LONDON STROLLERS GROUP Website: http://www.ramblers.org.uk/london-strollers Twitter Account: https://twitter.com/londonstrollers

WALKS PROGRAMME: OCTOBER TO DECEMBER 2020 Welcome to the Ramblers’ London Strollers Group, which is part of the Inner London Area.

NOTES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

IMPORTANT NOTE REGARDING COVID-19:

Please note that, following discussions between Ramblers’ Central Office and Sport , it has been agreed that as organised ‘outdoor physical activity events’, Ramblers’ group walks are exempt from the restrictions on social gatherings, known as the ‘rule of six’ in England (from 14 September). This means that group walks with up to 30 people (at the discretion of the Walk Leader) can go ahead, subject to each walk meeting certain requirements, including compulsory booking, maintenance of a register for Test and Trace purposes, and completion of risk assessments.

Ramblers Central Office has published guidance for those wishing to join group walks. Please be sure to read this carefully before going on a walk. It is available at https://www.ramblers.org.uk/coronavirus

Some important points are as follows:

1. BOOKING YOUR PLACE ON A WALK If you would like to join one of the walks listed below, please book a place by following the instructions given below. Please note that the booking arrangements may be different for different walks. Numbers on walks will be limited, so if you subsequently find that you are unable to attend, please contact the Walk Leader to cancel your booking so that someone else can take your place. Please do NOT turn up for a walk without booking, as we will have to turn you away.

2. CONTACT INFORMATION A register will be taken before the walk sets off. The contact information you have given when making your booking will be used. This data will only be used to get in touch about the walk, or to share if requested with the government’s Test and Trace system. The register will be destroyed or deleted by the Walk Leader after 21 days. FORMAL NOTICE OF 2020 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (AGM)

Due to the ongoing situation with Covid-19, and following guidance issued by Central Office, the Committee has reluctantly taken the decision that this year’s AGM will be held online, using the Zoom platform. The meeting will be limited to a maximum of 25 participants, including members of the Committee.

The AGM will take place on Tuesday 10 November 2020 at 7pm.

The meeting will be open to members of London Strollers only. Unfortunately we are unable to include Associate Members or other guests this year.

At the meeting, formal business will be conducted as usual: the Group Committee will present a report of last year’s activities, including the annual accounts for approval of the membership, and a new Group Committee will be elected for the coming year. The existing Committee have all indicated that they are all willing to stand for re-election, with the exception of the Membership Secretary, who will be standing down. Anyone wishing to stand for office on the Committee should advise the London Strollers’ Secretary ([email protected]) by 25 October 2020. Please note that only members of London Strollers are eligible to act as Committee members. If any member of London Strollers wishes to submit motions for discussion at the AGM, these should be submitted in advance to the London Strollers’ Secretary, by 18 October 2020.

If you wish to take part in the meeting, please register your interest with the London Strollers’ Secretary ([email protected]) by 18 October 2020 at the latest. You will then be sent a link to the meeting, to be used on the day. Copies of the agenda will be provided by email. Details of how to join a Zoom meeting for those who haven’t used it before can be found at https://biz30.timedoctor.com/how-to-use-zoom/#join-meeting (Scroll down to Section C).

OTHER NOTICES 1. Dogs: Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome on our walks unless stated otherwise. 2. Please note that, whilst walk leaders attempt to give an accurate finish time, the actual pace and length of the walk depends on several factors, including walker speeds on the day, café and toilet queues etc. The finish time should therefore be treated as an estimate only, and cannot be guaranteed. Walkers will wish to bear this in mind when booking other events close to the finish time.

WALKS

Thursday 1 October: SURREY DOCKS AND DEPTFORD Start: 10.45 station (Zone 2, ). Finish: Cutty Sark station (Zone 2/3, DLR). Greenwich station (Zone 2/3, DLR and trains to ) is a short distance away. A linear walk of about four miles on solid surfaces and without hills, via Surrey Water, the Albion Channel, Canada Water (toilets available), Greenland Dock, sections of the Thames Path and Pepys Park. Toilets and refreshment possibilities at the end in Greenwich. Should finish by about 12.45. This walk is limited to 20 people who must book in advance with the leader. Leader: Micky Kohn (020 8364 0156 - preferably 4pm - 8pm, or [email protected]).

