I was surprised and pleased to find eighteen hardy walkers had arrived at Berkhamsted Station on an unusually dry morning. After the safety briefing we started the walk heading right from the station and then along the Grand Union Canal passing some pubs and cafes along the way. The path was not as muddy as when Jennifer and I did the recce previously. 

We left the canal path after  2 miles and then made our way to Sharpe’s Lane where we crossed the A251 safely. We then continued uphill on Sugar Lane to Bottom Farm which had some lovely views. We passed a really well constructed tree house on the way to the Granary. Here we turned right in the direction of Swing Gate Lane instead of taking the planned route in order to avoid a really muddy ploughed field. After a gentle ascent we found a suitable picnic spot. 

Continue reading Berkhamsted Circular Walk on 21st February 2026 →

A select group of six of us enjoyed a beautiful walk along the
Thames shaded by the trees, with excellent lighting and the coolness
afforded by the green covering. Almost all the path was tarmac, making for dry and easy walking disturbed only by the odd bikes and runners.

Rob H

Eighteen walkers braved the winds and set off from West Ruislip station into beautiful open space following the Hillingdon Trail (HT) and along the river Pinn. On reaching Old Clack farm, we noticed an original dovecote from the gate. By now the weather too improved.
After negotiating the first stile we continued through a field and then a narrow path behind residential housing and a school. The end of this path lead to crossing a road and then following a tree lined path into an open grassy space and woodland track to take us towards Ruislip Lido and the Riverside Café for an early lunch stop. Picnic lunches were enjoyed on the beach, while some walkers chose to sit in the Café, which offered a good selection of snacks, meals, drinks, and cakes.

Following lunch and a beach group photo, we proceeded round the lake admiring the various wild fowl enjoying their swim in the sunshine. Picking up the HT again we set off past the golf course and woodland. The miniature railway track which goes through the lido could be seen. Perhaps a ride on the railway could have been included within this walk?

On leaving the path, we find ourselves on an uphill climb, with no reward of sprawling country views. However, we go through a meadow and reach a sports field. Following a track leading into a residential area, we find ourselves on the footpath, leading to Northwood Hills Station, signalling the end of a short but very scenic walk.

Carol D’Souza. Photos by Hilary, Rajesh and Gillian

The sun was shining brightly when ten members and one guest met at Chingford Station on Sunday 16th June for a six mile walk through a lesser known section of Epping Forest. The original route north of the station was changed as it replicated much of a recent walk in the same area. We headed south skirting a golf course and passing a 16th century hunting lodge before joining the Centenary Walk. It commemorates the 1878 Act which saved the ancient forest of Waltham from development. The way was fairly easy to follow despite poor waymarking. The terrain was mainly dry and the few muddy patches were generally easy to bypass. After a few miles we entered the Highams Park which was formerly the grounds of a manor house. Here we stopped for lunch at Humphrey’s Cafe and admired the lake which was formed by damming the river Ching. We continued on through the forest avoiding busy roads via footbridges and underpasses before reaching our destination Leytonstone. Here most of us quenched our thirst with a well-earned drink in a Wetherspoons.

Danny
Photos courtesy of Jackie Copeland