Stroll Reports 2022
Strolls January to March
Lewes Circular - 8 January
Stroll did not take place. To be rearranged.
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Wimbledon Circular (the rise and fall of) – 22 January
Conductor: Andy Shoesmith
Participants: Andy (Conductor) , Debs, Carol, Charlotte, Kate, Scottney, Jayne, Dorte, Dave, Kathy, Casilda, Lilian, Gail.
Stroll report from Andy:
This walk replaced a planned Farnham walk, due to extensive rail engineering, which would have prevented people getting there.
Ironically therefore, unexpected engineering work and replacement buses disrupted this walk.
9 people made it to the start at Wimbledon station. Having made our way through Wimbledon Park and round the outside of the tennis grounds, we collected another 3 people as we entered Wimbledon Common and made our way through the Common and across Richmond Park. We headed for Ham Gate and on to Teddington Lock, where we collected our last walker. The Thames Path took us to Richmond and we lunched on Richmond Hill. Chilly but dry. The return journey took us back into various parts of Richmond Park and on leaving the Park at Robin Hood Gate, 3 people left, to continue to another Gate. We strolled back through Wimbledon Common and a tea stop at the Windmill, via Queens Mere. 2 more left at the tea stop. The rest of us returned to Wimbledon, although 1 person took a different route. Hopefully everyone made it home ok.
Distance 20 miles. Photographs Charlotte.
Conductor: Andy Shoesmith
Participants: Andy (Conductor) , Debs, Carol, Charlotte, Kate, Scottney, Jayne, Dorte, Dave, Kathy, Casilda, Lilian, Gail.
Stroll report from Andy:
This walk replaced a planned Farnham walk, due to extensive rail engineering, which would have prevented people getting there.
Ironically therefore, unexpected engineering work and replacement buses disrupted this walk.
9 people made it to the start at Wimbledon station. Having made our way through Wimbledon Park and round the outside of the tennis grounds, we collected another 3 people as we entered Wimbledon Common and made our way through the Common and across Richmond Park. We headed for Ham Gate and on to Teddington Lock, where we collected our last walker. The Thames Path took us to Richmond and we lunched on Richmond Hill. Chilly but dry. The return journey took us back into various parts of Richmond Park and on leaving the Park at Robin Hood Gate, 3 people left, to continue to another Gate. We strolled back through Wimbledon Common and a tea stop at the Windmill, via Queens Mere. 2 more left at the tea stop. The rest of us returned to Wimbledon, although 1 person took a different route. Hopefully everyone made it home ok.
Distance 20 miles. Photographs Charlotte.
The Group
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Ash to Ash (the Toilet Brush)
Hollingbourne Circular - 5 February
Conductor: Bola Baruwa
Participants: Bola (Conductor), Kathy, Corinne, Tony, Kate, Lynne, Gail & John.
Stroll report from Bola:
The walk commenced with group of 8 strollers and we all grew a few inches taller as we trudged through the muddy fields out of Hollingbourne. Bola came prepared with a red picnic knife to de-mud her boots.
We headed off to Ash to Ash (AKA toilet brush) (see pictures). The Ash Art Project is sited in White Horse Wood Country Park. The area is also known to be frequented by model airplane flyers and there were a few of them about.
We had a quick view of the remnant of Thurnham castle, built in the 12th century. We then strode along the Kentish hills of the North Down Way and Pilgrims Way to ‘The Shepherd’, a wooden statue of a surly looking shepherd with a little lamb by his side, (something about him attracts dogs and birds to use him for their comfort stops), where we had our Elevenses.
We passed through Hucking Estate where there are several 'Deneholes' dotted around the woodlands. Legend has it that the Danish invaders used the underground structures to store their food and ammunition, hence the name.
We descended into Hollingbourne for lunch, and then were 6 as Lynne and Corinne waved good bye to the group.
The afternoon part of the walk passed under the M20, crossed over the A20 and through the grounds of Leeds Castle. The walk on the grounds presented us with several pleasant views of the castle as we made our way back to the Hollingbourne station, arriving with plenty of time to spare for the 16.52 train back to London.
Gail commented that it was the first walk that all the 4 SWC Stroll committee members have attended together in a while. Weather was windy and slightly cloudy. The short burst of sunshine was not on the forecast but welcome nonetheless. Plenty of chirpy birds providing entertainment along the way.
Distance 18 miles. Photographs Kate, Lynne and John.
Conductor: Bola Baruwa
Participants: Bola (Conductor), Kathy, Corinne, Tony, Kate, Lynne, Gail & John.
Stroll report from Bola:
The walk commenced with group of 8 strollers and we all grew a few inches taller as we trudged through the muddy fields out of Hollingbourne. Bola came prepared with a red picnic knife to de-mud her boots.
We headed off to Ash to Ash (AKA toilet brush) (see pictures). The Ash Art Project is sited in White Horse Wood Country Park. The area is also known to be frequented by model airplane flyers and there were a few of them about.
