walkerSOUTH EAST No. 107 September 2019 Path guardian scheme launched for key capital walks

wo new footpath guardian We have recruited over 100 Jackie Gower, a Capital Ring schemes for the Capital volunteers to become Rangers Ranger and coordinator of the TRing and London Loop or Leaders for sections of the scheme who led one of the launch were launched on 20 July with 11 Capital Ring and London Loop walks, said: "The Capital Ring and walks on different sections of the and to coordinate the project. the London Loop are such a great Capital Ring path. The volunteers will highlight asset for people who love exploring Will Norman, London's Walking improvements that can be made to in and around London. I'm really and Cycling Commissioner, and the routes to the borough councils excited to help as many people On the Capital Ring near Hackney Wick. Left to right: Keith Rodwell, Van Griffiths, Jackie Gower, Will Norman, Clare Wadd and Des Garrahan. Photo: Matthew Farrand Van Griffiths, Chief Executive of and will work to publicise them as possible discover them and The Ramblers, joined us on section more widely both locally for each hopefully get as much enjoyment and a new generation of volunteers outdoors, whether they are out for 13 of the Capital Ring in Hackney section and across London. Van out of them as I do." now wants to ensure that they are a local stroll or walking the whole Wick to promote the launch. Will Griffiths, commented on the huge These two much-loved routes, properly maintained and improved route. Norman said: "We're here to really enthusiasm of volunteers to get originally set up by the London for the public to enjoy. Whilst the The Ring Rangers and Loop celebrate these wonderful resources involved in the project, saying Walking Forum, were maintained walks can be followed from walks Leaders are hoping to work in for local communities across "it's clear that if volunteering for some years by Transport and websites, Ramblers' intention is partnership with other local the whole city ... I'd encourage opportunities grab people's interest for London, and are now the that it should be possible to follow community and voluntary groups, everybody to get out, explore their and reflect the things they care responsibility of the relevant them from signposts alone, making such as park friends' groups. area and do either a section of the about, then people are more than boroughs. Ramblers volunteers them accessible to all walkers who Clare Wadd Loop or Ring". willing to put themselves forward". played a key role in their creation, want to enjoy London's great Chair, Inner London Area Oxon Weekend Walkers turns 10! Travelling back in time xon Weekend Walkers scientific importance, and a relaxing celebrated their 10th stretch along the Thames Path. urrey and Beyond After a blood-thumping Small Dole for more pub Oanniversary/birthday on Unbeknown to the walkers, the Ramblers (SABRE) climb to Chanctonbury Ring, refreshments, and the bus 9 June. We started with a walk (of committee had a strategically parked Stravelled back in time the route levelled out with journey home. course!), from Wolvercote on the car and a magnificent cake for the on Sunday 28 July when they great views to the North SABRE's Alison Bents said: outskirts of Oxford and taking in morning coffee break. hired a 1953 single-decker Downs in one direction "Thanks to Richard from Wytham Woods, a glorious peaceful The 'apres-walk' involved a meal at bus to ferry 39 walkers to and the English Channel in 1950s-vintage-bus-hire.co.uk woodland and site of international the Plough in Wolvercote, a fun facts Washington in West Sussex the other. After lunch in for making it a vintage day about Oxfordshire quiz, and short for a nine mile linear walk on Bramber, we took a stroll out!" presentations from me and former the South Downs. along the River Adur to Mark Percy Chairs Gavin Powell and Vanessa Corrick. We have also had a 'ten of 10' series of walks over the year as a nod to our anniversary - ten designated 'birthday walks', hopefully taking in much of the wide range of walking which the county has to offer. The Oxfordshire Weekend Walkers emerged out of the 20s&30s group in 2009, when a critical mass reached a certain age. We now have around 150 members, some of whom have been walking with us for many years. We regularly get 15 - 20 on our Sunday walks, which can be anywhere in the county. Hopefully we will continue to The splendid cake commissioned to mark flourish for another 10 years! the group's 10th anniversary and made by Jasmine of Thank Cake for That in Helen Barham Wantage. Photo: Helen Barham Chair, Oxon Weekend Walkers Made it! Photo: Richard Shirley 2 South East Walker September 2019 Illuminated River launched lluminated River is an when the lights on the first unprecedented large- four bridges were switched on. Iscale art project installing The new lighting comes from kinetic illuminations on 15 low-energy LEDs and is better central London bridges across for wildlife as well as reducing the River Thames. It launched electricity usage compared with in July with the lighting of the the previous lighting. first four bridges - London, We've been running a series of Cannon Street, Southwark Illuminated River walks, during and Millennium - and will the summer with some revised eventually extend by 2022 versions planned for the autumn from Tower Bridge to Albert and winter. The first walk took Bridge, a total distance of four place on a balmy July evening and a half miles. Each artwork a week after the launch. Thirty celebrates the role of the eight people joined the walk, Thames' bridges in connecting around 25 of them not currently communities each side of Ramblers members - proving the river and will be in place that this project provides us with initially for 10 years. an opportunity to reach out to a Ramblers has been supporting different audience and tell them the project as it will bring new about the different things we do life and interest to our Thames and of the rich variety of walks Path walks in central London, we have on offer in London. See particularly winter evening www.innerlondonramblers.org. strolls which can be hard to uk for details of upcoming walks programme. We were invited including one on 4 September. to the launch which included Clare Wadd a boat trip on the Thames Chair, Inner London Area An Illuminated London walk pauses by London Bridge. Photo: Clare Wadd Beyond the End of the Line new guidebook to walks of other locations on other lines compiled a collection of walks. I was finally ready for printing. bring me a copy to my bedside in between the last stations like Ealing Broadway, Stanmore, passed through every underground Coincidentally, the day before it hospital. A on London Underground Cockfosters, High Barnet; far away station and explored every terminus was delivered I presented myself Now I am busy promoting and lines was published earlier this and never visited, yet so familiar. point, some of them several times. at A&E with a probable heart distributing. I am particularly year. We asked author Jeff Lock Where were these mysterious places Before each trip I would pore over attack and was kept in hospital pleased that the London Transport to tell us more about it. at the end of the line? As a walker maps and decide on possible routes. for a week before emerging with a Museum in Covent Garden has In winter 2016 I was standing on and an enthusiast about all things I took photographs and gathered stent. Gillian was kind enough to decided to sell it in their bookshop. the Central Line platform at Bond London, I wondered, in particular, local information. I wrote out a Jeff Lock Street station when an indicator whether there was a walking route full description of each route and board aroused my curiosity about to explore at every destination. drew sketch maps. All this was the end points of the London I decided to set out to find the immensely enjoyable but only the Underground. Where on earth was answer. Over the next 18 months, start of the work. West Ruislip? It made me think I travelled the network and To capture the data in an orderly fashion, I built a website. Then I enlisted the help of family and friends to test the walks. Some trials were more successful than others. On one occasion, my friends Jan and Jim got seriously lost on Wimbledon Common because I had used a movable object (a bench) as a marker for a turn; always a mistake. I also enlisted as a walk leader for ENBRO, a Bromley-based walking group, and used some of my walks for groups of 20 to 30 walkers. Then I began to think of a book. Someone suggested a title of Beyond the End of the Line. I touted the idea around publishers without any luck until Countryside Books said they would help me to self-publish. I had desk-top publishing skills from my 10 years as a volunteer with the Vitiligo Society and I was able to produce finished page proofs. This reduced the cost considerably. I was very lucky that my wife, Gillian, got involved as editor. I couldn't have done Beyond the end of the line - 26 walks from the terminus stations of it without her. Maps needed re- the London Underground (ISBN 9781846743832) covers walks of four to nine miles doing, photos needed re-taking, (6.5 - 15km). Copies can be obtained online from http://beyondtheendoftheline. Jeff Lock has walked many of the long distance paths in the UK and some routes in text needed re-writing. The book co.uk/new-club-link.html. It is also sold for £7.99 at the London Transport Europe, including the Westweg along the backbone of the Black Forest and, with Museum Bookshop in Covent Garden and Beckenham Bookshop at 42 High Street, his wife Gillian, the Camino from central France to Santiago de Compostella. Their went through an unbelievable Beckenham BR3 1AY. Copies can also be ordered by post for £6 plus £1.40 post current project is the Via Francigena from Canterbury to Rome. number of versions until it and packing from the author at 15 Phiineas Pett Road, Eltham. London SE9 6RQ. South East Walker September 2019 3 walkerSOUTH EAST Path closure on Distributed quarterly to members of the Ramblers in Bedfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Milton Keynes and West Middlesex, Essex, the Wealdway Inner London, Kent, Oxfordshire and Surrey Areas. he Wealdway is one of Kent's work which has been delayed considerably and East Sussex's many fine long due the complexity of the fault. They are THE RAMBLERS distance walks, running some currently unable to give an estimate for Address: 2nd Floor, Camelford T House, 87-90 Albert Embankment, 83 miles between Eastbourne on the completion of the works but hope to be London SE1 7TW. south coast and Gravesend on the bank able to provide news about this soon. Switchboard: 020 3961 3300 of the Thames. It crosses some of the We advise that walkers be aware of Membership Services: area's finest scenery including the South this when attempting this section of the 020 3961 3232 Downs, the High Weald, the Greensand Wealdway - as there are no alternative safe Email: [email protected] Web: www.ramblers.org.uk ridge and the North Downs. passages at the current time. We advise Company registration no: It also crosses the busy A21 London avoiding this part of the route until there is 4458492 to Hastings road, through a tunnel just further notice from Highways England. Registered charity no: 1093577 outside Tonbridge. Or rather it did, until There have also been reported issues EDITORIAL the tunnel became dangerous a couple with the Interactive Rights of Way map - Editor: Les Douglas of years ago and the path had to be please report this to KCC Public Rights of Email: [email protected] closed. This has caught walkers unawares Way if this affects you. Tel: 020 8809 2338 because the signs advising closure are not As ever, for information about walking (please leave message) encountered until it is too late to embark routes and updates please see www. DESIGN AND PRINT upon an acceptable diversion, forcing ExploreKent.org as well as our social Mortons Print Ltd - 01507 529255 walkers along dangerous lanes. We have media channels. raised this with Kent County Council staff We are grateful that some publicity is Opinions expressed by contributors who have offered the following statement: now being given to the issue so that some are not specifically endorsed by The Ramblers. PLEASE NOTE: Advice for Walkers of those planning to walk the Wealdway ISSN 1747-4140 of the Wealdway concerning the A21 will be alerted and able to plan accordingly. C 2019 The Ramblers. Underpass However, the message is very unlikely to All rights reserved. Explore Kent and KCC Public Rights of reach everyone affected and we think that, Copy Date: For issue No. 108 Way would like you to be aware a section unless Highways England commit to a firm is 12 October of the footpath ref: MU53A is currently and not too distant date for repairing the closed due to safety reasons. tunnel, more action is required. We will The path is closed between Upper therefore be putting together proposals Haysden Lane and its junction with for appropriate action over the next few Public Footpath MU50 & Bridleway weeks and seeking to agree them with MU53. The underpass/tunnel section is Kent County Council. We will report on closed as it has been deemed unsafe as it progress in the next issue of South East passes under road structures and elements Walker and on the Kent Ramblers website. which could potentially collapse. Robert Peel Highways England are progressing the Secretary, Kent Area North Beds award orth Bedfordshire Ramblers has funded the cost of a minibus to take were presented in late May visually impaired adults from Bedford Nwith an 'Above and Beyond to the Marston Moretaine Forest Award for providing excellent service Centre where they are met by Ramblers to visually impaired people and for members who provide one-to-one making a valuable contribution to the assistance for the visitors to enjoy a walk quality of visually impaired people's around the centre. They then join the lives' by the charity Sight Concern. visitors over a welcome drink and cake Over the last two years the group in the cafe.

