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Home , Beckenham Place Park, Cannon Hill Common, Capital Ring, Chorleywood station, Crystal Palace Park, Elmers End station

LONDON STROLLERS WALKS PROGRAMME: JULY TO SEPTEMBER 2021

NOTES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

IMPORTANT NOTE REGARDING COVID-19:

Following discussions with Ramblers’ Central Office, it has been confirmed that as organized ‘outdoor physical activity events’, Ramblers’ group walks are exempt from other restrictions on social gatherings. This means that group walks in can continue to go ahead. Each walk is required to meet certain requirements, including maintenance of a register for Test and Trace purposes, and completion of risk assessments. There is no longer a formal upper limit on numbers for walks; however, since Walk Leaders are still expected to enforce social distancing, and given the difficulties of doing this with large numbers, we are continuing to use a compulsory booking system to limit numbers for the time being.

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 on the main Ramblers’ website at www.ramblers.org.uk. The advice may be summarised as:

- face masks must be carried and used, for travel to and from a walk on public transport, and in case of an unexpected incident; - appropriate social distancing must be maintained at all times, especially at stiles or gates; - you should consider bringing your own supply of hand sanitiser, and - don’t share food, drink or equipment with others.

Some other 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 a confirmed 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.

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. 3. London Strollers is keen to recruit new Walk Leaders. Many of you will have been out walking during lockdown. Why not take this opportunity to introduce your routes to others? Training and mentoring can be arranged if required.

LOVE YOUR LOOP FESTIVAL

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the London Loop opening, the Inner London Area (of which London Strollers is a member) is holding Love your Loop, a festival to celebrate this much-loved route. The Festival, which will include a number of events, will take place throughout September.

The Loop, sometimes known as the Walkers’ M25, is a fantastic green asset, stretching 150 miles around the edges of London, and providing a variety of walking to huge numbers of people. The Loop is split into 24 sections, is accessible by public transport and offers everything from short local walks in town centres to a long-distance walking route for more ambitious hikers.

Several Walk Leaders from London Strollers are contributing events to the Festival, and these are indicated on the programme below. Details of other events will be posted on the Ramblers’ Group Walks Finder in due course. We do hope you will be able to join one or more of the events. WALKS JULY TO SEPTEMBER 2021

Thursday 1 July: NORTH LONDON PARKS Start: 11.00 Cockfosters station (Zone 5, ). Finish: Palmers Green station (Zone 5, trains to Moorgate). A six mile walk through picturesque Oakhill, Brunswick, Arnos and Broomfield Parks with a refreshment and toilet stop along the way. Should finish by about 14.30. !!! This walk is limited to 20 people who must pre-book with the leader. Leader: Michael Lyons (07427 665070, [email protected].

Sunday 4 July: : TO Start: 10.30 (Zone 1, Jubilee and Northern Lines, ). Meet at the main line station exit into Tooley Street, by platforms 1 - 2. Finish: Canary Wharf station (Zone 2, and DLR). On this four and a half mile walk we follow the Thames Path on the north - and hopefully sunnier - bank of the river from the City into the East End where, according to TfL, "the sense of history is still palpable". Should finish by about 13.30. This is a joint walk with Blackheath Ramblers. !!! This walk is limited to 20 people who must pre-book with Helen Abbott ([email protected], 07930 367984) Leader: Chris Percy (07800 663626 on day of walk only).

Tuesday 6 July: FROM THE TOWER TO DOCKLANDS Start: 10.45 station (Zone 1, Circle and District Lines). Finish: Canary Wharf station (Zone 2, Jubilee Line and DLR). A walk of just under five miles, via St Katharine Docks, Basin, Basin, outer and inner docks and South Quay. Opportunities to drop out along the way and for refreshments towards the end. Should finish by about 13.30. !!! This walk is limited to 19 people who must pre-book with Helen Abbott ([email protected], 07930 367984). Leader: Micky Kohn (Mobile on day of walk only: 07922 820703)

