We walk northwards and westwards towards Regent’s Park (Matilda Fountain and Sir Cowasjee Jehangir Readymoney’s fountain) and possibly Little Venice, including New River Head /Quentin Blake centre and history of the New River. Meet 10.00 Blackfriars station north side.
If you have a favourite drinking fountain (especially if it was installed by the Metropolitan Drinking Fountain and Cattle Trough Association) let Pam know and we will do our best to include it in the itinerary.
The weather forecast had been for a bright sunny day so I had my fingers crossed. It would be a welcome change after the repeated days of grey skies and rain we had been experiencing for many weeks. Sure enough that’s how the day started and it stayed that way making the walk even more special. Seventeen of us assembled outside Amersham station. There was a short delay whilst members used the nearest public toilets because the station toilets were closed and after the usual briefing we set off.
Continue reading AMERSHAM via CHALFONT St. GILES on 14th March 2026→
The Great Wood itself was quite muddy in parts but nothing we couldn’t cope with and was soon followed by a short steep ascent and descent down to the lovely village of Hambleden for lunch.
Some of the group ate a picnic outside the church – enhanced with cake and coffee from the village shop, whilst others braved the crowds in the Stag and Huntsman pub.
The church is disproportionately large compared to the size of the village. It boasts the fact that WH Smith, founder of the newsagents and stationery chain, is buried in the churchyard and inside has a wooden chest which travelled with Lord Cardigan during the ill-fated charge of the Light Brigade. It also has a beautiful painted ceiling and an organ. In fact one of our members spent some time chatting with the organist before she began to play.
After lunch we contoured the side of the valley, with fine views, before crossing the Thames over the dramatic weir at Hambledon Mill where we were joined by another polyrambler to complete the remainder of the walk. We then crossed the water meadows to the tiny village of Aston, before the final stretch over the lower part of Remenham Hill – mainly arable fields, though with small patches of woodland, back to Henley. Here about half of the group stopped for tea and cake before making their way home.
Although the sun did not really appear, the rain held off and we had a lovely day.
Rochelle
Photos by Ida and Joyanna
Swiss Cottage is one of London’s best-kept “local secrets” for spring blooms. While most tourists flock to Kew Gardens or Greenwich, Swiss Cottage offers a stunning, concentrated display of cherry blossoms right next to the Underground station.
Continue reading Cherry blossom time has now arrived at Swiss CottageWe were so lucky for this walk. It was a sunny day with blue skies. It was even more appreciated because it was sandwiched between never ending rainy and miserable days. Eleven Polyramblers turned up for the walk (including me, the leader).
Continue reading WEDNESDAY 4 FEBRUARY: THE GREEN LONDON WAY PART 8 – WIMBLEDON PARK TO RICHMOND
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
