As 20 Poly Ramblers strode out of High Barnet tube station a little boy turned to his father open-mouthed. “What a big family!” he exclaimed.

And so we set off on an unusually mild day, beginning with an ascent through King George’s Field that rewarded us with fantastic views over London. Arriving at the ancient settlement of Monken Hadley, we passed several grand houses with plaques of former residents, including Dr (I presume) Livingstone and author Fanny Trollope. A row of almshouses led towards the church of St Mary where we admired the marble monument honouring their benefactor, Roger Wilbraham, in his fine Elizabethan ruff.

To the woods! Birds were celebrating what felt like the imminent arrival of spring as we walked on a carpet of crunchy leaves alongside a brook. Walkers expressed relief when we crossed the main East Coast main railway line by a bridge (rather than having to scoot across the track). Passing a lake, we reached the Cock Inn.

After refuelling we embarked on the second half of the walk, taking us first through more woods and then past the Sassoon Obelisk high on a hill. The monument was visible from Trent Park House, currently being turned into flats. During World War II it played a crucial intelligence role: talkative German officers were interned here, unaware that it was bugged.

Another lakeside path took us to the Water Garden, a green valley where snowdrops and celandines were peeking out. After a brief stop at a small wildlife centre we processed along a magnificent alley of trees, with sweeping views across Trent Park. Minutes later we were on the Piccadilly Line, heading back into central London from Cockfosters after an invigorating day in what felt like the heart of the countryside.

Alison.  Photos by Jill, Stuart and Meng

On January 28th, 16 of us set off from Oxted on a circular walk to Woldingham. It had been a tricky walk to plot, needing two, and then a third walkovers, but all was fine on the day; the leader didn’t take any wrong turnings and no one was left behind on the bits that weren’t clear.

The morning was fine and after a few hours we felt the surprisingly warm sun on our faces and dared to remove a layer or two. We made our way through meadows & light woodland, crossing the A22 with no casualties, to Godstone where the winter chill re-asserted itself, so we had quick sandwiches by the pond and warmed up in the pub or cafe.

I stand by what I wrote in May 2021 – every time we walk in the forest is different. Firstly, it does indeed depend on the weather. This time for example, the forecast was so dire that I was surprised to see
anyone turn up at all, but Polyramblers are made of stern stuff! And
the weather forecast does not always turn out as predicted! It was
bright and sunny as we set off from the station, in fact all morning.
Then it depends on the time of year. This time there were no leaves on  the trees but the trees still rustle and creak to remind us to look up and admire how tall they are. It was sloshily muddy underfoot, layered with beech leaves. No bird song sadly, just the distant hum of the M25 and occasional Essex burn-up merchant taking advantage of the straight section of the Epping New Road.

We paused in Loughton Camp (the name given to a circular dip at the crest of the hill cushioned with beech leaves and flecked with fungi at this time of year), to enjoy a moment’s calm, listening to nature,  breathing in fresh air and smiling at the occasional passing
dog-walkers. Onward, among the trees, avoiding paths churned up by mountain bikers and round trees felled by recent strong winds. Over the Epping New Road, with caution and speed, and then through the trees to the clearing and facilities at High Beach, including empty picnic tables where we could eat our packed lunches and get a hot  drink. Presumably other potential picnickers had been deterred by the  pessimistic weather forecast!

We were about to set off again when Andrew suddenly emerged through the crowds queuing for refreshments at the King’s Oak kiosk, having earlier taken the wrong branch of the Central Line and subsequently made his own way through the forest by following his nose! With him  came the rain! A coincidence! The rain got heavier as the afternoon progressed. The forecasters can usually claim their words were true at  least in part and that we had misunderstood them! As a result of the rain the group decided against pausing in the part of the forest beyond the bikers’ refreshment clearing even though the trees would shelter us to some extent. So we strode on to the woodland pond where we were rewarded with sight of one of the mandarin ducks and several surly mallards (surly when they realised we weren’t dishing out any  goodies!). The footpath back towards Loughton High Street was particularly sloshy so we were relieved to arrive back at the Wagon Boulangerie where those of us who weren’t too wet and uncomfortable and preferred to hurry home were given the usual warm welcome despite us being muddy and dripping wet! The friendly staff found a space for us inside so that we could dry off and warm up with tea and cakes! As ever, the ideal way to complete a walk! Thank you to the Polystalwarts  who joined me for the day!

Pam.  Photos by Stuart and Pam

We assembled outside Stanmore station, at the end of the Jubilee Line, on a cloudy but very mild winter’s day.  This was an opportunity to explore three impressive almost adjacent nature reserves, Stanmore Common, Bentley Priory and Merry Hill and to discover some of their remarkable features and all this within easy reach
from Central London. Fortunately the dreaded mud factor at this time of year was not a huge issue thanks to recent dry weather. Continue reading STANMORE TO BUSHEY WALK 4th FEBRUARY 2023 →