Wednesday 7 July: EXPLORING AND Start: 11.00 station (Zone 2, Victoria 10.34 (arr 10.46), London Bridge 10.44 (arr 10.54) and Blackfriars 19.46 (arr 11.00) Finish: Elephant & Castle station (Zones ½, Bakerloo and Northern Lines, ), This walk of about four miles follows the former Surrey Canal path into where we will stop at Chumleigh Gardens, then up to Faraday Gardens and Nursery Row Park. 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). Thursday 8 July: ROYALISTS AND PARLIAMENTARIANS Start: 11.15 Windsor & Eton Central station. Meet by Heidi’s Bakery, at the end of the inbound platform. This 4.5 mile walk takes in the main sights of Windsor Town, including Windsor Castle, favoured home of the Queen, and the Great Park. We will have a lunch stop in the shadow of the castle before crossing the Thames to explore the lovely village of Eton and its school, alma mater of twenty Prime Ministers. Travel options: 1. Recommended train: 09.58 London Waterloo, 10.08 Junction, 10.12 , arr Windsor & Eton Riverside 10.52. The leader will accompany travellers round the corner to Central station to the start point. holders buy ticket from Ashford (Surrey). £6.50 day return, £4.25 w Senior Railcard 2. 10.27 London , 10.35 Broadway, change at Slough for 10.56, arr Windsor & Eton Central 11.02. Free travel to Slough w Freedom Pass, buy ticket from Slough £3 day return, £2 w Senior Railcard. 3. Green Line bus 702, free w Freedom Pass. Timetable available at https://www.reading-buses.co.uk/greenline !!! This walk is limited to 15 people who must book in advance with the leader. Leader: Helen Abbott ([email protected], 07930 367984).

Saturday 10 July: AND HAM COMMON Start: 13.25 Norbiton station (Zone 5, Waterloo 12.57, 13.01, Clapham Junction 13.06). Finish: station (Zone 6, trains to Waterloo). A linear walk of about six miles featuring parkland, commons and the Thames riverside through Kingston. Refreshments stop along the way. Should finish by around 16.45. !!! This walk is limited to 20 people who must pre-book with the leader. Leader: Les Douglas ([email protected], 020 8809 2338).

Sunday 11 July: REASONS TO BE CHEERFUL Start: 11.15 Norbiton station (Zone 5, National Rail 10.48 London Waterloo, 10.57 Clapham Junction, 11.04 Wimbledon – PLEASE CHECK TRAIN TIMES) Finish: Richmond station (Zone 4, District line, National Rail) A 5.5 mile walk through Richmond Park taking in the Isabella Plantation Pen Ponds, and Ian Dury’s memorial bench, with a refreshment and loo stop at Pembroke Lodge. !!! This walk is limited to 20 people who must book in advance with the leader. Leader: Helen Abbott ([email protected], 07930 367984).

Thursday 15 July: RICHMOND CIRCULAR Start: 11.00 Richmond station (Zone 4, District Line, and trains from Waterloo). Meet outside the front of the station.A walk of about five and a half miles featuring , the Thames Path, Petersham and Ham. Tea and toilet stops are possible but not guaranteed so you may wish to bring a picnic or drink with you. Should finish by about 15.30. !!! This walk is limited to 15 people who must pre-book with the leader (evenings only, after 19.00). When booking please give full name, contact phone number and your Ramblers group. Leader: Keith S (07749 515486).

Sunday 18 July: TO LANCASTER GATE Start: 11.00 Holland Park station (Zone 2, Central Line). Finish: Lancaster Gate station (Zone 1, Central Line). A walk of about four and a half miles 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).

Tuesday 20 July: 15: DISTRICT PARK TO Start: Royal Albert station (Zone 3, DLR) Finish: Woolwich Dockyard station (Zone 3, trains to Cannon Street, Charing Cross, Waterloo East, ) This 4.4 mile section of the Capital Ring is almost entirely on level tarmac paths and pavements. It explores the once very industrial area of Beckton, some former docks and travels alongside the River Thames to the foot tunnel at Woolwich. Toilets only at end of walk. Leader: Helen Abbott ([email protected], 07930 367984).

