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When Normally there are four walks a
month, on varying days of the week so as to avoid
always clashing with the same iU3A groups that meet
on fixed days.
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Where We go to any good walking area in
Greater London and the South East that can be
reached relatively easily by public transport. Our
walks cover a variety of terrain, including park and
woodland, canal or riverside paths, open countryside
and hill walking. Most walks are suitable for anyone
who is reasonably fit and active.
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Our group is wonderfully balanced; some join walks regularly, others less frequently. To help the leader in their duty of care and to ensure safety we have a few rules. In summary the rule is 'respect others and stick together' but see the fuller version here.
To join the group, please either drop me an email (address as above) or register through Beacon. Having joined the group, to join a particular walk click on the relevant date below. If you are not a member of Islington U3A then you must firstly join this before joining any Group. Go to the Join Us page and there click on the Membership Form.
Our Next Walks
See below for our programme of walks in 2022. We tend to fix the dates a quarter at a time. We'll make available the full walk details (including the meeting point) on this web page about a week before each walk. Once sign-up is open please click individually on 'sign-up open' (in blue) for each walk you plan to join. To drop out of a walk, please return to the form, and enter your details again but with a 'No' instead of a 'Yes'.
Friday 10 (BB) February (sign-up open), Cockfosters to Enfield, London Loop: 8.8 miles. A straightforward 8+ mile walk from Cockfosters to Enfield Lock, Section 17 of the London Loop. Beginning in Trent Park it is surprisingly rural with some interesting historic features. Lunch at Grade 2 listed pub, the Rose and Crown at Clay Hill. Travel to the start on the Piccadilly line, home on Overground, all within Freedom Pass zone. Drop-outs possible. Details here.
Thursday 16 (JF) February: details to follow.
Wednesday 22(RI) February: details to follow.
Monday 27 February: details to follow.
Lookahead provisional schedule 2023 (* = where a walk leader is required):
March: Monday 06*, Friday 17*, Wednesday 22(PR), Wednesday 29(RI)
April: Tuesday 04*, Wednesday 12*, Thursday 20(DH), Friday 28(BB)
May: Wednesday 03(RI), Tuesday 09(PR), Monday 15*, Friday 26(DH)
June: Thursday 01*, Wednesday 07*, Tuesday 13(RI), Monday 19*, Friday 30(DH)
Extended Walking Weekend, Sedbergh, 13 October 2023: fully booked already. Details to follow.
Photo Gallery and Walk Map
Launching new features: you can now see many of our photos from our photo library. Click on the year you want below. They will scroll through automatically and you can see the walk number and title at the bottom.
If you want to find photos from a particular walk you can click on the year below then select from the thumbnails the one you want then click on it:
- 2017 specifics
- 2018 specifics
- 2019 specifics (to date)
Useful & Other Information
Travel link — if you are going on a walk outside the Freedom Pass areas, here is a link to help decide which station to buy your ticket from online: Freedom Pass Map. If you need to figure out what train line we are going on then this overall map can help: Rail Map.
Discounts — if you are buying from Cotswold at the Angel, say you are with iU3A (Longer Walks group) and you'll get 10% discount.
Ticks — there have been reports of increased population of ticks in the UK. If you are worried about catching a tick bite while out walking, for more information see here.
Jo-Anne has provided three useful walk guides. You can view them here:
u3a has formed a partnership with 'Slow Ways' and hence we have also signed up for this initiative. The Slow Ways initiative is trying to get more people walking, and walking for more purposes. They are creating a network of walks joining up all villages, towns, cities. They aim then to get all these 'ways' reviewed so that full route information is available through their websites. And that's where we come in. They hope that u3as will help complete these reviews (and surveys). We hope as a group to check out some of these Slow Ways and you can do this as individuals as well. For more information see their website here.
Walks Register: if you want to look up any of our previous walks you can view our whole Register here. Quote the walk number to Derek and he can send you the relevant Details sheet.
Recent Walks
Welwyn: from Welywn North we headed north-east through attractive Hertfordshire countryside, to make a clockwise circular loop through pretty villages and Locksley Wood, Harmer Green, and Datchworth. This was our biggest group (20) for a long time, which meant a challenge not losing anyone en route. The pub at Bulls Green did a good job coping with the large group. After lunch we continued through Burnham Green with some dropping out at Welwyn North while the rest of the group continued for a further 2+ miles passing under the historic 40-arched Digswell viaduct, crossing the river Mimram, through Digswell Park and Sherrardspark Wood to end at Welwyn Garden City station. Details here.
