Background
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

Walks coming up
Our full programme of walks in 2021 is shown in the Members' System ('Beacon'). The link is here. Log in then look up 'Schedule'. Add the dates to your diary now! The near term walks are also highlighted below. A week or so before the specific walk date, we'll make available the full walk details (including the meeting point) on this web page.

Please sign up individually below for each walk you plan to join. You can sign by clicking on the walk date (when sign-up is open the date is in blue), then a Sign-up Form will open. To drop out of a walk, please return to the form, and enter your details again but with a 'No' instead of a 'Yes'.

Tuesday 14 September, Hayes to Knockholt (sign-up open): A 10 mile linear walk in NW Kent within the Freedom Pass zone. Rural in character, through fields, woods and valleys in London’s ‘Green Belt’. Drop-out points available. Details here.

Monday 20 September, Speldhurst, Tunbridge Wells: a pleasant just over 10 mile circular walk crosses Tunbridge Wells common then heads west through High Rocks and Groombridge. The route then heads north reaching Speldhurst before turning south to return Tunbridge Wells via Rusthall. Drop by taxi possible. Details here.

SPECIAL — Jan is offering to lead a three day walking trip for iU3A LWs based around Deal, Kent, from 28-30 Sept. Come for the full three days or just for a single day. People will have to book their own accommodation — some options are indicated in the Walk Details sheet. Numbers need to be firmed up now therefore please sign up here. It should be fun and provide three days' walking. Full details now here.

Friday 01 October — details to follow
Wednesday 06 October — details to follow
Wednesday 13 October — details to follow
Tuesday 19 October — details to follow
Friday 29 October — details to follow

Lookahead provisional schedule 2021:
November: Thursday 4th, Wednesday 10th, Tuesday 16th, Friday 26th
December: Thursday 2nd, Wednesday 8th

09 to 12 September, Extended Walk 2022 — for 2022 we are going to Lulworth Cove, Dorset. We will have sole occupancy of the whole of the hf Holidays house there. A deposit has been paid already to reserve the house for us. If you wish to reserve a place now please pre-register now here.

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.

• 2017
• 2018
• 2019
  

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)
  

Also if you want to see on a map where we have walked (and have selected a particular walk's details) then click here.

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:

• New River
• Clerkenwell Walks
• Moselle River Haringey
  

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.

Recent Walks
Chesham and Little Missenden: the planning for this 9+ mile walk was all a bit last minute, but “Chesham and Little Missenden” turned out to be a good route. Walking through this area of the Chilterns is very pleasant with rolling hills and countryside. It is an isolated rural area with very few buildings. With a temperature of 30 degrees, the areas of shade provided by the woodland areas proved to be very welcome. Lunch in the garden at the Red Dragon was good, with great fast service. Little Missenden is a quaint village and they even offer free plums to pick straight from the tree! We were all tempted by superb ice creams in the High Street at Chesham before catching the Metropolitan Line back to Kings Cross. Details here.

Haslemere: Ten of us, including a new member, Michael, set out from Haslemere station to walk to Hindhead and the Devil’s Punchbowl where we had an early lunch at the National Trust Cafe. The route took us through woods and across hills on the Greensand Way with the first of the heather showing amongst the bracken. We continued, having admired the fine view across the Punchbowl from a viewing point, up to Gibbet Hill, and more fine — albeit murky — views from the trig point. We dropped down through woods, where the leader (who had stepped in at the last minute with no time to recce properly) took the party on a somewhat circuitous and unplanned route to Grayswood and on to Haslemere for much-needed tea and cakes. In the end, we had walked over nine hilly miles. Details here.

Leatherhead to Box Hill — this was a ten mile linear walk, a great walk organized very last-minute to fill what would have been a gap in the schedule, and we can’t have that. Since the Leader was about to do the rather challenging Tour du Mont Blanc some training on hills, any hills within travelling distance of Islington, was required. Box Hill evoked good memories, with its splendid views towards the South Downs. Starting at Leatherhead for variety, we meandered along the river Mole southwards to White Hill and then via lovely woods, where we had a convivial picnic, ending at Box Hill. Some steep ascents and descents to give all muscles a chance, use it or lose it, we reached a for once well-stocked NT cafe in time for tea and the promised cake. Most sat in the courtyard but some returned to the open hillside to enjoy tea with a view; and they could not leave to catch an early train having succumbed to the beautiful early evening warm sunshine. Return was by a lovely Stepping Stone route to the station where four of us just missed one train but got the next five minutes later (next one 55 min later; bizarre timetable!!). Details here.