The new route links the boroughs of Merton and Kingston. Off-road link opened amblers from Kingston and Richmond trees and wild flowers. groups attended the ceremonial An immediate advantage of the new route is R opening of a new walking and cycling that it provides a quieter and less polluted start path between New Malden and Raynes Park in to the Beverley Brook Walk which runs for six south west London on 13 July After speeches, and a half miles from New Malden station to the Will Norman, London's Walking and Cycling Thames at Putney. You can now walk along the Commissioner, cut the opening ribbon. new path from the station before using residential This new 0.75 mile route was financed by roads to reach the established route. Transport for London and follows the line of four A pdf route guide to the Beverley Brook Walk major water pipelines which run parallel with (dating from 2007) is available via the London the railway line. Walking and cycling routes are Borough of Merton's website at https;//tinyurl.com/ segregated until they merge into a shared path at beverleybrook. Raynes Park recreation ground. There is a nature David Cooper Ta George Hogman, Visually Impaired Champion for Sight Concern with his dog Usef, trail area and the verges are newly planted with Kingston Ramblers Joanna Clark Volunteer Coordinator for Bedford and Luton (and a North Beds group walker) and Margaret Sawyer, representing North Beds Ramblers. 4 South East Walker September 2019 on their roles to the overall benefit of Area AGM all the groups. If you are interested or would like to find out more he Area AGM will be held about these roles, please contact on Saturday 30 November Area Chairman Nick Markham at BEDFORDSHIRE at Houghton Conquest T [email protected]. village hall and hosted by North The AGM is always a good Beds Ramblers. opportunity for members to raise As usual, all officer positions are queries and time is set aside for this bulletin up for re-election and as the Area under any other business. If you has been without a Secretary and have something you wish to raise Membership Secretary for several years and would like to have it added to it would be good to have these posts the agenda then please email Nick filled. Neither position is as onerous Markham at the address above. as they once were and would be ideal The agenda for the day is:10.00 for someone just retired who wants Meet and tea/coffee, 10.30 Morning Walking festival to keep feeling wanted and useful. walk, 12.30 Lunch, 13.30 Trustees e are just days a regular walker, an occasional Cranfield to Caddington, Filling these positions would also Presentation, 14.15 AGM, 16.00 away from the stroller or a health walker, there is Sandy to Sundon and Turvey to enable other officers to concentrate approx Finish. W 10th Bedfordshire something for you. Toddington. Full details can be Walking Festival Everything is For the first time we will have found on our festival website ready to welcome the hundreds a focal point on the first weekend www.bedswalkfest.co.uk. of walkers who will be putting and on the last day from where The annual Greensand Ridge Training courses on their boots and joining our walks will start, and from where Path Challenge, 40 miles number of training with St John Ambulance in groups and other organisations information about walks, groups between Leighton Buzzard and days were held during Bedford and Biggleswade during to explore the county over and our footpath and RIPPLE Gamlingay, takes place over the A the summer. These July and August where a number the nine days from 7 to 15 activities can be obtained. The weekend of 14 - 15 September. commenced with a course on of members had a hectic but September. three focal points are The Woburn Bookings are essential as numbers how to plan and lead a walk enjoyable session learning how The programme is packed with Heritage Centre on Saturday 7, are restricted. The cost is £15 followed in early May with to treat injuries that might be attractive walks to tempt even Priory Country Park Bedford per person whether you come a course on apps, maps and incurred on walks. the hardiest walker and a range on Sunday 8 and Ampthill Park for one or both days. If you compasses at which participants On Sunday 8 September during of shorter informative walks for on Sunday 15. All three points can't manage both days you can had an enjoyable day learning the Bedfordshire Walking Festival those who like to learn about their have free car parking on or near always come for one this year and not only how to read a map and and in response to demand, we surroundings and history. The the sites and will offer a range of one next year. Certificates are use a compass but also how to will be holding an Apps, Maps festival is for all and those who walks to suit most abilities. awarded to all who complete the use apps in helping to plan and and Compasses course at Maulden can only manage short distances Every day there will be walks challenge. Book and pay online lead a walk. village hall. This is open to both There was an opportunity for members and non-members and are not left out. Whether you are right across the county from at www.bedswalkfest.co.uk. members to attend the Ramblers booking is essential. Bookings Roadshow at the end of June in can be made via the festival nearby Cambridge at which there website www.bedswalkfest.co.uk. were courses on walk leading, Plans are well underway for our first aid, navigation and the use of 2020 courses. For information social media. on these contact Nick Markham First aid courses were organised at [email protected].

Members on the Apps, Maps and Compasses course. Photo: Barry Ingram

Armed with gloves and litter pickers, they managed to fill Litter day several bags of rubbish including Last year's Greensand Ridge Path Challenge Photo: Barry Ingram ormally our group many recyclable bottles and cans. walks on Sundays but Many appreciative comments were Non 2 June we had a made by passing members of the litter-picking day instead. public. Thanks to Gill King for Members cleared rubbish organising the day. from three local footpaths where Mike Shephard Bedford Borough Leighton Buzzard Ramblers rubbish often accumulates. Local Access Forum