We had a quick view of the remnant of Thurnham castle, built in the 12th century. We then strode along the Kentish hills of the North Down Way and Pilgrims Way to ‘The Shepherd’, a wooden statue of a surly looking shepherd with a little lamb by his side, (something about him attracts dogs and birds to use him for their comfort stops), where we had our Elevenses.
We passed through Hucking Estate where there are several 'Deneholes' dotted around the woodlands. Legend has it that the Danish invaders used the underground structures to store their food and ammunition, hence the name.
We descended into Hollingbourne for lunch, and then were 6 as Lynne and Corinne waved good bye to the group.
The afternoon part of the walk passed under the M20, crossed over the A20 and through the grounds of Leeds Castle. The walk on the grounds presented us with several pleasant views of the castle as we made our way back to the Hollingbourne station, arriving with plenty of time to spare for the 16.52 train back to London.
Gail commented that it was the first walk that all the 4 SWC Stroll committee members have attended together in a while. Weather was windy and slightly cloudy. The short burst of sunshine was not on the forecast but welcome nonetheless. Plenty of chirpy birds providing entertainment along the way.
Distance 18 miles. Photographs Kate, Lynne and John.
Another View of the Toilet Brush!
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Kate Squeezes Thro'
Oxted Circular - 19 February
Conductor: Kate Copeland
Participants: Kate (Conductor), Jill, Mary-Anne.
Stroll Report from the Conductor:
This walk took place the day after Storm Eunice so we weren’t sure who or what to expect. It turned out that there was a tree on the train line between Oxted and East Croydon so only the car drivers made it to the start. Hence we were rather a bijou team. It was posited that a few short cuts could be offered later in the day (the forecast was pretty bad), but that offer was roundly dismissed by the hardy duo.
We set off in sunshine via Old Oxted High Street and were soon into the first field of the day which contains an ancient burial mound – the barrow after which the local manor house, Barrow Green Court, was named. After crossing the M25 we were up on the North Downs and quickly met the first of many Eunice-created obstacles. As photographic evidence will attest, we scrambled under a large fallen tree with great elegance and our dignity intact. Our route zig zagged up and down the North Downs, via Woldingham School, Whistlers Steep and the Titsey Estate. Their coffee shop was closed which was a shame because at that point the heavens opened. We still had another 90 mins along the North Downs Way to lunch and were extremely cold and wet by the time we arrived in Westerham, where we sheltered in the church porch to eat our late lunch. (Bad leader hadn’t realised quite how late it would be!). It was interesting to spot the remains of an old railway station on our way into Westerham, which we knew nothing about. Research suggests it was a small branch line that served 200 passengers a day but was closed in 1961 due to running at a loss.
On leaving the village, still cold, we decided that takeaway coffees were in order. However, we hadn’t figured on the next field we entered being extremely muddy. With only one free hand and enormous coffee cups in the other, our balance left us completely and we skidded around screeching with laughter like a bunch of very amateur walkers indeed. The leader felt (and probably looked) rather like Margo Leadbetter arriving on the scene to help with the harvest (Series 1, Episode 7)!
Given that it was still raining hard, the hardy duo gladly accepted the re-offer of a short cut so we just stayed on the Greensand Way across Limpsfield Chart all the way back into Oxted. This cut out all the ups, downs and Wealden views that had been planned for the afternoon but there would have been nothing but cloud to see and more mud and fallen trees to contend with. This still left us with at least 17 miles under our belts so we didn’t feel too cheated as we arrived back into Oxted just before 4pm.
Distance 17 miles. Photographs Kate and Jill.
Conductor: Kate Copeland
Participants: Kate (Conductor), Jill, Mary-Anne.
Stroll Report from the Conductor:
This walk took place the day after Storm Eunice so we weren’t sure who or what to expect. It turned out that there was a tree on the train line between Oxted and East Croydon so only the car drivers made it to the start. Hence we were rather a bijou team. It was posited that a few short cuts could be offered later in the day (the forecast was pretty bad), but that offer was roundly dismissed by the hardy duo.
We set off in sunshine via Old Oxted High Street and were soon into the first field of the day which contains an ancient burial mound – the barrow after which the local manor house, Barrow Green Court, was named. After crossing the M25 we were up on the North Downs and quickly met the first of many Eunice-created obstacles. As photographic evidence will attest, we scrambled under a large fallen tree with great elegance and our dignity intact. Our route zig zagged up and down the North Downs, via Woldingham School, Whistlers Steep and the Titsey Estate. Their coffee shop was closed which was a shame because at that point the heavens opened. We still had another 90 mins along the North Downs Way to lunch and were extremely cold and wet by the time we arrived in Westerham, where we sheltered in the church porch to eat our late lunch. (Bad leader hadn’t realised quite how late it would be!). It was interesting to spot the remains of an old railway station on our way into Westerham, which we knew nothing about. Research suggests it was a small branch line that served 200 passengers a day but was closed in 1961 due to running at a loss.
