This was a rearranged walk, the planned one from Pulborough to Amberley being cancelled due to lack of trains. Thirteen of us started from St James’s Park station then through St James’s Park, Green Park and Hyde Park. With the exception of one or two areas of formal planting, the Royal Parks were all looking pretty brown though it was interesting to see what plants had done better in the long hot spell. The Canadian water feature in Green Park was turned off.
Reaching Kensington Gardens, we turned south, down the side of the former Derry and Toms department store. The older members could recall when this was occupied by BIBA, the epitome of 60’s and 70’s British fashion. We meandered down through some of the smarter Kensington streets and squares, reaching West Brompton Cemetery. Here we had a picnic lunch, and were joined by Harriet and Sandra. The cemetery was built in the 19th century as a commercial venture with imposing neo classical buildings to convince the public it was a suitable last resting place for their loved ones. There are many notable people buried there, including Emmeline Pankhurst.
As we made our way to Mucking and though the Stanford Warren Nature Reserve to the sluice gate on Mucking Creek, some of the 12 walkers who were on the walk on this sunny day had an impression of deja-vu which caused some confusion. I explained that we did this bit in reverse last April and we had to do it again to join the walk where we left it. Reassured they were not going mad, the group continued along the sea wall above Mucking Flats and Stanford le Hope marshes with views of the London Gateway container port in the distance. After crossing the railway line leading to the port, we joined Rainbow Lane and then crossed a new blue bridge over the access road to the port. We followed a path along the access road and then a lane, arriving in Corringham. We made our way to the Bull pub and Corringham Church, our lunch stops. Continue reading Saturday 2 July: Thames Valley Estuary Path part 3 – Stanford le Hope to Pitsea (Essex)→
Six of us set out from Chigwell station. The weather was beautiful, though as the day went on we were glad to escape into the trees now and then as a break from the sun. Lunch was taken at a cafe by the lake in Hainault Forest Country Park. After that we skirted the park and, with the help of Geoffrey’s gps, managed to cross a golf course. Loop signs, when visible, were directing us into bushes and along overgrown paths. Going southeast we reached and crossed Havering Country park. Members commented on how the walk felt more like a countryside walk rather than one actually in London. Some highlights of the walk were the numerous horses we came across and the tall redwood trees in Havering Country park (pics). On reaching Harold Hill we were able to cross the town via little parks, treat ourselves to ice cream and avoid main roads to reach the station. Many of us had our first experience on the new Elizabeth line home. Photos attached
Sorry for the delay in writing this walk up. The trouble is that it was devised, planned and walked over many times by Harriet until it was perfect but ten days before the due date Harriet had a minor misstep at home and fractured her patella! So I have taken time to pluck up the courage to tell you, those of you who were not on the walk, that it went really well and turned out to be the best walk I can remember! Yes, it was hot (25°C) and there are three steep slopes to be climbed, but there was a soothing breeze and the climbs are not that long, really! We have walked it before in different weather and I still remember the icy wind in my seaward ear as we walked along the ridge of the Downs one winter’s walkover! The group (10 in all) entered into the challenge of the occasion, taking seriously the fact that we had to keep up a steady pace in order to get to the tea shop in Glynde by 4pm to allow time to eat our delicious home-made cake and drink our speciality tea in appropriate style! Once through charming gardens and past the historic buildings on the edge of Lewes, including Anne of Cleves’ house, which we vow to visit each time we pass, over the bridge above the A27, we started on the relatively gently slope up to the South Downs Way, past a solitary windmill and then onto the chalk path up to the ridge. We remarked upon the number of lone lycra-clad cyclists in circulation during the course of the day. Continue reading Lewes circular via Rodmell, Southease and Glynde, 23rd July→
Eleven ramblers set off in the heat to walk the environs of Shoreham.
A welcomed break was taken at Castle Farm where everything lavender was being sold including ice cream! We left the lilac coloured fields walking along the River Darent and pass Lullingstone Country Park, trekking through parched fields getting some relief from the sun with tall hedgerows conveniently being in the right place and shady woodland where we picnicked.
The descent back into Shoreham brought much needed refreshment at the Samuel Palmer albeit a tad expensive.
Kim. Photos by Siew Kee and Nita
The Polytechnic Rambling Club – Walking with friends
