The walk was long but almost all in green spaces, forest, woods and parks. Everyone was pleased that the route had so much tree coverage and some breeze, as it was such a hot day. Occasionally we crossed an open area, not wasting anytime getting across into trees again. Lots of water stops were in order. We passed a few ponds and, a bit later, about half way on our walk, we arrived at Connaught Water, our picturesque lunch stop, by the lake.

After lunch, another mile or two took us to a cafe, Butler’s Retreat, where we took another break and indulged ourselves with ice cream and other treats. Between that point and Wood Street station, two of our group decided to divert off towards stations more convenient for their return journey and those of us remaining continued past Wood Street and halfway way from there to Walthamstow Central. Another split, one of our group continued straight ahead to the station and four of us sloped into a lovely pub, The Nags Head, where, soon after, a band started to play. We found a good seat in the garden and rewarded ourselves with hard earned liquid refreshments. A good day was had by all!

Jackie.  Photo by Rochelle

I met the party at Berwick Station, where their appointed train arrived punctually. Thirteen Poly Ramblers all descended from just one pair of doors onto the platform, and so the party of 14 was now fully united!

I had only been able to do a walkover the previous day when it was very overcast and ground temp some 6 or 7 degrees cooler, that I had to wear a pullover plus warm fleece. Not so today, as there was bright sunshine, plenty of blue sky, that, above waistline, only a T-shirt 👕 was necessary. Continue reading BERWICK TO EASTBOURNE VIA JEVINGTON – SATURDAY 13 JUNE →

Like my Easter Monday walk, the weather came up trumps, this time with a record May temperature. Despite the predicted hot weather, thirteen members started off from Alton Station for a five mile walk in the Hampshire countryside. We soon reached the King’s Pond where we were greeted by a family of Canada Geese, including numerous cute goslings. Accompanied by the sound of a steam train on the adjacent Watercress Line, we continued waterside to a long flight of steps. These took us up Windmill Hill, although sadly there was no sign of such a structure when we reached the top. A narrow road took us down again and then under the Alton by-pass to a quiet lane heading south. We soon passed Kiln House, a grand converted oast house indicative of the time Alton was renowned for hop growing. Turning west, we spotted a peacock in the grounds of Westbrook Grange. Then fields with lots of lambs and ewes took us to the Greyfriars pub in Chawton for some well-earned refreshment. The village is famed for its association with Jane Austen and her house could be seen opposite the pub. The route back to Alton took us past many locations connected with the author. Reaching the station was when things went awry. Signalling problems meant our return journey to London was greatly protracted with some of us sitting in a stationary train for over three hours, fortunately in air-conditioned comfort!

Danny
Photos courtesy of Ann Munn & Joyanna Lovelock