Stroll Fixtures 2022
Date |
Stroll |
Saturday 8 January |
LEWES CIRCULAR Conductor: Nick White Start Lewes Station at 09:30. Train departs London Bridge 08:24, arrives Lewes 09:27. Two return trains per hour. Route Description: From Lewes station, we head through town, uphill past Lewes Golf Club and onto the South Downs. We drop down into a valley and then ascend a steep hill past Mount Caburn and down into the village of Glynde. From here the route is relatively flat to Firle where we can make a brief stop for elevenses at the Ram Inn or Village Stores. We cross Firle Place and then start another ascent onto the South Downs Way with extensive views both inland and towards the port of Newhaven with the Channel beyond. Eventually, we start to descend into Southease where we can make a late lunch stop at the South Downs YHA Courtyard Cafe. After crossing the River Ouse we ascend yet again before descending past Swanborough Manor. There is the option of a late tea stop at Lewes Garden Centre before returning to Lewes through Priory Park containing the ruins of Lewes Priory. Map:OS Explorer 122 Distance 18 miles |
Saturday 22 January |
WIMBLEDON CIRCULAR Conductor: Andy Shoesmith Start Wimbledon Station at 09:15. South West Railways, London Underground and the Tram all serve Wimbledon station. Route Description: The route is via Wimbledon Park, past the tennis club, up to the Common. Then through Richmond Park to Ham and the Thames, then on to Richmond for lunch. Returning back through the Park and Common, with a possible tea stop at the Windmill. Bring a head torch just in case. Map: OS Explorer 161 Distance 20 miles. |
Saturday 5 February |
HOLLINGBOURNE CIRCULAR Conductor: Bola Baruwa Start Hollingbourne Station at 09:35. Train departs London Victoria 08:25, arrives 09.31. Two return trains per hour. Route Description: This walk goes via Thurnham & Leeds Castles, Pilgrims & North Downs Ways. 12 miles to Lunch at Dirty Habit pub, Hollingbourne. Map: OS Explorer 148 Distance 18 miles. |
Saturday 19 February |
OXTED CIRCULAR Conductor: Kate Copeland Start Oxted Station 09:05 Train departs London Victoria 08:20 (CLJ 08:26, East Croydon 08:39), arrives Oxted 09:01. Three return trains an hour. Route Description: This walk is designed to make the most of the hills around Oxted so expect quite a few ascents (2750 ft in total) and rewarding views. The morning takes in the North Downs, via Woldingham School, Whistlers Steep (aptly named), Titsey Place, the NDW to Westerham Heights before we drop down into Westerham for lunch. There are countless pubs and tea shops here. After lunch we follow the Greensand Way and then the Tandridge Border Path over Limpsfield Chart and Limpsfield Common before returning to Oxted for an optional tea stop in one of the many cafes or pubs (including a You Know What) on offer. Map: OS Explorer 146,147 Distance 18 miles |
Sunday 6 March |
HERNE BAY TO CANTERBURY EAST (linear) Conductor: David Hoben Start Herne Bay at 09:45 (St Pancras 08:25). Frequent return trains from Canterbury East. Car drivers can park at Faversham, and catch train (09:31) to Herne Bay. For the return there are trains from Canterbury East to Faversham at 02 and 32 mins. past the hour, journey time 11 or 14 minutes. Route Description: From Herne Bay station; follow Oyster Bay Trail (which is also a Sustrans route) to Whitstable for lunch - many cafés and pubs or picnic lunch. This to be followed by the Crab & Winkle Trail, the route of Britain’s first passenger carrying railway, the Canterbury and Whitstable line (1830), to end at Canterbury East station Map: OS Explorer 150 Distance: 14 miles |
Saturday 19 March |
UPDATED 14 March FELTHAM TO WIMBLEDON Conductor: Keith Lane Start at the main entrance of Feltham Station adjacent to the northbound platform at 09:29. Train from Waterloo at 08:58 (Clapham Junction at 09:07). Roure Description: This Stroll encompasses the River Crane, Pevensey Road Nature Reserve, Crane Park, Bushy Park, the Longford River, Hampton Court Palace, Home Park, Kingston, the River Thames, Ham Common, Richmond Park, Beverley Brook & Wimbledon Common. Coffee stop at The Pheasantry Café, Bushy Park (6 miles). Lunch stop in Canbury Gardens Kingston near the Canbury Garden Secret Cafe (11 miles). The Stroll ends at Wimbledon Station (18 miles). Optional refreshments at the local Wetherspoons. There may be mud! Bringing your own food & drink is recommended. Map: OS Explorer 161 Distance: 18 miles |
Date |
Stroll |
Saturday 2 April |
ASHTEAD TO EPSOM LINEAR Conductor: Carol Buss Start Ashtead Station at 09:40. Train departs London Waterloo 08:54 or London Victoria 08.55. Buy return to Ashtead. Parking far end Craddocks Avenue (check restrictions) or station car park £3.55. Route Description: Connecting the commons of Ashtead, Prince's Coverts, Arbrook, Esher, West End and Epsom. Mostly flat, one hill. Pub, Garden Centre, picnic at lunch. Newsagents for afternoon refreshments. Maps: OS Explorers 146 and 161 Distance: 18 miles. |