Thursday 22 July: MANOR HOUSE TO ANGEL Start: 10.30 Manor House station (Zones 2/3, Piccadilly Line). Meet outside Exit 6. Finish: Angel station (Zone 1, ). A walk of about four and a half miles via Park, Reservoirs, (toilets available), , the and Barnard Park. Several opportunities to drop out along the way and for refreshments at the end. Should finish by around 13.15. !!! This walk is limited to 19 people who must pre-book with Helen Abbott ([email protected], 07930 367984). Leader: Micky Kohn (Mobile on day of walk only: 07922 820703) Saturday 24 July: CIRCULAR Start: 13.25 (Zone 7, 12.57, Harrow on the Hill 13.09. Or take from Baker Street). A circular walk of about six miles in the Chilterns countryside featuring footpaths (possibly some stiles), woodlands and riverside. Should finish by about 16.45. !!! This walk is limited to 20 people who must pre-book with the leader. Leader: Les Douglas ([email protected], 020 8809 2338).

Sunday 25 July: CRYSTAL PALACE CIRCULAR Start: 13.30 Crystal Palace station (Zones 3/4, Victoria 12.50, Clapham Junction 12.58, or London Bridge 12.58. No London Overground today to Crystal Palace). Meet outside the station. Toilets are available on platform 1. A five mile circular walk featuring Stambourne Woodland Walk, and (including the ). Some hills. Refreshments and toilets likely to be available. Should finish by around 17.00. !!! This walk is limited to 30 people who must pre-book with the leader. Leader: Bill S (wgsimpson@btinternet,com, 07581 694347).

Thursday 29 July: CEMETERY WALK Start: 11.00 Manor Park station (Zones 3/4, TfL Rail from Liverpool Street 10.34, Stratford 10.41). A circular walk starting with a stroll on the southernmost part of land before a guided walk through the Grade I landscape of the City of London Cemetery, highlighting its Victorian history and heritage trail. A walk of about four and a half miles in total with refreshment stop and toilets available. Should be back at Manor Park station by about 14.30. Please note this walk will be repeated on Thursday 26 August. !!! This walk is limited to 15 people who must book in advance with the leader. No dogs except assistance dogs. Leader: Moo Ling Boey ([email protected], 07983 477200 - voicemail only).

Sunday 1 August: I NEVER PROMISED YOU A ROSE GARDEN Part 1 Start: 10.30 St Pauls station (Zone 1, Central Line). Meet upstairs outside Café Nero. This is the first of two walks exploring the fascinating and charming small gardens in the western half of the City of London, many of them survivors of old churches and cemeteries, now oases for people and wildlife. This is a circular walk of about three and a half miles, finishing back at St Pauls station around 13.30. This is a joint walk with Blackheath Ramblers. !!! This walk is limited to 20 people who must pre-book with the leader. Leader: Helen Abbott ([email protected], 07930 367984). Thursday 5 August: FROM THE TO LIMEHOUSE Start: 11.00 Pudding Mill Lane station (Zones 2/3, DLR). Finish: (Zone 2, DLR and trains to Fenchurch Street). From Pudding Mill Lane we will quickly discover the banks of the Channelsea River and follow this to where the Bow Back Rivers meet. After a lunch stop at Three Mills (toilets in nearby Tesco or possibly in the even nearer café) we will pass the confluence of the Lea and Lee and then walk London's oldest canal to Limehouse Basin. A linear easy-going walk of about four miles that should finish by 15.00. !!! This walk is limited to 20 people who must pre-book with the leader. Leader: Andy Strouthous ([email protected], 07948 379692).

Saturday 7 August: AND Start: 13.25 station (Zone 4, Waterloo 13.06, Vauxhall 13.10, Clapham Junction 13.15). Finish: Sutton station (Zone 5, trains to Victoria and Thameslink). A linear walk of about six miles featuring parks, open spaces and a riverside. Refreshments and toilets stop along the way. Should finish by about 16.45. !!! This walk is limited to 20 people who must pre-book with the leader. Leader: Les Douglas ([email protected], 020 8809 2338).

Tuesday 10 August: THE WAY THROUGH THE WOODS Start: 11.10 station (Zone 5, 10.33 Liverpool Street, 10.48 Central, arr 11.00) This 5-mile circular walk explores a wide range of habitats in Epping Forest - pond and stream, wood and clearing, bog and plain. Toilets at start and end. Short water stop by Connaught Water, and an optional tea stop towards the end. !!! This walk is limited to 20 people who must pre-book with the leader. Leader: Helen Abbott ([email protected], 07930 367984).

