The forecast was for rain all day, so I was surprised when four dedicated and keen (mad) Poly Ramblers turned up to catch the train to Streatham – after Geoffrey had given an organ concert in London Bridge Station. There were three train or tube station on the walk so there were options to cut it short but, every time I suggested we could go home, I got a firm ‘no’.

We left Streatham station and made our way to Tooting Bec Common which takes its name from the area’s links to Bec Hellouin Abbey in Normandie. We walked around the lake where the ducks were happy with the weather. I tried to take a photo, but my umbrella flew away into the lake. Thankfully, it landed on the edge of the lake, and I was able to retrieve it without falling in. I gave up on taking photos after this but I took some on the recce.

We went into Woodfield Recreation Ground and followed the railway along paths and streets to Balham. More road walking led us to St James’ Triangle and Wandsworth Common where we walked around the lakes before the welcome sight of the Skylark Café. Wandsworth Common was mentioned in the Domesday Book in the 11th century but has shrunk quite a lot since. After exiting the Common, the walk was along streets and in Wandsworth Cemetery due to the lack of green spaces in this area of London.

Finally, we arrived in Wimbledon Park and went up to the large lake which was quite choppy due to the strong wind. The ducks were still happy and bobbing along on the waves. From there, it was a short walk to Wimbledon Park station which we were thankful to reach.

Dominique.  Photos taken by Dominique (on the recce) and Hema

Continue reading PUTNEY TO BATTERSEA- 11 DECEMBER 2025 →

The weather forecast was sporadic rain so I was pleased to find 16 people had committed to the circular.

We started by walking uphill along the Ridgeway towards Ivinghoe Beacon. Once we had cleared the woods, the vista opened out with glorious views. The ground was slippery but not impossible and the rain held off while we were on the ridge.

We then descended and climbed back up into the woods with lovely autumn colours and made our way to the Bridgewater Memorial. It was closed but as the weather was overcast, no loss. We had lunch at the visitors centre which also had a shop for last minute Christmas presents!

After lunch the promised rain duly arrived but we were now walking through the woods making our way to Aldbury. In Aldbury the group split, half having tea and cake in the British Legion cafe suitably adorned with poppies, and the remainder retiring to the Greyhound pub fo a well earned drink.

The rain stopped and after checking out to make sure the Stocks were working properly, we made our way back to Tring.

Stephen.  Photos by Stephen and Gillian

Despite the forecast of 100% rain – 12 Poly Ramblers disembarked at Riddlesdown station, by which time a steady drizzle had set in, along with gusty winds. However, the wind dropped upon entering the woods, where when we turned around we could see the disused quarry towering above the town. As we climbed further the rain eased slightly affording us a pleasant undulating stroll. Although path was only muddy in parts, the wet leaf carpet made it slippery underfoot for most of the day. Continue reading RIDDLESDOWN TO COULSDON SOUTH – SATURDAY 29 NOVEMBER →

Eleven hardy walkers arrived at Chorleywood Station on a very cold and wet morning. After the safety briefing, we started the walk but stopped again within a few minutes for a toilet break in a local cafe. The reason being that the railway station facilities were all locked (the station was unmanned).

Then our  walk took us through Carpenters Wood with its really lovely autumn colours and a carpet of fallen leaves. One of the polyramblers decided to turn back at this point because the path was very slippery in places. The rest of us continued on to Chenies, along a  tarmac path past Mountwood Farm and then took a steep decent down to the watercress beds. After this, we climbed a steep hill up to the Church and to the pub ‘The Cock Inn’.

Here we had our lunch, some taking shelter from the cold in the Church (the radiators were on!) while others went for some food and a drink in the pub. After lunch, another polyrambler decided to call it a day. Then the remaining ten of us walked down to Sarratt Mills and on to Chorleywood Common after crossing the River Chess. We stopped to admire the Memorial tree and then headed back to the Station.

A few us decided to have tea and cake in a local cafe while the rest caught the train back to town.

Sunita

Photos by Nita, Gillian and Chris