SOUTH EAST No. 98 June 2017

Publicwalker path victory at Harrow ocal residents, backed by known as numbers 57 and 58 in the had argued that Harrow Council the Open Spaces Society, Borough of Harrow, which should make the school reopen the Lthe Ramblers and Harrow have for centuries run in direct lines path, as required by law but instead Hill Trust, have defeated plans by across the land now forming part of the council chickened out and elite Harrow School to move two its grounds. agreed to allow the school to move public footpaths across its sports Footpath 57 follows a north - the path around the obstructions. pitches, all-weather pitches and south route between Football Lane Footpath 58 runs in a direct line Signs point the way from Football Lane. tennis courts. The objectors and Pebworth Road. The school between the bottom of Football fought the plans at a six-day obstructed the footpath with tennis Lane and Watford Road, and objectors represented themselves. straight towards it. The proposed public inquiry earlier this year. courts surrounded by fencing in the school applied to move it to a Appearing as objectors at the diversions are inconvenient and The government inspector, Ms 2003. For nine years, the school zigzag route to avoid the current inquiry were Kate Ashbrook of considerably longer'. Alison Lea, has now rejected the even padlocked the gates across configuration of its sports pitches. the Open Spaces Society and the Says Kate Ashbrook, General proposals. another section of the path but Alison Lea refused the proposals Ramblers, Gareth Thomas MP, Secretary of the Open Spaces Harrow School wanted to move reopened them following pressure principally because of the impact of Harrow councillor Sue Anderson, Society and Footpath Secretary for the two public footpaths, officially from the objectors. The objectors the changes on public enjoyment, Paul Catherall of the Harrow Buckinghamshire, Milton Keynes in particular the loss of views which Hill Trust, Brent councillor Keith and West Middlesex Area of the Harrow West MP, Gareth Thomas, Perrin, and local residents. Others Ramblers: 'It has taken local people called 'spectacular' in his evidence submitted written objections. 14 years of strenuous campaigning to the inquiry. The paths provide A particularly valuable against the might of Harrow direct walking routes to Harrow- contribution at the inquiry came School to save these footpaths, on-the-Hill with its impressive from long-standing local people, with their splendid views and sense church-spire, whereas the views who said: 'As residents of almost 80 of purpose. Now we shall press from the diverted routes were, the years standing we can testify that the council again to ensure that inspector said, 'unexceptional'. the footpaths pre-date much of the Harrow School reopens the blocked She also considered that the school local built environment. They have Footpath 57. We shall be fortified had exaggerated the benefits of the been actively used by local people to by the inspector's decision - the proposed diversions, reach St Mary's church or the many council can no longer avoid taking At the public inquiry, the school hostelries and other interesting action to resolve this mess.' was represented by a QC, assisted buildings that make up the village After the inspector announced Footpath 58 takes a direct line from here towards the church spire at Harrow-on-the Hill by a junior barrister; the council on the hill. It is natural to set her decision, Harrow School had six ahead. was also legally represented, but the one's eye on a destination and walk weeks to decide whether to appeal. Strong, sturdy and reliable memorial gate the gate was installed by members village, as a parish councillor for 16 commemorating the of Godalming & Haslemere years and council chairman for 12 A life and work of Denis Ramblers, a group which Denis years. Besides his local activities, Holmes, a long-time Godalming helped to found in 1974 and in Denis served the Ramblers more and Haslemere Rambler, was which he was active for over 40 widely, becoming Chairman of dedicated by his widow Susan years. Denis died in February 2015 Area for seven years. He on 9 March. She said the gate and his memorial service at Elstead became Footpath Secretary for all was a fitting memorial to her parish church a month later was the southern parishes of Waverley husband as it was 'strong, sturdy packed, with standing room only. Borough and when he gave this and reliable' like Denis himself. At the gate commemoration up after 20 years, his workload The new gate near Elstead, ceremony , Jenny Caddy, Chairman was such that it had to be divided replaces a stile on a footpath which of Godalming & Haslemere among three people! runs from Fulbrook Lane to the Ramblers, introduced Pat Murphy, Denis actively contributed to Elstead Mill pub, avoiding 200 Chairman of Elstead Parish the original waymarking of the At the gate dedication. Left to right Pat Murphy, Chairman of Elstead Parish Council, metres of the busy B3001 which Council who spoke about Denis's Greensand Way in south west Susan Holmes, Denis's widow and Jenny Caddy, Chairman of Godalming has no footway. Made of solid oak, contribution to the life of the Continued on page 2 & Haslemere Ramblers. Photo: David Hamill 2 South East Walker June 2017 A walk in the park

ravis Elborough's was a gated private park for the the lives of the urban poor - and celebration of public opening decade and a half of its its thanks to the foresight our Tparks, A Walk in the life. Victorian forebears and campaigns Park: The Life and Times It was not until 1845 that by the likes of to save of a People's Institution is London received its first purpose- areas of open ground like Epping published in paperback on 1 built public park. Victoria Forest and , June. We invited him to tell Park in Bow, was laid out on an that the capital is blessed with us more about an institution outlying area of common ground such a diverse array of greenery. increasingly under threat and market gardens, part of In fact 47% of London is As Fanny Price puts it in Jane which was nicknamed Botany green space, making it one of the Austen's Mansfield Park, 'to sit Bay as it was where criminals greenest cities in the world for its in the shade on a fine day, and evading transportation were said size. look upon verdure' is 'the most to hide out. Intended to serve For parks and public gardens perfect refreshment'. The verdure the poor and potentially cholera- are more than just pleasant spots Price admires and the park that ridden dockland communities for metropolitan dilettantes like supplies that book with its title of the East End and raise you and me and dossers (and belong to that most distinguished property prices in the area, it was doggers) to while time away in. of categories, the private English designed by Nash's protege James On a practical level they lower country estate. Such parks date Pennethorne, who also gave the the ambient temperature of cities, back to the hunting ranges of capital New Oxford Street and aid water retention and so reduce the middle ages with the word . the risk of flooding and provide itself deriving from the Norman- In Battersea, the parish vicar, habitats for wildlife. Even setting French for an enclosure for 'beasts the Hon and Rev Robert Eden, aside these not inconsiderable of the chase.' was instrumental in seeing environmental pluses, parks And for centuries London parks the district's eponymous fields largely continue to be one of those too reeked of feudalism, with (posthumously recalled by rare institutions that are open to British monarchs, in particular, one London antiquarian as a all and free at the point of entry. remaining unstinting in snaffling 'flat and unbroken wildness of They embody an ideal of civic previously accessible land in the some 300 acres' and 'the resort life that is increasingly imperilled capital and adding it to their store of costermongers and roughs') by the present government's of greenery. Charles I blocked transformed into the elegant park cuts and more generally by the off several local footpaths and that endures to this day. commercialisation of public removed acres of parish grazing Chief among Eden's arguments space. (The words 'garden' and A Walk in the Park: The Life and Times of a People's Institution by Travis ground when he walked in was that 'a lung' for the district 'bridge', mysteriously spring to Elborough. Available in paperback (Vintage, £10.99) and hardback (Jonathan Richmond Park in the 1630s. It offering 'healthful recreation' mind here...) Cape, £18.99). Reviewer William Boyd in the Guardian said 'This is a fascinating, informative, revelatory book. The full review can be read at https://www. was 1904 before the public got full would make such people 'orderly' But with budgets squeezed by theguardian.com/books/2016/jun/18/a-walk-in-the-park-the-life-and-times-of-a- access to the park again. And it by implanting 'feelings' of self- austerity measures many local peoples-institution-travis-elborough-review. You can also listen to a soundtrack (of was only the vigilance of Robert worth and responsibility he authorities around the country sorts) to the book - with park(ish) tunes from Tom Lehrer to Tribesmen and John Walpole, Britain's de facto first maintained that were currently have been forced to trim funds Coltrane to the Nick Straker Band - at https://soundcloud.com/user-704316389/ travisparkmixmultioptomastering-01 Prime Minister, that prevented being 'deadened by dirt, by drink for non-mandatory services. Queen Caroline from seizing and discomfort'. Paternalistic To make up the shortfall some profit with entrance fees. Over Borough of Bexley, approved the the whole of St James's Park as arguably, a tad patronising London councils have chosen in west London, a lease signed sale of three of its open spaces her personal garden. While her perhaps; oblivious (obviously) to to raise revenue for basic by Hammersmith and Fulham in Erith. The loss of any public estranged husband George IV's the popularity of Special Brew maintenance by increasing the Council with the sports company space is distressing and the more Regent's Park - which casually among park bench goers in the commercial activities in their Play Football to turn over a third general commercialisation of their absorbed areas of small-holding times yet to come. parks. In Battersea Park last of Hammersmith Park into pay- facilities invidious, and we risk farmland used for growing hay for Still there is little doubt that year and indicative of this trend, to-play football pitches was only seeing parks, once again, become London's horses - was developed this generation of London parks, a well-used if down-at-heel free scaled back this spring following a the preserves of the wealthy rather as a money-making scheme for the with their trimmed lawns, sports adventure playground was handed campaign led by the local resident than open to the community as a Crown, with exclusive residential fields, bandstands and vivid flower over to private company, Go-Ape, and author Virginia Ironside. whole. properties incorporated into what beds, did genuinely help brighten to refurbish and then run at a More worryingly still, the London Travis Elborough

Peaceful in Charlton, south east London, memorably featured in the film This stone circle near the summit of Hilly Fields in Brockley was created by the Brockley Society. This open Blow-Up which was released in the UK 50 years ago. Near the tennis courts here a young photographer space opened as a public park in 1896 after plans to build over it were fought by local residents, including played by David Hemmings unwittingly discovered that he might have witnessed a murder. the campaigner and co-founder of the , Octavia Hill.

Continued from page 1 at public inquiries. At the major two areas of the common split by led by Jim Chipchase. Helping Prior to the ceremony, 37 Hindhead Tunnel inquiry he led a the dual carriageway. At Thursley were Roy Edgington, Brian people were led on a five-mile Surrey and to its subsequent team of volunteers, resulting in a they celebrated the transport Fellowes, David Hutton and Andy walk from Elstead Moat by maintenance. He constantly great success, with walkers gaining minister's decision to include the Piercey. The working party meets Janet Baxter, followed by lunch supported and encouraged working two extra crossings of the open Hindhead Hill underpass in the monthly to maintain and improve at Elstead Mill and a short walk parties to improve the condition stretch of the A3 trunk road. At scheme, against the wishes of the local footpaths under the guidance across fields to the new gate to of footpaths and bridleways, and Bramshott, Denis and his team Highways Agency. of Surrey County Council, witness its dedication. spent many a day erecting finger worked with the parish council to The gate was installed by the continuing Denis's valuable service David Hamill posts and stiles. He also assisted gain a convenient link between the group's footpath working party, for walkers. Godalming & Haslemere Ramblers South East Walker June 2017 3 walkerSOUTH EAST Ramblers Greater London Forum Distributed quarterly to members website and participation individual members living in of the Ramblers in Bedfordshire, in social media, setting up Greater London to consider Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Milton A new era Keynes and West Middlesex, Essex, a ranger scheme and litter helping with these activities, Inner London, Kent, Oxfordshire and t the forum's AGM clearances for the major especially engaging with Surrey Areas. on 6 April, the strategic routes, helping with social media, becoming a decision was taken issues affecting walkers, trail ranger, or helping with THE RAMBLERS A to change our constitution assisting with the Lost litter clearances. My grateful Address: 2nd Floor, Camelford (subject to ratification by House, 87-90 Albert Embankment, Ways project, and organising thanks to those who came to the Ramblers Board of more events. The forum London SE1 7TW. the meeting. Whatever our Tel: 020 7339 8500 Trustees) so that groups will also continue to support views on what works best Fax: 020 7339 8501 as well as Areas active Ramblers' engagement with we must continue to work Email: [email protected] within Greater London Transport for London and Web: www.ramblers.org.uk would be able to send a the Walking and Cycling together and build a strong Company registration no: case for walking in and 4458492 representative to future Commissioner, and work Registered charity no: 1093577 meetings, raising its with Inner London Area on around London. For more potential membership. the future of the Love London, information, contact me at EDITORIAL More members are Walk London project. thomas.berry@btinternet. Editor: Les Douglas com. Email: [email protected] considered essential to tackle The forum will be sending Tel: 020 8809 2338 the additional activities that details of future meetings to Tom Berry (please leave message) we intend to take on. They the secretaries of the relevant Chair, Ramblers Greater Tom Berry include a more proactive Areas and groups, and invites London Forum DESIGN AND PRINT Mortons Print Ltd - 01507 529255 Mole defences: These Opinions expressed by contributors World War 2 structures are not specifically endorsed by on the River Mole at the foot of Box The Ramblers. Hill in Surrey feature ISSN 1747-4140 on a newly signed C 2017 The Ramblers. three-mile circular All rights reserved. route known as the Riverside Walk. It Copy Date: For issue No. 99 starts at the Salomons is 12 July 2017. viewpoint at the top of Box Hill and includes some stretches not previously publicly accessible. A free leaflet with map can be picked up at the visitor centre or downloaded at www. nationaltrust.org.uk/ box-hill/trails/box-hill- riverside-walk.

Tales and trails: A new Tillingbourne gallery at Shere Museum was opened by the Mayor of Guildford, Cllr Gordon Jackson, on 27 March. It showcases research undertaken through the Tillingbourne Tales Watts Chapel: This grade I-listed Arts & Crafts masterpiece was designed by Mary Fraser Watts near Heritage Lottery-funded project which has supported local initiatives to study this once industrialised the village of Compton in Surrey, and adjacent to the North Downs Way. Nearby, the Watts Gallery is Surrey valley. Several short circular trails exploring sites associated with these industries have been celebrating the 200th anniversary of the birth of her husband George Frederic Watts with a sequence of devised and can be found at www.tillingbournetales.co.uk/places/trails three exhibitions. The next G F Watts: England's Michelangelo runs from 20 June - 26 November. These include the Chilworth Gunpowder Mills Heritage Trail seen above.

