The weather forecast for our first small group walk, post-lockdown was not encouraging – heavy rain and thunderstorms in the afternoon. In spite of this the full complement of 12 pre-booked walkers turned up at Amersham.  In line with government guidelines we split into two groups of six and set off, initially on tree lined streets and then woodland paths with views across the Chess Valley. One walker turned back at this point but the rest continued down into the valley and back up the other side on a narrow lane. We passed some attractive farm properties at the top. From there we Continue reading AMERSHAM/CHESHAM CIRCULAR 25 JULY →

Our 10 mile walk starts through the normally busy Saturday streets of the town but we have an opportunity to socially distance ourselves from the high street and detour past the pretty church. Outside Sackville College, a Jacobean Almshouse, where all residents are currently self-isolating, we pass the statue to the NZ surgeon Archibald McIndoe who pioneered plastic surgery for WWII airmen at the local hospital. Finally, we leave the town behind and set off across mixed farm and wood land where we are bound to see bluebells at this time of year. Continue reading East Grinstead circular Virtual walk at the end of April →

Thirty five polyramblers joined this lovely outer London walk, Perivale woods being the main attraction, for the blue- bells. We made our way to the Grand Union Canal.  A cyclist said to us to look out for turtles, however, couple of polyramblers confirmed that we were looking at pink ear terrapins.

We arrived at Perivale Woods soon after. The blue bells were in full bloom and you could miss fragrant floral smell. We saw plenty of bird boxes and a hide. A great spot to listen to the birds, we heard wrens, blue tits, great tits, wood packer and chiffchaffe. Then we walked up to Horsenden Hill for great views. Here Jennifer shared chocolates with us. Then we made to Ballot Box Pub. The staff we superb and service was superb considering twenty of us wanted food and they had another group of thirty customers.After lunch we walked to Harrow, we were able to admire the Harrow School buildings, and St Mary Church. We had tea at Spire Café, as the funds were for being raised good cause.

We made our way to Harrow- on the Hill Station after visiting Lord Byron’s Tomb. Some members went to Cathy’s for tea. Thanks to Ida for the lovely photos Sunita

Danny kept up his usual standard for Easter Saturday, attracting a crowd of 24 walkers to Langley in spite of very uninviting weather.  After a short walk along the canal we headed into the vast Langley Park Estate, once home to the Duke of Marlborough, with a lake designed by Capability Brown, an arboretum and rhododendron gardens. Admittedly it wasn’t the best type of day to appreciate these features but the weather gradually improved and the walking was easy with only muddy paths to contend with.  After five miles we left the park and headed for lunch at the Crooked Billet at Iver Heath which provided good, reasonably priced food and friendly welcoming staff.  By the time we left the pub the sun was out.  Nine walkers left to get the bus back to Langley, fortified by chocolate eggs (thanks Danny) and the rest carried on for the last two or three miles through the Park Estate, passing some exotic waterfowl and an impressive display of daffodils.    On the last stretch our path was impeded by a fallen tree which took a bit of team work to negotiate without crawling on the muddy trunk.  A very pleasant day.

Gillian