Sunday 4 October: CRYSTAL PALACE TO STREATHAM Start: 10.30 Crystal Palace station (Zones 3/4, trains from London Bridge or Victoria. No London Overground here today). Finish: Streatham station (Zone 3, trains to London Bridge and Victoria). The Rookery on , one of London's prettiest public gardens, is one of the highlights of this walk which also includes Westow Park, Norwood Grove and one of the most rural stretches of path in Inner London. This is a joint walk of about four and a half miles with Blackheath Ramblers, and should finish around 13.30. This walk is limited to 20 people who must book in advance. Leader: Helen Abbott ([email protected], 07930 367984).

Thursday 8 October: I CAN’T GO BACK TO THE RIVER Start: 11.00 Cheshunt station (Zone 8: can be used on London Overground service, but not on Greater Anglia. Recommended train: Liverpool Street 10.15, 10.24, Stoke Newington 10.28). A 6-mile circular walk exploring the New River and the Lea Navigation in this area, following watercourses for much of the way. Bird spotting opportunities. Tea and toilet stop halfway through, in the one built-up section of the walk. Further toilets available later in the walk, and a possible ice-cream van! Finishes around 15.30. This walk is limited to 20 people who must book in advance. Leader: Helen Abbott ([email protected], 07930 367984).

Saturday 17 October: 9: GREENFORD TO SOUTH KENTON Start: 11.00 Greenford station (Zone 4, Central line or to Paddington). Finish: South (Zone 4, , London Overground). This 5.5 mile walk covers the second section in our exploration of the Capital Ring. Two longish ascents, which we will take at a comfortable pace, some uneven ground, and one stile. May be muddy after rain. The route explores the interesting village of Harrow-on-the- Hill. Tea and toilet stop halfway through, otherwise bring a snack. Finishes around 15.30 This walk is limited to 20 people who must book in advance. Leader: Helen Abbott ([email protected], 07930 367984).

Thursday 22 October: RICHMOND CIRCULAR Start: 11.00 at place to be advised a few days before to those who book. A leisurely walk of about five miles on pavement, parkland and riverside, with a little of the Thames Path and the Royal Park, accompanied by some rock 'n' roll history. We will pause at a number of points for water and snacks. There are many places for coffee/tea and cake in Richmond after the walk, which should finish around 14.00. This walk is limited to 30 people who must book in advance at https//www.eventbrite.com/e/free-walk-5-mile-richmond-circular-some-river-thames-som e-rock-n-roll-tickets-120623874255. Leader: Des Garrahan. Sunday 25 October: TO Start: 11.00 Kentish Town station (Zone 2, and ). Finish: Hampstead station (Zones 2/3, Northern Line). A four-mile linear walk through Kentish Town, and the Vale of Health. Easy-going on good paths with a great view from Parliament Hill. Should finish by about 13.00. This walk is limited to 20 people who must pre-book with the leader by email or by leaving a phone message. Leader: Mervion Kirwood ([email protected], 07398 258012).

Sunday 1 November: GREEN LONDON WAY 14: STOKE NEWINGTON TO HACKNEY WICK Start: 10.30 Stoke Newington station (Zone 2, London Overground from Liverpool Street) Finish: Hackney Wick station (Zone 2, London Overground). Descending into the Lea Valley from Springfield Park, this section of the 'alternative Capital Ring' explores and the Filter Beds. A joint walk with Blackheath Ramblers of about four and a half miles, finishing around 13.30. This walk is limited to 20 people who must book in advance with Helen Abbott ([email protected], 07930 367984). Leader: Des de Moor.

Thursday 5 November: HORSENDEN HILL AND HARROW Start: 11.00 station (Zone 4, Piccadilly Line). Finish: Harrow on the Hill station (Zone 5, and trains to Marylebone). A walk of about five miles featuring the Grand Union Canal. Horsenden Hill (over or around, depending on weather conditions), Harrow village and school, finishing around 13.30. Refreshment possibilities at the end. This walk is limited to 20 people who must book in advance with the leader. Leader: Micky Kohn (020 8364 0156 preferably 4pm - 8pm, or [email protected].