he Bedford Borough Local Access with the forum for a number of years but it would Forum has some vacancies, especially be good to have 'new blood' and fresh ideas. Tfor landowners, farmers, cyclists, horse Membership of the forum is made up by a wide riders and to a lesser extent, walkers. The forum spectrum of people who make their living from the has recently advised on the Bedford Borough countryside and those who enjoy access to it. Local Plan, East West Rail, Oxford Cambridge If you are interested and can help provide Bedford Expressway, Black Cat to Caxton Gibbet A421 Borough and other bodies with balanced advice on extension and the local rights of way improvement the countryside and access to it then please contact programme. the forum's Chairman, Nigel Jacobs, at judy_nigel_ Ramblers members along with others interested [email protected]. in accessing the countryside have been involved Barry Ingram A good day's work. Photo: Gill King South East Walker September 2019 5 now as the housing development on the old and bridges, blocked or overgrown paths, MoD site at Kempston Hardwick adjoins the missing or broken marker posts, etc. The boundary of Houghton Conquest and the council needs to know as does your local Area RIPPLE paths provide the link between the two places. and group footpath officer. Ivel Valley amblers volunteers are now working Bedford Borough has been erecting and Ramblers volunteers are involved in erecting alternate Tuesdays each month with replacing metal finger signs at the sides of and replacing yellow-topped marker posts in Walkers both Central Bedfordshire and roads where a path meets the road and have Bedford Borough and have recently worked on R he group is now offering a range of Bedford Borough councils and certainly been repairing and replacing bridges which the Clapham/Ravensden/Thurleigh border and making an impact. were installed many years ago and are now Colmworth and Bolnhurst. The importance walks every week, membership is During the last three months a bridleway in coming to the end of their lives. This year of the marker posts cannot be overstated as Tincreasing and there are walks to suit south Biggleswade has been reopened enabling it has been noticeable that the number they encourage more people to use the paths most types of member. walkers and cyclists to access the network to of crossfield paths open has significantly and in some cases serve as a helpful tool for Thursday Ambles and Interest walks have the east and workers living in nearby housing increased since the council adopted new planners and developers when looking at and been added to the Sunday and Wednesday can now access the new industrial workplaces policies on enforcement and landowners inspecting potential new development sites. walks that take place every week. The Tuesday by using the bridleway. The route had been appear more willing to work with them. It's It was good to have some new people long walk (which alternate with the LDWA closed for a long time whilst the the building just unfortunate for walkers that headlands helping us recently. Our volunteers do a great Thursday walk) and the Friday bus walks are of the units took place and had become very with footpaths don't always get the same job and the more people we have the more we now the only fortnightly walking events on overgrown and in places uneven. treatment as those with bridleways and can do for you. the programme. Additionally, members who In August the group made a three year return walking them can be challenging, particularly To find out more about our RIPPLE like to keep paths in good order are out on to paths on the edge of Houghton Conquest at this time of year. footpath work contact me at barry.ingram74@ alternate Tuesday mornings clearing paths, and cleared back growth on paths well used One criticism is that far too few walk leaders btinternet.com. putting in yellow-topped marker posts and by villagers. These paths are more significant and users report problems like broken stiles Barry Ingram other work. There is also a developing social programme. Earlier in the year members would have tried crown green bowling had it not been for the weather but nothing was lost as the barbecue was followed by a quiz instead. A dog racing evening was another winner and in July our Social Secretary organised a 'walk on water' with members taking it in turns to steer, ride and walk beside a narrowboat on the Grand Union Canal between Cosgrove and Stoke Bruerne where an enjoyable cream tea awaited. Before the work at Biggleswade. Photo: Barry Ingram And the same bridleway later. Photo: Barry Ingram Frank Holzman rank died on 8 May, district council and Country ESSEX following a struggle with Care, who provided finance and Fa memory-related illness. 'furniture'. He was prominent in Frank joined the Ramblers the organisation of the walking in 1972 and succeeded Peter of our first long distance path in extras Spence as West Essex Chairman 1993, the Thames Path. Group in 1988. At his first AGM as holidays and weekend breaks soon Chair in November 1989, he set followed. He was adept at getting up the Parish Adopter scheme, volunteers for jobs and oversaw with a volunteer adopter being the 'changing of the guard' as responsible for surveying the younger members with new ideas A shift in policy footpaths of each parish. He replaced the old as they retired soon reported the county and from office. Over £10,000 was Epping Forest District councils raised and donated to Central he encouraging response responses some cynics might expect. work without having to involve to the Ombudsman for failing Office during his term in office. to my piece 'What are the Our first task should be for a whole an inspector. (This would cut to carry out their statutory It remains for me to say 'thank Ramblers for?' in South department to be set up purely to highway authority costs and speed T responsibilities. you Frank' and to offer our best East Walker last year resulted do with public rights of way and up turnaround). He was an active member of wishes and condolences to close in Essex Area submitting the Lost Paths. Such a department • enabling trained members of Bill Govey's working parties, friends and family at this sad following motion to the 2019 would deal with everything to do working parties to carry out site for which he took responsibility time. meeting of General Council: with paths, planning, legal issues testing thus enabling ground when Bill die, guiding the group John Francis This General Council recognises and access. It would be the one-stop penetration. (Again, this would to the situation where we worked West Essex Ramblers Walks the benefits to Ramblers of its ability shop for footpath secretaries, path speed up working, reduce in close co-operation with the Committee to offer guided walks on a regular adopters, environment officers and volunteers frustration and save basis across the country and the footpath workers. It would also money). contribution this makes to the health be responsible for allocating grants • Introduce a fully managed loan of the participants and the walking and training specifically related to system for equipment along with of public rights of way. However public rights of way. Occasional regular training for electric saws Council emphasises that an equally national advertising in non-walking and brush-cutters. important function of the Ramblers publications drawing attention to As far as basic publicity is is to keep the path network open and, public rights of way work should concerned, we will press for the where possible, to extend and improve be attempted. Above all, such items below and ask that, wherever it. To this end, Council asks the Board a department should be seen as possible, they should be personalised of Trustees to increase the publicity delivering Ramblers core values and for use by the local group as well as that is given to our charitable objects should be staffed by people on full- the generic Ramblers information: and particularly to the work we do time contracts. • plaques for all work we install in improving the quality of public As far as Essex is concerned, we • plastic yellow tops for way markers rights of way and our campaigning for will be pursuing a more formal with Ramblers logo increased access. relationship which enables our • Leaflet dispensers which can be It was pleasing that the motion working parties to operate more fixed to gates and bridges was carried unanimously but just efficiently. Such a relationship • Collapsible signs - 'Ramblers at because a motion is agreed at might include: work'. Council does not mean the trustees • a total overhaul of the highway • Permanent signage (requiring have to carry it out though, given authorities' fault reporting systems landowner permission) 'Ramblers that it is relatively rare for motions to give all walkers the confidence look after paths in this area'. to be supported with this level of that their reports can be easily I believe that the impetus of enthusiasm, it is likely the Board will made and go to the people who this policy revolution will have a make serious efforts to implement its will act on them. profound effect on our recruitment intention. • the recognition that some of efforts and also convince our I think that our main effort our members have all the skills members that volunteering for should be to ensure that Ramblers necessary for deciding on the footpath work might well be the pursue a fundamental shift in policy need for and nature of a piece of kind of thing they could enjoy. over and above the superficial public rights of way maintenance Len Banister 6 South East Walker September 2019 Clean up BERKSHIRE even eager members of our group carried out a litter-pick walk beside the Jubilee River on 12 April to coincide with Keep SBritain Tidy's 'Great British Spring Clean'. Slough Borough Council provided the necessary equipment and 29 bags bites of litter were filled without having to walk too far. Joyce Keegan Secretary, Windsor & District Group National Young Ramblers 2019 wenty excited members weekend with a large choice temperatures over 30 degrees. of the Berkshire of walks over the three days, a Cambridge and the surrounding TWalkers (we had the ceilidh on the Saturday night areas were beautiful, providing largest group of attendees and the option of the Ramblers us with the chance to explore at the event) descended on Roadshow to attend. It was an area some of us hadn't been the city of Cambridge for great to see so many people to before. Following another Satisfied litter-pickers with their 29 bag haul. Photo: Slough Borough Council this year's National Young who attended the 2018 event successful event this year we are Ramblers event from Friday we hosted in Berkshire. The looking forward to attending 28 - Sunday 30 June, hosted by weather was on our side, sunny National Young Ramblers 2020! Hertfordshire's Stag Walkers. and dry! Maybe a little too Jason Owen We had an action-packed warm on the Saturday, with Berkshire Walkers Canal trip est Berks members of our members, John, doubling took an evening trip as a crew member and guide who Won the Kennet & gave an interesting talk on the Avon Canal on 23 May from history of the canal. Members Hungerford Wharf to Wire Lock could also help work the locks if and back aboard the narrowboat they wished. 'The Rose of Hungerford'. Richard Trimmer We were fortunate in having one West Berks Group

A successful weekend in Cambridge. Photo: Jason Owen The Rose of Hungerford. Photo: Richard Trimmer Gateway to groups working together or the past two years East Surrey Walkers has raised funds in order to replace stiles with gates. F The group organises a weekly series of Ambles aimed at those who can walk three miles at a gentle pace, ideally on a stile-free route. So replacing difficult stiles has been a priority. This year, two more of the Amble routes have become stile-free thanks to a partnership with London group, South Bank Ramblers. On the Greensand Way at Broadham Green, near Oxted, three awkward stiles have been replaced with kissing gates, with funding for two being provided by East Surrey Walkers and the other by South Bank Ramblers. Further south in Lingfield, another three gates have been provided on the same funding basis. All six gates were installed by our path maintenance team, 'Ken's Krew'. One of the Broadham Green gates is in memory of Alan Wales, who was our Walks Coordinator for many years. Margaret, his widow, officially 'opened' the gate, supported by many members of the group. Tony Pearson Footpath Secretary, East Surrey Walkers Margaret Wales at the opening on 22 July with East Surrey members. Photo: Noel Cunniffe South East Walker September 2019 7 Ron Dyke BUCKS memorial walk n a sunny day in May demonstrated the respect in over 40 members of which Ron was held. He briefs OHillingdon Ramblers contributed much to our group met to celebrate the life of Ron by leading over 200 walks. His Dyke, a long-standing member knowledge of history enhanced News from Bucks, Milton Keynes and West Middlesex of the group, who died last year. many of the walks especially those Members were joined by that he led in London. Ron also Ron's family including his served on the group's committee. children, grandchildren and He was always a fascinating Jim Robinson great grandchildren. The companion on any walk because celebration included a nine mile of the passion he had for walking arly this year we lost one Secretary. He sat on the working walk through the local area and which had taken him all over of our most active and party that helped set up the group's refreshments were provided by the UK and overseas. He will be Ewell-loved members, Jim website and was a major force in members of the group's catering much missed. Robinson. establishing the Wychert Way, in an committee. The large number Rob Jones-Owen Jim was very active in his local area close to his heart. The Wychert of people who joined the walk Hillingdon Ramblers community in Haddenham, as well Way now forms part of two circular as in our group. He became a walk walks on the Outer Aylesbury Ring. leader fairly soon after joining the He was also our path checker for his Jim Robinson group in 2006 and later became home parish of Haddenham and the neighbouring parish of Kingsey. Following a collection at our annual winter meal in January, the group arranged through the North Bucks rRIPPLE Donate a Gate scheme to install two new gates on the Wychert Way, in memory of Jim. So next time you are down this way, check out the gates, think of all he has done for us and have a glass of beer in his memory - something he would certainly appreciate. Jim is remembered on the donated gates (on Long Crendon path 7/3 at SP 714090 Roy Johnson and Long Crendon path 9/4 at SP 714097). Aylesbury & District Ramblers Gathered in memory of Ron. Photo: Julie Osborn Area and group Annual General Meetings t is anticipated that the of the General Data Protection At the time of writing I had HP22 6JG. Linford Memorial Hall, Marsh Annual General Meeting of Regulation has made it more difficult received details of the following Chiltern Weekend Drive, Milton Keynes, MK14 5AX. I Buckinghamshire, Milton for some groups to ensure that they group AGMs. Please contact the Walkers: Sunday 6 October, 2pm, North West London: Tuesday Keynes and West Middlesex comply with the constitutional group Secretary if you require Great Missenden Memorial Centre, 29 October: 7pm, St John the Area will be held on Saturday requirement to give notice of general further information. Link Road, Great Missenden, HP Baptist church meeting room, 1 February 2020, probably in meetings to all their members. If Amersham and 16 9AE Sheepcote Road, Harrow, HA1 Wendover. Full details will be you do not normally receive a group District: Wednesday 23 October, Hillingdon and 2JE. given in the next issue of South programme but wish to ensure that 8pm, the Barn Hall, Amersham District: Saturday 19 October: Wycombe District: Saturday 2 East Walker. you have notice of your group's Community Centre, Chiltern 2pm, St Martin's Church Hall, November, 2pm, Lane End Village The Area's nine groups AGM, please contact the group Avenue, Amersham, HP6 5AH. Eastcote Road, Ruislip, Middlesex, Hall, Finings Road, Lane End, normally hold their AGMs in Secretary; contact information is Aylesbury and District: Friday HA4 8DG. High Wycombe, HP14 3EY. October, November or December. available on the Ramblers website or 29 November, 7.30pm, St Anne's Milton Keynes and District: John Esslemont Compliance with the requirements from Central Office. Hall, Aylesbury Road, Wendover, Sunday 23 November, 2pm, Great Acting Area Secretary

