Thirteen Poly Ramblers took an early train from Paddington to reach Henley on Thames. The earlier time meant that we avoided a thronging high street whilst crossing busy roads to reach the start of our walk on the Oxfordshire way. We enjoyed stunning views in sunshine as we walked through Henley Park part of the Culdon Faw Estate. After walking up a narrow lane we entered a large field with a narrow path leading eventually to an access road. Sadly, we did not spy the very tame White Peacock that I came across during  my walk over. On reaching Dobson’s Lane we wended our way around several bends before stopping for our elevenses at the Church of St Mary the Virgin, Fawley. We continued our meander along the small country lane passing the village green where there was a well which Andrew initially thought was the Maharajas well, alas this was not to be! We continued our walk along a narrow bridle path before we entered the Great Wood following a bridleway track gently downhill as it meandered through the woods through bends and some sharp turns. We descended Reservoir Hill and went through further woodland with new plantations before finally reaching the picturesque village of Hambleden. We had a picnic lunch in the churchyard and some of us also had very tasty home-made cake at the local post office before making our way to the Stag and Huntsman joining a number of people having a barbeque. We were about to set off on the afternoon walk when Chris announced that he had lost his Freedom Pass, after re- tracing his steps it was handed to him at the pub where he had dropped it, a big thank you to the pub staff for their vigilance. We continued our walk across the meadows heading towards Hambleden locks where we saw the electrically operated locks opened to allow some very expensive boats through. We enjoyed a very pleasant further meander in lovely sunshine back to Henley passing the Henley festival with some very expensive Champagne on route. We were disappointed not to have time for the Chocolate Cafe to complete our walk however several of us did manage an ice cream on the walk back to the station.

Hilary

Eleven polys arrived at Fambridge North on the Dengie Peninsula on a rather grey but mild morning. We soon arrived at the sea wall on the River Crouch. We walked along the meandering river with its several creeks, remarking on the tranquillity of our surroundings and the beautiful views on both sides. Being tidal, the river attracts various wading birds. We were a little too early in the year for those which winter in the area but we did see some geese in flight. It was quite windy at times, so we were pleased to find a sheltered spot just before Creeksea for our picnic. The clouds finally cleared and the sun came out as we continued into Burnham on Sea, walking through the large marina and onto the quay. We spotted some birds on the mud flat but could not identify them. Later Pam informed me that she could ‘confirm that we saw a pied wagtail (grey and white) hopping around and wagging his tail on the seaweed on the rocks and my contacts have confirmed that the flock of birds we saw sitting on the mud as we approached Burnham on Crouch definitely look like black-tailed godwits – see photo. The white bird with the black dot on his ear in the middle of the flock is a black-headed gull in winter plumage.’ At least the wagtail wags his tail! We enjoyed tea, cake and ice cream sitting overlooking the estuary. As we returned to London we agreed that it had been a very pleasant relaxing walk, perfect after the exertions undertaken by those who had attended the Chester weekend.

Susan.  Photos by Ida, Susan and Pam

John Ray played a significant role in the field of botany, and he is now widely regarded as the father of British Natural History. The John Ray Walk was devised to celebrate his life and achievements and passes through the Brain Valley, the birthplace and home of John Ray. After meandering through Braintree’s new housing estates and leaving the noise of the busy A120, we crossed newly harvested fields and reached the church of St Peter and St Paul in Black Notley where John Ray is buried. Continue reading JOHN RAY WALK – BRAINTREE TO WITHAM ESSEX – 21 AUGUST →

A small band of sisters and one brother met on Sunday – gathering at Hitchin library which is more or less where this walk starts. The ‘HOOP’, seemingly named after a 70s rock band, is apparently part of a group of walks, including the ‘STOOP’ (around Stevenage) and the ‘LOOP’ (around Luton). As it was my first attempt at co- leading a walk perhaps it was a good thing it was a small and forgiving group of veterans. The weather was pretty good for walking on the whole although sharp but heavy showers along the way resulted in much putting on and taking off of macs and the occasional waterproof trousers. Walking from the library out into the countryside in unremarkable suburbia, it is a relief to suddenly find the road opens up into a wide panorama over the the Chiltern hills, where Hitchin stands on the edge. Our emergence into open fields was punctuated by an overhead buzzard which it turns out are fairly common in the Chilterns along with the red kites. We made our way from here through open meadows – no breathtaking views but very still and peaceful – we met few others apart from occasional dog walkers. Continue reading HITCHIN OUTER LOOP – 22 AUGUST →

Twenty one Polyramblers arrived at Wimbledon Park Station despite the problems on several tube lines. After a short walk up hill we were in Wimbledon Park and went past a water feature in the children’s play area and past the pond. There were lots of ducks and geese here.

After leaving the park we walked through a residential area on our way to Wimbledon Common. Jennifer and I had seen a friendly lady when we did the recce and we were again greeted by the same lady, Farida. She was originally  from Indonesia, a winner of several gold and silver medals and now based in UK. She was keen to find out more about the Polyramblers and we hope to see her on a walk.

At the end of Queensmere Road, we crossed the road in to Wimbledon Common.  We walked along a  pleasant path through trees leading to open space and on to the Windmill. Here many  Polyramblers took advantage of the café and toilets. Sandra peeled off here.

After a little detour, Jennifer and I were able to lead the group to Richmond Park. As it was a nice sunny day  the park was busy. We saw two large groups of deer. We had picnic at Pen Ponds with several ducks. After, that we made our way to Petersham Gate after taking in the views from Pembroke Lodge.

We made our way to Richmond Station along the river. Many thanks to everyone for making it a great day

Sunita  (photos by Ida and Gillian)