On leaving the village, still cold, we decided that takeaway coffees were in order. However, we hadn’t figured on the next field we entered being extremely muddy. With only one free hand and enormous coffee cups in the other, our balance left us completely and we skidded around screeching with laughter like a bunch of very amateur walkers indeed. The leader felt (and probably looked) rather like Margo Leadbetter arriving on the scene to help with the harvest (Series 1, Episode 7)!
Given that it was still raining hard, the hardy duo gladly accepted the re-offer of a short cut so we just stayed on the Greensand Way across Limpsfield Chart all the way back into Oxted. This cut out all the ups, downs and Wealden views that had been planned for the afternoon but there would have been nothing but cloud to see and more mud and fallen trees to contend with. This still left us with at least 17 miles under our belts so we didn’t feel too cheated as we arrived back into Oxted just before 4pm.
Distance 17 miles. Photographs Kate and Jill.
Split Tree
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Herne Bay station to Canterbury East station - 6 March
Conductor: David Hoben
Participants: David H (conductor) David T, Adam.
Stroll report from David:
This stroll was a repeat of the one last staged in August 2019, with temperatures over 30C … this time the weather was cold, bright and windy, but as it was all on Sustrans routes a welcome break from the mud.
Herne Bay station is well located just outside the town, with a short walk to the promenade, and later the Oyster Bay Trail, following the coast to Whitstable Harbour, with a coffee break at a nice café on the cliff-top lawns of Tankerton Slopes, with their colourful wooden beach huts. Lunch was taken at the attractive historic town of Whitstable, which was fairly busy. The pub was in a converted cinema “The Peter Cushing”, which had been restored on the outside with its art deco features, and on the inside too, repro of course but well done nevertheless, decorated with many framed black and white photos of this prolific actor, a resident of Whitstable, and vintage cine equipment.
The second part of the walk was based on the Crab & Winkle Way, the route of Britain’s first passenger carrying railway, the Canterbury and Whitstable line (1830), which took a route across country, with a certain number of railway oriented sculptures and history notice boards, later the route continued largely through the grounds of the University of Kent to the outskirts of Canterbury. The route to the city centre was on back streets passing a very large number of attractive historic buildings, to an afternoon tea stop.
There followed a short stroll to Canterbury East station, using more back streets and the city wall.
History notes: The Crab & Winkle Way opened in 1999. Following the status of Tyler Hill Tunnel to “listed” the intention is to bring the original railway route into use as a trail.
Distance 14 miles.
Conductor: David Hoben
Participants: David H (conductor) David T, Adam.
Stroll report from David:
This stroll was a repeat of the one last staged in August 2019, with temperatures over 30C … this time the weather was cold, bright and windy, but as it was all on Sustrans routes a welcome break from the mud.
Herne Bay station is well located just outside the town, with a short walk to the promenade, and later the Oyster Bay Trail, following the coast to Whitstable Harbour, with a coffee break at a nice café on the cliff-top lawns of Tankerton Slopes, with their colourful wooden beach huts. Lunch was taken at the attractive historic town of Whitstable, which was fairly busy. The pub was in a converted cinema “The Peter Cushing”, which had been restored on the outside with its art deco features, and on the inside too, repro of course but well done nevertheless, decorated with many framed black and white photos of this prolific actor, a resident of Whitstable, and vintage cine equipment.
The second part of the walk was based on the Crab & Winkle Way, the route of Britain’s first passenger carrying railway, the Canterbury and Whitstable line (1830), which took a route across country, with a certain number of railway oriented sculptures and history notice boards, later the route continued largely through the grounds of the University of Kent to the outskirts of Canterbury. The route to the city centre was on back streets passing a very large number of attractive historic buildings, to an afternoon tea stop.
There followed a short stroll to Canterbury East station, using more back streets and the city wall.
History notes: The Crab & Winkle Way opened in 1999. Following the status of Tyler Hill Tunnel to “listed” the intention is to bring the original railway route into use as a trail.
Distance 14 miles.
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Feltham to Wimbledon - 19th March
Conductor: Keith Lane
Participants: Seven then six then eight then nine then eight Strollers viz: Keith (conductor), Gavin, John, Gail, Chris D, Chris K, Dave W, and new joiners Christine and Carol.
Stroll Report from Keith
The day was sunny with a cold East wind. There were seven Strollers at Feltham Station but when we set off one promptly headed for breakfast in the local Wetherspoons. The remaining six headed for the River Crane via Feltham Park past the Longford River and, through the Calvary Tunnel to Pevensey Road Nature Reserve.
The route continued along the River Crane in Crane Park pass the Gunshot Tower where we had a water stop (which didn’t involve getting our feet wet). After departing the River Crane we walked to Hampton Hill and past St James Church to re-join the Longford River which flows into Bushy Park.