Thursday 12 August: TO LOWER SYDENHAM Start: 11.00 (Zone 4, Cannon Street 10.27, London Bridge 10.31, 10.37. Also from ). Finish: Lower Sydenham station (Zone 4, trains to London Bridge and Cannon Street). On our way to Place Park for lunch (café or picnic) we pass through a number of parks and open spaces including Maberley Road Playing Fields, Churchfields Rec and Cator Park. In the afternoon we explore and then onto Southend Park, and finally complete the walk at Lower Sydenham. This walk is about five and a half miles in length and should finish by around 14.45. !!! This walk is limited to 20 people who must pre-book with Helen Abbott ([email protected], 07930 367984). Leader: Gerry Beard Sunday 15 August: LITTLE VENICE AND Start: 11.00 Warwick Avenue station (Zone 2, ). Meet at Clifton Gardens exit. Finish: station (Zone 2, Northern Line). A walk of about six miles featuring Little Venice, the Regent's Canal, Regent's Park and Primrose Hill. Refreshment stop in Regent's Park. Should finish by about 15.00. !!! This walk is limited to 15 people who must book in advance with the leader. Leader: Kathy (07835 309587).

Tuesday 17 August: CAPITAL RING 1.1: WOOLWICH TO CHARLTON Start: 11.00 (Zone 4, numerous trains from Cannon Street, Blackfriars, Charing Cross, Waterloo East, ) Finish: Charlton station (Zone 3, trains to Cannon Street, Blackfriars, Charing Cross, Waterloo East) This 4-mile section of the Capital Ring follows the Thames Path along to the , then turns inland to follow a section of the Green Chain through various parks and green spaces. Informal picnic stop en route. Toilet stop towards the end. !!! This walk is limited to 20 people who must pre-book with the leader. Leader: Helen Abbott ([email protected], 07930 367984).

Thursday 19 August: ANGEL TO Start: 11.00 Angel station (Zone 1, Northern Line). Meet outside the front of the station. Finish: (Zone 2, Piccadilly and Victoria Lines, National Rail). A walk of about five and a half miles via the Regent's Canal, New River, Canonbury, Fields and Arsenal's . Tea and toilet stops are possible but not guaranteed so you may wish to bring a picnic or drink with you. Should finish by about 15.30. !!! This walk is limited to 15 people who must pre-book with the leader (evenings only, after 19.00). When booking, please give full name, contact phone number and your Ramblers group. Leader: Keith S (07749 515486).

Saturday 21 August: OAKFIELDS AND DOLLIS VALLEY Start: 13.30 East station (Zone 4, Northern Line from Central). Finish: High Barnet station (Zone 5, Northern Line). A linear walk of about six miles featuring open spaces and semi-rural surrounds with the possibility of mud in places. Refreshments stop along the way. Should finish by about 16.45. !!! This walk is limited to 20 people who must pre-book with the leader. Leader: Les Douglas ([email protected], 020 8809 2338). Wednesday 25 August: CANARY WHARF ART WALK Start: 14.00 Canary Wharf station (Zone 2, Jubilee Line, DLR nearby). Meet at the west exit of the Jubilee Line station by the dockside. A circular stroll around the various artworks in the area including Henry Moore's 'Old Flo'. Only about two miles but with many sculptures to view. Should finish back at Canary Wharf station by 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).

Thursday 26 August: CITY OF LONDON CEMETERY WALK Start: 11.00 Manor Park station (Zones 3/4, TfL Rail from Liverpool Street 10.34, Stratford 10.41). This is a repeat of the 29 July walk - details as above. Leader: Moo Ling Boey ([email protected], 07983 477200 - voicemail only)