Saunderton — this was a ten mile circular walk in the Chilterns through a mix of woodland and sloping meadows via Bradenham, Hughenden Manor (NT), and West Wycombe caves. A combination of technologies, GPS and iPhone (thank you Pia and Jenny!), paper map and Saturday Walkers Club route details kept us on track for this lovely Chilterns walk which had last been walked by the leader several  years ago. It was a lovely dry August day, wild flowers and butterflies in profusion along some meadow paths, and welcome shade in the woods, with few walkers about other than us, but at Hughenden Manor for lunch it seemed the whole of Bucks was in the cafe queue, and horror of horrors, there were no sandwiches left. Fortified with curry pasties and cheese scones we set off across country to West Wickham, the site of the Hellfire caves and the Dashwood family mausoleum which sits on a steepish hill with commanding views of the surrounding countryside. From here it was an easy return to Saunderton along the valley ridge. Details here.

Witley — Eight of us set out from Witley station on a beautiful, sunny day. We soon encountered mud after the recent heavy downpours, but ploughed on, crossing flower-and-long grass-filled meadows, to the village of Chiddingfold. Here we visited the old church before repairing to the Lamb for a pleasant lunch in their garden. On towards Haslemere after lunch, encountering more meadows, woods, considerable mud and fallen trees. Fortunately what had been an impassable path, due to head-height bracken on the recce, had been partially cleared, so no off-piste scrambling was required. On arrival in Haslemere on the Serpent’s Trail, we found two tea shops closed ‘for Covid reasons’, but were happy to discover Oliver’s where seven of us had a good tea and home-made cakes before the final stretch to the station. A happy day’s walking in lovely weather. Details here.

Sandling — first walked in October 2019 we headed down to the south coast to repeat this picturesque eight mile walk. The group met at Sandling, then walked through woods covering a railway cutting abandoned in the first world War, to Saltwood. Here we had a close up view of the impressive Norman castle once owned by Lord Clarke, of Civilisation fame, then his son, Alan Clarke, MP and famous diarist. Thence up onto the Kent Downs with great views to the sea and Dungeness, descending to the sea and a welcome pub lunch in Sandgate. Finally, we made our way for 2 miles along the promenade into Folkestone past all sorts of interesting artwork on the way thanks to past and present triennial art festivals there. The final artwork was an impressive Anthony Gormley figure hidden underneath a pier just above the sea itself. Then back through old Folkestone to catch the train back. A good day out! Details here.

Harpenden to St Albans — 10 of us took part in this very green and easy walk which links the wealthy Hertfordshire town of Harpenden with the historic city of St Albans. The day was fine if a little overcast and all enjoyed this walk through attractive common land, forest with countryside views and finally the pleasant approach to St Albans. The morning highlight was the brand-new forest Heartwood created by the Woodland Trust. Until 2009 the land it now covers – some 858 acres – was arable farmland. The Trust has planted hundreds of thousands of trees to create “the largest new, continuous native woodland in England”. A substantial lunch was taken at the Rose and Crown in Sanbridge village under their outside awning and the afternoon took us through the pretty Childwickbury country estate into the historic town of St Albans dominated by the Abbey at which a breakaway group stopped for afternoon tea.  And yes, of course, sweets  (millionaire's shortbread) were available. Details here.

Winchelsea to Rye — a group of 14 walkers gathered at Winchelsea station for a walk to Rye in the most indirect way. First we visited Winchelsea itself with its splendid medieval church of St Thomas’ with glorious windows, a war monument to the fallen in the Great War, and medieval Sussex marble effigies. Spike Milligan clearly thought this was an appropriate place to rest forever. Onwards out of town with some fine views over the marshes, Camber Castle, Rye and further away Dungeness Nuclear power station, the least attractive of them all. Soon we were amongst the sheep following a path through high grasses and wildflower and even orchids. One of the members veered off to visit the house where he spent many happy holidays as a young boy. For him the whole walk was a trip down memory lane in every sense. What a joy to share this with him. Great lunch at the William the Conqueror pub in Rye Harbour where three walkers left us to visit Rye itself. Or did they know more about the impending weather? Down to the beach where a beautiful yellow canopy art installation produced some much-needed shade. The tide was far out so we had the sandy beach almost to ourselves with only the birds looking for food. That’s when we became aware of an ink-black sky creeping up behind us. Most of us were truly soaked in the next hour including those with jackets (three, and one umbrella). After sheltering for some 10 minutes, we stoically continued towards Camber Castle, which looked still a stronghold after some 500 years. At just before 5pm we reached Rye station where we dispersed after the train was cancelled: one to her hotel, car to Deal, taxi to Hastings and six of us on the next train to London. A long but great day of walking interspersed with culture and good food. Details here.
 