Broxbourne to Cheshunt: with two walk leaders absent or indisposed, Pia stepped in to take fifteen of us down the Lea Valley for a wonderful walk along water-filled gravel pits with birds skating on ice or swimming in the water, a Bittern at the Bird Discovery centre, lakes teeming with ducks, coots and the occasional Swan. We wavered between the navigable Lee canal and the river Lea over meadows but blissfully always on dry (tarmac) paths. We split up for lunch between The Crown Pub and The Abbey Cafe, both were simple but adequate. The return was short and sweet via different route back to Chestnut for our train. Dry and later sunny but it remained fairly cold throughout. Details here.
Tring: eleven of us travelled to Tring to start an unfamiliar walk in a familiar area. We walked North via the Tring golf course onto an undulating path halfway the Ridge with wonderful wide open views down the valley towards Tring. Once past the Bridgewater Monument, we were truly in Ashridge Park woods before reaching Little Gaddesden for lunch in the Bridgewater Arms. Return was via the Capability Brown designed landscaped gardens and meadows of the Ashridge estate to the charming train station in Berkhamsted. Very sunny day, lovely views and good lunch. Details here.
Richmond to Hampton Court: a select group of six of us set off in rain from Richmond station, dropped down to the river, and eventually found a cafe open for coffee. The rain gradually eased, and we continued along the Thames path past Ham House and Teddington Lock, with a very swollen river alongside, to a mainly vegetarian and delicious lunch at the Comptoir Libanais by Kingston Bridge. Swift service allowed us to move on after only an hour to enter Hampton Court Park, where we found very early daffodils flowering. The rain had ceased, and we walked up Long Water to the back of the Palace before rejoining the Thames path, and crossing Hampton Bridge to the railway station, an early tea and our train back. Details here.
Colne Valley: we avoided trains and travel disruption by using the Metropolitan line to take us to Rickmansworth for our first walk of 2023. From there we picked up the Grand Union Canal and headed south. Most of the time we followed the canal with water on both sides, either the river Colne or various reservoirs. We left the canal to climb up to our lunchtime stop close to Harefield. We arrived early and got very quick service; hence we were on our way again very promptly. We marvelled (?) at the engineering feat of HS2 and the long viaducts that spanned the vast watery ponds. Fran's Tea Shop toward the end was closed unfortunately but instead many of us stopped for tea in Uxbridge. Details here.
Hertford North to Watton-at-Stone: Only five attended the last walk before Christmas, and it was a very enjoyable 9¾ miles, mostly beside the River Beane, where a kingfisher and heron were spotted. Light drizzle at first, but it eased off after an hour. The river water was quite high because of the melted snow and ice. We were fed and watered at the George and Dragon, Watton-at-Stone, then a quite windy four miles in the afternoon, reaching a trig point (118 metres above sea level) on part of the Chain Walk north of Watton. We made the 3.39pm train home with ten minutes to spare. Details here.

Sevenoaks: We were 13 at Sevenoaks station to start a walk through a lovely part of the Kentish countryside, starting by passing through the deer park of the National Trust-owned Knole House and then carrying on into a gentle area of fields and woods. We then descended through newly coppiced woodland to Ightham Mote, a rare, moated manor house, also owned by the NT, where we had a simple but hearty lunch in the cafe. Then followed the best part. Not only did the wonderful warm sun come out on a crisp day but we also walked a wonderful stretch of the Greensand Way which slowly climbs the escarpment of the Kent Downs, with superb views over the Weald to the south. We saw the last of the autumn colours thanks to a very warm October and mild November with plenty of golden beeches and sweet chestnuts, whose leaves turn a lovely yellowy-gold. Finally we passed through Knole Park again in glorious evening sun and the curious deer watching us. An excellent day out close to London. Details here.
Ashford to Wye: report to follow. Details here.
Bayford: even with a relatively early start attempting an 11½ mile walk at this time of year was risky to finish before darkness. The first challenge to this was that only some trains on the way out stopped at Bayford. But this only meant we were about 15 mins late when we set out from Bayford station for Links 3 & 4 on the Hertfordshire Chain Walk. Still many autumn colours on the trees and a mild temperature. Our next time challenge was lunch at the pub — slow service meant we were 75 mins over lunch, with the picnickers getting edgy. And it was rather pricey. The afternoon was more of rolling countryside with some woods and some open vistas. However, even with these time challenges we did just about get on the train before darkness hit us (if only the train hadn't been delayed 30 mins). Details here.
