After the AGM 22 of us set off, in calm weather, for a leisurely walk through 5 parks.  Beginning with Holland Park through to St James park and ending at Westminster underground. There were numerous places to leave the walk on route which were taken advantage of.  After a slight reroute after Holland Park, to enter Kensington Gardens, due to a high police presence and demonstration, we set off again walking through the very well maintained flower garden and past the Albert Memorial.

On our way we heard very loud claps of thunder and most of us got quite damp in the heavy rain storm that followed. Those of us near the Serpentine South Gallery managed to shelter in the book shop before visiting the Arpita Singh exhibition at the Serpentine North Gallery.  A visit is recommended.

Onward then to walk through Green Park, which was full of colourful spring flowers and blossoms. Sadly the pelicans at St James park were absent due to quarantine rules, but there were lots of other wildlife on view.

On reaching Westminster Bridge we were slightly rerouted again due to the filming of a high speed car chase along Parliament Street.  Three of us finished the walk in the sunshine.

Jackie Copeland. Thanks to Ida for the photos

Despite the threat of dire weather and constant reminders from the leader about steep and possibly slippery inclines, 13 of us gathered at West Humble for a good and reasonably long walk in the lovely Surrey Hills.
We started with a fairly drawn-out climb to Mickleham, a bit of flat and then the first steep haul up onto Mickleham Downs which, in summer, is full of the kind of chalk downland wildflowers which have become a rare sight. Over 50% of the UK’s chalk grassland was lost between the mid-1950s and the early 1990s. Now that these areas are not routinely grazed, unchecked encroaching scrub is one of the main problems and there are, thankfully, schemes to control it including the National Trust’s introduction of Belted Galloway cattle on Box Hill. Continue reading WEST HUMBLE CIRCULAR – 23 February →

On Saturday, 21 ramblers (with 2 more joining for lunch) set off to walk to Northolt with a stop to see the Greenford Beaver colony. The weather was overcast, constantly threatening to break out into rain, but we were lucky and only experienced occasional light drizzle.

We started by following the Capital ring along the river Brent. We passed the Millennium Maze which has become well established after 25 years growth. The path was mostly wooded although we did pass 4 golf course s without having to worry about flying balls. We passed St May’s church in Perivale which is the oldest church in Ealing, dating back to 12th Century.

We made it to the top of Horsenden Hill, despite the muddy path, to catch the views of London. We had an enjoyable lunch at the Ballot Box where we caught up with 2 extra hikers who had missed the train. We then made our way to Paradise Fields where the Beavers have taken up residence. They are a recent addition to the local fauna, and although we did not see any beavers, we saw plenty of evidence – many chewed trees and their dams to make their lodges. They are already thriving and are already breeding. Those who would like more information can follow the link London welcomes urban beavers for first time – Beaver Trust

We followed the Grand Union canal round to Belvue park. The park is set on a hill and was a settlement going back to roman times, with a moat. There were informative display boards giving its history including information about how the common land was enclosed. From here it was a short walk to Northolt Station.

Stephen. Photos by Ida and Nita