Friday15 April to Monday18 April |
THE WEALDWAY LONG DISTANCE PATH A four day walk. Walk the entire path or sections. See NEWS PAGE for details. Friday 15th April – Gravesend to Tonbridge – 28 miles – Gavin Saturday 16th April – Tonbridge to Buxted – 24 miles – Kate Sunday 17th April – Buxted to Berwick – 20 miles – Lynne Monday 18th April – Berwick to Eastbourne – 14 miles - Gavin |
Saturday 30 April |
CIRCULAR SOUTH OF HASLEMERE Conductor: Nigel Heys Start 09:00 at Haslemere Station (08:00 from Waterloo). Three trains an hour to return. Parking at station or free car park in Wey Hill. Route Description: Sussex Border Path, New Lipchis Way and Serpent Trail, then Lurgashall (possible pub drinks) and Northchapel. Bring picnic lunch Map: OS Explorer 33 Distance: 20 miles |
Saturday 14 May |
FARNHAM CIRCULAR Conductor: Jill Goddard Start 09:30 Farnham Station. Depart London Waterloo 08:30. Return train times at 28 and 58 past the hour. Parking at station. Route Description: A chance to explore the best of the heaths, woods and views south of Farnham. We head across Bourne Woods and Tankersford Common to reach Frensham Little Pond and then over Frensham Common to Stony Jump and then up Hindhead Common and round the Punchbowl (lunch stop). After descending we come round Hankley Common to Tilford and back to Farnham on part of the North Downs Way. Maps: OS Explorers 133 and 145 Distance 21 miles. |
Sunday 29 May |
SEVENOAKS CIRCULAR Conductor: Richard Levett Start Sevenoaks Station 09:30. Train departs London Charing X 08:55, London Bridge 09:03. Regular return trains. Route Description: A very pleasant Kent walk with a few hills. We take the Darent Valley Path to Shoreham then climb up the North Downs to Cotman’s Ash. Lunch is at the Rising Sun (when last checked they didn’t serve food but were happy for walkers to eat their packed lunches in the garden). Then it is down to Kemsing, through Knowle Park (hopefully in time for tea at the House) before returning to the station. Map: OS Explorer 147 Distance: 19 miles |
Sunday 12 June |
GORING CIRCULAR Conductors: John and Gail Elrick Start Goring and Streatley Station 09:30. Train from Paddington via Reading departs 08:28. Hourly return trains. Route Description: A very pleasant walk of green hills, great views and pretty hamlets. Leaving the station we cross the impressive bridge over the Thames and walk along the Thames Path as far as Moulsford. We then turn inland to take a good surface footpath that wends its way gently up into the verdant hills and woods. We briefly join the Ridgeway Path to follow another track to the hamlet of Aldworth. Here will be the opportunity for an early drink at the welcoming Bell Inn (the only such facility in the area) before taking the path (with a picnic stop en route) to the hamlet of Ashampstead. Here we hope it will be possible to pop into the Church to admire the impressive medieval wall paintings before embarking on the final stage of the walk through a variety of terrains and little used lanes. Towards the end we have a steep climb up reaching a viewpoint to admire Streatley and the Thames nestling below. A sharpish descent leds into Streatley and Goring where there will the opportunity to take refreshments before departing for home. Distance circa 18 miles. Maps Explorers 159 and 170 |
Sunday 26 June |
GUILDFORD CIRCULAR Conductor: Lynne McKenzie Start Guildford Station 09:45. Depart London Waterloo 08:37. Regular return trains. Route Description: We head out along the Wey to join the North Downs Way to head west towards Watts Gallery. After the gallery we carry on through some overgrown paths and along wooded paths to Eashing Bridges to join the Fox Way. We follow the Fox Way to Godalming (10 miles) where we will stop for lunch (there are many options on the High Street including a Waitrose). After lunch we follow the tow path of the Canal/River Wey Navigation to the point we left the Wey on our way out of Guildford. The conductor believes that no walk from Guildford is complete without taking in the view from St Martha's Church. We head up via Chantries Wood and back over Pewley Down to Guildford where we can have a tea stop for those who fancy one. The route allows much choice for the walker who can join for the morning returning from Godalming. If you are happy with a shorter 14 miles you could omit the walk up to St Martha's and retrace your steps back to the station. Map:OS Explorer 145 Distance:18.5 |
Date |
Stroll |
Saturday 9 July |
TRING CIRCULAR Conductor: Bola Baruwa Start Tring Station at 09:00. Train departs London Euston 08:24, arrives Tring 08:57. At least three return trains an hour. Route Description: We pass through Aldbury Nowers, Ivinghoe Beacon, Gaddasden and Dagnal, with lunch at the Alford Arms, Frithsden (12.5 miles) Map: OS Explorer 181 Distance: 19.5 miles |