Sunday 8 November: NEITHER NEW NOR A RIVER Start: 11.00 Angel underground station (Zone 1, Northern line) Finish: Manor House underground station (Zones 2/3, Piccadilly line) A 5.5 mile walk following the ‘heritage’ section of the New River Path, starting at New River Head in Islington and winding its way north through gardens and before reaching the tranquil New River Walk, a charming linear landscaped park along the river’s edge. Tea and toilet stop in , towards the end of the walk. Finishing about 15.00 This walk is limited to 20 people who must book in advance. Leader: Helen Abbott ([email protected], 07930 367984).

Thursday 12 November: THE WALK OF THE DEAD Start: 11.05 Crystal Palace station (Zones 3/4, London Bridge 10.31, London Victoria 10.36, Clapham Junction 10.44) Finish: station (Zone 2, trains to Victoria, Blackfriars Elephant & Castle). This 5.5 mile walk passes through three cemeteries, a remnant of the Great North Wood, and London’s first picture gallery. Refreshment stop and toilets halfway through at the Horniman Museum. Should finish around 15.00 This walk is limited to 20 people who must book in advance. Leader: Helen Abbott ([email protected], 07930 367984). Sunday 15 November: Start: 11.00 Teddington station (Zone 6, Waterloo10.18, Vauxhall 10.22, Clapham Junction 10.27). Meet station exit near ticket office. Explore Bushy Park on this six-mile circular walk from Teddington, visiting Upper Lodge, Water Gardens, The Brew House, Pheasantry Plantation and Waterhouse Woodland Gardens. There is a cafe but this might be closed so you might want to bring a drink and snack just in case. Should finish by about 15.00. This walk is limited to 30 people who must book in advance with the leader. Leader: Kathy Mort (07835 309587).

Thursday 19 November: CAPITAL RING 10: SOUTH KENTON TO Start: 11.00 (Zone 4, Bakerloo line, London Overground). Finish: Hendon Central station (Zones 3/4, Northern line) This section of the Capital Ring runs for 6 miles, offering great hilltop views and a long lakeside stretch along the way. Possibility of mud after heavy rain. Paths mostly even, with the exception of a section in the middle where the ground may be uneven. Tea stop and toilets en route. Should finish around 15.30. This walk is limited to 20 people who must book in advance. Leader: Helen Abbott ([email protected], 07930 367984).

Sunday 22 November: CLAPHAM AND WANDSWORTH COMMONS Start: 11.00 station (Zone 2, Northern Line). A four-mile circular walk around Clapham and Wandsworth, exploring the commons. We should finish back at Clapham Common station around 13.00. Easy-going on good paths with views of Wandsworth Prison and the Royal Patriotic Asylum. This walk is limited to 20 people who must pre-book with the leader by email or by leaving a phone message. Leader: Mervion Kirwood ([email protected], 07398 258012).

Thursday 26 November: CIRCULAR Start: 11.00 Herne Hill station (Zones 2/3, Victoria 10.43 Brixton 10.50. Also Thameslink). A circular walk of about five miles with some initial pavement walking via Park, Belair Park and . Lunch stop with toilets and cafe in . Should finish by about 15.00. This walk is limited to 12 people who must book in advance with the leader but not before 19 November, that is a week before the walk. Leader: Fred Davis (07765 562267 - between 5pm and 8pm).

Sunday 29 November: LONDON’S BURNING, LONDON’S BURNING Start: 11.00 Tower Hill station (Zone 1: Circle and District lines). Finish: St Paul’s station (Zone 1, Central line) This 4-mile walk follows the course and development of the Great Fire of London in 1666, starting with the first alarm, and going through to the easing of the fire on the fourth day. Tea and toilets stop. Should finish around 15.00. This walk is limited to 20 people who must book in advance. Leader: Helen Abbott ([email protected], 07930 367984). Thursday 3 December: IT'S ONLY ROCK 'N' ROLL - ABBEY ROAD AND THE BEATLES Start: 11.00 at point to be advised a few days before to those who book. Finish: Piccadilly Circus (Zone 1, Bakerloo and Piccadilly Lines). A leisurely five mile walk on pavement and through parkland. Question: What goes white, black, barefoot, double denims? Answer: The Beatles on the Abbey Road zebra crossing. Join me as we chart many famous Beatles sites. We will pause at a number of points for water and snacks. There are many places for coffee/tea and cake in Piccadilly for those who fancy it after the walk which should finish by about 14.00. This walk is limited to 30 people who must book in advance at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/free-walk-its-only-rock-n-roll-abbey-road-the-beatles-more- tickets-120623294521. Leader: Des Garrahan.