I should explain that the Longford River is artificial. King Charles I desired a water feature in the grounds of Hampton Court Palace but did not have the required amount of water (despite being besides the Thames). Hence he commissioned a river to be dug from the Colne River to finish in what is now Home Park and it forms the Long Water.
The Earl of Halifax had the river diverted in the seventh century to pass through his garden to form the Water Gardens. Whilst we were taking photographs of ourselves the Conductor received a phone call from an on/off Stroller who decided to be half-on that day and he joined us at the Pheasantry Cafe in the Woodland Gardens. There, we were also joined by an eminent Stroller who had an upset tummy earlier in the morning probably at the thought of joining this Stroll.
So we became eight and continued round Heron Pond (with appropriately a Heron) and past Hampton Court Palace to reach Home Park to walk along the Long Water (originally called the Long Water Canal).
At the appointed lunch stop in Canbury Gardens, Kingston the Wetherspoons One was waiting for us, now we were nine. Although the location was convenient for the Canbury Secret Cafe (which as it happened, no one in the group frequented) it proved to be the coldest windiest place along the riverbank. When we decided that we were sufficiently chilled we continued and discovered that a little further on it was windless and warm.
The next stage of the Stroll (after the Wetherspoon one had departed again) was Ham, through the Parkleys, where the blocks of flats are named after Poets, and onto Ham Common which won the“mud of the day” prize. After photographing ourselves at the “beware of migrating toads” sign we entered Ham Gate of Richmond Park.
We walked round the large deer sanctuary which turned out to be the only place the masses of deer in the Park were not inhabiting (I do not blame them for being suspicious). The route took us around the Pen Ponds the White Lodge and Spankers Wood before joining the banks of Beverley Brook and though Robin Hood Gate to Wimbledon Common. Crossing Beverley Brook we ascended along Gravelly Ride past Caesar’s Well and avoiding the Village and High Street we descended from the highest point of the Stroll to Wimbledon Station.
So there we have it; five Parks, two Commons, one Nature Reserve, three Rivers, one Brook, a Gardens and a Recreation Ground which did not even get a mention - a wonderful celebration of South West London and its history.
Distance: 18 miles. Photographs Keith and John
Conductor: Keith Lane
Participants: Seven then six then eight then nine then eight Strollers viz: Keith (conductor), Gavin, John, Gail, Chris D, Chris K, Dave W, and new joiners Christine and Carol.
Stroll Report from Keith
The day was sunny with a cold East wind. There were seven Strollers at Feltham Station but when we set off one promptly headed for breakfast in the local Wetherspoons. The remaining six headed for the River Crane via Feltham Park past the Longford River and, through the Calvary Tunnel to Pevensey Road Nature Reserve.
The route continued along the River Crane in Crane Park pass the Gunshot Tower where we had a water stop (which didn’t involve getting our feet wet). After departing the River Crane we walked to Hampton Hill and past St James Church to re-join the Longford River which flows into Bushy Park.
I should explain that the Longford River is artificial. King Charles I desired a water feature in the grounds of Hampton Court Palace but did not have the required amount of water (despite being besides the Thames). Hence he commissioned a river to be dug from the Colne River to finish in what is now Home Park and it forms the Long Water.
The Earl of Halifax had the river diverted in the seventh century to pass through his garden to form the Water Gardens. Whilst we were taking photographs of ourselves the Conductor received a phone call from an on/off Stroller who decided to be half-on that day and he joined us at the Pheasantry Cafe in the Woodland Gardens. There, we were also joined by an eminent Stroller who had an upset tummy earlier in the morning probably at the thought of joining this Stroll.
So we became eight and continued round Heron Pond (with appropriately a Heron) and past Hampton Court Palace to reach Home Park to walk along the Long Water (originally called the Long Water Canal).
At the appointed lunch stop in Canbury Gardens, Kingston the Wetherspoons One was waiting for us, now we were nine. Although the location was convenient for the Canbury Secret Cafe (which as it happened, no one in the group frequented) it proved to be the coldest windiest place along the riverbank. When we decided that we were sufficiently chilled we continued and discovered that a little further on it was windless and warm.
The next stage of the Stroll (after the Wetherspoon one had departed again) was Ham, through the Parkleys, where the blocks of flats are named after Poets, and onto Ham Common which won the“mud of the day” prize. After photographing ourselves at the “beware of migrating toads” sign we entered Ham Gate of Richmond Park.
We walked round the large deer sanctuary which turned out to be the only place the masses of deer in the Park were not inhabiting (I do not blame them for being suspicious). The route took us around the Pen Ponds the White Lodge and Spankers Wood before joining the banks of Beverley Brook and though Robin Hood Gate to Wimbledon Common. Crossing Beverley Brook we ascended along Gravelly Ride past Caesar’s Well and avoiding the Village and High Street we descended from the highest point of the Stroll to Wimbledon Station.
