Sun and cloud on this lovely summer day for a walk in the Essex countryside for 15 Polyramblers. We left Southminster on a country lane where we pilfered some cherry plums along the way. We negotiated some decrepit stiles, crossed two fields full of nettles and braved paths with warnings of adders but we also saw some interesting rowing boats being prepared for a crossing of the Atlantic. After 4 miles, we arrived in Burnham-on-Crouch, known within sailing circles as the ‘Cowes of the East Coast, for an early Continue reading SATURDAY August 3rd: SOUTHMINSTER to N. FAMBRIDGE (Essex) (LINEAR) →

11 Polyramblers met at Oval and crossed the old Roman road of Stane Street to enter Kennington Park. We passed the Tinworth Fountain, the standing stone air raid memorial and the Prince Consort’s Model Lodge before going into the lovely flower garden. We walked around St Mark’s Church, one of the Waterloo churches, and continued to Vauxhall’s Park along quiet roads. The lavender was in full bloom in the Park and smelt lovely. We passed the model Continue reading Wednesday 17th; Evening Walk in Kennington & vauxhall →

The weather forecast for the day was one of storm and tempest, but apart from a few spots of rain the weather was pleasant with sunny intervals.

The actual walk was one of two halves!  Eleven of us sent off towards the hamlet of Mogador (to see some hobbits!) from Betchworth. This initial part of the walk was to include a steep climb up to the top of the North Downs Way, but a deliberate mistake(!) by the leader led to a more easy ascent with views of the Weald and South Downs in the distance.  With some further adjustments and Continue reading BETCHWORTH (CIRCULAR) 11 MAY →

Nineteen Polyramblers gathered at St Albans City station. I led them towards the Cathedral in the city centre, then put it to the vote whether to take coffee at the cathedral refectory. I did not need to use my casting vote as like the Brexit referendum the noes favoured the ayes by 1 more vote out of 19 and the noes had it! We thus proceeded through the 14th cent. Abbey gateway, down Abbey Mill Lane, over the Ver and across Verulamium Park. The footpath Continue reading MAY BANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND 2019: ST ALBANS to WATFORD →

There were only five of us on the train at Marylebone so we were somewhat relieved to see another five waiting at Great Missenden. It was misty but dry and mild  as we set off through pleasant rolling country with  open views. We crossed the railway to reach the old village of Little Missenden, stopping to admire the 13th century wall painting in the church of St John the Baptist. Continuing, we were soon in Penn Wood part of one of the Chilterns ancient woodlands. Chairmaking, centred on High Wycombe  flourished  from the mid 18th century  and Penn Wood was an important source of timber. Although chairs were assembled in factories,  the legs and spindles were usually  made in situ in the forest,  on hand powered lathes. Continue reading 27th April Great Missenden to Amersham →