Dedham, Essex — this was a very pleasant, easy walk through the Vale of Dedham (Constable country) which we have now visited on several occasions. This time however it was walked in reverse order. We had a later start from Manningtree and went first along the St Edmund Way to picturesque Flatford Mill, to see some famous Constable views, and where in previous walks we would have had afternoon tea. No time for morning coffee though as the very long queue stretched round the building. The number of visitors in and around the area is noticeably greater than in previous years. Heading away from this tourist hotspot we followed some lesser-travelled footpaths until picking up the riverside path leading into Dedham village. An excellent late lunch was had at the highly rated Sun Inn pub after which we followed a pretty four mile stretch of the Essex Way back to the station. A well-timed arrival there gave just enough time to pop into the Manningtree station café/bar for a quick takeaway refreshment for the journey home. Details here.

Mortimer to Theale — unfortunately instead of this being a pleasant long summer's walk, the weather let us down with regular showers, some downpours even. Normally the ground would have been baked hard but even in July we had slippy mud and puddles to navigate. However, it was good to be out in a different district, we hadn't been west of London for some time. From Mortimer station we picked up Berkshire Routes, easy paths to the Roman town of Calleva Atrebatvm (Silchester). After the Amphitheatre we scaled the city walls and patrolled along them until heading to the new town and our pub lunch. The afternoon took us through woods but with the rain paths had unfortunately become muddy and with deep puddles. We reached the River Kennet and the canal at Aldermaston (10 miles) where some left for the train. Others then carried on along the canal path to Theale (14 miles). Details here.


Etchingham to Stonegate — our party of fifteen had a great day enjoying the surprisingly quiet countryside of the Weald following a u-shaped itinerary from Etchingham up to Bewl water (which straddles both Sussex and Kent) and back down to the delightful Stonegate station reminiscent of one of those deserted Tuscan stations. Quite a few ups and downs but with many fields left wild, delightful woodlands, and the enjoyable pastime of counting oast houses; the group were surprisingly forgiving of the leader as we slithered through some very muddy paths after all the recent rain. Their tolerance may also have been thanks to the excellent food and beer in the pleasant garden of The Bull at the aptly named Three Leg Cross. Perhaps worrying that two dropped out but one had to go to go back early on a bus from Ticehurst that departed more than an hour later than advertised (sorry) and the other wanted the challenge of a longer route round Bewl to come from back from Wadhurst. Perhaps lucky that we managed to catch one of the infrequent trains only half an hour later than planned with a couple of minutes to spare. Details here.

Sevenoaks — a small select group enjoyed a cool, rain-free walk through this lovely part of Kent. Highlights included the impressive historic houses of Ightham Mote (lunch stop) and Knole House (afternoon tea stop), and some lovely views from the Greensand Way on the Kent Downs looking over the Weald to the south. This interesting walk covers a variety of terrain and passes through woodland, open countryside, deer park, past oasthouses, hop pickers' houses, and all within 25 minutes of London Bridge at a cost of £3.35 … bargain! Details here.



Extended Walking Weekend, Alnmouth — for 2021 nineteen of us we went to Northumbria for our annual event. Again we used a hf Holidays house as our base. While the south suffered with cold and rain, we basked in sun. We managed two half day walks on Friday (going north) and Monday (Lesbury circular) and two longer full day walks on Saturday (south to Warkworth) and Sunday (circular ending at Alnwick). Some visited the castle there, some went to the gardens.

All enjoyed the opportunity to be out and about again rather than being under a 'lockdown' particularly in such a nice party of the country. Details here.

