John Ray played a significant role in the field of botany, and he is now widely regarded as the father of British Natural History. The John Ray Walk was devised to celebrate his life and achievements and passes through the Brain Valley, the birthplace and home of John Ray. After meandering through Braintree’s new housing estates and leaving the noise of the busy A120, we crossed newly harvested fields and reached the church of St Peter and St Paul in Black Notley where John Ray is buried. Continue reading JOHN RAY WALK – BRAINTREE TO WITHAM ESSEX – 21 AUGUST →

A small band of sisters and one brother met on Sunday – gathering at Hitchin library which is more or less where this walk starts. The ‘HOOP’, seemingly named after a 70s rock band, is apparently part of a group of walks, including the ‘STOOP’ (around Stevenage) and the ‘LOOP’ (around Luton). As it was my first attempt at co- leading a walk perhaps it was a good thing it was a small and forgiving group of veterans. The weather was pretty good for walking on the whole although sharp but heavy showers along the way resulted in much putting on and taking off of macs and the occasional waterproof trousers. Walking from the library out into the countryside in unremarkable suburbia, it is a relief to suddenly find the road opens up into a wide panorama over the the Chiltern hills, where Hitchin stands on the edge. Our emergence into open fields was punctuated by an overhead buzzard which it turns out are fairly common in the Chilterns along with the red kites. We made our way from here through open meadows – no breathtaking views but very still and peaceful – we met few others apart from occasional dog walkers. Continue reading HITCHIN OUTER LOOP – 22 AUGUST →

Twenty one Polyramblers arrived at Wimbledon Park Station despite the problems on several tube lines. After a short walk up hill we were in Wimbledon Park and went past a water feature in the children’s play area and past the pond. There were lots of ducks and geese here.

After leaving the park we walked through a residential area on our way to Wimbledon Common. Jennifer and I had seen a friendly lady when we did the recce and we were again greeted by the same lady, Farida. She was originally  from Indonesia, a winner of several gold and silver medals and now based in UK. She was keen to find out more about the Polyramblers and we hope to see her on a walk.

At the end of Queensmere Road, we crossed the road in to Wimbledon Common.  We walked along a  pleasant path through trees leading to open space and on to the Windmill. Here many  Polyramblers took advantage of the café and toilets. Sandra peeled off here.

After a little detour, Jennifer and I were able to lead the group to Richmond Park. As it was a nice sunny day  the park was busy. We saw two large groups of deer. We had picnic at Pen Ponds with several ducks. After, that we made our way to Petersham Gate after taking in the views from Pembroke Lodge.

We made our way to Richmond Station along the river. Many thanks to everyone for making it a great day

Sunita  (photos by Ida and Gillian)

Disappointingly only two ramblers, Jennifer and Sarah, turned up for the walk on what proved to be a very nice day, defying the BBC weather forecast of storm and tempest. We proceeded alongside the River Darent stopping at Castle Farm for some lavender ice cream. We passed lavender coloured fields and Lullingstone Castle, heading into farmland and woodland and at times close to a golf course.

We twice passed colourful flower meadows giving me the chance to pick a few yellow rattle seed pods for my own tiny back garden meadow. On the walkover the second meadow was covered in Pyramid Orchids, which were still present in some numbers on this walk.

The walk served as a recce for a walk Jennifer was going to lead for another group and between the two of us we didn’t get lost once! The day ended with drinks at the Kings Arms.

Kim