Bishops Stortford to Roydon: a misty morning found 17 of us walking through the gentle countryside alongside the River Stort. Starting at Bishops Stortford we reached Harlow Mill for lunch at the Beefeater, and then made our way along the river again to Harlow Town where the walk finished. As there was still some light, six people continued to Roydon and caught the train home from there. An atmospheric peaceful autumn day, still with good leaf cover on the trees and the occasional watery sounds of coot and mallard on the river. Details here.
Dover to Folkestone: the walk started in the worst possible circumstances. As the group got off the train at Dover station, the rain was torrential. Despite this there was near unanimity amongst the 10 of us that we get going now we were here. We were rewarded not just by rain but by a torrent rushing down half the busy B road we were walking beside and half way up the pavement. After 10 minutes we left the road, headed uphill at the start of the Downs and into woods with plenty of tree cover so we were no longer drowning. After less than half an hour of a long steady wooded climb, we emerged at the top of the Downs with the rain almost finished and magnificent views back towards Dover and in particular to Dover Castle, Dover Harbour and the sea. We turned away from the sea and stayed high on the Downs for the next few miles with no rain and lovely downland views, finally heading towards the sea again at Capel le Ferne, where we stopped for a simple but very agreeable lunch at the almost empty Battle of Britain museum there, with wonderful views (we were at clifftop height) across the Channel. After lunch, we started with a clifftop walk then a fairly steep descent towards Folkestone, passing a Martello Tower and then at sea level briefly walking along the promenade past the harbour into the old town, where everyone partook of tea and cake, finishing with a 15 minute walk to the station and the right train back. Details here.
Otford: unusually reliable and fast SE Rail transport took 10 of us to Otford Kent by 10.30am for the start of this 13k circular walk. Relatively short but in some parts rather challenging as much of the walk is up to and on the North Downs which on occasion led to slow progress. The walk was through much open countryside and mixed woodlands with wonderful views over the Darent valley and towards London and Canary Wharf. Rain threatened from time to time but the weather was generally good with some sun, and with the leaves changing in colour this was an excellent day of autumnal walking. A good lunch stop at The Crown in the village of Shoreham — a very attractive and historic village — left only a shortish walk back to Otford and an early return to Islington. Chocolates were, of course, on offer. Details here
Chess Valley: Our walk leader, Stuart, had worked out a really interesting route through the Chilterns and the weather was perfect. The paths were good underfoot and the autumn scenes along the way were glorious. There were interesting stops along the way at Latimer House and the 12th Century Holy Cross Church with the mural depicting a scene from the life of Christ. Good pub for lunch and a great day out! Details here.
Holmwood to Gomshall: much of this lovely walk was through National Trust land, the broadleaf woods and heathland of Coldharbour and Abinger Common. We were 11 walkers and had a splendid time. We left Leith Hill and its steep climb up it well alone to make the walk more accessible for all. Weather was ok, cloudy and some sun but not cold. The colour of the leafy trees was splendid as was to be expected in October. The walk was largely easy going, steadily but not very steeply going up on sandy bridleways. The views were magnificent and it’s worthwhile going back and do perhaps a Gomshall to Guilford or Dorking walk. Sadly we received a call, while still on the train, from the pub Wotton Hatch that their electricity was off and no food could be served. Luckily most of us had read the instructions and the recommended snack in their rucksack so we shared what we had between us. It did shorten the trip to most people’s delight and we easily got the 3.20pm. Three had already left at lunchtime to take a bus because of evening activities. Details here.
Coulsdon and Happy Valley: Glorious sunny weather and early autumn colours when a dozen of us walked the eight mile circular route from Coulsdon south taking in Farthing Down and Happy Valley. En route we also saw the magnificent chapel from what was Netherne psychiatric hospital, now converted into a leisure centre, and the ancient church at Chaldon with its famous medieval wall paintings. A good lunch at The Fox, a historic inn, and an early enough arrival back at the station to enjoy ice creams in the park sunshine, made it a lovely outing. Details here.
Wye to Chilham: this walk was just over nine miles. We passed through Wye Village then up and along the edge of the Wye Downs with fantastic long views down to the plain to the south and west. We turned away from the downs’ edge, going through rolling and very peaceful downland countryside. We stopped for lunch at the tiny hamlet of Sole Street then continued before finally descending slowly and gently to the pretty village of Chilham. Details here.