So there we have it; five Parks, two Commons, one Nature Reserve, three Rivers, one Brook, a Gardens and a Recreation Ground which did not even get a mention - a wonderful celebration of South West London and its history.
Distance: 18 miles. Photographs Keith and John
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Strolls April to June
Ashtead to Epsom - 2 April
Conductor: Carol Buss
Participants: Carol (conductor), Paul, Keith, Lilian
Stroll Report from Carol:
Early morning broke with a harsh frost and a winter chill. By 9.40am though, it was blue sky and warm sunshine, making it a perfect day for walking. The four of us set off across Ashtead Common. Entering the eerily quiet Princes’ Coverts the muddy condition were beginning to dry.
Due to a flooded railway subway a detour to the residential roads of Claygate had to be made. Esher Common brought a change of scenery. Mingling with families and their dogs, we traversed the dry lowland heath to a photo opportunity at the Black Pond.
Crossing into Fairmile Common we stopped for a view of Surrey farmland before we descended steps to the winding River Mole. Arriving at West End Common dark clouds brought a short sleet shower just in time for lunch.
The sun returned. A pair of geese with their goslings wandered past as we set off for the 2nd half of the walk. A long boardwalk defined an area used for rifle training for the First World War. Crossing the main road it was back though Esher and Arbrook Commons, then the long climb uphill via Claygate to Winey Hill for a well-earned sit down. Now downhill pass the busy Chessington World of Adventures it was back (via Russet Farm) to the mud of Ashtead Common.
Finally arriving at the pretty village pond of Stamford Green Epsom. It was tarmac all the way to the Station.
Distance 19 miles. Photographs Carol.
Conductor: Carol Buss
Participants: Carol (conductor), Paul, Keith, Lilian
Stroll Report from Carol:
Early morning broke with a harsh frost and a winter chill. By 9.40am though, it was blue sky and warm sunshine, making it a perfect day for walking. The four of us set off across Ashtead Common. Entering the eerily quiet Princes’ Coverts the muddy condition were beginning to dry.
Due to a flooded railway subway a detour to the residential roads of Claygate had to be made. Esher Common brought a change of scenery. Mingling with families and their dogs, we traversed the dry lowland heath to a photo opportunity at the Black Pond.
Crossing into Fairmile Common we stopped for a view of Surrey farmland before we descended steps to the winding River Mole. Arriving at West End Common dark clouds brought a short sleet shower just in time for lunch.
The sun returned. A pair of geese with their goslings wandered past as we set off for the 2nd half of the walk. A long boardwalk defined an area used for rifle training for the First World War. Crossing the main road it was back though Esher and Arbrook Commons, then the long climb uphill via Claygate to Winey Hill for a well-earned sit down. Now downhill pass the busy Chessington World of Adventures it was back (via Russet Farm) to the mud of Ashtead Common.
Finally arriving at the pretty village pond of Stamford Green Epsom. It was tarmac all the way to the Station.
Distance 19 miles. Photographs Carol.
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THE START
Day 1 - Walkers at Gravesend
Some walkers from the London W
The Wealdway Long Distance Path (LDP) - 15th to 18th April
This section contains reports and photographs of the 4 day crossing of the Wealdway starting at Gravesend and finishing in Eastbourne.This is a LDP that links the Thames Estuary to the English Channel so it is the south-east’s very own coast-to-coast path. SWC members together with the London Group LDWA who were invited to join the walk spent the 4 days of the Easter Holiday walking the way. Five strollers completed the full walk (see day 4 photos), others joined for parts of the walk.
Day 1 - Gravesend to Tonbridge – Friday 15th April
Conductor: Gavin Fuller
Participants: (14) Gavin (conductor), Cathy, Gillian, David H, Mary-Anne, Andy, Debs, Carrie, Kevin, Laurence, Deborah, Carole, Barry, Alan.
Stroll Report from Gavin:
Given the length planned for the first stage, even though this was made a joint walk with LDWA London, our conductor was somewhat surprised to find that it was as many as 14 who assembled at Gravesend station on a sunny Bank Holiday morning. Having reached the unmarked start by the Thames, the walk then a few hundred yards later somewhat perplexingly passed an information board about the path, before passing a statue of Pocahontas and through Gravesend’s Heritage Quarter (yes, really) before a lengthy climb out of the town via a main road. Once that trudge was over it was at last into the Kent countryside, which was showing its springtime finery for much of this part of the path, with bluebells and wood anemones in profusion. Given the length of today’s route it was necessary to keep up a reasonable pace, which proved too much for one of the group in the warmth of the day, who fell back above Luddesdown to go at his own pace to the break-point at Platt for the station at Borough Green.
