A lovely walk yesterday following the Ridgeway long distance trail from Wendover to Tring.  Another good turn out of 17 walkers on a fine, if chilly, morning. We headed through the village of Wendover and past St Mary’s Church where a Spring fayre was being set up in the graveyard. The walk took us into Wendover Woods which were full of bluebells. We walked through a large field of cattle with their Continue reading SATURDAY 29th APRIL: WENDOVER to TRING (LINEAR): →

Fifteen PolyRamblers and one guest turned out for stage five of the Icknield Way on Saturday. Heading east from Royston, the weather seemed more promising than forecast and we were soon shedding waterproofs and fleeces. We passed the Greenwich Meridian line and then left the busy A505 to head across country, following field edges and green lanes. Soon we left Hertfordshire for Continue reading SATURDAY 22nd APRIL: ICKNIELD WAY: ROYSTON to GREAT CHESTERFORD →

On a sunny but chilly morning, twenty-two members assembled at Denham Station for a gentle walk in the Colne Valley. After visiting the quaint village and the grave of Sir John Mills, we headed through the adjacent Country Park and then joined the Grand Union Canal. We followed the towpath for around three miles during which we passed a group of new age campers protesting against HS2 . Some of us signed the proffered petition while others hurried by without stopping! Our lunch stop the Coy Carp awaited us at the end of the towpath and fortunately it was just warm enough to sit outside to eat our food. We then headed west between lakes accompanied by numerous midges before the only climb of the day through farmland and woods. Finally we skirted Denham Aerodrome before reaching the station for our return journey. A bag of Cadbury’s Mini-Easter Eggs helped to alleviate any aches and pains!

Danny

Photos by Pam and Gillian

We had beautiful sunshine for this day out in Gloucestershire, a bit further than our average walks. 8 Polyramblers braved the longer journey to Kemble. After walking through a meadow, we found the infant Thames which we followed for a while. We crossed more meadows and reached the source of the Thames (dry) marked by a stone. We continued the walk along the abandoned Severn and Thames Canal until we reached the Coates Tunnel. We had a leisurely lunch at The Tunnel Inn but resisted the desserts. We walked through more fields before reaching the source again where we had a celebratory piece of chocolate provided by the leader. We then retraced our steps to the lovely Kemble station.

Dominique

I did consider catching the though train from Flitwick to Coulsdon(the ramble’s train), but wisely decided to catch the earlier one leaving 0920. With the arrangement for the party to meet at Blackfriars to board the ramble’s train, this would give me 15 mins there between trains to buy some refreshment. Meeting at Blackfriars is a first, for my nearly 39 years in this club!
However, my refreshment plan was somewhat thwarted, as, my train into London got delayed near Radlett, so on reaching Blackfriars there was only 3 mins to spare & no time to go to the kiosks downstairs. Still, I was gratified to see a huddle of 10 Polyramblers gathered at the centre of the platform, enjoying a view down the Thames to Tower Bridge.
We all boarded the ramble’s train, the party being in high spirits as we journeyed through the suburbia full of conversation! Coulsdon is the last station on the edge of London. From there we just walked around the corner to the edge of Farthing Down and along a wooded path along its side. After 2 miles the land rises slightly at Coulsdon Common, with lovely views down Happy Valley on the way. Lunch was enjoyed at The Fox PH on the Common. From there we proceeded southwards and westwards and an hour later reached Chaldon church and spent a liitle time inside to see the murals on the rear wall.
The rest of the walk took us along the opposite side of Happy Valley where there were good views of the Shard and City skyscrapers! By now a shower of rain had cleared giving way to a rainbow. We soon got back to the station and immediately bundled into an arriving London train.

Geoffrey Waters

Photos by Pam