Folkestone to Dover — we travelled further afield for this walk rather than just our back door of Hertfordshire walks. A bracing 10 mile walk starting in Folkestone, visiting the rejuvenated harbour, and spotting the Cornelia Parker mermaid sculpture on the rocks there. Then along the seafront path for three or four miles, heading through the Warren, the remnants of a huge landslip 100 years ago, to a deserted rock strewn beach which a day later was revealed on national TV and print news as possessing the most recent and just discovered dinosaur footprints in Britain, a mere 100 million years old. Needless to say, we didn’t notice them. Then up from beach to cliff top, through semi rain forest and a slope that some of the group found a little challenging. Lunch was at the wonderful aptly named Cliff Top café. Suitably refreshed we headed along the cliff tops with fantastic views all afternoon, the last cliff being Shakespeare Cliff, reputedly the site of King Lear’s (mistaken) jump off a cliff. We finally made it to Dover station after the final bit of the walk round the massive and impressive Napoleonic era ramparts. Details here.

Coulsdon — this was a circular walk through Farthing Down and Happy Valley. A delightful eight mile walk over chalk down land, through woods and meadows high with grasses, buttercups, oxeye daisies, yellow rattle and early purple orchids. It's not called Happy Valley for nothing. A wonderfully surprising landscape so near to Croydon ... The famous medieval wall painting in Chaldon church was helpfully explained to us by Maggie. The Fox was welcoming and service was fast, not that we minded sitting in their garden as the weather was perfect. Ice creams and tea in the park near Coulsdon South station on the way home gave us all we could have wished for on this walk. 14 contented walkers. Details here.

Welwyn to Ware — this was our first 'review & survey' of a Slow Ways route. It was a bit of a struggle finding our way through Welwyn Garden City but we eventually left the urban industrial sites and picked up the old Cole Green railway line. It continued to get better the further we progressed, the rail route providing some good shade in the very hot day. Some decided not to stop at the pub but to continue. Others enjoyed the quality food at the Cowper Arms. We carried on after lunch along the line to Hertford North, then passed Hertford East and picked up the River Lea and the canal at the start of the New River — different walking along the canal side with open skies right into Ware and a convenient pub to end and quench the thirst.
The final count showed it as a 10 mile walk. Details here.

Limpsfield — this was a walk of just over nine miles, with an attractive circular route following a mixture of woodland common paths, quiet lanes and field paths. We followed part of the Greensand Way to Limpsfield Common. After lunch we then continued through Limpsfield Chart and then followed the Tandridge Border Path passing picturesque Moat Farm and Tenchleys Manor before ascending to Pains Hill. We then rejoined the Greensand Way which took us back to Limpsfield. Details here. 




Tring Park — from Tring station it was a steady climb up to 216m with fine views then on to Ivinghoe Beacon. After that on entering Tring Park the walk followed the King Charles Ride towards Hastoe Cross. After the pub we decided to take a slightly longer route back which completed a circle. We joined the Chiltern Way at Wigginton Bottom and followed it E down to Cow Roast Lock where we picked up the canal towpath N back to Tring station. It was a good call because it came on to drizzle and we were sheltered and kept reasonably dry under the trees along the towpath. Details here.






Welwyn North to Welwyn Garden City — this is a pretty walk at any time of year, through the gently undulating Hertfordshire countryside, but probably at its best just now as the extensive woodland areas are thickly carpeted with bluebells. The sun was shining (most of the time) which made eating out in the pub garden a very pleasant experience. The food was good and plentiful — the only ‘off’ note being that our two picnickers weren’t able to come into the pub for a drink. The manager wouldn’t allow any “walk ins” in spite of there being empty tables and only days away from easing of restrictions. Apart from that blip it was a most enjoyable walk with the usual good company that makes up the Longer Walks group. Details here.

Watton-on-Stone — this was another two links in our northward journey along the Hertfordshire Chain Walk, about 11 miles in a figure of eight. It was rumoured the Leader was stalling for time as the pub lunch booking was later than required.... Or we were just observing and contemplating the local interesting facts — again. However, when we arrived at the pub, and it being outdoor serving only, it was rather gusty, then the heavens opened. Luckily by then people were leaving so we were taken pity on and given tables in the marquee. Whereas if we'd arrived earlier..... The sun came out shortly after we were on our way after lunch allowing us to to thaw out. The afternoon saw the sun come out and we made it back to Watton station just as the train pulled in. Whereas if we had been early...... Details here.

Tring to Ivinghoe — this was a lovely circular just over eight mile walk from Tring station (Hertfordshire) up to Ivinghoe Beacon where we had our picnic with 360° views. Jo-Ann brought out enough Anzac day biscuits for all 16 of us — excellent! From there we cut along the Ridgeway to the Bridgewater Monument, through the splendid beech woods of Ashridge Estate which belong to the National Trust. We've been up it previously but it was closed today. From there it was downhill via picturesque Aldbury to Tring station. Details here.