Thames Path: A further (writes Chris Perks of White The first set of trails are linked Chiltern Way: An updated temporary diversion of the Cliffs Ramblers) as part of a to 10 pubs in the Henley area, guidebook to the 134 mile Briefly national trail on the west side campaign to end the indefinite with a further 20 to be added walking route has been of the peninsula detention of immigrants. At by the autumn. Over time, published by the Chiltern Shakespeare's Way: Boston in London takes walkers stops, leading writers will tell Society, whose members Brakspear hopes to create Ramblers in Lincolnshire will away from the riverside and the story of asylum seekers, devised the route established be walking the route from along the busy Blackwall refugees and detainees. Day trails for as many of its pubs in 2000. The updated guide, Stratford Upon Avon to Tunnel approach. The walkers are welcomed and as possible. Brakspear has The Chiltern Way & Chiltern London over 12 days from 10 diversion is scheduled to last more details of the walk and donated money to the trust Way Extensions by Nick September, basing themselves until February 2018. A map associated events can be for each trail, which will be Moon, includes detailed maps at a hotel in Oxfordshire and showing the diverted route found at www.refugeetales. invested in improvements to and step-by-step instructions using a coach to travel to and has been added to Inner org. the footpath network. The for following the circular London Area's website www. route which passes through from each day's walk. Anyone trails can be downloaded from innerlondonramblers.org.uk. Brakspear Pub Trails: Beds, Bucks, Herts and Oxon. www.pub-trails.co.uk; maps interested in joining them Brewer and pub operator The guidebook is available in (well-behaved dogs welcome Refugee Tales: Around 50 Brakspear has launched a will be available in pubs for a bookshops for £11.99 or from too) should contact Alex people will be walking the series of pub trails devised by 50p donation to Marie Curie, the Chiltern Society's online Russell ([email protected], from Egham to volunteers from the Trust for the company's charity partner shop at https://chilternsociety. 07903 054604) for details. Westminster from 1 to 4 July, Oxfordshire's Environment. for the year. org.uk. 4 South East Walker June 2017 BERKSHIRE bites West Berks 50th anniversary his is West Berkshire Chairmen Bob Withers and Michael complete with a fish and chip supper. Ramblers 50th anniversary Weideli and our immediate past Members have the opportunity Tyear and we are celebrating Chairman, Graham Smith, who had to celebrate informally by keeping with commemorative events organised the event. His family has a log of their walks, to complete 50 throughout the year. been involved with the group since Miles for 50 Years. This initiative A special gate was installed and its inception, making Graham our was celebrated by a social event and Dr John Davies cuts the cake on Snelsmore Common on 2 March. Keith Smith its unveiling took place on 2 March. longest serving member. buffet where a display of the group's Our first Chairman, Dr John Dr Davies gave an amusing history was on show. The annual Davies, cut the tape watched by speech reminiscing about our Christmas social is also planned West Berkshire Council Chairman 'birth' and the colourful characters to include elements related to our Quentin Webb and other local he'd encountered along the way. anniversary. dignitaries from the council, the Then everyone enjoyed a piece of Thank you to all the volunteers Berks, Bucks and Oxon Wildlife celebratory cake and a toast was who have made these events so Trust (which now looks after proposed to the group. Meeting successful. Thanks also go to Snelsmore Common) and 55 group John was a huge pleasure and made the new walk leaders who have members. Also present were past the celebration of our history really volunteered to join the team come alive. and who are contributing to our The group is installing more gates extensive walks programme. This this year in commemoration of year also marks the 25th anniversary our anniversary and there are also of the Lambourn Valley Way plans for a couple of new seats on and the 20th anniversary of the Snelsmore Common. handover of Greenham Common to Also in March, an anniversary Greenham Common Trust. Truly a quiz, 50 Questions for 50 Years, was momentous year. well supported and proved to be Denise Buchan One of the two birthday cakes. Keith Smith a hilarious and raucous evening West Berkshire Walkers The group's first Chairman, Dr Davies, addresses the crowd. Keith Smith

front of 64 Rambler colleagues. Well done Deputy Mayor of Wokingham Mixing it Borough Council, Rob Stanton, aving joined the Ramblers joined us to present Ray with a Ray! and the Berkshire Mayor's Award. The plaque and Walkers in 2008, I have ay Sharp stepped down shield bore the inscription: WBC H enjoyed so many walks and met in November 2016 Mayor's Award: For Keeping the so many different people in our after nine years as Paths of Wokingham Borough R group over the years. However, Footpath Secretary of Loddon clear'. Having been told that Ray after a few years I thought that to Valley Ramblers. supports Reading FC and also make things even more interesting He has an encyclopaedic Manchester United, for a bit of I would walk from time to time knowledge of our footpaths and fun the Deputy Mayor wore not with the neighbouring Oxon 20 - the legal framework; developed only his chain of office but also 30s group which is also aimed at a close, mutual relationship with his Chelsea hat! younger Ramblers. New people, Wokingham Borough Council And then I was able to present new territory. and local landowners to prompt Ray with a Ramblers Volunteer After a while, having led walks with path repairs and improvements: Commendation framed my own group I decided to invite the and frequently led working certificate. Despite the presence Oxon group along to the odd walk of parties on footpath work and of his wife and several people mine. Joint walks are great as they converting stiles to metal gates. who don't normally walk on help fill two programmes rather than A joint Berkshire Walkers/Oxon 20-30s walk at Goring. Quite rightly he received plaudits Thursdays, I'm delighted to say one. The downside, if there is one, each and, since their inception in would like to invite us along to a and a gift from the group on his that Ray was taken completely is that you have to be prepared to 2012, we also team up from time to walk then please get in touch with retirement. by surprise! But he managed lead for twice the number of people. time with the Berkshire Weekend me at publicity@berkshirewalkers. But we felt that wider to summon a very creditable In January I did one of these joint Walkers. co.uk. It is good to meet with recognition was called for and on response, and then to lead the walks in Goring, an ideal location Although we are a 20 - 30s group, others, exchange ideas and make Thursday 30 March before the walk. Two awards very richly for both groups, and was rewarded will always welcome others to our people aware that as a member of start of a walk Ray was leading deserved! with a turnout of 40 with good walks whatever their age or group the Ramblers we can walk with any (so no subterfuge was necessary Graham Smith representations from both groups. allegiance. We are a friendly bunch group. to get him there!), it happened in Chairman, Loddon Valley Ramblers In 2016 we also invited the young so feel free to pop along and say hello Dan Harris Ramblers groups from the Chilterns if you have the desire. Publicity Officer, and Hampshire on one occasion If there are any groups who Berkshire Walkers (20 - 30s) Rambling for Pleasure in East Berks third edition of photos. The guidebook contains and post-free for £7.99 from www. Rambling for Pleasure 24 mainly circular walks with an guidepost.uk.com. A new edition A in East Berkshire has average length of five miles. They of Rambling for Pleasure along the been published. range from the hillsides above Thames should also be available All the walks have been updated the Thames at Wargrave and soon from the same website. and my thanks go to all the Cookham to Ascot, Virginia Water Steve Gillions members who checked the routes and the Finchampstead ridges. Footpath Secretary, Graham Smith presents Ray with the Ramblers award. Photo: Jenny Smith and sent comments and new Copies can be obtained online East Berks Ramblers South East Walker June 2017 5 financially for the Area as our budget request has been cut. The Area AGM meeting agreed a protest to Central Office, but it appears that the rules he annual general meeting governing such cuts are unfavourable BUCKS of Buckinghamshire, to Areas such as ours that have been T Milton Keynes and West gradually reducing our reserves. The Middlesex Area was held on finance team has agreed that the Saturday 4 February in Stoke system needs to be changed in future briefs Mandeville, with 33 members years. in attendance: as usual, a We remain short of officers. In disappointingly small proportion particular, as well as being the News from Bucks, Milton Keynes and West Middlesex of our 3,000 members. Area Treasurer I continue to act as In the morning, Roy Johnson of Secretary, and would welcome a Aylesbury Group led 18 of us on a volunteer to take over. Also, Jay walk featuring some of the footpaths Wilson, who had been converting that will be subject to temporary walk descriptions from our website Cotswold Way invite or permanent closures or diversions for input to Ramblers Routes, has when construction of HS2 begins. left the Area and been obliged to ver the past few years this on the second Sunday of each cost will depend on the number of The Area Executive Committee has resign; again, a replacement would our group has walked month, covering about 10 miles and people taking part. The overall since flagged this as an issue that be welcome. Ovarious long distance reach the start point of each stage by number consists of members of other needs attention. HS2 Ltd must be We are fortunate to have two paths including the and coach from Amersham. The coach Ramblers groups and we are keen to persuaded to make information on members of the Board of Trustees Way and we expect meets us at the end of each stage. welcome others. If you are interested path changes easily available in a amongst our membership, Kate to complete the Seven Shires Way Because of the distances involved in joining us please contact me on much more user-friendly manner Ashbrook and Paul Rhodes (and soon. we shall start at 8.15am and plan to 01923 775423 on [email protected]. than is currently the case. congratulate the latter on his re- Starting in October we plan to be back by around 6pm. We limit co.uk. A pleasant feature of the afternoon election at the General Council walk the 102-mile Cotswold Way. the cost of the coach to a maximum Mike Tracey was the presentation to Peter and meeting in April) who gave us an As is our custom, we will walk of £20 per person but the actual Amersham & District Ramblers Diana Gulland of a certificate update on recent developments celebrating almost 50 years of work nationally. Lawrence Jones, who as Ramblers' volunteers. Their is a leader for Ramblers Walking retirement was reported in the Holidays, also told us about recent North Bucks rRIPPLE December 2016 issue of South East changes there. Walker. John Esslemont ike any job, the actual Donate-a-gate to coincide with This year will be a difficult one doing is preceded by South East Walker publication Acting Area Secretary L a plethora of other dates of 1 March, 1 June, activities. 1 September and 1 December. To get an improvement We have this spring completed completed, such as the nine stiles-to-gates in Wingrave, replacement of a dilapidated stile six in Westcott, six in Preston with a gate. we need to have the Bissett and have agreed jobs following in place: agreement in hand in Ickford, Hartwell, of landowner, agreement and Mentmore and Oving. authorisation of the county A new venture is the council/TfB together with a replacement of two steel five bar completed CAMS form, materials gates that have steps attached in stock, ideally a Donate-a-Gate to them but are awkward to sponsor and last but not least a day negotiate. One is just across the planned with sufficient volunteers border in Oxfordshire between to go and do it - not to mention Haddenham and Thame, the there being a pub nearby open at other in Westcott. Thame around 2.30pm just when many & Wheatley Ramblers are are shutting for the afternoon. generously donating £100 towards Kate Ashbrook (right) presents the certificate to Diana and Peter Gulland at the AGM to In March our Jerry Michell the Thame one along with celebrate their outstanding contribution to walking. Said Kate, 'It is thanks in no small delivered a presentation to the the farmer. Centrewire Bristol part to the tireless and dedicated work of Peter and Diana that the paths in Aylesbury Winslow Local Area Forum combination gates are proposed Vale are in a much better state today than they were 50 years ago. They literally blazed a trail by getting paths reopened and then encouraging their use. Walkers owe them explaining the above as well as that can be locked closed but an enormous debt of gratitude.' Said Peter; 'When we cleared our first stile nearly 50 what we will do, won't do, can do have a self-closing, self-latching years ago, it would have been beyond our comprehension that this small action could and can't do. This presentation pedestrian gate embedded within lead to such a variety of interesting and absorbing activities and to such recognition. was warmly received by several the gate's structure. We have enjoyed playing our part for the Ramblers.' forum members and parish The Thame gate, at 4.4 m, councillors and is expected to is an awkward length lying lead to at least a couple of Donate- between the off-the-peg 4.3 and On Ilkla Moor Baht 'at a-Gates. The presentation is 4.5 m production units. Also the ighteen members of unstable we had to curb Graham's available on our web page and can existing hanging pins are totally at Chilterns Weekend enthusiasm for further investigation. be plagiarized if similar groups to variance to standard. A local firm Walkers enjoyed a long Visits were also made to Bolton ours want to make use of it. has kindly donated a large hollow E weekend recently in glorious Abbey and a yomp up Ingleborough, To this end, in March we had an section of steel that we will drill interesting enquiry from a South to produce a bespoke combined Yorkshire. reprising memories for some of East Walker reader in Surrey spacer/adapter. Watch this space Whilst atop Pen y Ghent we were us of previous Yorkshire Three seeking advice on how they can or gate! As you can see we are a treated to the iconic sight of the Peaks Challenges. The weekend be more effective and proactive busy little team with something Flying Scotsman going over the culminated at the Twelve Apostles and work more closely with their new, different and interesting Ribblehead Viaduct to celebrate stone circle on Ilkley Moor with local authority's rights of way cropping up all the time. A recent two gate installation at Preston the re-opening of the Settle to the group's premiere of On Ilkla people to get more improvements Bill Piers Bissett (SP 668290). In the first photo, Carlisle line. The afternoon walk Moor Baht 'at superbly led in true most of the hole-digging tools are lined included the limestone Victoria Yorkshire dialect by Sue. Next stop completed in their area. Coordinator North Bucks up against the hedge, in the second the In future our detailed quarterly rRIPPLE (ramblers Repairing & the new gate is nearly ready whilst the Cave, so-called as it was discovered Britain's Got Talent? reports will be uploaded to www. Improving Public Paths for Leisure third shot shows the completed task. in 1837, the year of 's Sandra Rooney bucks-wmiddx-ramblers.org.uk/ & Exercise) Photos: Bill Piers coronation. As the roof has become Chilterns Weekend Walkers Thousand plus walks e congratulate 1,065 walks, 55 of which he led. our member John Much to his disappointment he has W McMillan on recently had to give up downhill achieving a thousand walks with skiing and windsurfing but still takes us. part in our regular Sunday walks of John joined the group in 1994 and 11 - 12 miles. Well done John, long has steadily built up an enviable record may you continue to inspire us! Braced for a day in the Dales. Photo: Steve Dowling of consistent walking. Up until the Tony Wells end of January, John had completed Wycombe & District Ramblers Bucks briefs continues on page 6 6 South East Walker June 2017 boroughs with a total population about waste disposal in our own Two rings to walk of 1.9 million residents. We boroughs. We then took a bus to Along were given a tour around the Hale station, rejoined t Aylesbury Ramblers we walk, the Aylesbury Ring, completed facility which organises compost the River Lea Walk and completed like to stay up with the in 1993 by former colleagues. 'giveaways' to local residents. our section to Ponders End. The times and also preserve the Over the last two years, volunteers A the Lea Scrap metal is recycled and general visit added a new dimension to our best from the past. How can you from our group have completed ur monthly walks along waste burned to produce electricity walk that day and gave us a much tell? a restoration, clearing the route, the for local consumption and the greater understanding of the area Firstly, you may know about the adding and replacing signs and include visits to a wide National Grid. Residual ash is we walked through. Outer Aylesbury Ring circular route reporting necessary repairs to the O variety of sites which all tell sold to construction companies. Our Lea Valley walks are that we created, publicised and county council. This work has been their own story of the industries Only 10% of waste is forwarded scheduled for every third Tuesday headed up by Roy Johnson, one arranged for it to be on the latest along the river valley. to landfill. We spent almost two commencing at 10.30. For further of the prime movers of the Outer Ordnance Survey maps. If not, On one section we included a hours here and left with a greater details check our website. Aylesbury Ring and our Footpath please check out our website www. visit to Markfield Beam Engine awareness of the processes used Elise Wright and Countryside Secretary. Just aylesburyanddistrictramblers.org.uk and Museum, which opened for recycling and many questions Hillingdon Ramblers where you can find guides, maps, like the later route, there is detailed specially for us, and provided a photos and GPS files for each of the information, photos and links on talk by volunteers working there. 14 linear sections and many circular the public section of our website for The fully restored steam engine, walks through some of the best this original, shorter, route. which was once used to pump views around Aylesbury Vale. Many readers may not be familiar sewage from here to Beckton, Then there is the first circular with how lovely Aylesbury Vale can is maintained in all its former be. To encourage as many people and glory. Markfield sewage works groups as we can to walk our local served the Tottenham area from paths, we make all this information the early 1850s to 1964, providing freely available. We believe it is a vital public health facility to important to maximise footfall on the growing population of the our paths, whoever the walkers are. area. Well worth a visit to those There is a public gallery, available interested in social history as well to anyone, of some of the views we as steam engine enthusiasts. have enjoyed on recent walks. You Our next visit, at Edmonton, can find a link to it on the welcome was to the LondonWaste EcoPark page of our website. Roy Johnson (third from left) and which deals with waste from The group discuss the compost which had just been made available for local some of his regular supporters on the Stephen O'Shea several north and east London residents to collect. Photo: Elise Wright Aylesbury Ring. Photo: Maurice Crump Aylesbury Ramblers SURREY snippets