them to cut holes in sheep netting North Bucks rRIPPLE - it happens. With enough signage MK award and education in local primary hat with Miles are routes local to our base in schools, children and parents can e nominated Milton Parks Trust and Walking for Health, Without Stiles in Haddenham that would be ideal also work with landowners to show Keynes for Britain's and we hope to build on this to grow Wour national parks, for Simply Walks. Most of the respect for each other's concerns B e s t W a l k i n g walking in Milton Keynes and the W Stile-free walks advertised by awkward and difficult stiles have and requirements. Neighbourhood Award, and came wider area. the Chilterns Conservation been or are due to be gated. As Fiona Broadbent, who runs third (after Falkirk and Brockley) Ian Dunford Board and the county council's However, as we've mentioned Simply Walk has said "Ease of in the public vote, so thank you to Milton Keynes Ramblers Simply Walk crying out for easily before, it only takes one reluctant access is crucial for health walks. A everyone who supported Milton negotiable footpaths, we've made or recalcitrant landowner to spoil stile that may be acceptable to the Keynes. a decision. things for everyone. Just one stile majority of walkers may be a real When the nomination was made Heading for our 200th gate on a circular walk with a simple barrier for someone with something little did we realise what would installation well before Christmas, shortcoming such as having only like a hip or knee problem. We happen next. With Ramblers Central only very few parishes have actually one step, being overly high, not offer more than 80 regular led Office we made a promotional video ended up with a respectable stile- having a hand post, etc, will walks throughout Bucks, making and material for publicity. This free walk. Many of our stile-to-gate result in a recce being abandoned great use of our excellent rights of included writing up a walk, now on improvements are dotted about in and a less interesting route being way system. It is a pity that some the Ramblers website. From there ones and twos across North Bucks. chosen. Unfortunately, that might wonderful routes are not usable for we were interviewed on BBC Three From now on we will concentrate well be the result the landowner, our walks due to barriers." Counties Radio and appeared on the on blitzing a parish to make it really particularly a sheep farmer, might Our latest quarterly activity Look East television programme. 'Simply Walk' friendly. be looking for. report appears on our web page Last was to attend a reception in Westcott has probably done We will persist however. Our timed to coincide with the the House of Commons on 10 best, with Oving rapidly closing locally retired judge, and NFU and publication of South East Walker. July hosted by Dan Jarvis MP with in with sizeable annual donations Ramblers member, Brian Bowman, See www.bucks-wmiddx-ramblers. the awards presented by Ramblers from their parish council. In has a new passion to convince such org.uk/donate-a-gate. President, Stuart Maconie. It has Ford one landowner is sponsoring farmers and landowners that gates Bill Piers been an enjoyable experience and nine Donate-a-Gates, with others are best. Immediately, this will stop North Bucks rRIPPLE allowed us to join forces with the Ian Dunford is presented with the award by Stuart Maconie. Photo: Hannah Bodley showing an interest too. There dog walkers taking wire cutters with Coordinator 8 South East Walker September 2019 Mending the 'special relationship'

or the first time in White Cliffs Linda has been a member of the White Ramblers' history, an American Cliffs group for a number of years and Fcitizen has been recruited as completed the Walk Leaders' Navigation a walk leader and led her inaugural Course annually provided by the White event in July in the Elham Valley area Cliffs Ramblers. She and her husband of Kent. live part of the year in New York and the It came at a time of tetchy relations best part of the English summer in Deal. between the UK and American President Linda, a keen walker, enjoys walking with Donald Trump following the resignation the group and says the great variety of of the British ambassador in Washington. walks in East Kent gives her and Peter But Linda Worrell, a New Yorker who such pleasure and they so much look lives in Deal with husband Peter, was forward to their stay in Deal each year. only too happy to boost the Transatlantic Linda and Peter had thought for some special relationship with a scenic and time that they needed to give something sociable stroll. back to the group and decided the best "We had a great walk through the way was to become a walk leader. Having countryside on a glorious English successfully passed the course Linda is summer day. Maybe we should get now well on her way to becoming a walk Trump out here - it wouldn't make him leader extraordinaire and looking forward any less inept, but it might calm him to many more adventures with the group. down. Although I'd much prefer walking Les Preston with former ambassador Darroch!" White Cliffs Ramblers Linda (with mapcase) takes the lead. Photo: Les Preston New gate viewed on Our 625-mile 'zimmer frame' walk historic anniversary ohn Hartley, a member of the pubs and hotels in villages and towns we Leighton Buzzard Ramblers, decided perhaps would not otherwise have had the J in May 2011,to embark on the 625- opportunity to visit, and found numerous mile journey of the Monarch's Way. tea and community shops. He was joined in this venture by his We travelled in the hope we would all wife Linda, Ken & Rita Barry and Mike & make it to the end but sadly John died Wendy Ley. The plan was to walk two or in January this year and Rita died in three sections of the route every year over the March, neither quite making it to the end. next 10 years. Due to our ages this became Although shocked, we soldiered on, carrying affectionately known as our 'zimmer frame' John and Rita's boots, and finished the walk walk. Later we were joined by Mike & Ferial on 9 May this year, celebrating the finish Hyde and then by Mike & Helen Shephard. with other members of Leighton Buzzard The Monarch's Way wends its way Ramblers who were on their annual group through central England following the holiday in Worthing. We had spent a total escape route of King Charles II, firstly of 76 days on the trail and stayed in 23 travelling north and then south through bases. the Midlands, Cotswolds and Mendips to In addition to the six original members the south coast and finally along the South of the group, Mike & Ferial completed over Downs to Shoreham-by-Sea where Charles 450 miles of the route and Mike & Helen made his escape to France. completed well over 225 miles. Between us Along the way we explored historic sites all we clocked up over 5,100 miles. Quite associated with Charles, travelled through an achievement when you consider the ages the Midlands following many canals and of the group, ranging from 6? to 8? years of This new gate replaced a difficult stile. Photo: Simon Thornhill learning of our industrial heritage, enjoyed age! the rolling hills, stayed in a vast number of Wendy Ley wenty six ramblers joined West achievements of D-Day. It became a London's circular walk from hub of military activity as an important TBourne End to Burnham Beeches vehicle reserve depot. In 1942, as Winston on Wednesday 5 June to pass through Churchill was passing through nearby their new donated Radar kissing gate. Slough on a train, he noticed many large It was great to be joined by a number of army vehicles stored near the station and Hillingdon Ramblers as they had donated thought they were far too vulnerable to a Radar kissing gate and a pedestrian gate enemy bombers. He suggested that nearby near to our gate. Burnham Beeches would provide a suitable The three new gates, which have location to hide the vehicles. Therefore, replaced difficult stiles, were installed in 1942, large parts of the Beeches were by the Chiltern Society Maintenance requisitioned by the War Department. Volunteers through their 'Donate-a-Gate' Most of the area was used for marshalling scheme. Our gate was funded via the vehicles which were destined for the Walking Partnership scheme by members D-Day landings. At one time, up to who had made bookings with Ramblers 10,000 vehicles were hidden under the Walking Holidays. The three gates are trees and barbed wire was placed round particularly special as they provide a two the Beeches to secure the area. More mile easy, accessible route for disabled than 300 people served there, including users from Egypt Lane through to electrical and mechanical engineers and Littleworth Common, an outstanding the Royal Army Service Corps. Vehicles area of mostly beech woodland with wide were checked, maintained, kitted out and footpaths. waterproofed. When the call came they The day of the walk coincided with the would be driven in convoy at night to the commemoration of the 75th anniversary south coast and used to aid the D-Day of D-Day in Southsea. During World War landings. II Burnham Beeches formed a prominent Sue Aldridge part in the war effort, supporting the West London Group The Monarch's Way walkers hold John and Rita's boots at the bench at Shoreham-By-Sea dedicated to Trevor Antill who devised the Monarch's Way. Photo: Wendy Ley South East Walker September 2019 9 Off-roaders - Down Ampney Your strange name did not trip lightly off the tongue when we were penned saints or sinners? in oaken choir stalls ff-roaders - don't we just far off in distant Hertfordshire. hate them! There they Ogo in their steroidal There we learned new hymns, 4x4s, menacing walkers on new anthems for our childhood: byways and, even worse, going soprano voices sparking off neo-gothic arches, off-piste and chewing up the soaring, cresting in the beams. landscape. The Ramblers' website says I could not picture you, then, that the use of "4x4s, motorbikes did not know the magic and other off-road vehicles using that a Cotswold lad had conjured footpaths, bridleways and other tracks is a problem in many parts from another set of wooden pews of the countryside. In places people are greeted with thunderous on the other side of England. Down Ampney: The repair work brought together a range of people. Photo: Mike Cannell engines, deep ruts left by 4x4s, listening to you, Ralph Vaughan Williams and have to jump out of the way enjoyable green laning" took the the Green Lane Association, while heard over Cotswold fields the lark ascending; when motorbikes whizz past. We lead and on a showery Saturday five 4x4 organisations contributed heard other voices, violins ringing feel this isn't just unpleasant, it's in early May a working party of £2,100. Other organisations, dangerous." about 35 volunteers got together including Dumow Residents, the in the springing beeches of his home - But not all off-roaders are like with the permission of Essex Essex Bridleways Association and and wrote his music for the singing, that. The Flitch Way is a former County Council to install 41 Uttlesford Ramblers, contributed praying, "Come Down O Love Divine. railway line that passes through gabions (rock-filled wire baskets) labour. All participants agreed that 15 miles of rural Essex between to prevent drivers and riders going it was good to see the community Seek thou this soul of mine" - Bishops Stortford and Braintree. off the official route. Ruts were coming together. With its status as a byway it is flattened and hidden wireless What conclusions can we across the rolling fields & roving melodies open to motor vehicles as well as CCTV cameras were installed draw? Clearly not all off-roaders of all the pastures, farms of Gloucestershire; horse riders, cyclists and walkers. with the legally required warning are irresponsible and they have of all the hills & combes of Wiltshire; Over the past five years a 500 notices. Bushes will be planted to every legal right to use byways. of all the hallowed woods of Gloucestershire. metre stretch of the Flitch Way hide the gabions. There is, however, an antisocial near Dunmow, by the A120, Kirk Pearson, chairman and minority who are unlikely to go © Lizzie Ballagher has been used irresponsibly by founder of All Terrain UK, says away completely. But we can some 4x4 users who have driven that there is an element in society draw encouragement from the off the authorised surface onto who want to break the rules, and lead taken by All Terrain UK neighbouring private land, often who give responsible off-roaders in bringing off-roaders, horse Ralph Vaughan Williams' father was vicar of at night, creating deep ruts and a bad name. His organisation riders, ramblers and residents Down Ampney in Gloucestershire when the causing a nuisance not only to works with a charity called CALM, to work together for a common composer was a child. In 2018 the village held other users of the Flitch Way but which provides countryside access good. Diane Shepherd, Chair a festival to commemorate the life of the composer; to those who live nearby. Rod for the less mobile, to take part of Uttlesford Ramblers, believes a display is still visible in the church, with plans to Jones, a Dunmow Town councillor in countryside activities in small that there is scope for further celebrate his music once again in 2020. Well worth and recently re-elected councillor groups. He adds that less than joint working. "There are several a slight detour from the Thames Path! for Uttlesford District, says the three per cent of non-road rights of byways in Uttlesford that are problem became so persistent that way are open to motorised vehicles virtually unwalkable because of he spoke about it at a full Essex and that All Terrain UK advises its damage done by off-roaders, and County Council meeting; he has members not to use deeply rutted anything that can be done to seen children fall off their bikes byways and might even advise improve the situation will be very and families are put off using the seasonal closures. What he doesn't welcome." Flitch Way. He himself has been want is for sound byways to be Finally, remember the Ramblers' threatened by bikers and 4x4 users threatened with closure because of advice. Report use of footpaths, and has had to involve the police. the actions of what he believes to bridleways and restricted byways The more ruts, he says, the more be an irresponsible minority. by off-roaders to the police. And attractive it is for them. "The A digger and dumper had to be if you can't use a byway because it idiots have no social responsibility. hired, along with a portable toilet, has been damaged by off-roaders, They think they can go and do and with the cost of the rubble tell your Footpath Secretary. whatever they like". and gabions the operation came to Traffic Regulation Orders can be Something had to be done and about £4,000, raised in part from a put in to restrict off-road vehicles an organisation called All Terrain crowd-funding exercise but mainly from using them. UK, which exists "to promote from donations. The Friends of Mike Cannell Lizzie Ballagher at Down Ampney church © Photo: Rosie Brave responsible, sustainable and the Flitch Way gave Ј500, as did Essex Area Media Officer Woking and Surrey Heath's Great Get Together oking Ramblers joined south east of England, Chobham Common is neighbouring Surrey Heath one of the finest remaining examples of lowland W Ramblers on Friday 21 June, heath in the world. With its great variety the longest day of the year, for a Great Get of wildlife and flora, our walk encompassed Together walk on Chobham Common beautiful Grade II listed Chobham Park House, followed by a picnic. a tranquil fishpool with magnificent water lilies, This was just one of many events organised and crossed a field with some frisky horses, as part of the Great Get Together weekend, inspired by the memory of Jo Cox, the MP all of which were the perfect surroundings to who was tragically killed in June 2016, and an complement the diversity of people and celebrate opportunity to reflect on bringing communities that which unites us all. together. Malcolm Brickwood The largest National Nature Reserve in the Woking Ramblers 10 South East Walker September 2019 No more walking OXFORDSHIRE the plank ometimes you get an email photos, so much the better. To which brightens your find out how to report an issue Sday. In late June I got using the county council's website on-line this message, with photos, from reporting tool go to this page Oxfordshire County Council's on the Oxfordshire Ramblers Field Officer for the Vale of website www.ramblers-oxon.org. White Horse: Hi Dave, Very uk/footprotect/report-footpath- many thanks for your help with problems.html and follow the the bridge at Kingston Lisle. link in it. You can, of course, New bridge installed yesterday report any path issue in this Path maintenance plus new fingerposts at roadside. way. You don't need to know the It had been less than a month grid reference of the problem, ettles were growing paths, making them almost time, to avoid clogging up the since I reported the collapsed as the reporting tool shows like crazy in June, the impenetrable. Four of our path blades with cleavers and grass. footbridge and beheaded fingerpost you a map which has icons for Nconditions seemingly maintenance teams were active If you would like to join - or so I was very pleasantly surprised every fingerpost, stile. gate and perfect for them. in this period, cutting through form - a path maintenance team, to read of the speedy resolution. footbridge on all rights of way, Likewise for cleavers (aka soft growth. Those of us who contact the Chair of the group So, if you come across a dodgy which are clearly shown. goosegrass and, I am reliably used brush cutters relied on the of your choice, via links on our footbridge, report it. If you take Dave Cavanagh informed, sticky willie in swatting (top down) technique website www.ramblers-oxon.org. Scotland) which festooned rather than a scything (side to uk. bushes and boughs that overhung side) action for much of the Dave Cavanagh