Saturday 5 December: KINGSTON CIRCULAR Start: 11.00 Kingston station (Zone 6. Waterloo 10.27,Vauxhall 10.31, Clapham Junction 10.36). A circuit of about six miles going out along the Thames Path to Hampton Court (drop-out possible here after three and a half miles) and returning through Bushy Park. No tea or coffee break so please bring a snack and/or drink. This walk is limited to 25 people who must book in advance at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/london-strollers-ramblers-kingston-circular-free-led-walk-t ickets-120643884105. Leader: Clare Wadd

Sunday 6 December: GREEN LONDON WAY 15: VICTORIA PARK AND THE HERTFORD UNION CANAL Start: 10.30 Hackney Wick station (Zone 2, London Overground). Our exploration of the 'alternative Capital Ring' continues with a tour of the highlights of Victoria Park, the celebrated 'People's Park', looping back to the Lea Valley along the Hertford Union Canal. This is a circular walk of about four miles, jointly with Blackheath Ramblers, and finishing about 13.00. This walk is limited to 20 people who must book in advance with Helen Abbott ([email protected], 07930 367984). Leader: Des.

Saturday 12 December: CAPITAL RING 11: HENDON PARK TO Start: 11.00 Hendon Central station (Zone 3/4, Northern Line) Finish: Highgate station (Zone 3, Northern Line) A walk of around 5.5 miles across many green spaces and ancient woodlands, including Cherry Tree, Highgate and Queen’s Wood, as well as the renowned Hampstead Garden Suburb. Tea stop and toilets. Should finish about 15.00 This walk is limited to 20 people who must book in advance. Leader: Helen Abbott ([email protected], 07930 367984). Wednesday 16 December: IT’S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS Start: 18.00 station (Zone 1, Piccadilly line) Finish: Bond Street station (Zone 1, Central line). This festive evening walk will seek out the famous Christmas Lights in London’s West End. We will take a short wander through some of the best-known illuminated areas (eg Regent Street, Bond Street), with a few surprises thrown in. The walk will end with a tea stop (and perhaps a mince pie!). About 3 miles. This walk is limited to 25 people, who must book in advance. Leader: Helen Abbott ([email protected], 07930 367984).

Saturday 19 December: BORN TO RUN Start: 11.00 Stratford DLR station (Zones 2/3 , at top of escalator Finish: East Ham station (Zones 3/4, District line, Hammersmith & City line). A six-mile walk through the wetland and formal gardens of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, continuing to the largest churchyard in the capital, now a nature reserve surrounding the Grade 1-listed church. Tea stop and toilets early on the walk. Should finish around 15.00 This walk is limited to 25 people, who must book in advance. Leader: Helen Abbott ([email protected], 07930 367984).

Sunday 20 December: TO LANCASTER GATE Start: 11.00 Holland Park station (Zone 2, Central Line). Finish: Lancaster Gate station (Zone 1, Central Line). A four-and-a-half-mile walk around Holland Park and , passing some grand houses like Sir Ernest Debenham's house, Leighton House and Kensington Palace. Should finish by about 13.15. This walk is limited to 20 people who must pre-book with the leader by email or by leaving a phone message. Leader: Mervion Kirwood ([email protected], 07398 258012).

Wednesday 30 December: CANARY WHARF ART WALK Start: 14.00 Canary Wharf station (Zone 2, ). DLR nearby. Meet at west exit of Jubilee Line station by the dockside. A stroll round the various artworks in the area including Henry Moore's 'Old Flo'. Only two miles but with many sculptures to view. (The City Sculpture Trail was not updated this year so I decided to do this for a change). We will finish back at Canary Wharf station at about 16.00. This walk is limited to 20 people who must pre-book with the leader by email or by leaving a phone message. Leader: Mervion Kirwood ([email protected], 07398 258012).