annual inspection, armed with a couple of stiff-bristled brushes, a Footpaths and Access flat head screwdriver plus the usual Footpath maintenance budget: Countryside Access Management warden's tools should be all that's Surrey Countryside has told me that System (CAMS): Installation of involved. Detailed guidelines would all budgets for 2017/18 are being the 'new architecture' for Surrey's be provided by the county council. substantially reduced and that its computer systems, necessary before footpath maintenance budget is likely the new version of CAMS can be Help for Lower Mole Project: The to be reduced by 66% from £300,000 installed, was scheduled to begin Lower Mole Project works mainly to £100,000. We're concerned that in April. It's hoped the free CAMS in the Kingston, Elmbridge, Epsom Nearly 40 Croydon Ramblers enjoyed a stay in Weymouth in December based at the the whole summer maintenance upgrade will follow this year though & Ewell and Mole Valley areas Royal Hotel on the seafront. Walks in the countryside were arranged each programme of grass cutting and the intended replacement of current using volunteers for a number of day and here one of the groups is seen on the coast path around Portland. Photo: John Tickner shrub clearance may be abandoned. desktop computers by laptops could conservation tasks including making While they value enormously the delay this. finger posts for Surrey County contribution made by volunteers, The county tell me that they Council and other path work (fences, they have to look at all areas of have 'caught up' with most of the gates, various wooden structures etc). this budget including volunteer CAMS data backlog but would They recently did major clearance Kingston try Thursdays expenses. It seems that Ramblers like to explore the possibility of a work on an Elmbridge bridleway ingston Group will The last 'experiment' in January footpath working parties practice Ramblers volunteer who could help which has improved it enormously. experiment with 2012 was for a monthly five-mile on claiming expenses has varied with correlating CAMS data with Their representative Helen Cocker Thursday rambles in walk and this has proved so successful and some have not claimed from that on other systems, eg bridges, asked me if Ramblers would be K the county council for many years. their July to October programme that a record 30 attended the West land ownership. They would aim willing to do some path checking on The amount claimed has only been and hope to find volunteers to lead Byfleet circular on 7 January. for two half days each month at some of their promoted walks such about £1,400 in the past year and a variety of distances, including Brenda Horwill Merrow with suitable training as the Leatherhead Common Walk the March meeting of our Area ambles. Kingston Ramblers provided. Ideally the volunteer and the Chessington Countryside Council agreed that the Area would would need reasonable familiarity Walk. This would involve checking meet these expenses in future. with databases. A couple of Surrey fingerposts, waymarks and Although many volunteers in members have already expressed vegetation as usual but also the footpath working groups do not interest in helping with this. claim expenses, Area Council project's own waymarks. would not like to see any member Bridges: The Countryside Guidance for Local Footpath discouraged from volunteering department hopes to be able to Secretaries: Andrew Bowden in future. Croydon Group for involve Ramblers Volunteer Path Wardens in checking the 1.400 or (Guildford) and Ian Wilks (northern example is outside the county and The West Byfleet circular walk nears the station at the end. Photo: Brenda Horwill many members have to drive 20 so bridges for which they now have and central Waverley) have been miles or more to get to the Surrey responsibility. Their application putting together some more detailed path which they are working on. for an additional position of Bridge guidance for Local Footpath Secretaries. Katherine Crooks of (Treasurer), Rodney Whittaker Steve Mitchell, the head of Surrey Inspector was not successful. The (Footpaths and Access), David Surrey Young Walkers has already Countryside, also mentioned that great majority of the bridges are Area AGM Leedham (Webmaster). The posts provided some useful input. David although they had undertaken publicly owned and they have agreed his year's Area annual of Secretary, Publicity Officer Leedham, the Area webmaster, will some restructuring in the to send me a list, plus guidelines general meeting was and Membership Secretary were put these guidelines on the Area department last year in response for volunteers, so we can consider held at Shalford on 17 unfilled. Elected also as individual whether some kind of 'adopt a bridge' website. They won't need password T to recruitment difficulties, a more January. members were Graham Butler, substantial restructuring was due to scheme might be feasible. (They will protection and we hope it will also Officers elected were: Barry and Bob Hayward. Ken McAdam be undertaken for implementation need to omit the privately-owned increase website traffic. Holland (Chair), Roy Endersby of SABRE was appointed in September. Future staffing levels bridges as landowner permission Rodney Whittaker (Vice-Chair), Jackie Leedham Independent Examiner. could be affected. is needed to work on these). An Area Footpath & Access Secretary South East Walker June 2017 7 that I well-deserved cup of tea of stunning photographs with Another birthday bash! and felt healthier on the way accompanying text - probably n Thursday 9 March seems to have an amazing ability out than I did on the way in! showing images of countryside about 60 Croydon to do just about everything! Not a sausage roll in sight! where we frequently walk. Ramblers attended a We started with a walk from Birthday guests, Kathy, After lunch it was on with the O Rita and David, were invited boots and continue the walk lunch to honour three of our Coulsdon Common, led by members who have attained Ron calling in at the church to blow out the candles - we over Kenley Common back to the ripe old age of 80 years. hall for lunch after about six only used three as we haven't the car park for a well-deserved This was organised by miles. The catering, or shall I got the patience to light 240 cup of tea and biscuits. Seems Croydon's organiser-in-chief, say the banquet, was organised candles! And then each was like a good day out to me. Muriel Fell, who in spite of her by a very youthful team led by presented with a copy of Surrey John Tickner modest size and increasing age Jan. The buffet was so good Landcscapes - a beautiful tome Croydon Ramblers The birthday guests. Photo: John Tickner The year Essex ESSEX celebrated the London Olympics extras n 2010, Essex Area decided Turpin used in Epping Forest, and to celebrate the forthcoming then to Epping itself. ILondon Olympics by devising The next section covers more a new walk across the county. of the forest, the burned-out shell Essex was to host the mountain of Copped Hall, the great views biking event at Hadleigh and the around Upshire and on to the Royal Publicity and canoe slalom event at Waltham Gunpowder Mills in the Lea Valley Abbey. With the Olympic Park Country Park. On the final section situated on the River Lea at there is the white water centre with Stratford, the line of the route its fast-moving and bubbling water, communications was not difficult to decide. then to Waltham Abbey, the burial The walk was 75 miles in length place of King Harold, and down the he recent controversy to inform our members of what prepared a guide to help members and split into seven sections of a day River Lea towpath to Stratford and over the proposed closure is happening, tell the public what handle publicity and improve each. After encountering problems the Queen Elizabeth Country Park. T of railway foot crossings we do, raise issues of concern and communications. We believe that with the Olympic copyright, the We have walked over Essex mud, in Essex has demonstrated the campaign about them, and help Areas and groups outside Essex name became the Hadleigh to alongside three rivers, through importance of effective publicity retain current members and recruit might also find it useful. It can be Stratford Legacy Walk or H2S. It many lovely villages, sampled local to gain support, and the local new ones. But we also think that found on the Essex Area website was this shortened version that was beers, seen historic monuments and press and radio is an effective we do not do enough, at least in at http://www.essexarearamblers. used on the waymarks installed by other less well-known sites, and tool for raising our profile. part because volunteer members co.uk/news/307-guide-on- Essex members along its length. connected up three 2012 Olympic The route starts just below event areas. One Essex paper recently had do not understand the importance publicity-and-communications. Hadleigh Castle, beloved by many Over 200 Essex members walked a front page spread on crossings' of press and publicity, and are also html. from Constable's painting, with its this route in May 2012, and we closures. uncertain as to how to go about Mike Cannell commanding views of the Thames produced about the same number We believe that publicity and publicising what they do. Area Media estuary. It then passes through of photos each day for our records communications are important With this in mind, we have and Information Officer the mountain bike centre, which is and members' happy memories. scary to look at let alone ride, and A booklet was produced, not as a proceeds up to ancient Hockley definitive guide to the walk, but as Wood and out to Eastwood. On a record of the route in pictures and Essex motion succeeds at the next section the banks of words. It was a memory of the 2012 the River Crouch are used to get London Games and how Essex Area to Battlesbridge with its large celebrated it. General Council antique centre, and then across Essex Area still has a number of motion from Essex seven in and 44 in England. especially active members, and open fields with wide views to these booklets which it is happy calling for full-time Our campaign against Network make life easier for them. We see East Hanningfield. The following to pass on free to other Areas and A officers of the Ramblers Rail's threat to close over 50 rail the new officers as a first port of section takes in Hanningfield groups. We hope you will use these to be appointed in the English foot crossings in Essex took time to call, acting as a conduit between Reservoir with its wildfowl, the to walk the route which highlights regions was carried almost get going and we have been playing volunteers and Central Office. lovely village of Stock and its our county and a once in a lifetime unanimously at the annual catch-up ever since. A full-time In putting forward the motion, pubs and cafes and finally to the event. Those who have walked the meeting of the governing presence on the ground to provide we accepted that there will be wooded setting of Mill Green and route have enjoyed it. We know you body of the Ramblers held in advice, assistance and expertise resource implications. The the Viper pub with its large range will too. Southampton in early April. might have made all the difference. number of posts and the regions of beers. If you would like a copy of the There are already support officers We argued that our proposal to be covered will of course need The fourth section takes in booklet please ring Ann McLaren for Scotland and Wales, who help would provide officers whoto be the subject of consultation, Stondon Massey, moves on to the on 01245 223657 with any queries Areas and groups in their respective understand local issues and who but we firmly believe that the historic Jericho Priory and church at or just send a cheque to 20 Runsell nations to assist the volunteers know active members. It would improved liaison with the centre Blackmore, and finally to Chipping View, Danbury CM3 4PE for without whom the Ramblers permit the exchange of good will improve communications and Ongar with its motte and bailey, and £1.50 a copy including post and cannot function. We felt that practice and mutual concerns, and efficiency, free resources and prove its plaque on David Livingstone's packing. Cheques should be made similar posts throughout England it would help to ensure discussion a worthwhile investment. home for two years. Section 5 finds out to 'Essex Area Ramblers' with would pay dividends, given that and feedback before action. All this Mike Cannell us looking at the oldest surviving your name and address. there are eight Areas in Scotland, would further engage members, Area Media and Information Officer wooden church in the world at Alan Goffee Greensted, touching the area Dick Chair, Essex Area

n mid-March 52 members of Winery. Local guides showed us tranquil historic centre of Tarragona. West Essex goes to Spain West Essex Group stayed a the various wines, how the wine was Fuel for all this activity was provided Iweek in the old centre of Sitges, made, bottled and drank - we gained by a range of good meals, from buffets 25 miles south of Barcelona. lots of useful experience in the latter. at our hotel to visits to restaurants It was an excellent base from The holiday continued, with with multiple courses (eight starters which to explore the picturesque and delightful weather each day, with both in one) which our leader correctly historic old centre of the town and the coastal and inland walks. One day referred to as a 'blow out'. All meals surrounding countryside. was in the rugged landscape of the El had wine included. Every afternoon Three leaders from Ramblers Garraf Natural Park, focusing on the there was also free tea/coffee and cake Walking Holidays, Rod, Roma and local flora and fauna. There were also at our hotel; a nice way to wind down Francisco, laid on a choice of two hillier rambles in the Canyelles and after a day's activities. walks each day, and often an option Castellet districts. At the end of another successful of a shorter third when possible. On the 'free day' people had the foreign holiday there is always the Starting the holiday well, a 6 mile choice of enjoying the environs of question - 'Where are we going next walk in the rolling hills of the Penedes Sitges or, as many did, going to the year?' and looking out to the Monserrat nearby station and catching trains to Pat Juchau Exploring the colourful countryside. Photo: David Keane Mountains led us to the Llopart the bustling city of Barcelona or the West Essex Group 8 South East Walker June 2017 Rediscovering the Grand Surrey Canal

