and Wandsworth Common where we walked around the lakes before the welcome sight of the Skylark Café. Wandsworth Common was mentioned in the Domesday Book in the 11th century but has shrunk quite a lot since. After exiting the Common, the walk was along streets and in Wandsworth Cemetery due to the lack of green spaces in this area of London.

Finally, we arrived in Wimbledon Park and went up to the large lake which was quite choppy due to the strong wind. The ducks were still happy and bobbing along on the waves. From there, it was a short walk to Wimbledon Park station which we were thankful to reach.

Dominique.  Photos taken by Dominique (on the recce) and Hema