Tewin — this was a 10 mile circular walk from Welwyn North utilising links from the Hertfordshire Chain Walk. The main attraction was the ability to have a pub lunch again (even though service was a bit slow). Details here.

Broxbourne Woods West — apparently the pub that this walk was originally planned around was not going to be open, so it was to be a picnic instead. This gave us more route freedom so we ventured into new territory. Well, not that new. We still used some of the Hertfordshire Chain Walk links but joined them up differently and also joined sections of the Hertfordshire Way that we hadn't walked before. The only annoying thing was, when we passed the originally planned pub later mid-afternoon — it was open after all! But we made up for it, stopping at a different pub at the end of our walk in Brickendon for a well earned drink after this 11 miler. So all were happy. Details here.





Wellham Green to Bayford — twelve of us had an enjoyable day in perfect April weather walking 10 miles through fields, pastures, woodland and abundant blossoming blackthorn. There’ll be plenty of sloes this year. We came across an unexpected pair of white wallabies in a pinetum, and kestrels, buzzards and red kites, but very few other walkers. Because of lockdown we were able to buy welcome cups of tea at the outdoor kiosk at Brickendon golf course just before reaching the station home. Full details here.



Crews Hill & Richmond Park: hurrah, we are off walking again! And due to pent-up demand we had to run two walks. The main group headed for Hertfordshire, the 'Waiting List' headed to Richmond. With some early sun both walks were much appreciated. Strange sightings in Richmond Park though.... Details here.










Limehouse & Regents Canal: as a largish group we had to move on from H&I to Hackney Wick and get started with the walk so we could spread out. We were lucky (again) with the weather. The rain from the previous day had moved on giving us a nice clear day for our Christmas social. We were a bit more restrained this year with our Christmas bubbles or even Santa hats being kept hidden or just peaking out. Patrick as Leader kept us feed with 'Interesting Facts' along the way with a bit of addition (or intrusion) from Derek. We observed the level of development around the Olympic Park with old and new development blending together. We picked up the Limehouse Cut that took us to the river then turned into the Regents Canal and followed this to the Victoria Park. Unfortunately our planned lunch stop at the Royal in the Park was unexpectedly closed. Which meant we had to split between the park cafe and another local pub. Afte lunch we made our way back along the Regents Canal to Islington. A more restrained Christmas Social due to circumstances this year but still time to enjoy a good walk with good company. Details here.

Toward Trewin: this was our 300th walk, wey hey! It was Link 5 of the Hertfordshire Chain Walk. We walked out of Hertford picking up the Cole Green disused railway line until reaching the junction of Link 4 and 5. Last week we had turned south to do Link 4, this week we turned right to start Link 5. We had more luck this week — with the weather and finding a good place for our outdoor picnic. Seating provided. A cracking pace meant that we completed this 10 miles walk way ahead of schedule ensuring Celia could not only make her concert in the evening but with with time to recover as well. Details here.


Bayford & Hertford North: hurrah, back walking again! Unfortunately while many were keen to get out and on a proper walk again the weather forecast was poor. And on the day only eight of us braved the continuous rain. It was a good test of who had the best gear to cope with the weather. There wasn't even a warm pub to dry out a bit over lunch (due to Covid restrictions). Instead it was a quick damp picnic snack. The walk was 10 miles covering Link 4 of the Hertfordshire Chain Walk with a bit more to and from Bayford. We were all glad of the exercise but also glad to get back on a dry train. Details here.


Colne Valley: this walk was squeezed in before our second lockdown. We've walked this way quite a few times but it's still a popular nine mile walk. Heavy overnight rain had created many puddles on the towpath but the skies had cleared and there were glimpses of sun. We had reverted to our original base route taking us past the Coy Carp (which still holds our record of the slowest lunch service). These days we leave the valley and climb up the hill to the Old Orchard. Great view again from here over the whole valley — and a buzzard and a kestrel visited as we sat outside for our lunch (mixed households not being allowed indoors). That made for rather chilly alfresco dining so we were all keen to get going again. Back down and along the canal-side was more sheltered but a brisk pace was maintained. Unfortunately it was the wrong day of the week for a stop at Fran's tea shop (only open Wednesday to Sundays). But this did mean that we reached Uxbridge quite early and jumped straight on the waiting Met. line back to King's Cross. Details here.