The nettle jungle was reclaiming the The County Task Team did a wonderful footbridge, where only one plank job installing a new footbridge. remained sound. Photo: Dave Cavanagh Photo: Dave Cavanagh Footpath matters The wall of nettles that Bicester & Kidlington team faced on Oxford City team above the Lye Valley. Photo: Keith Frayn The county council at Mixbury has been confirmed, a path in Lower Souldern. Photo: Ian Baldwin Three attempts have been made but there are objections to the two to recruit a replacement for James claims in the school grounds. The Blockley (Principal Officer, Trees claim for a bridleway in Hailey and Countryside Access), so far has also been confirmed, as has without success. The Definitive the reinstatement of Warborough Map Modification Order waiting FP7 which was left off the 2006 list is now down to 78 cases, Definitive Map in error. Diversion of which 32 are under active of an estate path in North Leigh investigation. A further 19 have has also been confirmed. been allocated to an officer; these Other matters include cases where a dedication The closure of Marcham BR17 may be sought. 22 diversion cases looks set to go on indefinitely, as are outstanding. The revenue there seems to be no legal way to budget has remained the same since force the landowner to repair the 2012, but the capital budget, which bridge, which is a listed building, did not exist then, has now been and he refuses to let contractors on doubled. site to erect a temporary structure. Diversions, claims etc: The other long-standing closure The order on Milton FPs 5 and is Sunningwell BR8, where the Vale of White Horse team leader Jim Parke asserting that A fallen tree being removed by Thame & Wheatley team in 13, for a housing estate, has been path runs up a quarry face, and there is indeed a bridleway ALONG here. Lewknor. made; I have objected because FP5 putting steps up will swallow up a Photo: John Gordon Photo: Ruth Cornish is referred to as FP15 throughout. substantial part of the budget. I have also received a consultation I wonder if I hold the record to extinguish a claimed path along for the oldest documents used in the edge of the estate, through a right-of-way case. When the proposed gardens; I have suggested owner of Hardwell Lane (a firm that an order under s118 will fail called Fraxinus SA, after the Latin Area because the claim is for 20 years for ash-tree given by "Asser"'s use, and an attempt to extinguish a Life of Alfred as the derivation rail crossing many years ago under of Ashdown) below the Downs picnic s118 failed because there were applied for a deletion order I seven users. pointed the county council at three Natural England are suggesting charters dated 856, 903 and 944 a creation along the railway at (the 856 charter is probably a later Shiplake so that Thames Path users forgery, but no later than 1200). can avoid the historic towpath When the owner appealed to the through gardens; we have pointed Secretary of State, the decision The picnic in the grounds of Wallingford Castle. Photo: Jim Parke out that any attempt to extinguish letter rejecting the appeal made much of these, also misquoting n warm sunshine, nearly part of the Ramblers 75th birthday I welcomed the picnickers and this section will be resisted. 856 as 865. Deciphering the Old 100 Ramblers members celebrations. Each group in our thanked the Didcot & Wallingford We are objecting to a consultation on Didcot FP20 English involved much head- converged from different Area takes it in turn to act as host team for acting as our excellent I and a diversion order for Oxford scratching until I realised that directions on the grounds of and this year that honour fell to hosts. The high turnout showed FP80, both because they are being 'cymth' in the 903 charter was Wallingford Castle, the venue of Didcot & Wallingford Group. that the annual picnic has become a diverted onto estate roads contrary 'cometh' (ie to the Icknield Way, this year's annual picnic on 23 Nick Morley, Chair of the group, firm favourite in the Area's summer to para 7.8 of DEFRA Circular which seems to be the earliest June. and his team erected a gazebo walks programme. 1/09. written reference to it). Oxfordshire held its first annual under which were tables laden Jim Parke The claim for a bridleway along David Godfrey picnic on Shirburn Hill in 2010 as with home-made cakes and drinks. Area Chair the disused Great Central Railway Area Footpath Secretary South East Walker September 2019 11 Could you fill a gap in the parish path warden network? hree hundred and twenty the Cotswold Wardens. In the path wardens but there are still Holwell, Hornton, Kelmscott, Kencot, to, those parishes, who would be parishes make up the south-east 35 parishes had path some parishes without one. These Kiddington with Asterleigh, Kingston willing to volunteer their services as Tcounty of Oxfordshire. representatives provided through are: Arncott, Aston Upthorpe, Bagpuize, Langford, Lewknor, Little a parish path warden. Please contact Since 2012 we have been working the Chiltern Society. Oxfordshire Baldons, Baulking, Blackthorn, Faringdon, Little Tew, Middleton me at [email protected] closely with the Countryside Service Ramblers therefore concentrated Bladon, Blewbury, Broadwell, Stoney, Mixbury, Noke, Northmoor, for further details. You can also of the county council to develop a attention on recruiting volunteer Bucknell, Caversfield, Clanfield, Over Norton, Prescote, Pyrton, go to www.ramblers-oxon.org.uk/ county-wide network of parish path parish path wardens for those 255 Cuddesdon and Denton, Denchworth, Rousham, Shirburn, Sibford Gower, footprotect/parish-path-wardens. wardens. In 2012 in the north west parishes situated in the central, Drayton (Banbury), Ducklington, Somerton, South Hinksey, Steeple html. of the county, 30 parishes situated in northern and western parts of the Fyfield and Tubney, Goosey, Grafton Barton, Swerford, Tackley, Watchfield. Jim Parke the Cotswold Area of Outstanding county. and Radcot, Great Tew, Hanborough, We would be delighted to hear Coordinator, Oxfordshire Ram- Natural Beauty were served by We now have over 200 parish Hardwick-with-Yelford, Heythrop, from any members living in, or close blers Parish Path Warden Network KENT Rights of calling way meeting ighty-seven people do. It was planned as a pleasant attended the Kent Area day of learning with time to ask Emeeting for rights of questions and hopefully go home way officers and volunteers with greater knowledge and on Friday 3 May at Lenham understanding of volunteering Community Centre. and how Ramblers function in Kearsney Loop Huge thanks are due to the Kent. magnificent band of volunteers, Guest speakers covered new, family-friendly installed by White Cliffs Ramblers its points of interest. Copies of the made up of those who booked the Kent County Council walking route has opened volunteers. The steps and two leaflet can be downloaded from to attend the event, who arrived Countryside Access A in the Dover area. gates, also put in by volunteers from the Kent Ramblers website www. early on the day to set up the hall Management website for The Kearsney Loop is a scenic the group, ease access for walkers. kentramblers.org.uk. and plate the meals to ensure that reporting faults, Lost Ways, 2.6 mile walk taking in Russell Other guests at the opening Les Preston, from White Cliffs everything ran like clockwork. the supporting role of the Kent Gardens, Kearsney Abbey, Bushy ceremony in July were three Ramblers, said: "This circular walk This was a day designed for Countryside Access Forum, and Ruff and Scotland Common, on members of the Defence is available thanks to cooperation footpath volunteers and anyone plans to improve waymarking, the outskirts of the town. It is the Infrastructure Organisation, between White Cliffs Ramblers, the with an interest in public information and promotion on result of negotiations between the including Major Bhupjit Rai, who Defence Infrastructure Organisation rights of way. In addition to some of the better known named Defence Infrastructure Organisation said his organisation was delighted and Dover District Council. It can Local Footpath Officers and walking routes passing through (a part of the Ministry of Defence) - to have worked with the Ramblers be undertaken in either direction, Parish Footpath Observers, the county. This will be funded which owns some of the land - and to create this new walk, and it was and can conveniently be combined there were stile workers and partly from sales of walking White Cliffs Ramblers to create a excellent that families could use the with a visit yo Kearsney Abbey." vegetation clearers. Many guides - the two published so far permissive path across Bush Ruff, route safely. The new walk will feature in thus avoiding a good half mile walk Also at the ceremony were Elaine the programme of this year's came from clubs affiliated to have generated a surplus of more along a busy road. Webb, Local Advocacy Manager for White Cliffs Walking Festival the Ramblers, as well as parish than £3,500 for Kent Ramblers, The walk was opened by Alan the Ramblers, and Kent Ramblers' (22-28 August), organised council representatives. The and more are planned. and Jane Ford, members of the Secretary, Robert Peel, who has by the group. Go to www. audience was wide, containing For new volunteers there was group who had paid for some produced a Kearsney Loop leaflet, whitecliffswalkingfestival.org.uk for long-serving volunteers, battle- a full description of the differing steps on the route, which were giving full details of the route and details. hardened campaigners, and many roles of Ramblers volunteers, new volunteers attending for the covering the running of Kent first time. Area, footpath protection, path Rights of way in the London inspection, fault reporting, stile boroughs of Bexley and Bromley gate and step installation, and and in the unitary authority of vegetation clearance. Medway are not covered by Kent The speakers took part in an County Council but they are open forum in the afternoon. covered and protected by Kent This was joined by George Area Ramblers volunteers and Redmayne, rights of way support affiliated organisations. It was officer from Ramblers Central pleasing to have representatives Office, who was a welcome guest. from these in the audience and A wide variety of questions the opportunity to tell them was raised and discussed. The about the work we do in Kent feedback from the event has been Alan Ford cuts the ribbon to declare the Kearsney Loop open. Next to him is Major Bhupjit Rai, and White Cliffs Ramblers and show recognition and complimentary and positive. Chairman Margaret Lubbock. Photo: Tony Bristow appreciation for the work they Averil Brice maps, planning records, tithe and parish records, railway and canal Lost Ways update records, parliamentary records and many others. Some of these he Lost Ways project in are extremely appreciative. The records are available online, others Kent has now achieved preliminary field survey creates a are held in the National Archives, its century! Lost Ways physical record of what is on the T county or local authority record or is Kent's response to legislation ground, compares this with the other offices. I am now looking for which, broadly, means that if a definitive map and statements, and volunteers who would like to have path has not been recorded or is collects other field data which may a go at this research and is planning not in the process of being put be relevant to a future claim. a briefing seminar in October for on the definitive map by 2026, The field survey dossier is anyone interested in searching old it will be lost. Of the 200+ lost then forwarded to the relevant maps, plans and records. The date ways identified for investigation, public rights of way and of the seminar is not yet fixed but 100 are now under consideration highways authority who add their if you would like to come along by way of preliminary surveys. information from their records please email me to book a place This level of progress has been to the dossier. The dossier is via nevillelostwayskentramblers@ achieved by a dedicated team of now ready for its next phase, the btinternet.com. Graham Rusling, Kent County Council's head of public rights of way and access volunteer surveyors, for which I historical records search. This Neville Machin service, addresses the meeting. Photo: Averil Brice personally - and on behalf of Kent - involves volunteers searching old Lost Ways Project Organiser 12 South East Walker September 2019 Members who wish to submit Woking AGM motions for discussion should embers of Woking submit them to our Secretary Group are invited by 1 November. The AGM will to attend this year's include a guest speaker from SURREY M Harper Asprey Wildlife Rescue AGM which takes place at 13.30 and be preceded by a light lunch on Sunday 24 November at at 13.00 and an optional morning Chobham Cricket Club. walk. Further information is snippets The out-going committee will available at www.wokingramblers. present a report of last year's org or by sending an email to activities, including the annual [email protected]. accounts, for approval and a Malcolm Brickwood Dedicated service recognised new committee will be elected. Woking Ramblers arnham & District dedication over the many years. It Ramblers recently was recognised by everyone just Mole Valley's spring festival Frecognised one of their how much of a feature Malcolm eing a very sociable bunch, five days. Many did multiple walks most active members. Malcolm and his dog Nimbus is within our Spring Walks Festival including the event organiser who Morse has been with the group the group. Malcolm responded, has become one of the attended eight of the 16 on offer. B One person managed to clock up for over 20 years, and in that stating: The Ramblers has meant highlights of our year giving time has led over 600 walks for so much to me over the years. I us the opportunity to share our 57.5 miles in total. them. am deeply touched by this great passion for walking with the On the last day three separate walks of varying lengths converged On 30 April a new kissing gate honour.' public. During the course of this at Steer's Field at Ranmore near his home in Tongham was The gate was installed by year's festival in April there was Common to enjoy a picnic lunch dedicated to Malcolm, with over Farnham Ramblers maintenance something for everyone with short and take part in a light-hearted 20 fellow ramblers from the group team under the 'Donate a gate' walks, long walks, leisurely walks award ceremony culminating in in attendance. Malcolm formally scheme and is to the south of and challenging walks, walks with festival organiser, Henri de Bossart, 'opened' the gate, cutting the Tongham at grid reference SU pubs and picnics and even night being 'knighted' by our Chairman, ceremonial ribbon. 892490. Joan Young. Malcolm Morse at the new gate installed walks for the more adventurous. in recognition of his outstandinmg Chris Hodge, our Chairman, Malcolm MacNachten A total of 126 people, including Louise Stilwell-Stage service. Photo: Malcolm MacNachten thanked Malcolm for his Farnham & District Ramblers 21 newcomers, attended over the Mole Valley Ramblers Third Ramblers-funded kissing gate installed under new initiative he third new kissing gate of footpaths. Where the council from Holmbury Hill down to to be paid for and installed has no funds for a gate and the Felday Glade, which had become Tby Guildford Ramblers on landlord or tenant isn't able to completely overgrown. Four behalf of Surrey County Council help, we can sometimes find funds waymark posts were also put in. was installed by a working party ourselves. Earlier this year we were Leader of the working party from the walking group in early successful in obtaining funding Colin Selvin said: " It amazes June. The new gate, on a path from the Ramblers Central Office me how much a small band of in woodland above Holmbury St to cover the cost of purchasing six volunteers can achieve in half a Mary, replaces a stile which was kissing gates and are very pleased day. Clearing the fallen timber and awkward for the elderly or infirm to be able to be undertaking this scrub was hard work and digging to get over. programme, which benefits all holes for the posts and gate was Our chairperson Lynne Davies walkers in our county." extremely tough with many large said: "The county council no Apart from installing the kissing stones and dry, dusty soil. But longer has the funds to look after gate, June's working party of it's well worth it to open up and all our footpaths as they would 12 volunteers cleared low scrub improve paths so that members of wish to and so volunteer groups and moved aside fallen and cut the public can enjoy them." like the Ramblers are making a timber to bring back into use Richard Peters From left to right, after installing the new kissing gate near Holmbury, Ramblers major contribution to the upkeep 250 metres of footpath running Guildford Ramblers members David Farmer, Robert Owen and Basil Minor. Photo: Colin Selvin

