A good turnout of Polyramblers met at Chingford Station. The sky was covered with greyish cloud but there wasn’t any wind to speak of. The trees were magnificent!  We thought that recent rain and relatively mild temperatures were the reason that a lot of trees were still covered in green leaves while the beech leaves on the forest floor were glorious! After the grassy area near the station, the walk was in amongst a variety of trees, including beech, hornbeam, oak, birch, rowan and holly, in all their autumn splendour. We mostly followed gravel paths, undulating sometimes steeply, with only an occasional puddle. There weren’t many other walkers or cyclists, despite being so near London. Perhaps people were more involved in Halloween, Diwali or Guy Fawkes activities!  It was mild enough to eat our lunchtime picnics at the benches provided at High Beach.  According to the Oxford Dictionary of British Place Names, the name first appeared as Highbeach-green in 1670. The Dictionary tells us that it is “Probably named from the beech-trees here” – so nothing to do with more recent spelling discrepancies or failings in modern education! While I’m talking about place names, I see that Chingford may be based on a corruption of “shingle” so perhaps the river in the valley came up higher in former times! There is a view of the valley from the green at High Beach but the trees at the top of the slope have grown up and out, obscuring the view to some extent.  Some members of the group took the opportunity to explore the Visitor Centre.     

As regards the beech trees, we learned about the pollarding which went on until it was stopped in 1878 so thereafter the trees were able to grow to a normal size but still bearing the shape formed by the coppicing. I am informed that some of these beeches are believed to be as much as 1000 years old! They are certainly very tall. After our lunch break, as the path undulated between the trees, we spent some time in a clearing on one side, carpeted with golden beech leaves, concentrating on breathing deeply and calmly, admiring the height and width of the trees, listening to the rustle of the leaves, no road or air traffic to spoil the moment. Generally being amongst trees is known  as “forest bathing” (nothing to do with dipping in water!). It is said that essential oils, known as phytoncides, are emitted by trees to protect themselves from germs and insects and, seemingly, they have a positive impact on humans too by naturally boosting our immune system. Studies show that after only a short amount of time in a forest, stress levels are reduced. Walking among trees decreases the body’s stress response, which in turn lowers our levels of cortisol, the stress hormone. As a result we feel calmer. Ideally it should be a digital detox, that is, not carrying any electronics! I must mention that to the group in the briefing next time! 

As we neared the end of the walk and the hum of the M25 got louder (even though it is ‘cut and covered’ at this point!), we passed by the area of Ambresbury Banks, the site of an Iron Age fort. At that time, 700 BCE, the views would have been clear of trees. It is pure legend that this is the place where Boudicca made her last stand against the Romans in the year 61! It is another area we will have to explore on a future visit. 

At the end of the forest we made our way to Epping High Street. Some of the party made their way to the tube station while the rest of us continued along to Belgique Patisserie, where the staff showed no amazement at the size of the group or horror at our footwear (not muddy as it happened!) and welcomed us with tea, coffee and a splendid array of enticing cakes and pastries! We agreed it was a very pleasant way to round off a very enjoyable day.

Pam

Photos by Stephen, Maggie and Hilary

After two frustrating cancellations of this walk, as a consequence of Chiltern Railways’  shenanigans, we at last, third time lucky, were able to undertake our modest eight mile stroll.

We set forth, all nineteen enthusiastic walkers, downhill from the station leaving rowdy traffic to soon join the scenic and placid tranquillity of the Wendover canal. The six mile long canal now overgrown in parts and disused, but worth exploring further was constructed in 1799 but alas has  been unnavigable since 1897. In its heyday it was a worthy conduit for all manner of barge-borne cargo including grain, timber, coal and beer connecting with the mighty north -south Grand Union canal.

Despite the pervasive gloom and mist the Polyramblers brought their own sunshine and soon we were admiring the timely vivid autumn colours reflected in  awesome clear waters  whilst passing a variety of water birds, dabbling ducks, gliding moorhens and preening swans. After a couple of miles of towpath we left the canal and started our gentle but mildly challenging ascent through the towering trees of Wendover Woods, trudging up  a fresh leafy carpet to the highest point of the Chilterns, a mere 875 feet.

As we steadily climbed  we were overtaken by many tabard clad and numbered runners surging zealously through the woods,  competing in organised events. Finally we reached the Wendover Woods cafe at the top where we gratefully took sustenance  and savoured the crisp ‘mountain’ air. Regrettably the usually awesome views were marred by the stubborn mist.

All too briefly, given the shortening hours of daylight, it was time to  return. We descended gradually via a firm path through a canyon of trees leading eventually onto a quiet tarmac road then along a narrow path between high wooden fences across a footbridge to follow a noisy but then calmingly  transparent chalk stream.

After a few more paces we emerged into the olde worlde charms of  Wendover high street and thankfully had time to partake of a well earned tea at one of several cafes before catching the vital 3.54 pm train back to London.

Les and Cathy M

Photos by Patricia, Les and Jill

 

Ten Polyramblers assembled at Blackheath Station on a sunny morning for a five mile walk meandering along the Prime Meridian to the Millennium Dome, travelling through time across historical parkland and past the Royal Observatory before tracing the story-soaked shores of the Thames to reach ultra-modernised Greenwich Peninsula.

First we crossed Blackheath, scene of several insurrections in the Middle Ages. Then we entered Greenwich Park and soon passed the site of a Romano-Celtic Temple. Next was Queen Elizabeth’s oak, the remains of a tree from the 12th century. After enjoying the view from the Observatory terrace, we headed down to Greenwich town centre and had a wander through the market before reaching the Cutty Sark.

We then joined the Thames Path which took us past the Royal Naval College to our lunch stop at the Pelton Arms pub. We sat in its garden enjoying the sunshine and excellent food & drink. Suitably refreshed we set off past myriad blocks of new flats and a few remaining vestiges of the industry that once lined the river banks. We skirted the Dome past various art installations before finishing the walk at North Greenwich Station.  

Danny
Walk Leader

Photos courtesy of Clare S

It was a grey morning with hints the sun was trying to break through when 18 Polyramblers assembled at Princes Risborough station for a circular walk around the edge of the Chilterns.  Amongst the 18 were 4 new faces, all potential new members.

The walk first took us out of the town and on to the Ridgeway an ancient trail that runs along chalk downs from Ivinghoe beacon to Marlborough.  It soon had our hearts beating fast and our jackets being removed as it took a steep gradient over the chalk escarpment up to a trig point where we were rewarded with a wonderful view over Princes Risborough and the vale of Aylesbury.  By this time the sun was fully out and made it a perfect setting for our first group photo.   

From here we walked through woodland until we reached our lunchtime stop, the Hampden Arms.  The trees, mainly beech, were showing off their magnificent autumn colours and fallen leaves carpeted the ground.  We walked passed Hampden House owned by the Earl of Buckinghamshire and which today is an exclusive up market wedding venue.  From here it was a short hop to the cosy Hampden Arms where we made our lunchtime stop with 12 of us eating at the pub.  We had a long wait for our food but the small friendly team who were working flat out and the quality of the food when it arrived made it a positive experience.  

The afternoon walk took us through more woodland, this time more muddy and puddle strewn than before lunch but nonetheless still beautiful.  Eventually the path started to make a steep descent as we came to the edge of the woodland and back down from the escarpment to the rolling fields so typical of the lovely Chilterns landscapes.

After walking across fields we eventually rejoined the Ridgeway and our path back into Princes Risborough and the station.  We’d certainly had the best of the weather as it was coming on to rain heavily as we reached the station.  

Mary
Walk leader

Photos by Melida, Joyanna and others