Saturday 25 April: Loop Stage 11 – Elstree to Cockfosters
Seventeen Polyramblers were out on this very pleasant sunny day to walk another section of the loop (there were 15 to start with and we gained 2 at lunchtime and then lost 4 after lunch). Martin handed out chocolate bars on the train to bribe us because the walk before lunch was 7 mile long. There were a few hills in the morning and a lengthy walk up and down the A1 to cross it via an underpass. We stopped to eat our chocolate after this ordeal at Moat Mount Open Continue reading Saturday 25th April: Loop Stage 11 – Elstree to Cockfosters →

Kings Cross Walk – 22 April 2015
Eleven Polyramblers braved the icy wind to discover the amazing changes in Kings Cross. They patiently listened to me reading my notes while I told them about the history of the Kings Cross area and the station itself designed by Lewis Cubitt and opened in 1852. King’s Cross is the site of Boudicca’s final battle and she is said to be buried under one of the platforms. The ugly 1972 extension has been removed and been replaced by an open-air plaza. We admired the new semi-circular departures concourse, opened to the public on 19 March 2012 and which has been described as a ‘reverse waterfall’. We then went on a walk to discover the new developments and the old buildings being refurbished.
We passed the Great Northern Hotel, also designed by Cubitt and went to see the first of the art installations set in Kings Cross to celebrate the area’s heritage and its future: the Birdcage and its swing – which Geoffrey tried. Continue reading Wednesday 22nd April: Evening walk–Discover the new King’s Cross (circular) →

Despite signalling problems on the District Line, 15 of us managed to get to East Putney. Special mention  to  Rita and Mike Trainers of whom we haven’t seen a great deal recently.  The weather was dry and bright, but decidedly chilly as we made our way up to Putney Heath and then to Wimbledon Common and its distinctive windmill. Richmond  Park was in good shape and our route took us through Continue reading Saturday 18th April, Putney to Richmond →

Arriving at Etchingham station in steady rain, 19 Polyramblers looked anxiously at the sky for signs of the forecast better weather to come. Taking no chances, we donned rain wear and set off along the valley.  There were great banks of primroses to be seen and a few early bluebells. By the time we had gained some height, the rain had stopped, the sun was on its way, and the views were very fine. We walked through a field of sheep and lambs, one of which was Continue reading Circular walk, Etchingham East Sussex →

An impressive 20 members got off the train at the small village of Newport, Essex. It isn’t on the coast or a river, but in Saxon times, apparently port meant market place. We made our way east across pleasant rolling farm and woodland, reaching the attractive 13th century church of St Mary’s, Debden. Our circular route took us back to Newport where an extended lunch was taken in The Coach and Horses. We were made extremely welcome, with our own room, Continue reading Danny’s Easter Sunday walk, Newport Essex. →