The Grand Surrey Canal in south London has long been infilled canal clearly visible, emerging changed all that and is surely a The future of the rest of Canal but recent developments along the route have revealed sections not from the south of Russia Dock. model for future restorations of Approach remains uncertain, but seen for many years and now make a walking and cycling path Back on the main path, you'll the route. DeptfordFolk, Lewisham Cyclists from Rotherhithe to Camberwell and Peckham a real possibility. soon find yourself following the Turn right through the park: and the Ramblers want it opened Des de Moor leads us over the Rotherhithe to section. preserved dockside of Russia halfway along on the right is an to walkers and cyclists. Dock, though woodland now overgrown remnant of a railway Return along Evelyn Street hrough the streets, docks declined from the 1940s, covers the dock itself. Continue embankment that once led to and take Grinstead Road, either parks, housing estates so did the canal. The western through the broad underpass Deptford Wharf on the riverside. following the pavement or Tand industrial areas part fell into neglect first, and beneath Redriff Road. In the mid- The linear park ends by Eddystone diverting along the edge of the of urban south east London was progressively filled in from 19th century this was the entrance Tower: the Pepys Motor mural park. Yet more redevelopment is threads the near-forgotten the 1950s in response to concerns lock from Russia Dock to the rest ahead of you covers the bricked-up going on at Neptune Wharf on ghost of a waterway from the about the danger of drowning of the waterway, and you can still line of the canal under Oxestalls the left, which will restore a short age when the capital was the children. see the recesses for the lock gates Road. The Deptford Wharves section of the towpath. Keep left busiest port in the world. To follow the line of the under the bridge. development on the other side of under the railway bridge to reach Although the Grand Surrey canal on foot today, start at Keep ahead to the edge of the road will eventually reopen the newly-created piazza at the Canal hasn't held water since the Rotherhithe station (London Greenland Dock, the oldest major the path under this bridge, with end of Folkestone Gardens, part early 1970s, its traces remain as a Overground) and take the commercial dock in London. It the mural moved safely elsewhere. of Transport for London's Cycling series of unbuilt strips, otherwise Thames Path downstream. Just was originally much smaller: the For the moment, though, follow Quietway 1 between Greenwich inexplicable bridges and the past the ventilation shaft of the oldest section, opened in 1699 as the path right and go up the steps and the Southbank Centre. occasional surviving mooring Rotherhithe Tunnel, a red bascule Howland Great Wet Dock, is to to the road. You could cross The railway viaduct here partly post. lifting bridge from the 1930s the left, closest to the Thames, carefully here and walk up onto dates from 1836, when it was Although in places the line has takes Rotherhithe Street across and the canal at first ran to the the bridge to get an idea of where opened as part of the London and been lost and built over, elsewhere the entrance to Surrey Basin. west of it. A major extension the canal ran: industrial buildings Greenwich Railway, the first steam it's gradually becoming more From 1860, this was the entrance of the dock engulfed the canal occupy the stretch closest to passenger railway in London and visible, thanks to the efforts of lock to the docks, and the way for in 1905, so boats for Peckham the bridge for the moment, but the first elevated railway in the local people in ensuring that canal traffic to access the Thames, simply kept straight ahead across beyond this another development world. The gated arch off the important heritage is recognised although few canal boats travelled the wide water towards what's site, the Timber Yard, is nearing piazza on the left, originally part when sites are redeveloped. the whole of the route - most now a slipway on the other side. completion, incorporating a linear of the towpath, is soon to reopen Blackheath Ramblers and Inner loaded up in the docks without Unfortunately, walkers can't do park on the canal alignment. as a link through Neptune Wharf London Area are supporting venturing onto the river. the same, so turn right, following From Oxestalls Road the to Deptford Park. Surrey Canal local efforts that could eventually The original connection the edge of the dock round to the most pleasant option is to cross Road opposite was built over the result in restoration of an almost between the canal and the slipway, where you can examine busy Evelyn Street and follow line of the canal in the early 1980s. complete canal line as a new Thames, created in 1807, was a a preserved capstan that once the eastern perimeter of pretty In the 19th century this spot was walking and cycling trail. little further downriver on the operated a canal lock. Deptford Park, but for more the subject of several paintings Work began on the Grand other side of the Old Salt Quay Walk away from the dock past surviving canal infrastructure, and prints of what were then Surrey Canal in 1801, originally pub. For a few brief years, the the water sports centre to Rope turn left along Evelyn Street. The remarkably rural surroundings. with the intention of connecting waterway ran through marshy Street: the flats opposite are artist's impression on the Timber From here the canal is easily the Thames at Rotherhithe open fields, but from 1812 its right over the canal route. Turn Yard hoarding shows the line of traceable on its way westwards with Epsom and possibly even initial stretch was widened to right then left along Yeoman the canal, which turned sharply to Camberwell, apart from a Portsmouth. But the plans were create Stave Dock and Russia Street, where you cross the south west just before it converged gap between Ilderton Road soon overtaken by the development Dock. The former is untraceable boundary between the boroughs with the street. The pavement and Burgess Park. But further of Surrey Commercial Docks. today, so head back to Rotherhithe of Southwark and Lewisham. slopes up onto Blackhorse Bridge, exploration must wait for a future The canal reached a basin at Street and continue along Salter Originally this was the boundary the only surviving Victorian issue of South East Walker, so Camberwell in 1810, 4.5 miles Road and Lagado Mews. between Surrey and Kent, so the bridge on this section, currently instead take the Quietway east (7 km) from Rotherhithe, but Where Lagado Mews becomes Surrey Canal ran through Kent rather neglected but still with the past the pond. Turn right to aside from a short 0.7 mile (1 km) Timber Pond Road, a footpath for a significant stretch. As soon skeletons of its original gas lamps. follow the path through the branch to Peckham opened in heads left. At the end of this keep as you can, turn left into the new On the opposite side of the Woodpecker Estate into Fordham 1826, got no further. right through a strip of woodland Marine Wharf development, bridge, industrial units were Park, forking left and continuing For much of its existence that forms part of Russia Dock reaching a partly-paved, partly built over the canal itself, but the under the railway to reach New the canal was mainly used for Woodland, created as a nature grassy strip dotted with play towpath was kept as an access drive Cross station. distributing timber from the reserve and green space during the equipment: the brand-new known as Canal Approach, gated far north arriving at the docks 1980s redevelopment of Surrey Surrey Canal Linear Park. The at each end. A new industrial Join Des for a joint Blackheath to the numerous timber yards Quays. Stay on the main path as canal was still in use here when building is under construction Ramblers/London Strollers in Deptford, Peckham and it follows a series of ponds, bearing the Greater London Council's here, and the initial plans walk along this section of the Camberwell, and supplying coal right. A little past these, it's worth huge Pepys Estate was built in involved building on the towpath. Grand Surrey Canal on Sunday to the South Metropolitan Gas a detour right to climb the mound the early 1960s, and in 1971 this Following local opposition, led by 4 June: meet at Rotherhithe Works on Old Kent road. In 1908, of Stave Hill, created from building was the last section to be filled park user group DeptfordFolk, station at 10.30. Just turn up, alongside the docks themselves, it spoil. At the top is a bronze 3D in. For decades, a shadow of the the alignment has been kept or email [email protected] fell under the control of the Port model of the docks as they were waterway remained as a neglected clear, and eventually the passage or call 07479 016672 for more of London authority, and as the in the late 19th century, with the grass strip, but the new park has under the bridge will be reopened. information.

The dockside has been retained at Russia Dock. Along the new Surrey Canal Linear Park in Deptford. South East Walker June 2017 9 Rambles on the Basingstoke Canal Ramblers in Surrey and Hampshire have revised a guidebook to short circular walks which include the towpath of the Basingstoke Canal, the 32-mile waterway which runs from the Wey Navigation near Byfleet to Greywell. Malcolm Brickwell of Woking Ramblers tells the story. he decision to update Circular the original route with a team to capture or novice walkers and not just walking Rambles on the Basingstoke required updates for the directions, as the route because we've figured it out. TCanal came from a discussion at features had changed over the years. All the The keys to making the project a success the Woking Canal Festival last summer. original 13 routes were walked at least twice were: It was one of those ideas that seemed and in some cases several times. One walk • Accurate and immediate capture, in the innocuous at the time but turned out to was no longer practical and another had to field, of changes required to the updated be a bigger poroject than first envisaged. be redesigned with a new start location over walk directions bearing in mind the Published by the Basingstoke Canal a mile away from the original. experience level of the average family or Authority in the 1990s, Circular After each walk had been updated, a novice walker. Rambles was based on the earlier Towpath different leader led a team for an additional • Meticulous master document revision and woodland terrains in Surrey and Walks by the Basingstoke Canal published re-walk to validate the update. Sometimes, Hampshire. They have been generally by the Surrey & Hants Canal Society in final adjustments were required, illustrating control with a change history to the updated walk directions especially for planned as leisurely half-day excursions, 1990 with detailed walks researched by the benefit of having another person check although some have shorter or longer the Ramblers, The new booklet, Rambles the work - no matter how carefully done! the most complicated walk, which had to be extensively modified. Needless to say, variations. They start at car parks by the on the Basingstoke Canal, is published by Some of the challenges we faced were: canal, by railway stations or village centres. the Basingstoke Canal Society and is based this was our first one! • Understanding some of the original walk Some starting points are served by bus or on most of the same walks, but they have • Careful planning of the walk team directions as some key references had train services. been re-walked, reviewed and revised by schedule, activities and responsibilities changed due to urban development and Rambles on Basingstoke Canal is now enthusiastic teams from the Ramblers. with open and clear communications so field boundaries. available from the Basingstoke Canal Woking Ramblers worked with North that everyone knew what was expected Visitor Centre at Mytchett (01252 370073) Hampshire Downs Ramblers and a member • Recognising when major deviations and how to do it. and other outlets. The recommended retail of North East Hampshire Ramblers to and in one case abandoning a walk was The updated Rambles on the Basingstoke price is only £3.50 or £4.00 including carry out a programme of reconnaissance unavoidable, and not just soldiering on Canal booklet lists 12 walks encompassing postage when ordered online from the walks, each with an assigned leader. Every because we're Ramblers! most of the canal towpath plus some greatly Basingstoke Canal Society (sales@ volunteer leader was responsible for walking • Capturing key reference points for family varying landscapes of open farmland basingstoke-canal.org.uk). Here's a sample walk from Rambles on the Basingstoke Canal At Hyden Cross n a summer walk on the South Downs Way Walk 1 - West Byfleet and the Wey the Wey Navigation, which crosses via Parvis Bridges. There were probably six we came to a place that seemed unremarkable, Navigation a FBr, A NT signpost indicates your mills here, some dating back to 1780, but except for the gigantic trees there emerging location in general terms! only the gristmill survives as the weather Ofrom the swirling mist. Later, this poem was another Distance: 4.8 mi (7.7km) The Wey Navigation (combining boarded building. thing that emerged from those mists! Time to walk; Allow 2h 20min natural river and man-made canal Along the next section the Wey OS Maps: Explorer 160 (1:25,000) or sections) was opened to traffic for 15.5 mi Navigation turns away from the M25 Summer rides at full pelt & we step Under the easy rush of hazy, heady southern air Landranger 186/7 (1:50,000) (25km) from Weybridge to Guildford in at Murray's Bridge (private FBr), Where hills are near invisible & we are almost lost Start: West Byfleet station, KT14 6NE 1653. In the 1760s the navigation was continue on the towpath under this Among the criss-crossed lanes, the drizzle (Grid ref TQ 041610) extended 4 miles (6.5km) upstream to bridge alongside fields and meadows, Of drifting clouds descending, dripping, Parking: Birch Walk CP (fee), close to Godalming and in 1788 was joined by often grazed by highland cattle and Dimming those warm, ripe distances. canal the Basingstoke Canal, which opened 1.3km after Parvis Wharf go R up steps Public transport: Bus, train fully in 1794. The last barge on the Wey to cross over the Wey via Dodds Bridge Our downland world is furred & blurred, Refreshments: Cafe and PH near went out of service in 1969. The Wey (an old brick structure). All mosses velvet, tufted, soft along the path, West Byfleet station Navigation was given to the National The FP, bordered by a mixture of And our feet soundless, weightless on the cushioned loam. Trust in 1964 by the Stevens Family who trees, goes W by a watercourse on the For us the sole realities are hazels trailing honeysuckle 1) From West Byfleet station exit at had owned it for many years, while the L for 760m through fields (ignore path With tendrils of perfume as curled & intertwined N (up line side), turn L then R along Godalming Navigation was acquired 4 coming in from L) to join the end of As the vines themselves. And wild white garlic-stars Among the smell of last year's leaves on settled earth: path at side of green and ahead via years later. a cul-de-sac of houses and ahead to The rich fragrance of woods in summertime. Woodlands Avenue past Birch Walk Dodds Lane. CP. Continue to a FP that leads 2) Turn S by a metal fingerpost At Hyden Cross the path is flanked by beeches. onto the towpath midway along the towards Guildford/Godalming to pass 3) Cross over into Holly Bank Road Rising into the morning fog, they arch around us, Woodham flight of locks at the old under railway bridge and ahead for along left-hand verge for 380m to a Substantial in the mist's shape-shifting shadows, lock keeper's cottage. Alternatively, if 850m to the first road bridge (next to T-Junction with Oakcroft Road. Turn In this dreamscape only they are solid, tangible, parking at Birch Walk CP, turn L at the Byfleet Boat Club) where we go up R to junction with main road (A245) to Though all their leaves lift & vanish into lacy light. exit to reach towpath. to the road - turn L a few metres - then cross over at pedestrian crossing and go So, trembling, we go below them as on holy ground. The cottage was extended in 1920 R in front of the entrance to Parvis L for 100m to turn R into Sheerwater © Lizzie Ballagher to form a Carters' cottage and stable. Wharf to a short path immediately to Road. The road passes over the railway Immediately above lock 3 were the main the left of the entrance and rejoin the and bends L, and 400m further on canal stables from 1921 to 1949, operated towpath. we reach Sheerwater Bridge to re-join by 'Jumbo' Johnson. The canal broadens out here, as this towpath on the R. Continue ahead for Turn R and continue for 680m to was where barges were turned round 720m along the Woodham flight of Scotland Road Bridge. Keep ahead after using Byfleet Wharf - the remains locks back to the lock cottage, where for 1km to reach the junction with of which lie between the old and new we bear right down FP to the station.