Woking Ramblers path work Woking Ramblers volunteer local walking route from Byfleet to team worked with Surrey Wisley Common. A County Council to assist with In two places along the riverbank the the maintenance of a local bridleway. river had eroded away part of the route On Thursday 27 June, a hot sunny so the county council wanted these day, the team assembled with the county points fenced off. Some vegetation council's volunteer coordinator at the clearance was also required to open up Twenty two merry walkers joined Croydon group's summer evening 'pub walk' on 26 June from Chipstead picturesque River Wey behind Byfleet this bridleway to its full legal width. The though some of the paths used turned out to be more challenging than expected by their leader, John Manor. This bridleway is part of a useful bank erosion had significantly worsened Tickner. "What with the recent heavy rainfall and very warm temperatures, some of the paths were since an earlier inspection, so more somewhat overgrown and the words 'jungle' and 'machete' come to mind. Our stop in the garden of the fencing was required than anticipated, Well House Inn at Mugswell allowed time to compare wounds and scratches!" Photo: John Tickner with the result that insufficient materials were immediately available for work on the second erosion point, which will be done later. No sooner was the fencing and vegetation clearance completed, than three highly-strung horses with riders decided to check out the work from both directions! It was a nice mix of heavier and lighter work with something for everyone and a satisfying feeling of accomplishment at the end. Tools and materials were Twenty members joined Kingston Ramblers for a weekend in East Sussex from 17 to 19 May, The provided by the county council. programme included a tour of Hastings Old Town - voted 'Britain's Best Walking Neighbourhood' in 2018 - Malcolm Brickwood and walks around Rye and Normans Bay. On the Sunday at St Oswald's church at Hooe, they were invited Job done! Photo: Surrey County Council Woking Ramblers to eat their picnics inside and brew their own teas and coffees! The group are seen here at Camber Castle on their Saturday walk. Brenda Horwill, Kingston Ramblers Photo: Mary Strang South East Walker September 2019 13