40th Anniversary Celebrations — Walking Around London, Chigwell to Harold Wood: Islington U3A's contribution to this initative for all London u3as to participate in walking the 230 miles around the Capital Ring and the LOOP. Our allocation was two adjacent sections of seven miles then five miles of the 'LOOP'. The 11 of us on the walk collectively contributed 125 miles. While rain threatened it turned out a fine day through mostly rural landscape with many 'Interesting Facts' en route. Details here.
Exmoor, Extended Walking 2022: our annual weekend away was to Exmoor. We had four fine days of walking with spectacular views every day. Encountering real hills was a novelty for this London-based walking group but all rose to the challenge successfully. Details here.
Deal to Dover: Jan stepped in at short notice to fill a gap in our schedule. The walk started just after midday at Deal station from where we walked five minutes to the seafront, past Deal castle, then for a mile or so along the promenade path to Walmer castle. From here we took an uphill path slightly inland to Hawkhill Down, a lovely, small but rewilded down that notices informed us, with other details, served in both wars as an airfield for our war planes. From here we walked to the village of Kingsdown with lovely elevated sea views as we walked, before returning to sea level and the coast via an enclosure where we spotted spotted pigs. We then climbed up on to the cliffs at the start of the six miles or so of the famous White Cliffs and the clifftop path. We lunched at the Pines Cafe in St Margaret's Bay, which also serves as a museum for the huge amount of WW2 history there (it was known as Hellfire Corner because of its position and the firing across the Channel — France is only 18 miles away). After lunch we headed slightly inland into coastal rolling downland before hitting the coast again at the lighthouse above St Margaret’s Bay — another spectacular view both ways as the coast turns a corner here. We then followed the dramatic coast and cliffs round to Dover with long views of the enormous port area as we got near. The walk finished with a short descent to the front at Dover then a further ten minutes to the train which departed at 5.45pm, reaching London an hour later. Details here.
Stanford-le-Hope to Pitsea: this was an 11 mile walk along the Thames Estuary path (and now part of England's Coastal Trail). We passed through many nature reserves. Low-lying and we could imagine when most of this was under water, hence all the churches built up on hillocks. Lunch was at Fobbing, the start of the Peasants' Revolt. Then a bit of a trudge on to Pitsea. Details here.
Tewin: this was a 10 mile circular from Welwyn North, done before but with variations. Because it was a Monday the regular pub was closed, so we had to tweak the route and have a late lunch at a different pub. But all worked out OK. A good walk with a variety of landscapes. Details here.
Berkhamsted: this Berkhamsted circular took seven of us past the substantial remains of an important 11th to 15th century motte-and-bailey castle, up to the 1832 Bridgewater monument on the Ashridge estate dedicated to ‘the father of inland navigation’ — the Duke of Bridgewater was famous for building canals — and back to the station along the Grand Union canal built in the 1790s (but not by him). Lunch at the National Trust cafe halfway round included ice creams. The route was loosely based on previous walks but as one group member said ‘I’ve done the walk to the Bridgewater monument several times but never quite like this’. A jolly ticket collector organised a communal singing of Happy Birthday to one of the passengers on the train home, in which we participated, maybe helped by the purchase of cold beers at Berkhamsted station… We were brought down to earth by a torrential downpour on arrival in Islington, having enjoyed fine dry weather all day. Details here.
Broxbourne Woods: we changed this walk, due to the forecasted high temperatures, to this one because it was in woods for a fair proportion of the time, as the name suggests. This was much appreciated. With temperatures into the low 30s shade was essential. It was also a shortened version of a walk that we've done previously. The lunchtime refreshment stop was also much appreciated not to mention the extra pub stop at the end. Details here.