The Basingstoke Canal's junction with the River Wey Navigation near Byfleet. Near Lock 1 on the Basingstoke Canal 10 South East Walker June 2017 Turn, Michelle Flynn, rights of way officer for the area, put the RIPPLE following on Facebook: 'This bridleway at the bottom of the uring the spring our A5 embankment south of Thorn BEDFORDSHIRE volunteers were very Road and next to the council's new Dactive, firstly continuing highways depot will become an the clearance of a path around a important route for local walkers quarry in Heath & Reach. and riders to the new bridge bulletin Unfortunately a storm washed over the A5 - M1 link road and out the day set aside to finish the the countryside beyond. New job. Secondly, helping to reopen a residents of the proposed Bidwell route at Thorn Turn to the north West development will also benefit of Dunstable next to the new link road between the A5 and M1, then from a connecting route between Bedfordshire Walking Festival clearing a section of a byway at Dunstable, their houses, and the Farndash on the Beds/Northants countryside to the north. The border, enabling bridge repairs to bridleway has been somewhat (9 - 17 September) take place. neglected and become overgrown spokesperson for the power ring walking, an evening of for you. In March a great turnout of and narrow so a willing group of festival said: 'One of trails and tales, a walk to an edible The two-day 40-mile Greensand volunteers and a well-known local seven Ramblers volunteers started the great things about garden, and the two-day 40-mile Ridge Challenge continues to be garden owner made easy work of to tackle it last Thursday. A great A job was done and the bridleway the festival is the ability of the Greensand Ridge Challenge over the popular and people are coming from laying a new surface on a path in organisers to come up with new weekend of 16/17 September, this well outside the county. It is a hard Stevington, and putting in yellow- is now looking like it used to and ideas year after year and this year festival is definitely for you and/or but very interesting and enjoyable topped marker posts on paths in is much wider and clearer. Some is no exception'. your group. walk with certificates for all who Chellington, near Harrold, in of the group tackled some of the Looking at the programme on a Many of the walks do not require complete the two days. Please book north Bedfordshire. rather awkward fallen trees. A big completely revamped website it is booking and those that do can be early either online or by contacting Following our work at Thorn thank you to all who participated.' quite amazing how a small and often booked online or via a link. For the organiser. ignored county can produce one of those unable or unwilling to use the To obtain a copy of the programme the most comprehensive walking web, programmes will be available or to obtain further information, festivals anywhere on the mainland in July. Any group or organisation please contact us: email organiser@ of England. It is no wonder that wanting a good walk and day out bedswalkfest.co.uk, telephone 01234 attempts have been made to copy it. will find the Bedfordshire Walking 353704, or write to Organiser, 67 Since the start just eight years ago Festival offers an ideal opportunity Avon Drive, Bedford MK41 7UR. the number of people participating has increased steadily and many return year after year. Organised by Bedfordshire Ramblers (one of the smallest memberships in the country) and supported by all the local councils and town councils plus local trusts and visitor attractions, the festival, produced on a shoestring, shows what can be done with little money but lots of enthusiasm, initiative and Preparing to lay the surface at Stevington. Photo: Barry Ingram willingness by all involved. During the nine days the festival offers a mix of urban and countryside walks across this very interesting and First aid courses diverse county. From families to the serious walker there is a walk for hirty eight members 33 members completing a short almost everyone. Add informative, attended first aid courses questionnaire. 26 gave the course nature, railway walks, walks for Torganised by the Area and the top five-star rating and two gave health, taster sessions for Nordic and Flyers for Greensand Ridge Challenge and festival plus programme. Photo: Barry Ingram run by Ramblers member and St a four-star rating. Five members John Ambulance trainer Derrick did not record a score although Pike on Saturday 8 April. their comments to later questions The half day sessions covered indicated they were very satisfied. will soon be sending out incidents which walkers might Asked if all the subjects were new and concise guidelines Rights of way updates encounter and explained how to relevant, all 33 said yes. Asked if for landowners as to their deal with them. The aim was to give there were any subjects should have • Oakley/Clapham bridleway - in Renhold and marker posts responsibilities to the rights members some basic knowledge on been covered in more depth, 25 cleared near A6. earlier in year by volunteers. of way network. They have minor and major bleeding including said no and five said yes but didn't also recently appointed new • Surfacing works on Cross End • New bridge installed to replace nose bleeds, strains, sprains and say which subjects. Over half the personnel to tackle the definitive Lane, Forty Foot Lane and brick arch bridge in Harrold. fractures, choking, fainting, members indicated they would map backlog and have started to White Lane (Byways Open to • Farndish Road (BOAT) seizures and shock, heart attacks, attend a first aid course in more tackle the public rights of way All Traffic). replacement bridge - out to strokes and angina, dehydration, depth but with fewer subjects and within the town boundaries. I • Way marking posts installed in tender. heat stroke, heat exhaustion and like this one, just for half a day. understand that Luton Borough Melchbourne, Yielden, Riseley, hypothermia, diabetes and asthma. One question raised by members • Replacement posts and fingers Council has also made a start. Souldrop, Swineshead, Stagsden installed in Roxton, Riseley, Derrick handed out detailed notes was what should be carried in and Little Staughton. • Central Bedfordshire Council and St John booklets for members a first aid pack?. At the time of Lower Dean and Wymington. appears to be going backwards • Sleeper bridges replaced in to keep in their rucksacks. writing, Derrick is putting together • Clearance works carried out in as the rights of way team has Milton Ernest, Roxton and Feedback was excellent with a list of basic kit to carry. Kempston Rural and Riseley now been absorbed into the Souldrop. • Completed surveys of the rights Highways Department and the • New hand gate installed in of way network in Thurleigh, team split meaning only three Carlton to replace unusable gate. Willington and Turvey. people will cover the area once Summer evening walks covered by five. These changes • New easy access gates installed • Volunteer tasks: February - rom May to August, Ivel evening walk 'Farewell to the may of course have a beneficial clearance works on Farndish Valley Group offers an Longest Day' on 21 June, weather effect as more money could Road; March - path resurfacing F evening walk every week permitting. Meeting at the be available for public rights in Stevington. and has done since the group Pheasant public house, Kimbolton of way. Congratulations to started over 30 years ago. Road, at 8.30pm for a drink and • The condition of Forty Foot David Leverington on being The evening walks are aimed a chat before setting off at 9pm Lane, a byway part of the Three given a new role and more at getting new people out and are and gradually gaining height to Shires Way running through responsibility. David, as rights spread over parishes of central and the top of the ridge for great views Bedfordshire to the north of of way team leader, has always east Bedfordshire from which the of the sunset over the town before Harrold, has long been a source been very supportive of our group draws members. Most of the returning about 11pm. The other of frustration for walkers. activities. walks commence at 7.30pm and are seven walks, starting from the However Bedford Borough has How these changes will affect of around 90 minutes duration. north side of town, commence at cleared and restored the surface our activities is under discussion In Bedford, as part of a 7pm and will be of about two hours to the east of the Santa Pod as they believe we still have an community engagement initiative, duration. All the walks are free and raceway. Although there is a important role to play and want us in conjunction with my local aimed at encouraging local people temporary closure on the route, to continue. parish and supported by North to come out and explore their area this does not apply to walkers. Barry Ingram Beds Group, I will be putting on and find out more about their local Forty Foot Lane. • Bedford Borough Council Area Chair a series of walks every Thursday Ramblers group. evening, commencing with a late Barry Ingram South East Walker June 2017 11 we detoured into Good support burial ground to see the tomb of Lea & Icknield pass go John Bunyan. We then proceeded ver the winter all our up City Road, pausing for a quick walks have been well any of us have enjoyed on our way to our lunch stop in the Thames to Tate Modern rendition of Pop Goes the Weasel as Osupported and covered a a game of monopoly Cavendish Square. (electricity company), the Clink we passed the famous Eagle. range of places and distances from four or five miles to 12 -14 miles. at some time, so it After lunch the streets came prison museum (self explanatory) By this time we were all flagging M The short walks programme was of interest that we found quick and fast, as did the showers, and a coffee outside the cafe at somewhat; it was still very warm has been very well supported with that Bob Tarron had planned a including a hailstorm and a short Southwark Cathedral, before and City Road is a long uphill numbers as high as 30 for a five London walk that covered all of the trek to the furthest outpost drag, but a stop for a welcome cup burst of torrential rain. At least mile walk at Ashridge Common in the locations on the Monopoly being in London there were places of Old Kent Road. We saw the of tea near the Angel, , Free Parking too (Lidl's car park). did us all a world of good, and we February on a pleasant winter day board. The walk was circular to shelter, in one instance under without too much mud. Considering from St Pancras station and as the canopy of an outdoor shop Then we were back over Tower were refreshed for the walk down Bridge and heading towards our Road to our final that the previous week was wet and it was over 16 miles, we were to with, appropriately a window rather miserable a turnout of 15 for walk it in two stages. display of wet weather gear! lunch stop in Trinity Square destination, Kings Cross station. Gardens, site of some Tudor We thanked Bob for planning a short walk near Aspley Guise was The day of the first walk, in Undaunted, we progressed pretty good. early March, dawned dull and through the executions including John Fisher, such a varied walk. We had visited Thomas More and Thomas every location on the Monopoly Our social programme has we, with some rain forecast, and theatreland, passing among continued with a race night, annual Cromwell (but much nicer today). board and also learned many and Bob and his wife Rita had others, Vine Street (a tiny cul de dinner, a curry night at an Indian After a relaxing break we were interesting facts along the way. already decided on a Plan B, to sac), Trafalgar Square and Bow restaurant and a quiz night and all off to Fenchurch Street station, We hadn't collected £200, but at visit museums, as they didn't Street, ending up in Fleet Street, attracted substantial numbers. then Street via the least nobody had to go to jail! think anyone would turn out in before heading to Blackfriars Looking ahead, on 23 July we will bustling Petticoat Lane market Rosemary Hasker the rain. But that was not to be station and home, bedraggled but walk from Iver to take in some of the and through the City, where Lea & Icknield Ramblers as a hardy few boarded the train happy. countryside that will be damaged to be rewarded with a brighter Fast forward five weeks to the by the Heathrow third runway. A picture on arrival in London. second section of the walk and great opportunity to see what will We welcomed Jill, from a south warm sunshine was the order be concreted over but will also take London group, and a total of us of the day. However, the trains in some of the existing country proceeded along Euston Road had problems resulting in nine parks that will be, if not lost, then towards Marylebone station in of us arriving at Blackfriars by damaged. the sunshine. After coffee it taxi! We were pleased to see Our web address is www.lb- was off to the West End with Jill again and also welcomed ramblers.org.uk or find us on several locations (Oxford Street, Bernard, from another London Facebook at www.facebook.com/ Park Lane, Bond Street station group, and 14 of us set off, a ramblerslb cropping up in quick succession little later than planned, across Bedraggled but happy at the end of their first Monopoly walk. Photo: Rosemary Hasker Julian Chritchlow Leighton Buzzard Ramblers