Having spent some time traversing the sizeable new vineyard at Luddesdown, the walk then proceeded in mercifully far less muddy conditions than on the conductor’s recce a month early over the North Downs to a lunch spot with a fine view over the north end of the Weald. Having said goodbye to another walker at Platt, the afternoon’s only sizeable hill had such a gentle gradient up to it that most of the group weren’t even aware they were on it, and then it was down to West Peckham for the planned tea stop at the Swan, only to find that the pub had closed 40 minutes prior to the group's arrival, although it did provide water refills for those who needed it.
After that minor setback it was a final push on to the end, with a hearing of a first cuckoo of spring for many at Barnes Street. The four-mile walk along the Medway proved after a long day slightly interminable, and one of the group fell back along this stage to make his own way into Tonbridge, but the remaining 11 made it into the town just after half-past six, an impressively speedy achievement and for two of the group a successful completion of the longest walk they’d ever done in a day.
Day 1 - Distance 29 miles. Photographs Gavin.
Day 2 - Tonbridge to Buxted - Saturday 16th April
Conductor: Kate Copeland
Participants: (14) Kate (conductor), Gavin, Cathy, Gillian, David H, Mary-Anne, Andy, Debs, Carri, Kevin, Gail, John, Bola, Christine.
Stroll Report from Kate:
We exited Tonbridge via the Wealdway/Eden Valley Walk overlap and were immediately submerged in Park Run 5k-ers coming in the opposite direction. They were clearly working far harder than us so we gave way where possible. The walk fairly quickly took us uphill towards Bidborough for some far-reaching, if slightly hazy, views northwards. The weather was perfect – sunny and warm all day and the haze did disappear later on. We paused briefly in Bidborough Churchyard to appreciate the Ukrainian flag they were flying and have a swift snack. We then pressed on via woodland, fields and semi-suburban areas to have our elevenses at Speldhurst. A few of us were buoyed up by the glorious smell from the yellow azalea growing in the graveyard there.
We soon entered the very pretty valley of Avery’s Wood with early bluebells giving us a hint of what is to come. The route then continued through more farmland with some brilliantly yellow rapeseed flowers in Fordcombe. After Stone Cross we got the really rewarding views across towards Groombridge. We arrived in Withyam in stages with some heading straight to the pub for much-needed refreshment and some preferring to picnic in the churchyard.
The hour after lunch saw a bit of change as some wanted to go faster and some slower. A detour to the King’s Standing ice cream van was requested, after which the main group was down from 14 to 10. Ashdown Forest is often a suntrap and didn’t disappoint on this occasion, nor did the views. From Camp Hill it is two hours to Buxted station and we could pace ourselves nicely to enjoy some extremely pretty woodland sections.
We said farewell to the Wealdway at the church of St Margaret The Queen. This is along the driveway of the Buxted Park Hotel. Oddly none of the group had opted to stay at the £350 a night property. The main group arrived at Buxted Station at 18.20 which gave just enough time to buy tickets, stretch and be ready for the 18.37 which was on time. Given our previous experiences with this line, we were all incredibly grateful for the timeliness (nay existence) of trains all weekend.
It was a great day and it’s always interesting to be a small part of a longer walking trip as you hear tales from the day before and anticipation about the days to come.
Day 2 - Distance 24.7 miles. Photographs Gavin and John.
Conductor: Kate Copeland
Participants: (14) Kate (conductor), Gavin, Cathy, Gillian, David H, Mary-Anne, Andy, Debs, Carri, Kevin, Gail, John, Bola, Christine.
Stroll Report from Kate:
We exited Tonbridge via the Wealdway/Eden Valley Walk overlap and were immediately submerged in Park Run 5k-ers coming in the opposite direction. They were clearly working far harder than us so we gave way where possible. The walk fairly quickly took us uphill towards Bidborough for some far-reaching, if slightly hazy, views northwards. The weather was perfect – sunny and warm all day and the haze did disappear later on. We paused briefly in Bidborough Churchyard to appreciate the Ukrainian flag they were flying and have a swift snack. We then pressed on via woodland, fields and semi-suburban areas to have our elevenses at Speldhurst. A few of us were buoyed up by the glorious smell from the yellow azalea growing in the graveyard there.
We soon entered the very pretty valley of Avery’s Wood with early bluebells giving us a hint of what is to come. The route then continued through more farmland with some brilliantly yellow rapeseed flowers in Fordcombe. After Stone Cross we got the really rewarding views across towards Groombridge. We arrived in Withyam in stages with some heading straight to the pub for much-needed refreshment and some preferring to picnic in the churchyard.
The hour after lunch saw a bit of change as some wanted to go faster and some slower. A detour to the King’s Standing ice cream van was requested, after which the main group was down from 14 to 10. Ashdown Forest is often a suntrap and didn’t disappoint on this occasion, nor did the views. From Camp Hill it is two hours to Buxted station and we could pace ourselves nicely to enjoy some extremely pretty woodland sections.