Windsor and Eton: This 9.7 mile walk was a last-minute proposal to fill an empty slot in our weekly schedule. It did come up against an obstacle, which meant the route was not all off-road but despite that there were a lot of positives, one of which that it attracted 15 walkers. We used the Elizabeth Line: for most people this was their first trip and they were impressed, especially that there was no cost with the freedom pass. At Slough we changed trains where the guard kindly held the train for us for the six minute trip to Windsor & Eton Central. We started with a short walk from the station to join the Thames Path in Windsor. The original plan was to walk through Windsor Park to join the riverside path along the Thames to Albert Bridge, but the park is now closed. Instead we followed the Thames Path all the way to the Albert Bridge, then looped back along the road directly to Datchet, which although not ideal, has pleasant and wide footpaths. We stopped in the pleasant town centre of Datchet for our lunch. The food came promptly, so quickly that the drinks came afterwards! The food was good and the Royal Stag Pub set us up at a nice long table outside, with loads of privacy and plenty of opportunity for picnickers to join us. After lunch we walked on a path parallel to the golf course, then across Eton’s playing fields and past the college, which fuelled much conversation and opinions by the walkers! We continued along the river and through some meadows to the hamlet of Eton Wick. Just before reaching Windsor, we had a majestic view of Windsor Castle, the perfect photo stop. Then we were back to the station, some with an ice cream, for the return journey to London. Details here.
Wye to Canterbury: this was an easy 12 mile wander along wide, gentle and sometimes very ancient (the PiIgrims Way no less) paths to Canterbury. We climbed up to the top of the North Downs then through varied but very mature woodland, descending to Chilham for lunch in the town square cafe. Chilham is a very picturesque place with its hilltop square, edged by lovely old often medieval buildings and a castle. After lunch, we dropped a little to follow the pretty, burbling Stour River, right into Canterbury and our station, which we reached without really noticing any suburbs en route. The timing was impeccable. The London train came into the station as we arrived and the last of our group got on a second before the doors closed! Details here.
Tunbridge Wells: an 11 mile walk through rolling Kent countryside, with occasional brief forays into Sussex. So much beautiful woodland! Welcome shade on a day which turned out to be warmer than predicted. The Crown at Groombridge didn’t disappoint, and Groombridge Manor with its surrounding moat lived up to its reputation as a popular setting for period films. Thanks to local guest leaders Tony and Libby for helping to organise and providing a change of company for the eight regulars who came. Details here.
Sandling to Folkestone: On a fine, dry but pre-heatwave Tuesday, the group and leader met at Sandling Station at 11.20am, walking first along an old and therefore shady disused railway line past Kentish orchards to the village of Saltwood and its imposing Norman castle, once the home of Lord "Civilisation" Clarke, then of Alan "Diaries" Clarke. Next up on to the Downs, with fantastic if hazy views as far as Dungeness, past a big military cemetery, also with great views down to the sea. We walked along the promenade at Sandgate, had an agreeable, slightly too sunny outside cafe lunch, then headed up through parkland, past Saga Holidays' well set HQ, up to the Leas, a beautiful and very wide grassy mile long promenade at cliff top height with superb Channel views. There we passed Folkestone's two top and still imposing Edwardian hotels, the Metropole and the Grand, both now sadly defunct, before pausing for a well deserved tea, then turning off to the station for the 5.00pm back to London. Much packed into nine miles. Details here.
Sawbridgeworth and Bishops Stortford: this was a varied 11 mile walk through the attractive Stort valley on a dry, sunny if slightly humid day. The route took us from Sawbridgeworth, a town with many fine listed buildings, out to open countryside with golden fields under big blue skies, and via the village of High Wych to take a look at its church with unusual interior wall decoration. Then to the tranquil towpath of the meandering River Stort Navigation with its mills, maltings, locks and narrowboats. Next, a detour via Pishiobury Park, a historic Grade ll* listed parkland, before returning to the river to head back into Sawbridgeworth for lunch. The afternoon route continued north along the towpath until Tednambury Lock where we headed cross country via Hallingbury Mill, through villages, paddocks, woods and a lovely private garden to eventually rejoin the towpath at Twyford Lock to take us into Bishop’s Stortford. Lots to enjoy and surprisingly few people about. Details here.
Welwyn: the trains ran on time, the weather was perfect for walking, the route passed through woodland, grassland and fields awash with barley and wheat, and lunch at the ancient Brocket Arms was pronounced good enough. We walked part of the Lea Valley, the Hertfordshire Way and the Ayot Green Way, a disused railway line. The backdrop to the photo (to follow) is the old Norman church in Ayot St Lawrence, the village where George Bernard Shaw lived for 40 years. Details here.
Amersham: to avoid train and tube disruption we stayed close to London for this 8½ mile walk around Amersham via Chalfont St Peter. 12 of us set off from Amersham and had a good lunch in the garden of The Feathers pub in Chalfont St Giles. Two of our party peeled off after lunch, and the remaining 10 continued on to Old Amersham across fields of ripening barley and wheat, interspersed with paths almost swamped by stinging nettles. Storm clouds threatened, but no rain materialised, and we had a delicious tea in the town before tramping back up the hill to catch the Metropolitan line back to London. We seemed somehow to have walked 9½ miles with no ill effects. Details here.