Hothfield, Little Chart, Molash, Len retires Pluckley and Westwell. He says: " My wife Margaret and I have always enjoyed rambling. KENT We have completed parts of several long distance paths and have been members of the Ramblers for many years. I took calling over the job of Local Footpath Officer from someone who had retired, and I felt it was a way of giving something back to the Ramblers." White Cliffs Walking Festival Len and Margaret, run a guest here will be 42 walks in year you visit the beautiful iconic Heritage Trail: History and house at Charing on the North this year's White Cliffs White Cliffs and the scenic country Archaeology of Dover. and the Downs Way. They moved to TWalking Festival and the surrounding Deal and Dover. Come Forgotten Pits walk visiting the sites the village from Sittingbourne organisers are hoping for a record for a day or better still stay and gain of three coal mines which didn't in 1995, and have a daughter turnout. It will be the fourth the benefit of a few day's exercise go into full production. Other White Cliffs Walking Festival with like-minded people." walks will be particularly suitable and granddaughter. Len retired organised by the White Cliffs She added: "Our enthusiastic, for families, such as the Smugglers' as a company accountant in Ramblers and takes place from 24 hard-working organising committee Walk and Samphire Hoe Adventure, 1991. Len is a member of to 30 August. is bringing together an exciting and others will focus on enjoying Ashford Ramblers and has been The walks will range from special programme of walks: while keeping the White Cliffs scenery, such as the en Micklewright, a Access Warden, responsible for interest or history/heritage walks of many of the most popular walks of White Cliffs Coastal Trail (three one of the Ramblers checking and helping maintain one or two miles to the White Cliffs previous years, it will premiere 19 separate one-day walks), and Hills oldest Local Footpath footpaths for Kent County Challenge, put on for the festival by new walks. There will be a wide of the Saxon Shore Way. Food also L Officers, has retired at the age Council. Kent Group of the Long Distance range of walks to suit all tastes and features strongly. We have a fish and Walkers Association. abilities. The distances will range chips walk, a Kearsney cake walk of 88. He says "I have certainly Last year 1,104 people went on from one to 32 miles, easy paced and an ice cream walk." Len has been a Local Footpath enjoyed my work as a Local the festival's walks, a figure the and flat hard surfaced route for The full programme will Officer since 2008, covering the Footpath Officer and found it organisers hope will be beaten this wheelchairs, moderated pace strolls be on a leaflet which will be mid-Kent parishes of Boughton most interesting and rewarding. year. and demanding energetic hill- distributed in June, as well as Aluph, Challock, Charing, But I feel that at 88, now is the Bev Cussans, Chairman of the walking over the Downs. on the festival's website at www. Chilham, Crundale, Eastwell, time to call it a day. festival's organising group said: "Some walks will have historical whitecliffswalkingfestival.org.uk Egerton, Godmersham, Graham Smith 'Make August truly special, the themes, such as the Royal Marines Graham Smith

at a World War 2 observation reserved four adjacent self-catering Two tribes post. A larger group of ramblers cottages for our 15 members in approached. Before we even had Ottery St Mary. ometimes when out time to process the correct etiquette Apart from this walk we did shopping you'll bump into (do we raise poles, form an honour a neighbour. others, from Branscombe to Beer S guard?), a note of recognition and and a circular in Lyme Regis. If you're a Londoner you will surprise was visible on several We did eat out one night and got probably make the smallest gesture faces. They were our friends from takeaways on another but best of all of acknowledgement and move on. London, the Metropolitan Walkers. This was not the case during our We greeted each other like long lost was the meal we cooked ourselves. three day trip to East Devon over school mates and it transpired that We do have a talented bunch of the New Year. they had a group of 120 in Exeter chefs! While on a 12-mile walk from split into six walking parties. They Vic Hillary Otterton Mill via the South West had pretty much booked every West Kent Walking The two groups met here. Photo: Penny Dommett Coast Path we stopped for water B&B in town. Luckily for us we had and Outdoor Group Kent calling continues on page 12 12 South East Walker June 2017 The river bridges of Canterbury Gangsters, murderers and more n days when even the limits of the city boundaries. In Street, crowded with tourists amblers from North West Kent place in rural Kent. These backed onto most intrepid rambler fact, we have yet to find a way and students, to cross the Group eschewed the delights of the Betahayim Velho - a Jewish cemetery may tire of trudging of crossing them all without O King's Bridge, with its ancient Kent on 22 February and headed opened in 1725. By 1742 this was full and paths clogged with mud and doubling back over a couple, timbered buildings once R for east London where we welcomed a new cemetery Betahayim Nuevo, was may be looking for a drier but and some are frustratingly giving shelter to the Huguenot members from Inner London, Dartford opened nearby. Here all the tombs lay flat still fairly challenging walk, inaccessible even though one weavers seeking refuge from & Gravesham and West Essex groups - symbolising that all are equal in death. the city of Canterbury may can see them! However, since persecution. Passing through well hold the answer. 2013 the Canterbury group for a historical walk. Our next port of call was Tredegar the huge mediaeval West Gate This began at the Working Lads' Square. Here we paused outside number Here the River Stour divides has included this walk in its towers and walking along the into a number of branches programme for the Canterbury Institute, founded in 1870 to keep 40 where a manufacturer once murdered river bank through the nearby 13 year-olds out of pubs at the end of his mistress and buried her body under which effectively create islands, October Festival and it is a truly gardens, one crosses a number in turn, joined by over 30 their working day. Across the road lay the floor of his Whitechapel factory, only interesting walk of some five or of bridges contributing to that bridges. The challenge is to six miles taking one to quarters the Royal London Hospital where the to be caught later red-handed removing final total. try to cross each one of them of the city less frequently visited. Elephant Man lived and died. Moving the rotting remains of her body wrapped Here the walk takes one once without ever crossing the The route takes one over quickly past the Blind Beggar pub with in newspaper. We then strolled down same one twice. It is a problem a road bridge crossing the along the river bank past its Kray twins association, we came to Coburn Street where Dr Barnardo, the which first fascinated Roger Stour to Bingley Island, an Sainsbury's, a sharp contrast Sydney Street where the bloody siege of childrens' home founder, once lived as did Mallion of the University of ancient meadowland once to shake one from the reverie 1911 was overseen by Winston Churchill. the eponymous Charles Coburn, famed Kent, and one Jennifer Mount disputed by the monasteries of of walking through history. A bust of the Salvation Army founder, for his renditions of The Man Who Broke of Canterbury, when in 2007, Canterbury and from where the But it continues along the William Booth, stood nearby. He would the Bank of Monte Carlo and Two Lovely they created a route of over 30 artist Sidney Cooper painted northern branch of the river famously stand outside the Blind Beggar Black Eyes. This led some of us to break of the bridges to celebrate the his idyllic picture of the city to its easternmost limits at the and lecture the denizens on their moral into song! 300th anniversary of the birth dominated by the cathedral. well-preserved buildings of failings. The harshness of life in the 19th of the Swiss mathematician It then follows the river bank Barton Mill. Returning by the This area was once dominated by century was brought home to us yet again Leonard Euler. Why should crossing the site of Watling southern branch, one arrives at the Charrington family who came to as we passed Tower Hamlets Cemetery. they do this? Well, the link is Street, returning towards the the site of the huge mills which own a number of breweries. Many of Here the Victorian poor were buried in that Euler had first encountered city centre via Stour Street with once dominated the city near their customers ended up in the nearby mass graves 40 feet deep. Beyond the a similar problem and created its remains of the old tannery, the aptly named Millers Arms. workhouses, which we saw later. Ironically, nearby police station where suffragette the solution in 1735 after from where one can access Here one needs to cross three the Board of Guardians of one such Sylvia Pankhurst was incarcerated, we studying the seven bridges of the gate into the garden of the small bridges over the mill races establishment was chaired by one Spencer visited Bryant & May's old match factory, Konigsberg. Franciscan monastery, a haven to gain access to Solly's Orchard Charrington. Continuing our journey, now turned into apartments. Here in The problem in Canterbury of peace and site of one of the which, in turn, will take one we paused outside the Genesis cinema the 1860s 1,200 women and girls dipped is clearly all the more most ancient of bridges. towards the Marlowe Theatre where in 1963, the film 'Sparrows Can't match sticks into a white phosphorous challenging since there are Emerging from the gardens, where the walk ends at a bridge Sing' premiered. This starred Barbara mix. This led to a disfiguring condition at least 35 bridges within the one is thrust into the High from where one can stand and Windsor and included an appearance by known as 'phossy jaw'. Fed up with their ponder the day's efforts whilst the Kray twins. Lord Snowdon and other conditions they went on strike. The celebrities attended but Princess Margaret owners backed down and the strike came appreciating the views along declined. A short distance beyond we to be seen as a milestone in trade union the river towards the ancient came to Stepney Green and the Jewish and women's rights history. Greyfriars. school founded in 1906. Although this The final stop at St Mary's church For more precise details of was obviously an area where the wealthy at Bow revealed even greater suffering. the route, keep an eye on the once lived there was much poverty too Here, during the reign of Mary I, religious Canterbury group website as witnessed by Stepney Green court, a prisoners were brought by cart from www.kentramblers.org.uk/ magnificent building, built in 1896. Newgate Prison to be burned at the stake. Canterbury/canterbury. Following lunch in the Half Moon pub, This made us shudder. Glad that we live html where it will surely appear once a methodist chapel, we were surprised in happier times, we headed home. soon. to see a cul de sac of picturesque workers' Stuart Booth Canterbury High Street looking towards the West Gate towers from the Cliff Huggett cottages that would not have been out of North West Kent Group King's Bridge. Photo: Cliff Huggett Canterbury Ramblers