Wednesday 1 September: LOVE YOUR LOOP: AND Start: 11.10 Petts Wood station (Zone 5, Cannon Street 10.20 (arr 10.52), Victoria 10.28 (arr 11.03), Charing Cross 10.34 (arr 11.06). Finish: station (Zone 5, trains to Cannon Street and Charing Cross). A walk of about five and a quarter miles following the London Loop through the woods and around Scadbury Park. We will stop for refreshments at a pub in Chislehurst before continuing to Chislehurst station. Should finish by around 15.00. !!! There are no public toilets on the route so please make use of those at the stations and/or the pub. 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 2 September: QUEEN ELIZABETH OLYMPIC PARK CIRCULAR Start: 11.00 (Zones 2/3, lots of lines). Meet at the information desk on the lower ground floor of the Westfield shopping centre, next to Starbucks and the entrance to M&S Foods. A leisurely circular stroll of about three and a half miles via the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park to Stratford's East Village, its parks and wetlands. Toilets and refreshments available on the way. Should be back at Stratford station by about 13.30. !!! This walk is limited to 20 people who must pre-book with the leader. Leader: Moo Ling Boey ([email protected], 07983 477200 - voicemail only). Saturday 4 September: LOVE YOUR LOOP: MALDEN MANOR TO CHEAM Start: 13.15 Malden Manor station (Zone 4, Waterloo 12.47, Vauxhall 12.51, Clapham Junction 12.56). Finish: Cheam station (Zone 5, trains to London Bridge and Victoria). A linear walk of about six miles following the Hogsmill River to Ewell, then passing through Nonsuch Park. Refreshments stop along the way. Should finish by about 16.45 !!! This walk is limited to 20 people who must pre-book with the leader. Leader: Les Douglas ([email protected], 020 8809 2338).

Sunday 5 September: LOVE YOUR LOOP: TO SLADE GREEN Start: 10.30 Erith station (Zone 6, Charing Cross 9.42, Waterloo East 9.45, London Bridge 9.51, Lewisham 10.01) Finish: Slade Green station (Zone 6, trains to Cannon Street and Charing Cross). Join us on this four and a half mile walk exploring the unique environment of Crayford Marshes, with wide views of the Thames estuary and tidal Dartford Creek. Should finish by about 13.30. !!! This walk is limited to 20 people who must pre-book with Helen Abbott ([email protected], 07930 367984). This is a joint walk with Blackheath Ramblers. Leader: Des de Moor ([email protected], 07479 0166672).

Tuesday 7 September: LOVE YOUR LOOP: TRENT COUNTRY PARK CIRCULAR Start: 10.45 Oakwood station (Zone 5, Piccadilly Line). This five mile walk around the country park includes the section of the London Loop from Camlets Hill to Cockfosters, with a detour to Icehouse Wood to view the lake and sunken garden. Refreshments and toilets available along the way. Should finish by around 14.00. !!! This walk is limited to 19 people who must pre-book with Helen Abbott ([email protected], 07930 367984). Leader: Micky Kohn (Mobile on day of walk only: 07922 820703)

Thursday 9 September: HAIL TO THEE BLITHE SPIRIT Start: 11.00 station (Zone 3, trains every 10 minutes from Liverpool Street or Stratford). If you prefer to travel to Park (Zone 3, London Overground), we’ll pick you up from there at 11.15 This 5-mile circular walk explores and Park, a fascinating area with remarkable biodiversity, including skylark nesting grounds. The Flats suffered badly from bush fires two years ago - let’s see how they’re faring now! Tea/late lunch stop towards the end of the walk. !!! This walk is limited to 20 people who must pre-book with the leader. Leader: Helen Abbott ([email protected], 07930 367984). ------Next programme: Offers to lead walks for our next programme to cover October to December are very welcome and details should be sent by Friday 10 September to our Group Walks Coordinator, Les Douglas at [email protected].

Train times: Please note that train times beyond this point had not been confirmed as the programme was completed. Please double-check these before travelling. ------

Thursday 16 September: AND CLISSOLD PARK Start: 11.00 Manor House station (Zones 2/3, Piccadilly Line). Meet outside Exit 6. Finish: Stoke Newington station (Zone 2, London Overground). A walk of about five miles via the New River, Woodberry Wetlands, Stoke Newington West Reservoir, Clissold Park and . Tea and toilet stops are possible but not guaranteed so you may wish to bring a picnic or drink with you. Should finish by about 15.30. !!! This walk is limited to 15 people who must pre-book with the leader, evenings only after 19.00. !!! No dogs except assistance dogs Leader: Keith S (07749 515486).

