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
WIMBLEDON to RICHMOND (LINEAR): 14 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)
HEVER, COWDEN AND MARKBEECH CIRCULAR – 7 AUGUST
Twelve walkers gathered at Hever station where minutes before the leader had managed to drop his map on the railway line. Siew Kee gallantly threw herself onto the tracks to rescue said map (I’m sure that’s not in line with our H&S policy – Editor!) and somehow Siew Tin and leader managed to pull her back up onto the platform! The first section of the walk was very wet and the heavens opened several times before leaving us with a relatively dry day. We passed the picturesque Christmas Mill pond and headed up a gradual slope to Dry Hill, the site of a former iron age fort. The descent provided some nice views of the North Downs. Another slight ascent took us to the picnic spot under some oak trees and between two large ponds.
We then headed for The Fountain pub passing Waystrode Manor, a timbered Tudor manor, which provided a great photo opportunity. Suitably refreshed we headed towards Markbeech and onto Hever station through some very muddy and overgrown footpaths. The leader armed with his trusty secateurs managed to cut many thorny brambles back, but did not hear Geoffrey screams when he was attached by one particular bush. Sorry Geoffrey!
Kim
SHOREHAM CIRCULAR VIA LULLINGSTONE – 25 JULY
Disappointingly only two ramblers, Jennifer and Sarah, turned up for the walk on what proved to be a very nice day, defying the BBC weather forecast of storm and tempest. We proceeded alongside the River Darent stopping at Castle Farm for some lavender ice cream. We passed lavender coloured fields and Lullingstone Castle, heading into farmland and woodland and at times close to a golf course.
We twice passed colourful flower meadows giving me the chance to pick a few yellow rattle seed pods for my own tiny back garden meadow. On the walkover the second meadow was covered in Pyramid Orchids, which were still present in some numbers on this walk.
The walk served as a recce for a walk Jennifer was going to lead for another group and between the two of us we didn’t get lost once! The day ended with drinks at the Kings Arms.
Kim
LEWES CIRCULAR – 31 JULY
After being banged up & restricted for so long, 14 and a half miles might seem a bit of a challenge but on such a perfect day and in such a beautiful place it could also seem not long enough. Just for a change, the train to Lewes ran on time with no problems along the way, which is unusual at the moment and an auspicious start.
We walked through a very nice, quiet part of Lewes & up one of those lovely old chalk paths onto the Downs. The sea is easily visible from up there and the wonderful spread of the South Downs with natural terracing near the bottom. After a good chunk on the South Downs Way, we went down into the valley for a swift half at the Abergavenny Arms in Rodmell. One of our number peeled off to get a bus back to Lewes and the rest of us walked a little further to have lunch by the ancient church at Southease – mentioned in the Domesday Book.