who also agreed to have kissing We know how difficult it is for plan to raise funds to support this gates fitted and were happy for us local authorities to spare officers work and extend it across the county. Finding the Way to modify and repair stiles that did to make site visits to inspect out- We are looking into sourcing not come up to standard. After of-repair stiles. With more than donations, grants and crowd campaign to help walkers replaced with a metal gate or self- liaising with our local authority's 8,000 stiles still remaining out of funding. If the funding comes from improve rights of way by closing gate. My campaign could public rights of way office, we asked 14,000 in Kent, it represents a lot of those who stand to benefit, that Ataking action themselves involve people donating money the farmers to sign legal agreements officer time. We will never be able would be a perfect solution. The was launched at Kent Area's to get work done, such as raising to erect a gate on a public right of to survey them all but seeking the local authority does have a policy annual general meeting in funds to replace a stile with a self- way (section 147, Highways Act help of local wardens could make a to subsidise landowners for work of Kemsing on 4 February. closing gate, which costs £135. 1980) and collected their financial big difference. this nature by providing some of the I want the Finding the Way Local authorities are under huge donations. We also obtained a Out-of-repair or difficult stiles materials and will continue to do so. campaign to encourage walkers pressure to cut costs and are trying kissing gate for a footpath that has really do put walkers off using rights Anyone wishing to get involved to get involved by helping with desperately to preserve vital front no registered owner. The cost of of way. Making some of them more with the Finding the Way campaign footpath work in any way possible, line services like schools. So any that was met by a generous donation accessible and inviting will make can email me at averilbrice@icloud. including financially. My initiative donations people can make could from one of our members and a big difference and will be good com. involves getting permission from be a great help and the campaign subsidised by the local authority. publicity for Ramblers. Averil Brice landowners to get work done; may involve some form of crowd- They delivered the kissing gates We are still in the early stages but Kent Ramblers getting plenty of volunteers, funding. This initiative would be and dropped them off close to their if our local projects are successful we public rights of way manager including parish observers, to popular with every walker in the locations. identify work; and training more community and an attraction for If we encounter an out-of-repair working parties to do the work or new walkers and health groups. stile, we will try to find the owner. In pay to use contractors. This would Kent could be a shining example for the majority of cases it is the owner be in partnership with Kent County others to follow. of the same fence or hedge. It can Council, as people cannot go out My husband Steve and I take a bit of research because most and do work off their own backs, plucked up courage and seized the people are not keen to have strangers as this can lead to legal issues and opportunity to speak to a local knocking on their front door. It put the Ramblers and/or the county farmer as we spotted him working can be easier to call in when it is a council at risk of litigation. in his farmyard. We tactfully working farm. Once we have found One of the most off-putting mentioned that a number of his the owner we tactfully ask them to features of any are stiles could do with improving and repair it and make it safe. Maybe stiles, which can be rotten, wobbly, asked for his permission to survey we have been lucky, but in every broken or too high. They are a them with John Polden, leader case they have complied. It would deterrent to dog walkers with heavy of our volunteer working team. be even better if we could persuade Jane and Alan Ford, long-standing members of White Cliffs Ramblers, donated £100 to the Finding the Way campaign to help provide a new kissing-gate on a public footpath dogs, walkers with varying degrees We took John along with us the them to have self-closing metal at Ridge Row in Acrise. The gate, provided and delivered by Kent County Council and of disability and walk leaders with following day. After taking the gates instead, They last for ages installed by volunteers from the group, has replaced a pair of old rusty gates propped groups. Most opt for an alternative survey we showed it to the farmer and require little maintenance. If together on a track that does not have a listed owner. Jane, who used to collate walks route so the path becomes who agreed for us to carry out the you are pleasant in your manner data for the group, and Alan were invited to see the end result and were pleased that overgrown. There are 8,273 known necessary work. He also asked to of approach, working directly with it has enhanced access for the public in a beautiful rural location. They were thanked by Margaret Lubbock, Chairman of Whiter Cliffs Ramblers. John Polden and Steve Brice stiles in Kent. Not all need work, have a kissing gate installed. the landowner can bring a positive represented the volunteers who fitted the gate. Left to right in the photo taken on but many could be done away with Enthused by our efforts, we also result. Of course, I do appreciate footpath HE 123 are Alan Ford, John Polden, Jane Ford, Steve Brice, Margaret Lubbock. and others repaired, improved or contacted two adjoining farms there will always be exceptions. Photo: Averil Brice. South East Walker June 2017 13 Making our case INNER LONDON amblers volunteers in is setting up a new forum to take London have taken part this sort of work forward, and we Rin a number of events expect to be involved in that. to make the case for walking in The new London Transport London in the last few months. Strategy came out in May, setting insights The London Assembly held a out the criteria for delivering seminar into the Green Belt of the 'liveable neighbourhoods', and Future at City Hall in February, London boroughs will have to inspired by Nicky Gavron AM, explain how they will achieve this Deputy Chair of the planning in their Local Implementation Hampstead's New Year committee. A number of Ramblers Plans. The Ramblers' is responding were there, and Kate Ashbrook, to the Transport Strategy and to a Ramblers Trustee and General other consultations including the in Manchester Secretary of the Open Spaces pedestrianisation of Oxford Street. ourteen of us went to blistering wind and fog. The train with only five minutes to Society, gave a presentation on Des Garrahan, Phil Marson Manchester for the group's plateau is an extensive moorland spare, having walked a little over 10 the potential of the green belt and Trustee Teri Moore also met Ftraditional end-of-year area full of bogs, rivers, pools of miles but seemed a lot longer. It was for public access. Kate referred with Leonie Cooper in March. getaway and our organiser Jane water and dips and ridges of marshy a hard day for all of us but everyone to our successful Love London Leonie is the Greater London Rosoux did a great job in finding unique beautiful vegetation. thought the walk was very special, Walk London campaign, and Assembly member for Merton us three lovely walks. Although behind schedule, when something to remember. welcomed the appointment of and Wandsworth and Chair of The first walk started in New we came to the turn-off to the In complete contrast, our third London's Walking and Cycling the Environment Committee. Mills, at the Torrs Gorge on the Woolpacks, we decided to continue walk, on New Year's Day, was Commissioner. Although there is As well as talking about the River Goyt, and included the along the path which was clearly an easy 13 miles to Bury via the no automatic public access to green Wandle Way and the Love London dramatic Millennium Bridge on marked on the map (but not so Irwell Sculpture Trail. There were belt land. Much of it is accessible Walk London campaign, Leonie the Millennium Walkway. After obvious on the ground) across no sculptures to be seen but it was by right and custom, thanks to the emphasised the importance of lunch in Disley we went around the plateau to the top of Kinder interesting and varied and the foresight of our predecessors. London Ramblers' members Lyme Park and saw its herd of Downfall. We negotiated this area tram ride back to Manchester was Kate said that there are now contacting their local councillors red deer being fed. The light was jumping brooks, walking in boggy fun. great opportunities for local about walking issues, especially fading by the time we made it back vegetation and river beds and over Eladia Cleary authorities and builders to dedicate around the time of council to New Mills, having covered 10.5 rocks. The place was so unusual Hampstead Ramblers land as village greens as part of elections. miles. that it seems to have its own micro development, giving local people March also saw Transport The highlight of the trip though climate, judging by the continuous permanent rights of recreation for London's first ever Walking was the New Year's Eve walk on change of weather and the unique and protecting the land from Conference following the recent Kinder Scout. We based it on vegetation. It was 3pm by the time encroachment for ever. This had publication of the Healthy Streets an 8.4 mile walk from Edale by we reached the cascade. It was so occurred at King's Stairs Gardens, for London vision. International the MAD Walkers, Manchester windy that instead of it flowing Rotherhithe, as part of the Thames experts, health professionals and & District's 20s & 30s group, downwards the wind had sent the Tideway Tunnel development. representatives from London's who had described the route as water upwards in a big splash of The recent report on public parks boroughs all joined together at suitable for beginners. They had colours. reinforced the value of parks Healthy Streets for London - mentioned some mild scrambling As we descended along the and green spaces for mental and making a great city for walking to in Grindsbrook Chough and some Pennine Way, the twilight caught physical health, social cohesion discuss how London can be made boggy areas but nothing more. up with us. The place looked and the tourist economy, and it a better city for pedestrians. The reality was that there was magical and was calm and beautiful pays to invest in green space. It Deputy Mayor for Transport, some serious scrambling practically in the sunset. Darkness fell while was encouraging to see the London Val Shawcross, and Walking Assembly focusing on the green belt and Cycling Commissioner, all the way to the top where we we were still some distance from Taking a break on Kinder Scout. were rewarded with a flat plateau, Edale station and we caught the Photo: Jane Rosoux for the public benefit it provides, Will Norman, both spoke at the and we hope that the Assembly will conference to outline the Mayor's continue to champion open spaces commitment to encourage more and public access. Londoners to walk and cycle by More walk leader training confirmed In March, national Chair Des making London's streets healthier, he recent walk leader days, the forthcoming one-day venue in a central location close to Garrahan and Inner London safer and more welcoming. training days were so well- events will be led by me (I'm an the Thames Path and on National Vice Chair Phil Marson met To mark the conference, Treceived that two more experienced leader who runs an Cycle Network route 4. Southwark with the Walking and Cycling Transport for London launched dates have been booked for the extremely popular short walks tube station is a short walk away Commissioner for London, Will two extended versions of the autumn, hopefully with more to programme jointly with Blackheath and London Bridge station is not Norman. At the meeting, Will popular Walking Tube map to follow. and London Strollers groups). that much further. said that his role is about improving help those travelling outside of Over 50 people in total attended They'll cover Choosing an Who can attend? Courses are infrastructure, but that he is also central London. The maps include the three events held in late 2016 appropriate route; Qualities of a open to all Ramblers members, aiming to bring about a cultural Zone 3 stations for the first time, and early 2017, including walkers good walk leader; Managing a regardless of your group, and are completely new to walk leading group; What to do before, during free, subject to availability. change to encourage more people to with estimated walking time and who were thinking of volunteering and after the walk and Dealing What should I bring? Lunch walk every day. Des and Phil were steps between stations. They to lead for their group for the first with incidents. Note that the course isn't provided, so bring a packed able to share with him the three now also include National Rail time, and existing leaders brushing focuses on group management and lunch or there are shops and cafes strands of Ramblers' urban walking stations - giving people even more up on their skills and sharing their walks in easy terrain, including nearby. Bring outdoor clothing policy - parks and green spaces, opportunity to easily save time on experiences. All agreed the course urban areas. It doesn't cover and comfortable footwear as the active travel, and accessibility of everyday journeys on foot. The was a great way to boost confidence technical navigation skills or day includes a short demonstration public spaces - and there is a lot of maps are available for download and improve skills. challenging walks in upland areas. walk. overlap with his role, particularly from https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/ The training was organised by When? Saturdays 11am - How do I book? Advance booking on active travel. They were also walking/. Inner London Ramblers, but open 4.30pm, 23 September and 18 is essential. Book online at http:// able to follow up on the wish-list of We are grateful for the support to all members. Participants came November 2017. innerlondonramblers.eventbrite. improvements to strategic routes, of Kate Conto, Ramblers Senior from across south east England, and Where? Bankside Community co.uk or contact me at des@ some from as far away as Suffolk. Centre, 18 Great Guildford Street, desdemoor.com, 07479 016672. which was submitted at her request Policy Officer, in all of these events. As with the earlier training London SE1 0SU. An excellent Des de Moor to Deputy Mayor for Transport, Clare Wadd Val Shawcross, last summer. Will Chair, Inner London Area and film by Travis Elborough • The Area Committee (technically as Secretary and Teri Moore as and Phil Marson. highlighting aspects of his book A the Area Council) is largely Treasurer, with Des de Moor • In the presentation of the financial Area AGM Walk in the Park: The Life and Times unchanged in its membership. serving as a Representative of report, it became apparent that wo walks. one led by me and of a People's Institution. There has been some shuffling Individual Members. Tony Atkins the wrong version of the report the other by Caroline Wall, A few dozen people attended to hear of seats so I have taken over as and Marion Watkinson were had been sent to the printers. The Tconverged on Bloomsbury about what we did in Inner London Chair from Phil Marson, who is elected as representatives of all our meeting requested that the correct Central Baptist Church in Area last year and to go through the now Vice-Chair. Dominic Pinto affiliated clubs. version be posted on the Area Shaftesbury Avenue on Saturday formal business of the Area. Formal stood down from the Council. • Following an earnestly contested website and it can now be found 4 February for the annual general minutes can be found at our website Sarah Doherty's recent cooption election, the Area representatives there. meeting of Inner London Area. www.innerlondonramblers.org.uk as Membership Secretary was at General Council were to be Clare Wadd This was followed by a talk but the key points to note are: confirmed. Helen Abbot stays Caroline Wall, Gemma Butchart Chair, Inner London Area Inner London insights continues on page 14 14 South East Walker June 2017 Marathon hike Group focus: North East London Ramblers ur group has a stable, out, and the Treasurer has set up thereby eliminating the need for efficient committee,internet banking. This enables formal committee meetings which Oelected annually. The the group to focus on what they volunteers find difficult to attend. Membership Secretary sends out consider their main objectives - a This approach means that we welcome letters to new members, good varied programme of walks, have only one annual committee and the General Secretary and giving new people a warm meeting, at the same time as our organises the AGM. welcome. Any minor problems AGM. As with many Ramblers and questions are discussed on Susan Teece groups, our linchpin is the Walks walks, at lunch stops or by email, Chair, North East London Group Programme Organiser who, twice a year, emails leaders, asking them to contribute walks to either the winter or summer programmes. The leaders are all home-grown regular group walkers who have grown in confidence and who are supported initially to start leading walks. The group at , eager to start the marathon course. Photo: Rich Thurston The most challenging part of embers of the The group donned race numbers planning a walk is that it must start Metropolitan Walkers, remembering the achievements of and finish at a railway station, and MInner London's group London Marathon founders Chris preferably include either a pub for for people in their 20s, 30s and Brasher and John Disley as well as lunch or a suitable place for a picnic. early 40s, hiked the London world record holder Paula Radcliffe Walks are anywhere in south east Marathon course on Saturday 23 and key athletes from the event's England, and are usually between April, starting exactly 24 hours 37-year history. We completed eight and 13 miles long. We have before the big event itself. the 26.2 mile course in a steady 10 walks every Saturday, and there We're usually walking in the hours and 18 minutes and saw some are also occasional weekday walks, glorious London surrounds on a sights of London most of us had holidays, trips and social events. Saturday so walking the marathon never seen before. The event was We operate almost entirely course was a great change. In a real team effort and the perfect electronically - 98% of the walks addition, we wanted to do precursor to the live event the next programmes are sent out by email, something different and really day. saving time and money stuffing embrace the marathon spirit. Rich Thurston envelopes and posting programmes A group walk on home ground in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Photo: Susan Teece Footpath matters OXFORDSHIRE iversions, claims etc: sign of it getting parliamentary The diversions of time needed to approve the scale DLongworth FP13, of fees, etc; in fact the legislative Stratton Audley FP5 and backlog that is threatened by the Harwell BR12 have been Brexit imbroglio makes it look as confirmed; they are all the if the new regulations will come on-line results of planning permissions. into force some time in 2027. The major Didcot development, Last week I went out to inspect, now expanding into Harwell, has photograph and report a number resulted in two more consultations of fallen trees I had encountered on and an order. It appears that the a group walk two days previously. Wallingford FP1 diversion at the Having done this I got an email Parish Path boathouse will need to be re- back two days later saying that advertised, because all the papers one set of reports had already been were lost in the fire at the South dealt with. The contractor had Oxfordshire District Council been working on the other section offices. There may be other such of the path on the same day, and Warden workshop cases. had been alerted by a dog walker to the fact that there were other he ninth Parish Path the impact on public rights of way After lunch I led a discussion Other matters trees further up, and had dealt Warden workshop was of planning applications, whether on the Parish Path Warden Oxfordshire County Council has with them on the spot, possibly held at Upper Heyford minor ones, large scale residential guidelines and the use of the stated that claims under the new even before I got home. T legislation will be fast-tracked. David Godfrey village hall on 17 March. developments or infrastructure CAMS Web on-line reporting The problem is that there is no Area Footpath Secretary Organised by Oxfordshire Area proposals such as HS2. system of path problems. The Ramblers in partnership with the After a coffee break came the discussion concluded with a county council's access team, 18 practical session. Sarah led us practical exercise: the wardens This October we will again be wardens attended, drawn from along some of the footpaths in the were presented with a list of 18 Getting lost? running this course to encourage the walk leaders of the future or just to the various Ramblers groups in parish of Upper Heyford, looking typical path problems and asked ver got lost on a walk? Of give existing ones a quick refresher. the county, and Dave Cavanagh, for opportunities to observe and course you haven't. But if to put themselves in the place It will take place on the evenings Area Chair, welcomed everyone. comment on aspects of the quality you would like that extra of a Field Officer and estimate E of 4 and 5 October in central There followed an illustrated talk of the path infrastructure - stiles, the priority order in which they confidence that comes from having by Sarah Aldous, County Field bridges and gates, for example. had some formal training, sign Abingdon, with a practical session would be dealt with. Officer - North. After outlining Other issues which came to light up for the course Oxfordshire outdoors on Saturday 7. Although Currently almost 80% of the the role of a Field Officer she were path reinstatements across Ramblers are running on Walks: the course is funded by Oxfordshire Area, members from other Areas explained how the large caseload arable fields and small deviations county's 320 parishes have a Navigation, Planning and Leading. are welcome. Whether you want to of reports are analysed and put from the definitive route. Parish Path Warden in place. This For several years now we have run find out what those squiggles on the into a priority order. For example, Secateurs were much to the fore percentage includes those parishes a course aimed at giving people the where path representatives of skills to lead a Ramblers walk. It map mean, take the step of taking typically over 150 path problems as we cut back the vegetation. others on your favourite walk, or the Chiltern Society and the covers the basics of map reading and get reported in Sarah's area Even a wallpaper scraper proved navigation, planning an interesting learn Naismith's rule, come along. Cotswold Wardens act in that alone over a six month period. its worth in removing moss route and leading a group of people For enquiries or to book a place (no These can range from a simple and ivy from the duckboards capacity. where you wish them to go. Even if charge), phone or text me on 07968 waymarking issue to a dangerous of footbridges. Waymarks and Jim Parke you don't plan to lead walks you will 710869 or email valeramblers@ bridge, or an obstruction blocking finger post direction signs were Parish Path Warden find the skills useful for planning gmail.com. a path. Field Officers deal with also cleaned. Network Coordinator your own walking. John Gordon South East Walker June 2017 15 Footbridge replaces level crossing Creating a healthy n March I was a guest of Network Rail (NR) to witness the official opening environment of a footbridge, to replace a level I icester & Kidlington Ramblers have been working crossing, over the Great Western main line at Uffington. with Cherwell District Council and others to help NR will be doing likewise at the level Bdevelop planning policies that will support a healthy crossing at nearby Denchworth. Moreover, environment. NR is financing the replacement of all stiles One of the ways we are helping is by encouraging walking in the with gates on the two footpaths that approach community and developing a comprehensive walking network. and cross the lines at these two locations. To help with this we have reprinted our book Short Walks Dave Cavanagh The first members of the public to cross the new footbridge at Uffington. Around Bicester which Chair, Oxfordshire Ramblers Photo: Dave Cavanagh we first published in 2015 to commemorate 80 years of the Ramblers Walking to Wayland's Smithy or Uffington Castle? and provides a gentle f so, you might want the Vale Path Volunteers, introduction to walking. to incorporate the the path maintenance It quickly sold out. The Iancient footpath group of Vale of White reprint has been made that goes for 400 metres Horse Group, using saws possible with a grant from through Hardwell and loppers. Elsewhere Spark Funding which Wood, which envelopes the Blitz and Klean group supports grassroots an Iron Age camp. cleared away a fallen tree projects in Bicester over Until March the way and brambles that had the next three years and was blocked by fallen completely blocked one trees, festooned with heavy end of a footbridge on the to develop thriving, drapes of ivy, causing footpath known as Rayford active and sociable walkers to bend double. Lane at Bartongate, near communities. Scores of saplings bordered Chipping Norton. Mary Gough the footpath. This situation Dave Cavanagh Chair, Bicester & The path through Hardwell Wood after cklearing. Photo: Dave Cavanagh was then transformed by Chair, Oxfordshire Ramblers Kidlington Ramblers Oxfordshire Ramblers on Which way the Wyche Way? e started As with all our winter and Malvern are not without show at Countryfile Live walking long walking weekends we try interest there is a lot of flat BC Countryfile offer, from wildlife to the four days, so we expect to W distance trails to share transport to the farmland to cover and in Live returns to the farmng to outdoor pursuits. be busy. If any members of over weekends some years overnight accommodation. winter a lot of very sticky beautiful grounds Oxfordshire Ramblers will Oxfordshire Ramblers would ago and last winter tackled We drove in shared cars mud! Those in our group B the Wyche Way over to the end of each day's who have walked Offa's of Blenheim Palace this have a stand there to promote like to help on the stand do year from 3 to 6 August for walking in the countryside. please get in touch with our four weekends between stage then got taxis back Dyke and various trails October and March. to the start of the walk. in the area thought the four days of arena shows, We will have games and Area Chair, Dave Cavanagh, Waymarking was rather We usually had longer and Wyche Way lacked their hands-on activities, animal activities for adults and via the 'Contacts' page on sparse on some sections so shorter versions of the walk natural line, continuity and displays, food, drink and children so come and visit! the Oxfordshire Ramblers 'Which way the Wyche so people were dropped spectacular scenery. shopping. Last year at the first ever website. Way?' became a pun too off at different starting However, although it It will display everything Countryfile Live Show over Ruth Cornish often repeated! points and we met up for a may not be as good as some the countryside has to 125,000 people visited over The 79-mile trail starts at pub lunch before walking other trails we had four most Kington on Offa's Dyke and the last part of each stage enjoyable weekends. We are ends at Broadway Tower in together. already looking forward to the Cotswolds. We did an The best parts of the trail next winter when we will extra section in the Cotswolds are in the Malverns and walk the Mid-Wilts Way! Walk leaders' speak translated and finished at Moreton-in- Cotswolds. Although the Joan Clark Marsh. The trail was opened sections between Kington Henley & Goring Ramblers n the interests of transparency I feel We are going to take an alternative route. in September 2015 and the it incumbent upon me to translate I missed a turn half a mile back, too busy name is thought to be from an Ithe language of walk leaders for nattering. old packhorse salt way from unsuspecting new members. Droitwich to south Wales How many walkers did we start I used a piece of string to work out the that crosses the Malverns with? Where's the backmarker? at the Wyche Cutting. We distance on the map. I guessed. I recced the walk in the other direction and had 20-plus walkers on each of the sections: Kington The river level should have dropped since it looks so different this way. Where are we? I did the recce. Those with wellies should be to Bodenham in October; fine. We'll be going back by Southern Rail. We Bodenham to Great Malvern won't be going back. in November; Great Malvern Rain is forecast for near the end of the to Ashton under Hill in walk. If you talk less and walk more, we'll Dave Cavanagh February: Ashton under get back dry. Chair, Oxfordshire Ramblers Hill to Moreton-in-Marsh in The group at Broadway Tower, the official end of the Wyche Way. March. Photo: Joan Clark