We said farewell to the Wealdway at the church of St Margaret The Queen. This is along the driveway of the Buxted Park Hotel. Oddly none of the group had opted to stay at the £350 a night property. The main group arrived at Buxted Station at 18.20 which gave just enough time to buy tickets, stretch and be ready for the 18.37 which was on time. Given our previous experiences with this line, we were all incredibly grateful for the timeliness (nay existence) of trains all weekend.
It was a great day and it’s always interesting to be a small part of a longer walking trip as you hear tales from the day before and anticipation about the days to come.
Day 2 - Distance 24.7 miles. Photographs Gavin and John.
Day 3 - Buxted to Berwick – Sunday 17th April
Conductor: Lynne McKenzie
Participants: (9) Lynne (conductor) Gavin, Cathy, Gillian, David H, Carol, Kevin, Gail, John.
Stroll Report from Lynne:
The conductor had made the decision to stay at the Buxted Inn on Saturday night to ensure she was there to take on the baton of leading day 3. At breakfast 3 walkers were spotted which meant there was a party of 4 awaiting the arrival of the rest of the group at Buxted Station. Four walkers disembarked the train – Cathy was to follow on the next train and hopefully catch the group.
Retracing the steps of the day before we approached the church to rejoin the Wealdway. We passed around Buxted Park Hotel enjoying views of this impressive building as we walked towards our mid-morning stop. The steepest climb of the day was up the steps when we, carefully, crossed the train tracks. With only two trains an hour there was little chance of meeting one but best to be vigilant. The stop coincided with the sight of our first impressive home at Newplace Farm.
We carried on through farmland to East Hoathly and onwards to Chiddingly for lunch. All had packed lunches which were eaten in the churchyard with the entertainment of a family game of rounders. As we headed across the fields we spotted a walker lunching on the grass. Cathy had caught us up and a group of 6 carried on. Gail, John and Kevin had decided to enjoy the route at their own pace.
Gavin was excited to go through the housing estate on the edge of Hailsham as 8 years previously he had had to make a long and unattractive detour as the estate was being built. We passed a number of impressive properties including one with a moat and drawbridge!
With one more day to go for those completing the whole route we pushed on to catch the 5.55pm. Unfortunately, this meant we had to forgo the tea stop at the pub in Upper Dicker.
A lovely day of walking in near perfect conditions.
Day 3 - Distance 21.7 miles. Photographs Gavin and John
Conductor: Lynne McKenzie
Participants: (9) Lynne (conductor) Gavin, Cathy, Gillian, David H, Carol, Kevin, Gail, John.
Stroll Report from Lynne:
The conductor had made the decision to stay at the Buxted Inn on Saturday night to ensure she was there to take on the baton of leading day 3. At breakfast 3 walkers were spotted which meant there was a party of 4 awaiting the arrival of the rest of the group at Buxted Station. Four walkers disembarked the train – Cathy was to follow on the next train and hopefully catch the group.
Retracing the steps of the day before we approached the church to rejoin the Wealdway. We passed around Buxted Park Hotel enjoying views of this impressive building as we walked towards our mid-morning stop. The steepest climb of the day was up the steps when we, carefully, crossed the train tracks. With only two trains an hour there was little chance of meeting one but best to be vigilant. The stop coincided with the sight of our first impressive home at Newplace Farm.
We carried on through farmland to East Hoathly and onwards to Chiddingly for lunch. All had packed lunches which were eaten in the churchyard with the entertainment of a family game of rounders. As we headed across the fields we spotted a walker lunching on the grass. Cathy had caught us up and a group of 6 carried on. Gail, John and Kevin had decided to enjoy the route at their own pace.
Gavin was excited to go through the housing estate on the edge of Hailsham as 8 years previously he had had to make a long and unattractive detour as the estate was being built. We passed a number of impressive properties including one with a moat and drawbridge!
With one more day to go for those completing the whole route we pushed on to catch the 5.55pm. Unfortunately, this meant we had to forgo the tea stop at the pub in Upper Dicker.
A lovely day of walking in near perfect conditions.
Day 3 - Distance 21.7 miles. Photographs Gavin and John
Day 3 - Team Ascends this Incredible Installation Constructed to Cross the Railway Line
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Day 3 - Post Decorated for Easter Pointing the Way to Muddles Green
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Day 4 - Berwick to Eastbourne - Monday 18th April
Conductor: Gavin Fuller.
Participants: (8) Gavin (conductor), Cathy, Gillian, David H, Carrie, Bola, Jeff, Dave T.
