It was a mild but grey and misty day when 14 Polyramblers set out from the train station in the small quaint Kent town of Otford.  The sun didn’t show its face all day and the low cloud meant the normally spectacular views of the Darent Valley were covered in mist but at least it stayed dry.

The walk out of Otford took us across flat and muddy fields until we reached a short but steep hill.  Our climb would normally have been Continue reading OTFORD TO EYNSFORD (KENT) 16 FEBRUARY →

Warnings about hills, stiles and mud had probably put some people off, so it was 9 elite walkers that assembled at Oxted [a generous description for some of us! Editor]. We got mixed up at the station with another group of walkers who were also heading north, but they looked a good deal more determined than us so we let them go ahead. We made our way through Oxted, stopping to say hello to a large and friendly ginger cat. From there, it was over the M25 and Continue reading OXTED to WOLDINGHAM – 9th February →

We were lucky enough to be rewarded with sunshine and glorious views of London on our walk which took us along the northern bank of the Thames and then via Greenwich foot tunnel  to Greenwich Observatory and Point Hill one of London’s best but least known viewpoints.

An impressive 20 Polyramblers assembled at Fulwell Station on a cool day, with rain forecast for later. We were soon entering Bushy Park, second in size of London parks only to Richmond Park. Skirting Upper Lodge, built by Lord Halifax and occupied by the Admiralty after the 2nd World War we admired the recently restored water gardens at the rear. We then followed the Longford River along which a strip of  woodland has been created, the area being fenced off from the main park and its deer..  It was pleasant in January but would probably  be spectacular during the azalea season. We stopped briefly at the Pheasantry for its facilities and met up with Mary, whose journey had been delayed by her bus breaking down. Continue reading 26th January, Fulwell to Mortlake →

A healthy turnout of 22 walkers started out from Princes Risborough station on a circular walk that followed sections of the Ridgeway and Chilterns Way. It was one of those rare bright sunny frosty January mornings that showed off the beautiful Chilterns at their best. We had an early stop for lunch at a pub where most walkers opted for the Sunday roast which was very slow in being served but was good food and worth the wait. After a long lunch break the cold was really noticeable when we got outside. We resumed the walk and there was a beautifully restored old windmill located behind the pub.