and contacted their Chairman possibilities further by bicycle. walk. For both these walks, people John Cuthbertson to investigate Although kissing gates are excellent can bring or hire/try out an off- Joining forces with possibilities for joint walks. for normal walking, these are road mobility scooter. All walks are I was amazed about how much unfortunately often a barrier for between five and eight miles long and disabled people the Disabled Ramblers achieve on mobility scooters. Eventually we are planned as full-day outings. Put their walks. They take their mobility found three suitable routes, which the dates in your diary! scooters and use these to do walks, were further recced by John from the We hope the walks will be a success enley & Goring Ramblers about walking and simply enjoy very similar to ours. There are three Disabled Ramblers. We decided to and will encourage more disabled are planning several walks walking together. categories: category 1 are walks enter these three as joint walks in our people to enjoy the great outdoors. in their programme for The Ramblers vision states that suitable for wheelchairs, category programme. H It is certainly a step to include more disabled people and others. we should be helping everyone find 2 are suitable for normal mobility The first 'walk' was in May, close We already have a walk leader their feet and we want to provide the scooters and category 3 are for off- to Henley-on-Thames, and was people in enjoying walking. Both who regularly organises walks for support and resources everyone needs, road mobility scooters. The last type a category 2 walk alongside the disabled and enabled people are people with visual impairment and regardless of their age, background, can also be hired. John shared several Thames, so people could join with welcome on these walks and the pace we are now taking one step further. fitness or mobility, to enjoy and benefit videos which can be viewed on the their own mobility scooters. The is leisurely. Please contact me at alie. But we do not expect only disabled from walking outdoors. When our website http://disabledramblers. next walk is on 11 August from [email protected] if you are people to join with their helpers. We Area Chair, Dave Cavanagh, recently co.uk/. Nettlebed and is a category 3 walk. interested in these walks. encourage everybody to join, able or brought a leaflet from the Disabled We searched for suitable paths The last one will be on 27 September Alie Hagedoorn disabled, and exchange experiences Ramblers, I was very interested in our area and investigated 10 at Dorchester and is also a category 3 Chairman, Henley & Goring Ramblers 16 South East Walker June 2017 Life after Beeching n updated and expanded sold over 2,000 copies, which edition of Vinter's was astonishing for a one-man A Railway Gazetteer was publisher operating from a home published in April bringing office. together details of all known Eventually, The History Press walkable former railway routes bought Suttons, found me on the in England, Scotland, Wales author's list and got in touch. By and Ireland of two miles or more this time, I'd been working on in length. Author Jeff Vinter various television programmes explains the background. about old railways, including The genesis of the gazetteer as Chief Consultant on Julia was in the late 1980s when I Bradbury's 'Railway Walks' wrote the 'Railway Walks' series series; the BBC even offered me for Alan Sutton Publishing; each the opportunity to write the book included an appendix listing accompanying book...in just three railway walks in the area covered. weeks! That was impossible Suttons eventually went bust, but on top of a full-time job, so The all sorts of organisations were History Press re-published my building new paths on abandoned railway walks books and then trackbeds - Sustrans, local asked about new projects. That's authorities and even community where the 2011 edition of 'Vinter's groups - so I put all the appendices Railway Gazetteer' came from - into a self-published gazetteer, and it would just not stop selling; which I kept updating. That its size, 168 pages, says something 'Vinter's Railway Gazetteer: A guide to Britain's old railways that you can walk or cycle', published by The History Press, £19.99, ISBN 9780750969765. about how many railway paths latest developments. With these existed by this time. Since then, resources, I've logged just about Jeff is a former Chairman of Sustrans has rolled out many every route up to 31 October 2016, the Railway Ramblers club more new routes as a result of its but still they keep coming: in late which was formed in 1978 to 'Connect2' project, financed by February Somerset's Strawberry bring together those who enjoy the 'People's £50 million'. Line Society told me that North exploring old railway lines and Meanwhile, through my Somerset Council had committed to encourage the preservation voluntary role as Webmaster for to building a railway path on the of such routes. By January the Railway Ramblers, members old line from Yatton to Clevedon, 2006, the club had provided all over the UK sent me details of so I'm already collecting material Sustrans with funds to buy new local routes which otherwise for the 2023 edition! Getting several routes including the might have been missed, while back to now, The History Press five-mile line from near Princes in 2012 I was appointed to the has thrown resources at this Risborough, Bucks, to Thame, board of Railway Paths Ltd (the year's book, which is sumptuously Oxfordshire, now known as sister charity to Sustrans), which illustrated. If that doesn't tempt the Phoenix Trail. For more people out on to these old railways, on the Railway Ramblers, go to Former railway lines, like the Park to line which now forms owns old railway infrastructure most of the in north London, can become popular walking routes. across the UK; Railway Paths Ltd I don't know what will! www.railwayramblers.org.uk. The runs along this section through . keeps me up to speed with the very Jeff Vinter

Sunday 4 June: Ewelme Watercress Beds Open Afternoon Saturday 24 June: Croxley Great Barn tours Tours of this local nature reserve now administered by the An opportunity to visit one of Hertfordshire's oldest timber- Diary Dates Chiltern Society. Tea and cakes available, No dogs except framed buildings dating back to c1397. Tours at 11am of the guide dogs. Also open Sundays 2 July, 6 August and 3 Until Saturday 2 September: A Sea of Glass threshing barn near Rickmansworth are organised by Three September. Rivers Museum Trust. Also on Saturdays 29 July, 26 August. The Lea Valley once contained the largest concentration 2 - 4.30pm, admission charge. 30 September and 28 October. of glasshouses in the world. This exhibition explores the Ewelme, Wallingford, Oxfordshire (grid ref SU 641916). history of market gardening in the area. www.croxleygreatbarn.co.uk, 01923 772325 www.ewelmewatercressbeds.org/visitors/tours.htm, Lowewood Museum, Hoddesdon, Herts, EN11 8BH. 01491 835173. www.broxbourne.gov.uk/leisure-lowewood-museum/ 4 - 16 July: Surrey Hills and Beyond exhibitions, 01992 445596. Showcases work by local photographer David Southern Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 June: Brixton Windmill open inspired by the beauty of the Surrey Hills and surrounding weekend countryside. Saturday 3 June: The Great Barn Wanborough Open Day This unlikely survivor will be open 2 - 5pm. Bookings for A chance to visit what is thought to be the oldest wooden Lightbox, Woking, Surrey GU21 4AA. free tours of the mill can be made up to a month in advance. www.thelightbox.org.uk, 01483 737800. building in the south east, built in 1388 by the monks of Heritage walks in the area around the windmill, led by a blue Waverley Abbey. Open 2 - 5pm. New this year is an audio badge guide, take place on Sundays 11 June, 9 July, 13 August, visual installation featuring Waverley Abbey and its role in 10 September and 15 October, starting 1pm. There is a charge Saturday 8 July: Have a Field Day the building of the Great Barn. Open also on Sunday 18 for these (£5 adults, £3 concessions) but no need to book, and To demonstrate the importance of green spaces within our June, Saturday 1 July, Sunday 16 July, Sunday 6 August and proceeds go to continue the mill's refurbishment. Further communities and ensure local authorities and developers weekend of 9 and 10 September. open weekends with guided tours of the mill on 8-9 July, 12-13 fully understand their benefit. Coordinated by UK-wide Wanborough (between Guildford and Farnham) GU3 2JR. August, 9-10 and 16-17 September and 14-15 October. charity Fields in Trust on the anniversary of the first meeting wanboroughgreatbarn.co.uk, 01483 444751. Friends of Windmill Gardens of the National Playing Fields Association in 1925. www.brixtonwindmill.org.uk www.fieldsintrust.org/haveafieldday Sunday 4 June: Wendover Canal Restoration Open Day Free guided tours by volunteers of the canal arm restoration Saturday 17 - Sunday 18 June: Open Garden Squares Saturday 29 - Sunday 30 July: Festival of Wildlife site at Drayton Beauchamp, Tea and cakes available at St Weekend A weekend of walks, talks and family activities in Panshanger Mary the Virgin church. HP22 5LS. Car parking nearby. Over 230 London squares and gardens will be open as part Park, near Hertford. 1230 - 4pm. May be repeated on Sunday 2 September. of this annual event. Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust and Herts Natural Wendover Arm Trust London Parks & Gardens Trust. History Society www.wendoverarmtrust.co.uk, 07547 181857. www.opensquares.org www.hertswildlifetrust.org.uk/festival