A group of 19 of us went to Grazalema in Andalucia, in early June. The journey there had gone OK but it was with great relief that we stepped down from the coach in the main square of this attractive mountain village. We checked into our hotel, La Casa de las Piedras, and took a turn round the village, enjoying the extensive views . The weather was pleasantly warm and we had a leisurely group meal at the Restaurant Simancon sitting outside at a long table. There were geckos on the walls and birds swooping to catch insects. London seemed a long way away.
Saturday 11 July: Hever to Cowden (West Kent)
We started from Hever railway station and as the leader I promptly led the group of 15 walkers straight past the footpath sign! Not a good start, but after quickly retracing our steps we were on course to Christmas Mill and then onto Dry Hill and some views of the North Downs. Another readjustment had to be made after Siew Kee pointed out we needed to track across a meadow rather than Continue reading Saturday 11 July: Hever to Cowden (West Kent)
Saturday 18 July: Harlow Town to Broxbourne (Herts)
It was a walk of contrasts; we began walking along a two hundred year old canal and finished close to a 21st century eco power station at Hoddesdon. In between we walked along three rivers: the Stort, the Lea, and the New River, taking in pleasant meadows, and the odd nature reserve at Hunsdon. The New Inn at Roydon was our pub Continue reading Saturday 18 July: Harlow Town to Broxbourne (Herts)
Saturday 4 July: The Hicca Way – Arlesey to Hitchin
The Hicca Way starts right next to Arlesey station and we followed the lovely river Hiz through nature reserves and meadows full of butterflies. We crossed Arlesey Common via a footbridge over the river. The path cut across arable fields of wheat and barley and Ickleford and Whitsun Commons before arriving in the village of Ickleford via the Icknield Way. We had lunch in two different pubs or a picnic in the churchyard. Continue reading Saturday 4 July: The Hicca Way – Arlesey to Hitchin
Saturday 27 June: London Loop 12 – Cockfosters to Enfield Lock (zone 6) Linear
12 Polyramblers joined Anna and Martin on this beautiful sunny and hot day. We left Cockfosters station and entered Trent Country Park, once the home of the Sassoon family. We then walked along the farmland of Enfield Chase and Hilly Fields Park. This area was once Enfield Chase, a 12th century royal hunting forest. Enfield’s woodland was described in the Domesday Book as providing food for four thousand swine! This was a measure of the woodland’s great size. From the hill, we could see the Shard and other skyscrapers in the distance. We stopped for a break at a small bridge where a sign advised us ‘No galloping’. Continue reading Saturday 27 June: London Loop 12 – Cockfosters to Enfield Lock (zone 6) Linear