Sixteen members, including a famous author and members of the victorious Alas Alsace! quiz team, braved a very cold sunny day to complete a circular walk in the wilds of Kent.

We headed off from Sole Street station through pastures to the outskirts of Henley Wood where the leader had to overcome the disappearance of the footpath under the previous days sprinkling of snow before reaching Luddesdown Court and on through the large vineyards that are now becoming a common feature of the Kent landscape.

Passing through Cobhambury Wood we continued to the village of Cobham and the welcoming Ship Inn for our lunch stop. Rested, we headed off to Henley Street with seasonal views of rolling hills covered in snow. On reaching Henley Street we proceeded to the 350 year old Cock Inn for some warming mulled wine before heading back across fields to Sole Street in time for the train home.

Kim. Photos by Kim, Siew Kee and Joyanna

The forecast was for rain all day, so I was surprised when four dedicated and keen (mad) Poly Ramblers turned up to catch the train to Streatham – after Geoffrey had given an organ concert in London Bridge Station. There were three train or tube station on the walk so there were options to cut it short but, every time I suggested we could go home, I got a firm ‘no’.

We left Streatham station and made our way to Tooting Bec Common which takes its name from the area’s links to Bec Hellouin Abbey in Normandie. We walked around the lake where the ducks were happy with the weather. I tried to take a photo, but my umbrella flew away into the lake. Thankfully, it landed on the edge of the lake, and I was able to retrieve it without falling in. I gave up on taking photos after this but I took some on the recce.

We went into Woodfield Recreation Ground and followed the railway along paths and streets to Balham. More road walking led us to St James’ Triangle and Wandsworth Common where we walked around the lakes before the welcome sight of the Skylark Café. Wandsworth Common was mentioned in the Domesday Book in the 11th century but has shrunk quite a lot since. After exiting the Common, the walk was along streets and in Wandsworth Cemetery due to the lack of green spaces in this area of London.

Finally, we arrived in Wimbledon Park and went up to the large lake which was quite choppy due to the strong wind. The ducks were still happy and bobbing along on the waves. From there, it was a short walk to Wimbledon Park station which we were thankful to reach.

Dominique.  Photos taken by Dominique (on the recce) and Hema

Continue reading PUTNEY TO BATTERSEA- 11 DECEMBER 2025 →

The weather forecast was sporadic rain so I was pleased to find 16 people had committed to the circular.

We started by walking uphill along the Ridgeway towards Ivinghoe Beacon. Once we had cleared the woods, the vista opened out with glorious views. The ground was slippery but not impossible and the rain held off while we were on the ridge.

We then descended and climbed back up into the woods with lovely autumn colours and made our way to the Bridgewater Memorial. It was closed but as the weather was overcast, no loss. We had lunch at the visitors centre which also had a shop for last minute Christmas presents!

After lunch the promised rain duly arrived but we were now walking through the woods making our way to Aldbury. In Aldbury the group split, half having tea and cake in the British Legion cafe suitably adorned with poppies, and the remainder retiring to the Greyhound pub fo a well earned drink.

The rain stopped and after checking out to make sure the Stocks were working properly, we made our way back to Tring.

Stephen.  Photos by Stephen and Gillian

Despite the forecast of 100% rain – 12 Poly Ramblers disembarked at Riddlesdown station, by which time a steady drizzle had set in, along with gusty winds. However, the wind dropped upon entering the woods, where when we turned around we could see the disused quarry towering above the town. As we climbed further the rain eased slightly affording us a pleasant undulating stroll. Although path was only muddy in parts, the wet leaf carpet made it slippery underfoot for most of the day. Continue reading RIDDLESDOWN TO COULSDON SOUTH – SATURDAY 29 NOVEMBER →