Five polyramblers  met up at Waterloo station and boarded the 0945 Portsmouth train. The journey was overcast with patches of hazy sun. After Petersfield the sky became decidedly leaden and there was a cloudburst when we alighted at Rowlands Castle station – making haste to the sheltered part of the platform.  Having set off out of the station approach, the sky started to clear and the rain almost stopped. It was about 11:30 and getting sunny. We took a stroll around the lovely village green noting various Golden/Diamond  Jubilee memorials/planted Oaks, and the small church at one end which was locked. Continue reading 30th July. Rowlands Castle and Stansted Forest →

On a nice summer’s evening, 16 Polyramblers went to explore Bermondsey, the site of Bermondsey Abbey founded in the 8th century and, later, the centre of the leather trade and tanneries. We started with Bermondsey Street with its mixture of old and new buildings. Mary pointed out number 78 where her mother used to work. We continued to St Mary Magdalen church where there is a memorial to Susanna Wood. The carving is eroded but the wording Continue reading Thursday 21 July: A Bermondsey evening walk →

It’s more than 3 years since Roy & Jane moved away from London, and a walk in area of their new home near Winchester has become an annual event. It was a lovely summer’s day as we got off the train at Shawford to find Roy waiting for us. Our journey had been uneventful although the train had initially busy with people going to the Farnborough air show. Continue reading Saturday 16th July. Shawford circular. →

Fourteen hikers turned out for our walk in Great Missenden. We followed the South Bucks Way and Chiltern Trails. We passed some pretty villages including Little and Great Hampden, Bryant Bottom and Prestwood. Our walk took us through fields, woodland and some very overgrown paths. Lucy and I both had secateurs, however,  Lucy did a better job of clearing the path. I hope everyone Continue reading Saturday 9 July: Great Missenden Circular Walk →

This attractive historic town on the river Blackwater is easily reached by bus from Chelmsford. For our leader Christine it was a trip down memory lane, as  it was at Maldon Grammar school that she started her teaching career in the 1950’s. Our first stop was at the Maeldune Heritage Centre in the main street where we viewed the Malden Emboidery. This 40 or so foot long piece was carried out to mark 1000 years since the Viking invasion of 991 and we were fortunate to have it’s history and salient points described to us by a  knowledgeable and enthusiastic volunteer guide. You can see more about it at http://www.maelduneheritagecentre.co.uk/the-embroidery/.

Continue reading July 2nd. Maldon Essex. →