Around Lewes: this was a circular walk of about 10 miles (depending on which app you looked at!) on a hot day. We last did this walk in May 2018 so it was good to get back on the South Downs. The climb up out of Lewes to the South Downs was the tricky bit but then the views and the cooler breeze made this worthwhile. The skylarks and birds of prey soared above us. We then left the Downs and dropped down to picturesque Rodmell for lunch. After a good lunch we stayed in the Ouse valley and wound our way back toward Lewes (hot again!). We paused to view the Grand Design house as we entered Lewes. Most stayed for a cream tea before heading home. Details here.
Margate to Ramsgate: The sun was out when our group, including a new iU3A and Longer Walks member who was delightful, met at Margate station to start our walk to Ramsgate via the beach and coastal path. Our walk leader Pia took us past the Turner Contemporary museum, Antony Gormley’s Another Time, onto the soft sandy beaches of —Walpole, —Palm, —Botany and Joss Bay where four of us enjoyed a picnic (thanks Pia for sharing your delicious sandwiches) and the rest climbed the cliff to have a quick lunch in the Captain Digby pub. Braving a little drizzle we arrived at quaint Broadstairs to have a hot cuppa in the Jetty Cafe waiting for the pub lunchers. We then made our way via the beach and the promenade on to Ramsgate to catch our various trains home from there. Potential swimmers might have felt disappointed for the lack of opportunity but the walk by the seaside was certainly pleasant, invigorating and a good occasion to renew acquaintances and make new friends. Details here
Sevenoaks: with a return ticket of £3.45 and a short train ride this must be one of the nicest and best bargain walks outside of London. Leaving the station at 10.30 we were soon walking through the Knole House Estate deer park and then into pretty undulating Kent countryside heading towards Ightham Mote, a wonderful mediaeval moated house where we would have a cafe lunch. The afternoon return was along the Greensand Way, a lovely wooded ridge walk with occasional spectacular views across the Kent Weald. Leaving the Greensand way we re-entered Knole Park with plenty of time to have a leisurely tea and cake stop, enjoy the sunshine, and admire the wonderful roof line of Knole House. Details here.
Wye to Westhanger: the group gathered shortly after 11.00 at Wye station just east of Ashford, on the London–Canterbury line on a fine, semi-cloudy and breezy day. We skirted the village and headed up onto the aptly named Wye Downs, part of the North Downs. At the top we reached and indeed trod on the Wye Crown, a huge chalk crown etched into the top of the hillside about 120 years ago and visible from quite a distance below. Here we joined the North Downs Way and from here on had fantastic views to the south west as we walked the Downs’ leading edge with a sharp drop into the plain below. Once up the walking was fairly easy and peaceful. After about five miles we began our short descent from the top to the village of Brabourne, arriving at the Five Bells pub on the dot of 2.00pm, precisely as per programme (!) for what all said was a very good lunch, outside but with canvas cover protection. For our final four miles, we headed first to Brabourne church and through the churchyard, and then through gently rolling farmland and pasture, with lovely downland views above us on our left, until at the edge of a wood we came unexpectedly on large numbers of orchids, to the delight of the more flower-minded members of the group. At the end we trudged through the (perfectly nice) village of Stamford, crossed the bridge over the roaring M20 to arrive at Westenhanger station in good time for the train from Dover back to London. Details here.

Roydon: with good, quick tube and rail links, we started walking before 10.30, leaving Roydon and the Stour River to head into surprisingly rolling south Hertfordshire countryside and sunshine. We followed the Harcamlow Way heading north, meeting and then taking the Hertfordshire Way to drop steeply with good views of the Lea Valley to the west. We had a very agreeable and promptly served lunch sitting outside just beside the Lea River at the Jolly Fisherman pub in the attractive small town or big village of Stansted Abbotts. After lunch we followed the Riverside path of the New River, which remains close to the Lea itself but ends up in Islington. In our case it brought us to Broxbourne Station, the planned end of our 10 mile walk. As it was only just after 2.00 and the group was full of beans, we all decided to go for a three mile extension to Cheshunt via flat well-marked paths through woods and lakes in Lea Valley Country Park. We still managed to get back to Islington by 5.00. All in all, a satisfying, energetic day's walk. Details here.
