The early start and length of this walk meant that we were small, keen group of walkers but our efforts were greatly rewarded with beautiful weather and a lovely long walk.

We made our way out of Oxted on familiar and beautiful paths through spring woodland with plenty of bluebells, celadines, wood anemones and wild garlic. There were views over to the South Downs & fields with sheep with lambs basking in the unexpected warmth and sunshine. At the Carpenter’s Arms at Limpsfield Chart we diverged from former trails and went into more woodland hoping to see a natural pond which, the previous year, had been heaving with frogs doing their best to pass on their genes to future generations. This year it was completely frog-free which was worrying. Possibly it had dried up last summer and was no longer a good place for them and as we know, amphibians are extremely sensitive to changes in their environment. Sadly, we continued on our way to Westerham where we sat on the Green, in the sunshine and then did our bit to keep the local tea shop going. Continue reading OXTED CIRCULAR – 13 APRIL →

Eleven ramblers gathered to partake in what had been advertised as a very muddy walk by myself after a recce earlier in the week. I was most disappointed to find two days of dry weather had made the ascent up the North Downs and a final descent much easier!
After leaving Otford we had some fine views from the North Downs Way path of Kemsing and the Weald on our way to Cotman’s Ash and the barely surviving, quaint Rising Sun pub which dispensed beer from polypins. The pub served no food, but we were able to eat our sandwiches in the pub garden that had two lovely Magnolias and several chicken hatches in its grounds.

After leaving the pub we had to negotiate a route through an abandoned overgrown golf course where my walking guide, google maps and OS map offered little help! Fortunately, Jo’s OS app rescued the day! We carried onto Romney Street towards Shoreham and enjoyed some great scenery crossing two valleys.
Geoffrey jumped ship at Shoreham station while the rest of us took the footpath along the Darent Valley back to Otford.

Kim.  Photos by Ida and Jo

We are now half way round the London Loop having started at Cockfosters (clockwise), soon after we came out of Lockdown. Our most recent walk took us from Hamsey Green to Coulsdon South station. It was one of our shorter stages so far, dictated partly by the length of the following stages, and to ensure easy access to trains at start/finish. We had a really good turnout and a lovely, dry and bright day. Continue reading LONDON LOOP: HAMSEY GREEN TO COULSDON SOUTH – 24 MARCH →

Fourteen Polyramblers gathered for a walk through Hampstead, welcoming a prospective new member and Hilary on her first outing with us since her accident. 

Initially we walked past several sites of interest including Constable’s tomb, Fenton House, Admiral’s House and Whitestone Pond, one of the highest spots in London, before entering the west side of the Heath. We strolled along the wisteria and vine covered Pergola and around the stunning vistas of Hill Garden before reaching the Old Bull and Bush pub where Peter led us in a spirited rendition of the music hall song.

Another stretch of Heath brought us to our lunch spot at Kenwood House where several of us visited the beautiful 18th century mansion with its first-rate art collection whilst others enjoyed the stunning grounds including a magnificent handkerchief tree.

Suitably refreshed ten of us set off to explore the Vale of Health, a magnet for centuries for artists and writers, before a final walk past architectural gems including the Modernist no. 2 Willow Road brought us to Keats House the finish of our walk.

Thanks to Nita, Hilary and Lan for photos.

Jennifer and Chris.

North to South London Trail Part 1  

Twelve Polys congregated at Cockfosters station for the first part of a new route across London from North to South: 34 miles Cockfosters to Carshalton Beeches, taking advantage of the many parks and green spaces. After a short walk through the suburbs, admiring some beautiful magnolia blooms, we negotiated some serious mud descending into the ancient woodland of Oakwood Hill Wood nature reserve where a woodpecker was hard at work in the surrounding trees. We then followed the Pymme’s Brook, a tributary of the River Lea, Trail into Oakhill Park, Brunswick Park and Arnos Park, passing the impressive Arnos Park viaduct built in 1932 when the Piccadilly Line was extended north from Finsbury Park.

We entered Broomfield Park with the remains of its, unfortunately seriously fire damaged, great house. The landscaped grounds with the original Tudor walls remain for the public to enjoy, so we stopped for lunch; either a picnic or delicious cake and coffee at the Palmers Green Community café, run by volunteers. After lunch we continued along the New River Path to Alexandra Palace station via Finsbury Gardens. This is not actually a river but a waterway opened in 1613 to bring drinking water from Hertfordshire to London. One of our members decided to return home from there, while the others took the uphill path to Alexandra Palace. 

While we were enjoying a refreshment stop Chris, who fortunately checks his phone more than the leader, informed us that Gillian, Stuart and Pam were walking towards us. We met up with them and were informed that Pam had sent a message advising of her transport issues getting to the start of the walk. The leader was mortified, but Pam was undeterred and had completed the walk starting just slightly behind us. Gillian and Stuart had been on a boat trip to celebrate the latter’s birthday. Now numbering fourteen, we proceeded along the North Parkland Walk and Highgate Wood to Highgate station. 

The other 4 sections will be offered on future programmes during the winter months when a walk in London is often convenient due to short days and uncertain weather. The leader also made a promise to ensure she checks her phone properly before setting off!

Susan

Photos by Ida and Rajesh