cream - jam or cream first? - who everyone. Our Chairman, Roy Please, no more cake! cares? Endersby, in his thank you speech hould someone be invited to the Croydon Ramblers Obviously, when it comes conjured up some stats for the thoughtless enough to pass walk leaders' tea held in the to cake being offered my brain past year: Walk leaders 125, Walks Sa plate under my nose with church hall in Sanderstead. Over becomes focused in one direction 475, Miles walked 3,582. Our a slice of coffee and walnut cake 60 walk leaders attended, lured only but there was a serious side thanks go to Muriel Fell and the on board then I'm afraid my in with the promise of afternoon to this event and that was to thank backroom staff for producing a willpower evaporates and I will tea with cake - lots of cake - more the walk leaders for their time and lovely, lovely tea. Oh, go on then, probably make a grab for it and cake than you could shake a effort over the past year in leading I'll have just one more slice. claim it as mine - all mine! stick at (why would you do that many walks and helping to fill John Tickner And so it was on the afternoon anyway?). Not only was there the group programme with a Chief Cake Tester, Croydon of Wednesday 22 May when I was cake but scones with jam and variety of walks to suit just about Ramblers At the walk leaders' tea. Photo: John Tickner Car Free Day ayor Sadiq Khan has attempts to make Hammersmith INNER LONDON announced plans for Bridge more pleasant for walking MLondon's biggest ever and cycling while it's closed to Car Free Day celebrations on motor vehicles, has said: "The Sunday 22 September - when Mayor's plan for Car Free Day will Londoners will be able to 'reclaim' showcase an alternative land use insights the streets and enjoy hundreds of paradigm for London that celebrates free events. our greatest public space - the Twenty kilometres of roads will streets. The day also provides an be closed to get Londoners walking, opportunity to boost local high cycling and exploring - this will streets with higher footfall and more include Tower Bridge (closed to custom - we hope that Car Free all traffic), London Bridge (buses Day will catalyse more walking high London National Park City only) and much of the City of streets across London." London. Eighteen boroughs are We are planning some Ramblers ondon became the world's Park and Eel Brook Common, what we do in London week- also organising events such as local walks on the closed roads in and first National Park City in and took place at weekends, and in-week-out and to widen 'Play Streets' - safe places where around the City of London on the July, celebrated by a 10- during both the day and the our audience and recruit L children can play and communities day, with the aim of celebrating day festival of over 300 events evenings on weekdays. new members. Through our get together. the contribution of closed streets across the city run by a large Ramblers' events also included involvement in the National Park The events will include to enjoyable walking and of number of community and the launch walks for the Ring City over recent years we have opportunities to walk and cycle promoting Ramblers and walking voluntary organisations. Rangers and Loop Leaders built links with other voluntary around the Totally Thames festival, to the public. For details see www. Ramblers members and groups schemes (see page 1), and two organisations and community the 125th anniversary of Tower innerlondonramblers.org.uk, contributed around 30 walks to Hidden Rivers walks tracing the groups with an interest in Bridge celebrations and visit some of Car Free Day is marked across the festival. Walks focused on line of the Effra through south London's great outdoors, enabling London's landmark buildings as part the world and the Mayor hopes London's less well-known green London and the Walbrook in us to promote both walking and of the Open House weekend, guided London's Reimagine events will help spaces including Gunnersbury north London. Ramblers to a wider audience. walking routes with trails and encourage changes in behaviour to Triangle, Pollards Hill, Ladywell The festival was a great Clare Wadd treasure hunts around the City of meet the target of 80 per cent of all Park, Gilbert's Pit, Hanger Hill opportunity for us to showcase Chair, Inner London Area London and Southwark, plus food journeys by sustainable modes of markets, art installations and health transport by 2041, compared to 63 and wellbeing activities. per cent today. Car Free Day advocate Hamish Clare Wadd Stewart, who is also involved in Chair, Inner London Area West London AGM and social embers of West London the evening. Group are invited to the During the evening you will hear Mgroup's annual meeting reports covering the past year -n and Christmas social evening holidays, walks and footpath work on Tuesday 10 December from and our move from Bucks Area to 7pm at Northfields Community Inner London Area. Come and tell Centre, 71a Northcroft Road, us what you think of the format London W13 9SS. of the programme and the website The venue is near Northfields www.westlondonramblers.org.uk. tube station on the Piccadilly Line Please do come along and enjoy and close to local bus routes. Please the evening and if you would like bring some festive food you enjoy to get involved and want to know to share for the Christmas finger more then please contact us at buffet. Tell others you are coming [email protected]. to save on your Christmas card Martin Harris A National Park City walk crosses the lock gates to King George V Dock on a section of the Capital Ring. Photo: Alison Turley postage as we exchange cards during Secretary, West London Group

• Victoria Park in Ashford, Kent, is • Explore with map and compass: (except January). Groups of 10 Briefly to receive a £3 million renovation John Harmer will be running another - 25 people can have exclusive following a National Lottery one day course for beginners in access and a guided tour for £5 per map reading and land navigation person. For details email groups@ • High Weald Walking Festival Heritage Fund award to Ashford on Saturday 28 September (10am - severndroogcastle.org.uk. 2019: This collaboration between a Borough Council. Work will include improved paths and the restoration 4pm) at Battle, East Sussex. Standard number of Ramblers groups and the of the Grade II listed Hubert charge £10 but reduced rates • Downs Link: An improved all- High Weald AONB Partnership runs available. Contact John at 01424 weather surface is to be provided Fountain. from 14 - 22 September. More than 773998 or [email protected]. on five sections of this shared route 40 guided walks with themes such com for details. which links the North Downs Way • East Kent Walking Book Tour. with the South Downs Way and as local history, wildlife, geology, Musician, artist and writer Marianne creative writing, literature and • Severndroog Castle: This historic mostly follows former railway lines Dissard will be giving readings from 18th century tower in south east between Guildford and Shoreham- architecture, will be on offer in the her new book 'Not Me' between London, and seen by walkers on by-Sea. This follows a successful unique High Weald landscape which 26 September and 6 October and both the Capital Ring and Green bid by West Sussex County Council covers parts of Sussex, Kent and walking between all ten venues. Chain Walk, can now be visited by for £558,000 from the European Surrey. Visit www.highwealdwalks. Details at www.mariannedissard. pre-booked groups on Thursdays Agricultural Fund for Rural org for details. com and Fridays throughout the year Development. 14 South East Walker September 2019 Wish you were here? Weymouth Co Donegal, Ireland ifteen Croydon Ramblers was that there was to be a hen Londonderry/Derry, over the arrived at Knock airport, party at the same time in the same border in Northern Ireland. A Falso known as Ireland room! I know that ramblers can very interesting city with a lot of West airport, on Saturday 27 be loud but together with the hen history, not all of it good, but with April. It was built for pilgrims party and a Michael Buble tribute city walls to walk and the Peace heading to the Knock shrine but act - well, I still have a ringing in Bridge to explore. On other days we were pilgrims of a different my ears! we explored the Glenveagh Estate type and this was the fourth or We spent the next few days and took the ferry to the island of fifth trip to Ireland arranged happily wandering in the beautiful Arranmore. by our 'Irish Ambassador', Ann countryside and coastal areas and If I had to choose only one Toomey. the evenings eating delicious meals holiday destination for the After being met by Michael, in local bars and restaurants after remainder of my life it would our guide, minibus driver, walk which we would seek out a bar have to be Ireland. What with the Our Corfe Castle walk near Worth Matravers. Photo: Simon Thornhill leader, Guinness critic and teller of with live music or alternatively end countryside, coast, food, Guinness, terrible jokes, we were chauffeured up in the Corner House pub, next craic and charm of the people, it's ur member, Nick coastal walk to Lulworth Cove to the Nesbitt Arms Hotel in door but one from the hotel, and hard to beat. Sunderland, including a long lunch to fortify Ardara, Co Donegal, where we listen to a radio tuned to a station John Tickner Oresearched and us for the return walk. The were booked for the first night's called 'Irish Pub Music' Croydon Ramblers organised a Dorset break in weather was redolent of an old meal. What we didn't know then On one day we went to May based in Weymouth, fashioned English spring with from where he led daily occasional light showers but walks of between 11 and generally warm and sunny. It 14 miles over a four day was a perfect break and made period. He had meticulously the more enjoyable with the researched accommodation companionship of walkers from and whilst walkers made other walking groups who often their own arrangements he join us on our Wednesday and provided information and Sunday walks. The flexibility recommendations; useful for of joining in with other groups those who did not know the via the walk listings on the area. Ramblers website will, we hope, The itinerary was varied and encourage others to embrace included coastal walks around the wider walking opportunities Corfe Castle, the Wessex ridges on offer as members of the with fine views of Chesil Beach, Ramblers, if they have not little walked paths around Cerne already joined. Abbas where masses of bluebells Elise Wright and wild garlic covered the Hillingdon Ramblers ground and, finally, a strenuous The group walking over Arranmore towards the sea. Photo: John Tickner