Saturday 18 September: LOVE YOUR LOOP: MOOR PARK TO HAREFIELD Start: 13.25 Moor Park station (Zones 6/7, Metropolitan Line from Baker Street 12.50, Finchley Road 12.56, Park 13.03). Finish: Harefield village (for buses to Northwood, and stations, all Zone 6). A linear country walk of about six miles, possibly with some mud and stiles. Picnic stop along the way. Should finish by about 16.30. !!! This walk is limited to 20 people who must pre-book with the leader. Leader: Les Douglas ([email protected], 020 8809 2338).

Sunday 19 September: WEST FERRY TO THE TOWER Start: 11.00 West Ferry station (Zone 2, DLR) Meet outside exit. Finish: Tower Hill station (Zone 1, Circle and District Lines, DLR nearby) This walk of about four miles takes us via Limehouse Basin, and Tobacco Dock and St Katharine Docks. 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). Tuesday 21 September: CAPITAL RING 1.2: CHARLTON TO FALCONWOOD Start: 11.00 Charlton station (Zone 3, trains from Cannon Street, Blackfriars, Charing Cross, Waterloo East) Finish: Falconwood station (Zone 4, trains to Cannon Street, Charing Cross, Victoria, Waterloo East). This 4.5 mile section of the Capital Ring follows a series of lovely green spaces, including Oxleas Meadow, one of the highest points in . We will pass by Sevendoorg Castle, enjoying its formal gardens, before a toilet and tea stop at a nearby café. !!! This walk is limited to 20 people who must pre-book with the leader. Leader: Helen Abbott ([email protected], 07930 367984).

Thursday 23 September: AND CIRCULAR Start: 11.00 Archway station (Zones 2/3 , Northern Line). This five mile circular walk will take in Parliament Hill (quite steep) and before where we will stop for a refreshment break (café or picnic). Afterwards we will continue over another part of the Heath and by a slightly steep road to Highgate, then into (possible rest stop) and downhill back to Archway station. Several toilets along the route. !!! This walk is limited to 15 people who must pre-book with the leader, preferably by email. Leader: Jill J ([email protected], 07835 274789).

Friday 24 September: LOVE YOUR LOOP: CHIRPY CHIRPY CHEAP CHEAP Start: 11.00 Purfleet station (Fenchurch Street, 10.25, 10.34 , 10.39 Barking). Purfleet is one stop outside Zone 6, so Freedom Pass holders should buy a day return ticket from Rainham to Purfleet. This 4.5 mile circular walk explores and celebrates Rainham Marshes, the finest nature reserve on the London Loop. A former Army firing range, Rainham Marshes is run by the RSPB and renowned for its wintering ducks and breeding waders. We will walk up to the reserve along the Thames Path. The RSPB have kindly agreed to allow FREE ENTRY to the reserve (normally £7); one of the wardens will escort us round, pointing out items of historical and wildlife interest. Toilets and a café are available at the Visitor Centre. !!! 10 places are available on this walk. Bookings must be made with the leader, Helen Abbott ([email protected], 07930 367984). Sunday 26 September: ALONG THE BONESGATE Start: 13.30 station (Zone 5, Waterloo 12.51, Vauxhall 12.55, Clapham Junction 13.00). Finish: South station (Zone 6, trains to Waterloo). A five mile country walk on the edge of suburbia, via Tolworth Court Farm Meadows, Bonesgate Open Space, Castle Hill Nature Reserve and Horton Country Park. There will be a break along the way to consume own refreshments. Should finish by about 17.00. !!! This walk is limited to 30 people who must pre-book with the leader. Leader: Bill S ([email protected]. 07581 694347).

Thursday 30 September: FROM DUELLING BLUES TO DUELLING POLITICIANS Start: 11.00 Putney Bridge station (Zone 2, District Line). Finish: (Zone 3, District Line, trains to Waterloo, Thameslink and Tramlink). This six mile linear walk begins at the starting point of the University Boat Race since 1836 and passes through Putney Heath to , a place of duelling 18th century politicians. Lunch at the Windmill Café (snacks in café or take packed lunch). Toilets will be open. Those wishing to shorten the walk can take a bus from Wimbledon Common into Wimbledon. There are no difficult paths and Putney Hill is ascended on pavement, not steep but persistent. Should finish by about 15.30. !!! This walk is limited to 20 people who must pre-book with the leader. Leader: Andy Strouthous ([email protected], 07948 379692).

HMJA 20.06.2021