Category Archives: Latest walk reports

Latest walk reports

CUFFLEY TO WARE – 3 OCTOBER 2026

HIGHLIGHTS:  Cuffley | Home Wood | Hertfordshire Way | Celtic Harmony Camp |Broxbourne Woods | Bourne Wood | Hertford |River Lee | Ware

Many of our 13 walkers agreed that the walk felt far away from London. It covered many woodland tracks as it rose up the Hertford hills. We indulged in home-made Polish apple pie and coffee at a Padel cafe early in our walk and had lunch in the woods before reaching Harmony. We were disappointed to find the Harmony Camp closed, though still advertised as being open to the public at weekends. We were looking forward to exploring the visitor centre, thatched huts and reading about their calendar of activities. The walk might need to be repeated on a future programme to visit the camp.

Beyond the camp, we followed the route through open fields to Hertford, tip toeing through the one with ‘beware of the bull’, or suchlike notice, on the gate. At one point we spotted a single large emu-like bird in an adjacent field (see photo). Google lens identified it as a rhea. One walker phoned the nearby Hertfordshire Zoo to ask if they had lost one but they had not.

One of our group parted ways to return home via Bayford, another to catch a train from Hertford North. Another few walkers jumped on a train at Hertford East. Those remaining completed the last section, along the River Lee. It was a lovely section surrounded by meadows and canal boats to enjoy, and took us right up to Ware station.

Jackie McC.  Photos by Ida

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PETTS WOOD CIRCULAR – 26 SEPTEMBER

On another warm Saturday at the end of September a large group of 23 Polys gathered at Petts Wood station in south east London.  Our numbers included 2 new members and a few members we don’t see very often.   The walk took us through Petts Wood which belongs to the National Trust. It was a twisting turning route through the woods and I had to pay attention to the instructions to avoid going wrong. Early on we came to a clearing with a memorial to William Willett, who campaigned for the introduction of Daylight Saving Time. early last century.  Later we encountered some of the carved bears on the Chistehurst bear trail.  We entered Scadbury Park nature reserve and paused to view the ruins of Scadbury Manor which was home to the Walsingham family in Tudor times. For lunch in Chislehurst we divided ourselves between the Bull’s Head pub (where the beer received much praise) the excellent Walnut cafe and a picnic in the churchyard.   The return route to Petts Wood took us through the Hawkswood Estate (also National Trust), then alongside and over a number of railway lines.  Some of us rounded off the walk with tea and cake in Petts Wood.

Gillian.  Photos by Nita
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Saturday 12th Sept 2026 Moor Park to Rickmansworth

Linear Walk – Moor Park Tube Station to Rickmansworth Tube Station. Saturday 12th September 2026 – 7.5miles

18 of us met at 10.30. The weather was initially cooler than expected. The first part of the walk was gently uphill along tree lined roads – enormous houses on either side. Then up the busy Batchworth Lane to a Green. The pond was almost dried up. We entered Bishops Wood and followed meandering paths through a mainly deciduous wood following the London Loop.

The path led onto a lovely stretch of open fields and up another slope to the Rose and Crown Pub on the Harefield Road for a welcome drink at 12MD.

Then onwards towards Fieldways Farm. Horses grazing in the fields. Past the farm, through fields following the London Loop to Plough Lane at Hill End for 1.15. Michell’s Garden Tea Shop did not disappoint. Sandwiches to order, cafetières of coffee and unlimited tea in teapots and a selection of delicious cakes.

The sun had come out. We all enjoyed sitting and chatting in the pretty garden – such hospitable hosts. Refreshed and replenished we set off again following the Hillingdon Trail past Springwell Farm and downhill to Springwell Lock.

Our path led beside the canal with narrow boats moored along the canal.  We turned off to skirt Stocker’s Reservoir – a known heronry with hides along its edge.  

We then joined the more popular area around the Aquadrome and cut through to the M&S roundabout and playground to reach Rickmansworth High Street and Tube Station.
Thank you to Cathy for being back marker. Thank you to Nita, Ida and Gillian for photos.

Gillian Williams

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SUNDAY 6th SEPTEMBER GREENSAND WAY 4: DORKING to REIGATE

Fifteen people assembled at Dorking station, including 3 new potential members.


The sun was shining and after a bit of confusion finding the right path, we walked through woods crossing the River Mole at various points, interspersed with open fields and lovely views. After a couple of miles, we stopped at a very nice garden centre for a comfort break before carefully crossing the A25. We heading up through Betchworth Golf Club., between the greens so avoiding flying golf balls!

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WEDNESDAY 9 SEPTEMBER 2026 – THE QUEEN’S HOUSE AND THE GARDENS OF GREENWICH PARK

11 of us arrived at Maze Hill station, right next to the entrance to Greenwich Park hoping to visit the Queen’s Orchard but, unfortunately, it was shut. Then, passing the herbaceous border, we went to the Queen’s House. The architect Inigo Jones was commissioned to design a new palace for Queen Anne in 1616.  Supposedly, the manor of Greenwich had been a gift from King James I as an apology for losing his temper after Anne had accidentally shot one of his favourite dogs while hunting.

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