including visits to the lost village of Acebuchal, the small town of Competa, Spain Salares, the mountain villages of Great Malvern Canillas and Archez and the Old ur annual coach back to Great Malvern. The his year's overseas cakes. We were then introduced Silk Route walking from Puerto outing in early stronger walkers did a 12 mile adventure took us to to Mary-Rose, who would be Blanquillo to Puerto de Collado. Competa, set on the July took us to walk led by Fitz which went T our guide for the week, and her The final day took us nearer to the O edge of the natural park of cockapoo, Jade. Together with Great Malvern and we were further south and climbed all coast but there was still a bit of the Almejera mountains in Sarah we went over the walking fortunate to get a dry sunny the hills on the way! A number scrambling over large rocks before Andalucia, southern Spain. programme which sounded very day again and 49 people made of people also stayed in Great descending to a lovely small 'playa We left from Stansted in the interesting and certainly more the trip. Malvern for their own walks or nudista'. Here we were able to Most people did an eight to visit the attractions. It was lovely Easter sunshine to arrive strenuous than Essex. We were in Malaga to some unsettled reassured walks could be changed take full advantage of the Spanish mile walk led by Keith heading a great day out with something sunshine (keeping our clothes on!) south across the Malvern Hills for everyone. Spanish weather. We were met to suit us and, as it turned out, sitting on the beach with a cold mainly on lower paths to Holy Ian Dunford by Jane of Competa Hikes http:// the weather! All then retired to drink, the perfect end to a very Well before turning north Milton Keynes Ramblers www.competahikes.com/ for the our rooms for a rest before dinner minibus to our accommodation. when we enjoyed the first of the enjoyable week. We went along the surprisingly wonderful home-cooked dinners. Sylvia Hayes empty motorway before turning We enjoyed a variety of walks Uttlesford Ramblers towards higher ground and the distant mountains. The views were amazing as we continued to ascend along the winding mountain road when we suddenly turned off onto a dirt track but it was only a five minute bumpy ride before we arrived at Finca Los Pinos,. Here we were greeted by David and Sarah, who run Competa Hikes, and were given a tour of the different rooms in the two converted fincas and three log cabins. After the journey we were able to relax by the pool in the Getting our breath back on North Hill. Photo: Ian Dunford warm sunshine, with drinks and Walking near Competa. Photo: Sylvia Hayes South East Walker September 2019 15 Liverpool ur inaugural City Explorer Break was a resounding success despite taking place Oduring the worst weather of the summer. Thirty six members enjoyed the ferry across the Mersey in dry weather before getting drenched on an open top bus. A evening walking tour of the city ended with sanctuary in the Anglican cathedral before retiring for the night. On Day Two, the rain hardly stopped but that didn't dampen enthusiasm for a 12-mile walk along the Wirral Way from Hooton to West Kirby, an old railway line now a walk/cycleway. Day Three saw a slight improvement in weather with only intermittent rain and there were no fallers at Becher's Brook or Canal Turn as we headed towards the Leeds & Liverpool canal before passing through Rimrose Valley country park and the suburb of Crosby to reach the coast and the Sir Antony Gormley sculptures in 'Another Place' on Blundellsands. Ivel Valley Walkers The group at a former railway station on the Wirral Way. Photo: Barry Ingram Isle of Wight Axbridge, Somerset ur group enjoyed a opportunities to explore the island and weekend of walking on the its tea shops whilst the medium walks h e a n n u a l OIsle of Wight from 14 - 17 took in many places of local interest Dartford & June and, thanks to the enthusiasm including the Afton Marshes. For T G r a v e s h a m of our walk leaders, we were able to the more energetic there were coastal Ramblers' walking offer three walks of varying lengths walks with fantastic views. Next year trip took 50 of us to on both the Saturday and Sunday we hope to return to walk the entire Somerset by coach in and an eight mile walk on the Isle of Wight Coast Path. early May. Monday. Richard Trimmer Using Axbridge as Shorter walks provided West Berks Ramblers a base, we were able to enjoy both long and short walks in the Mendip and Quantock Hills and around Bridgwater Bay. We were lucky enough to fit in visits to both Dyrham Park and Stourhead, both owned by the National Trust. The highlight though was our walk in the Cheddar Gorge area where, despite heavy rain, we continued walking and even managed to 'say cheese' for the camera. Beverley Johnston Dartford & Gravesham Ramblers Saying cheese in Cheddar! Photo: Beverley Johnston Coastal walking offered fantastic views. Photo Richard Trimmer Wales Coast Path aster saw our group return to the Wales Coast Path for ten Edays in which we managed to see porpoises, seals (14 on one occasion), dolphins, adders, slow worm, lizard, peregrine falcons, choughs, oystercatchers, shelducks and a curlew. We also saw the so-called Teletubby House at Druidston along with many other places of interest. We passed the halfway mark two miles into our final day to New Quay. We have now walked 443 miles of the route and have 427 miles to go! Ian Dunford Milton Keynes Ramblers A glorious day on the Wales coast. Photo: Ian Dunford 16 South East Walker September 2019 Diary Round London Dates Landlines Wednesday 4 - Saturday 14 September Inaugural show of the Wilderness Art Collective whose work highlights the plight of the world's wildernesses and wildlife. Royal Geographical Society, 1 Kensington Gore, London SW7 Hainault Forest National Lottery www.rgs.org, 020 7591 3000 Heritage fund has awarded £4.2 million to Redbridge Council in north east London to restore the forest to its Heritage Open Days Cody Dock A crowd-funding appeal has been launched to pay for former natural and wild state and help Friday 13 - Sunday 22 September Regent's Park This year's Frieze Sculpture a new hand-operated 'rolling bridge' across this dock beside Bow threatened species thrive. The country This 25th annual festival of free display (until 6 October) of outdoor art Creek. To understand what a rolling bridge is you will need to go park is run by Redbridge whilst the history and culture takes place in the English Gardens features works by to codydock.org.uk/rolling-bridge-project/. The current bridge is on adjacent woodland is in the care of the over 10 days with more than more than 20 artists - like Lars Fisk's 'Tudor the Lea Valley Walk and The Line sculpture trail. Cody Dock is now a Woodland Trust. The London Loop and Ball' seen here. cultural quarter and community space with a cafe. Three Forests Way cross the forest. 5,000 events organised. Buildings, parks, gardens and open spaces are opened up for the public. Coordinated by the National Trust with support from the People's Postcode Lottery. heritageopendays.org.uk

Wandle Fortnight Saturday 14 - Sunday 29 September A celebration of the Wandle valley in south west London with tours, walks and exhibitions. www.wandlevalleyforum.org.uk

An Earthly Paradise: William Morris Saturday 14 September - Sunday 10 November Exhibition exploring how the Beckenham Place Park, Lewisham's largest green space, has received a restoration thanks to a project funded by the National Lottery. Historic features have been restored River Thames flowed through and a new wet woodland and the park's lost Georgian lake have been restored. 'Wild William Morris's life and work. swimming' is allowed but has to be booked. The park is on both the Capital Ring and The Oxfordshire Museum, Green Chain Walk. Woodstock, Oxfordshire 01993 814106

Annual Epping Forest Walk Sunday 15 September: Annual led-walk the length of the forest from south to north (or as much or as little of it as you wish). Organised by Epping Forest Heritage Trust, West Essex Ramblers and Conservators of Epping Forest. 9am - 5pm www.efht.org.uk, 020 8418 0730.

Open House London Saturday 21- Sunday Tottenham Parks Cafe Trail Discover the north London area on this six mile walk around nine parks (seven with 22 September cafes). A leaflet is available from the cafes or go to www. Annual weekend event offering haringey.gov.uk and search for 'Haringey Walk Book'. free entry to many of London's finest buildings, some not normallyopen to the public. openhouselondon.org.uk

Hopping in the Eden Valley Until Friday 20 December exhibition looking back to when the annual picking of hops locally was a traditional feature. eden valley museum, edenbridge, kent www.evmt.org.uk, 01732 868102

Talking Maps Until Sunday 8 March 2020 A celebration of maps and what they tell us about the places they depict and the people that make and use them, drawing on the Bodleian's collection of more than The Greenway The section between Pudding Mill Lane and Stratford High Street Polish Air Force Heritage Trail London Borough of Hillingdon in east London has reopened after many years closure for the 2012 Olympics and has produced a trail linking four sites connected with the 1.3 million maps. subsequent developments. A new ramp now links Pudding Mill Lane with the thousands of Polish Air Force personnel based at RAF Northolt ST Lee Gallery. Weston Library, Greenway just south of the main railway line which divides the path and cycleway during World War 2. Not strictly a walk but could be seen as such Bodleian Library, Oxford along the top of the Northern Outfall Sewer between Bow and Beckton. The with some imagination. Find the leaflet in Hillingdon libraries or www.bodleian.ox.ac.uk, 01865 Capital Ring and Jubilee Greenway share most of the Greenway's route. go to www.hillingdon.gov.uk/polishtrail 277094