Manningtree to Wrabness: the prospect of rain all day didn’t deter the 13 hardy souls who joined the train for the hour long ride to Manningtree. It was a short step up to join the Essex Way at St Mary’s in Lawford and a couple of miles from there into the old town of Manningtree, and along the waterfront into Mistley for an early lunch. Spirits remained surprisingly high in spite of the raindrops falling in our soup although envy of the two of our party allowed inside reared its ugly head. The leader’s attempt to pair off two of the group to join them failed as judged to be a ‘senior moment’. A brief highlight of the second section to Bradfield was passing Old Knobbly — almost as old as the combined ages of the group, and then through some muddy fields on to the wide open skies, autumn colours and wading birds of the Stour Estuary nature reserve — well let’s just say the colours were muted! Up through Wrabness with the route culminating at Grayson Perry's fantasy, A House for Essex — his gingerbread ‘Taj Mahal of the River Stour’, and dedicated to the mythical Essex everywoman, Julie, which encouraged a range of reactions — pro and con. Smiley faces to all who braved the weather. Details here.

Ponders End to Hackney Wick: this was a straightforward nine mile walk along the Lee Valley, which kept us within the Tier 2 Covid restrictions and minimised our travel. We had done sections of the Lee Valley Walk before but hadn't started previously from Ponders End. It was a good spot to pick up the trail, being close to the station. We left the canal for a detour through Walthamstow Wetlands reserve and a bit of Hackney Marshes (through low bridge for walkers) before rejoining the canal to take us to the Lea Bridge Road and the Princess of Wales pub for a very good lunch. Most of the walk was in the morning: the afternoon was a further section down the canal then branching off just before the Olympic park for Hackney Wick station. Details here.




Watford and Sarratt: twelve of us met at King's Cross for an easy hour on the underground to Watford to start our circular walk in Cassiobury Park. The sun came out and the park was truly lovely and already showing some great autumn colours. Particularly nice were the trees laden with red berries and a rather thinned out but still magnificent Lebanese Cedar. In the morning we walked through the rather wonderful Whippendel Wood to the old village of Sarratt where we enjoyed an excellent lunch in a traditional English country pub The Boot, dating from 1739, sitting in their marquee. Most of us had Fish & Chips and a half pint of draught beer. The walk itself was relatively flat and over mostly good paths on fields, rural tracks between farms and occasionally small roads. The views were probably best in the afternoon towards the Chess Valley before walking through some beautiful wood which kept us reasonably dry even during the unexpected rainfall after a sunny morning; or should the surprising weather be the other way around? Half the group was seduced by the thought of large mugs of tea and a jumbo Jaffa cake in the cafe in Cassiobury Park instead of going home. This proved an excellent decision since there was a hiccup on the line home but this was resolved the moment the late tea party arrived at Watford Station as luck would have it. A great day out. Details here.



Berkhamsted: last walked over a year ago, this was an 8½ mile autumnal walk through forest and common land of the Ashridge Estate. A socially distanced lunch was had at the outdoor café next to the Bridgewater Monument. Then we followed a canal towpath back to the station. Details here.






Harpenden to St Albans: this was another Hertfordshire walk slightly further north than previous walks in the area. It was a rather wet day from start to finish but eight brave souls ventured out over the 11 miles. The morning highlight was the Woodland Trust's brand-new forest called Heartwood (previously all arable land and now with 350,000 new trees). We were glad of the pub lunch and a chance to dry out a bit, but not so glad to go back out into it after lunch. However, Patrick's sweets kept us going. The afternoon took us through the pretty Childwickbury country estate, with views also out to another estate, Gorehambury. The final highlight was then the city of St Albans (and the tea and cake stop!). See the video here. Full details here.

Welwyn Garden City: this was an easy circular walk through attractive Hertfordshire countryside. We passed several grand houses and crossed several grand golf courses. As 50% of the attendance was Walk Leaders a cracking pace was set throughout. Entering Ayot St Lawrence we passed Shaw House, once home to George Bernard Shaw, to reach a delightful pub just as the rain came on. Service was a bit slow which was just as well, because by the time we came out the rain had stopped. We did the official presentation of our annual 'Star Walker' here — this year the award going to Jo-Ann Kennedy. We all enjoyed this walk of just over 11 miles, last done in June 2018: there were no hills to speak of. Our luck held out and it stayed dry until we were just getting to the station when the rain started again. Excellent timing. See the video here. Walk details here.


Past Walks
We are now in our eighth year.
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.