Category Archives: Walk reports

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

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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GREEN LONDON WAY – RICHMOND TO BOSTON MANOR 6 AUGUST

It was  ideal weather – sunny but not hot – for this 7-mile walk continuing our circle around London on the Green London Way. Fourteen Poly Ramblers met at Richmond tube station and made their way to the Thames through busy shopping streets. We followed the shaded river path northbound along the Old Deer Park, the Royal Mid-Surrey Gold Club and Kew Gardens. There were quite a few walkers and cyclists, some with bells and some without (the cyclists – not the walkers announcing they were lepers!). We walked at different speeds and met at Kew Bridge where two speedy walkers were already having lunch in a café. We crossed the bridge and some of us had a picnic, others went to a café or a pub. I lost three walkers after lunch; one who could only do a short walk and two who had planned to stay in the pub. Continue reading GREEN LONDON WAY – RICHMOND TO BOSTON MANOR 6 AUGUST →

SATURDAY 1st AUGUST. LEWES 14.5 miles

Ten of us met up at Lewes station for our annual pilgrimage to The Little Cottage Tea Room at Glynde. We agreed to keep up a good pace on the flat as it’s a long way with 3 massive hills to negotiate, especially in the heat, and we absolutely needed to get to Glynde by 4. 

We went past  Anne of Cleves House which is a 16-century,  timber-framed hall and, on another day, would be worth a visit. Apparently it was part of her annulment settlement from Henry V111 in 1551 which was an infinitely better option than having her head chopped off. It now has a cafe run by Patisserie Lewes – further inducement for a visit. Unfortunately we never have time for such delights as we have to get up that first beautiful chalk hill and down again to Rodmell in good time. 

At Rodmell we had a swift drink stop and then continued along the valley floor to Southease church where Geoffrey and Lan awaited us. Lan’s train had been cancelled but she demonstrated her resourcefulness by joining Geoffrey on the train from Lewes to Southease & meeting us there. 

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