13 Polyramblers for this 10 mile walk on a cloudy day which became brighter and quite hot as the day progressed. We started with a gentle slope to reach the ridge which we followed to Stone Cross and continued along the Wealdway path to Fordcombe. We resisted the temptation to stop in the pub for an early drink. We momentarily lost 3 ramblers but found them again. We walked through meadows to reach the river Medway which we followed for a while until we crossed it. We then walked along a farm track and up a steep hill at the top of which was the welcome sight of our lunch stop: The Spotted Dog public house. The afternoon walk continued through lovely countryside until we reached some woodland where the path was quite muddy. We followed Kent Water and met the Medway again. No time to stop at Willett’s Farm to sample some of their 21 flavours of ice cream; we had an hourly train to catch which we did with 10 minutes to spare. A lovely walk through the Weald of Kent. Continue reading Saturday 2nd June. Penshurst area (Kent) circular. →

On a greyish but dry morning 8 Polys met at Marylebone station and 3 more joined them at Saunderton, having driven. We set off and encountered a few muddy sections but the weather improved as we progressed. After navigating, with a little difficulty as the path was partly water logged, through the woods on Naphill Hill common, we reached Hughendon Manor (where Disraeli had lived). Some picnicked in the pretty gardens while others partook of the home made dishes served in the cafe. Continue reading 13th May. Saunderton circular via West Wycombe →

Twenty-seven  excited,  noisy, uncontrollable  walkers  met (eventually) at the station at Theydon Bois (according to the Oxford Dictionary of British Place Names “Probably “valley where thatching materials are got” plus manorial suffix from the “de Bosco” or “Boys” family, here in the 12th century”) for what turned out to be a delightful walk in the warm summery April sunshine. Just a light breeze to keep us cool. Once we had negotiated a narrow path beside a treacherous ditch and our only steep although not very long climb and crossing the M25 (thoughts of Gerald) we were soon in the dappled sunlight filtering through the fresh green of the huge trees of Epping Forest.  Picnic lunch in the shade of the trees, seated on conveniently sited decaying logs. Forget ants in your pants, I was more worried about stag beetles! But no insect invasions were reported. Continue reading EPPING FOREST (CIRCULAR) with the LONDON BLIND RAMBLERS 22 APRIL →

Eleven of the Icknield Way stalwarts gathered at Kings Cross for the journey to Dullingham via Cambridge and Newmarket. We were sorry to be missing Mike who had a knee injury and Mary and Anna who had other commitments.  We managed to alight the train without leaving any personal belongings behind and set off at pace to retrace our steps for over a mile to the point where we left the path last June. The weather forecast was so awful that we were thankful that it was only drizzling, but many of us wore gloves. We arrived in the village of Stetchworth as noon arrived and Stuart decided we should stop for a swift half at the Marquis of Granby. Continue reading ICKNIELD WAY STAGE SEVEN: DULLINGHAM to ICKLINGHAM →