Stroll Report from Gavin:
Curiously the shortest section of the Wealdway proved to be the least well-attended, with a group of just 8 setting off from Berwick station accompanied by yet more sunshine. The route took us south through Wilmington to the hill figure of the Long Man, before a skirt around the base of the downs to Jevington, where the main climb up onto the South Downs commenced. Fortunately the skies had cleared since earlier in the weekend, and there were splendid views from the top of Coombe Hill and further along. After lunch on the curiously-named Cold Crouch it was on to the highest point of the day at Willingdon Hill, before continuing onto the alternative southern start/finish point at Beachy Head via just about the last obvious path along the headland. After having clouded over during lunch the sun came back out to accompany us to the end. Five of the group could technically celebrate having done the entire LDP here, although just to get the full experience the walk they went back along the coast to proceed to the main start/finish at Eastbourne Pier. Here we should have been greeted by a special guest appearance by Dave Williams to welcome us in, but he'd fallen asleep on the prom and missed our arrival! To keep him awake we naturally had to retire to the nearest Wetherspoon’s, where four of us could have a celebratory drink (or more in some cases) at having managed the entire four days.
Day 4: Distance 16.8 miles. Photographs Gavin, Bola, Jeff and John
Conductor: Gavin Fuller.
Participants: (8) Gavin (conductor), Cathy, Gillian, David H, Carrie, Bola, Jeff, Dave T.
Stroll Report from Gavin:
Curiously the shortest section of the Wealdway proved to be the least well-attended, with a group of just 8 setting off from Berwick station accompanied by yet more sunshine. The route took us south through Wilmington to the hill figure of the Long Man, before a skirt around the base of the downs to Jevington, where the main climb up onto the South Downs commenced. Fortunately the skies had cleared since earlier in the weekend, and there were splendid views from the top of Coombe Hill and further along. After lunch on the curiously-named Cold Crouch it was on to the highest point of the day at Willingdon Hill, before continuing onto the alternative southern start/finish point at Beachy Head via just about the last obvious path along the headland. After having clouded over during lunch the sun came back out to accompany us to the end. Five of the group could technically celebrate having done the entire LDP here, although just to get the full experience the walk they went back along the coast to proceed to the main start/finish at Eastbourne Pier. Here we should have been greeted by a special guest appearance by Dave Williams to welcome us in, but he'd fallen asleep on the prom and missed our arrival! To keep him awake we naturally had to retire to the nearest Wetherspoon’s, where four of us could have a celebratory drink (or more in some cases) at having managed the entire four days.
Day 4: Distance 16.8 miles. Photographs Gavin, Bola, Jeff and John
Final Statistics.
In all 23 people walked at least 1 stage of the 4, and of this 5 walkers, David H, Cathy, Carrie, Gavin and Gillian completed all the stages. All days had good weather with the vast majority being walked in sunshine. The total distance was 92.2 miles (148.4 km) with 4,869 feet (1,484 m) of ascent.
In all 23 people walked at least 1 stage of the 4, and of this 5 walkers, David H, Cathy, Carrie, Gavin and Gillian completed all the stages. All days had good weather with the vast majority being walked in sunshine. The total distance was 92.2 miles (148.4 km) with 4,869 feet (1,484 m) of ascent.
THE END
Day 4 - Four Cheery Walkers at Eastbourne.
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Circular South of Haslemere – 30 April
Conductor: Nigel Heys
Participants: Nigel (conductor), John, Gail, Steve, Ian, Jeff.
Stroll Report from Nigel.
The six strollers assembled at Haslemere Station in bright sunshine at 9am. They then climbed steeply up to Marley Common and joined the Serpent Trail for the first time They soon switched to the Sussex Border Path and followed this to Linchmere. They then crossed Stanley Common to join the New Lipchis. This was followed to the slopes of Telegraph Hill before cutting across to Henley and rejoining the Serpent Trail to Bexleyhill.
From there they cut across to Lurgashall for a well earned lunch break. The delights of Lurgashall were cricket on the green and the Noah's Ark pub with welcome beer, although it was served in plastic glasses!
After lunch they continued past Northchapel to the slopes of Black Down with Tennyson's Aldworth House visible ahead. The final stretch back to Haslemere was again on the Serpent Trail.
Distance: 20 miles. Photographs Jeff and John.
Conductor: Nigel Heys
Participants: Nigel (conductor), John, Gail, Steve, Ian, Jeff.
Stroll Report from Nigel.
The six strollers assembled at Haslemere Station in bright sunshine at 9am. They then climbed steeply up to Marley Common and joined the Serpent Trail for the first time They soon switched to the Sussex Border Path and followed this to Linchmere. They then crossed Stanley Common to join the New Lipchis. This was followed to the slopes of Telegraph Hill before cutting across to Henley and rejoining the Serpent Trail to Bexleyhill.
From there they cut across to Lurgashall for a well earned lunch break. The delights of Lurgashall were cricket on the green and the Noah's Ark pub with welcome beer, although it was served in plastic glasses!
After lunch they continued past Northchapel to the slopes of Black Down with Tennyson's Aldworth House visible ahead. The final stretch back to Haslemere was again on the Serpent Trail.
Distance: 20 miles. Photographs Jeff and John.
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