Berwick to Exceat: starting from Berwick from a ‘hidden’ path we walked through pastures and enclosed path towards our first of two churches in the pretty village of Alciston. The next church at Berwick was the true highlight of the walk because exquisitely decorated by members of the Bloomsbury Group in the 1930s. Via fields, slightly climbing and then descending with great views of the South Downs we arrived for an excellent and efficient lunch at The George in Alfriston. The sun came out and we walked to Exceat along the meandering river Cuckmere towards the eponymous Haven where half of our group took the bus to Seaford. The lucky ones, with no evening commitments, had a glorious late afternoon 90 minute walk in full sun and with magnificent views backwards towards the Seven Sisters. After a well deserved drink at the Steamworks and Fish & Chips for one, we returned. No swims were attempted although PD definitely owes us one having harassed me all the way about where and when. Full details here.


Flitwick: we were seven on this walk with a dodgy weather forecast but were spared the worst. It was actually a very nice day with some good sunshine, occasional wind and some rain at the beginning but nothing serious. We followed the tranquil Flit River, where the muddy path had transformed itself into a good hard path since my last visit, and meandered along the shady wooded fringes of Flitwick Moor, and then away from the river through a couple of quiet villages, en route passing the Grade I-listed De Grey Mausoleum in Flitton. After a very good lunch in The Flying Horse which had just reopened after a major refurbishment we walked below the the ridge for a nice stretch through and along Maulden Wood, with some fine views south to the Chiltern Hills. The highlight was the passage through Flitton and Flitwick Moors, along a narrow path through the very heart of Flitwick Moor. The rain held off till we had boarded the train. Details here.



Erith to Bexley: a walk we last did in 2015 but we enjoyed the repeat. It was an easy 8½ mile walk, initially along the Thames then turning inland through some of south London's green spots. We did have some unforeseen events. The detour we took to see the Grade II listed moat house turned out to be a dead end so after the viewing we had to retrace our steps. Then although we seemed to be following the London Loop directions, the 'Site Manager' of a building development insisted we couldn't pass through leading to another detour. This all led to us being rather late for our pub booking but luckily we still could fit in. After lunch it was straightforward following London Loop directions to Old Bexley. Details here.


Kelvedon: despite dire warnings of

Bayford and Little Berkhamsted: fourteen people attended this very enjoyable 8¾ mile ramble. Fortunately, it was a dry and fresh day between a few wet days and Storm Eunice of Friday 18th. The walk was extremely muddy at times, especially during the morning section. The party arrived at the Five Horseshoes pub, Little Berkhamsted, at 12.50pm, and had a good and very reasonably priced meal. Having pre-ordered our food options, we did not have long to wait for our food. The afternoon section was shorter, and less muddy, and we arrived back at Bayford Station with four minutes to spare to get the 15.17 train home. Details here.

Dollis Valley Green Walk and Hampstead Heath: this was a pleasant winter walk of just under nine miles starting at Woodside Park to follow the Dollis Brook south to Hampstead Heath Extension and then to North End for lunch. A booking of 17 was a challenge for this busy pub but they coped well. After lunch we cut through to Hill House Gardens and the Pergolas, then went on to the Heath via Kenwood and passed the ponds. The possibility of a tea stop was too much so none went on up Parliament Hill; instead the tea and cake was much appreciated. Details here.

















Past Walks
We are now in our ninth year.
To see details of our eighth year (October 2020 - Sept 2021) look here.
To see details of our seventh year (October 2019 - Sept 2020) look here.
To see details of our sixth year (October 2018 - Sept 2019) look here.
To see details of our fifth year (October 2017 - Sept 2018) look here.
To see the details for walks in the previous year (Oct 2016 - Sept 2017) look here.
If you want to see details of the walks we completed in our third year (Oct 2015 - Sept 2016) then look here.
The Longer Walks group continued to flourish
during its second highly successful year (Oct 2014 - Sept
2015). We ended that year with 86 members and having
completed 44 walks — covering a total of 437 miles. Each
walk is remembered and celebrated here.
Going back further, we ended our first year
(Oct 2013 - Sept 2014) with 70 members and having completed
21 walks. For the facts and figures click here
and for the words and pictures for each, click here.
For a complete listing of all our walks to
date click here.
site designed by Gill Hopkins
logo designed Tattersal
Hammarling & Silk
registered charity number 1157067