Saturday 23 July |
EPSOM CIRCULAR via SURREY HILLS - PRESIDENT'S STROLL . Conductor: Roger Michell Start Epsom Station at 09:30. Train departs London Waterloo 08:54 (Clapham Junction 09:02) and arrives at Epsom 09:28. Route Description: Leaving via Epsom Common, the Racecourse, along the Roman road, Juniper Wood and Juniper Bottom and up to Box Hill for a picnic lunch. We will then find a pub for refreshments nearby. Return via Langley Lane and Headley Park. Optional tea stop at finish. Map: OS explorer 146 Distance: c20miles (max). |
Saturday 6 August |
HASTINGS CIRCULAR via PETT LEVEL Conductor: Barry Eade Start Hastings Station at 09:50. Train departs Charing Cross 08:15 or London Bridge 08:24, arriving Hastings 09:48. Two return trains an.. hour. Route Description: We head off through the town centre and along the sea front before encountering our first set of many steps for a climb up onto the East Hill. Walking poles are recommended as there are many ascents and descents. The next part of the walk will take in the scenic views of Hastings Country Park keeping to the sea path all the way to Pett Level for our lunch stop. Recommend packed lunch on the beach but there is C Siders café for a tea or coffee or the New Beach Club for a reasonably priced pint. (This is a members’ club but they are usually happy to accommodate us). We then follow the sea defence, with lovely views inland to our left with the beach and sea on our right, before heading inland to follow the Royal Military Canal followed by a bit of cross country and pavement bashing. The last leg of the walk is back through the country park where we have the opportunity for a tea stop at the Grumpy Cook Café before heading back to Hastings along a more inland route. Map: OS Explorer 124 . Distance: 19-20 miles |
Saturday 20 August |
HENLEY CIRCULAR Conductor: Janette Platt Start Henley Station at 09:30. Train departs London Paddington 08:27, arrives Henley 09:27. Return trains on the hour and half hour. Route Description: From Henley we head west along a lovely valley to Rotherfield Greys and then northwards to Maidensgrove via Bix Bottom and its isolated ruinous church. Just before Maidensgrove we head downhill to Stonor for lunch in Stonor Park. The conductor had hoped that the cafe in the park could be used but this has not reopened so only drinks/snacks etc available from the Visitor Centre. Please bring a PACKED LUNCH which can be eaten there. . Pub available later if necessary. The afternoon takes us to Turville with its iconic windmill on the hill and then back to the River Thames via Skirmett and Hambledon. At Mill End we cross the Thames and head back to Henley along the south bank of the river. Map: OS Explorer 171 Distance: 18 miles |
Saturday 3 September |
AMBERLEY CIRCULAR via Slindon Estate Conductor: Nick White Start Amberley Station at 10:00. Train departs London Victoria 08:35 (East Croydon 08.52), arrives Amberley 09.58. Return trains at .17 past the hour Route Description: We leave Amberley station and join the South Downs Way to climb Bignor Hill, the highest point on our walk and a good point for a break for a snack. We then descend following the route of the old Roman road, “Stane Street” and the raised causeway known as the “Agger”, built to connect Chichester with London. At the Six Way Post, we divert through Northwood, a woodland restoration undertaken by the National Trust, then past the Slindon Folly to our lunch stop Forge Village Cafe or The Spur pub. We then continue on through woods to Arundel and follow the River Arun before diverting to Burpham and the option of a stop at The George for a drink. Continuing along the river, we cross the Gurkha bridge to North Stoke and a short stroll back to Amberley station. There is a pub, The Bridge Inn, or the Riverside Tea Rooms next to the station for a final drink stop. Map: OS Explorer 121 . Distance: 19 miles |
Saturday 17 September |
CHICHESTER CIRCULAR Conductor: Gavin Fuller Start Chichester Station at 09.40. Train departs London Victoria 08:05 (East Croydon 08:23), arrives Chichester 09:38. Return trains twice hourly at .09 and .39 Route Description: We leave Chichester on the Centurion Way disused railway and once warmed up leave that to ascend into the nature reserve of Kingley Vale, with its ancient woodlands. Lunch will be taken here (please bring a picnic lunch) before we meander across rolling downland to Singleton where there will be a tea stop at the Partridge Inn. Suitably refreshed and fortified we then climb to the iron age hillfort of The Trundle, with its extensive coastal views weather permitting. Then it’s a gradual descent back to Chichester probably accompanied by an intermittent soundtrack of old cars and through the city back to the station. Map: OS Explorer 120 Distance: 22 miles |
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December |