walkerSOUTH EAST No. 114 June 2021 Six new Greenways proposed

head of the London to value and cherish our parks and Mayoral election on green spaces but we also discovered A 6 May, London Ramblers that London could really do with launched a 'Greenways' map to some new routes that would help show candidates of the impact connect them all together. and value that six new walking As Covid restrictions relaxed routes for the capital would have. during April and May we grasped The six routes - named Forgotten the opportunities to not only walk in routes for London. The criteria was Rivers, Great Eastern Parks, Counter's groups with others but also to journey connects with the Wimbledon Commons. broad but they were looking for Creek, Romford Greenway, Southern further afield. Routes and trails like , while the Silk Stream Romford Greenway: A route some radial routes that intersected Rivers and the Five Boroughs Link - the Thames Path, and trail links the Heath to the London that links parks and nature reserves the Loop, Ring and Thames Path would provide walking links between London Loop were rediscovered and Loop in Barnet. connecting the Olympic Park and and to establish Greenways in the green spaces, and help revitalise the once again many of us were thankful Great Eastern Parks: A east-west roughly shadowing the CrossRail parts of London, like the east, that network of existing routes such as for all those Ramblers in the past who trail following the line of the Great line. need them most. the Capital Ring and Thames Path. were instrumental in their devising Eastern Railway from the edge of the Southern Rivers: Crossing Many parts of these proposed The proposed new routes have been and establishing. City of London to the and Lambeth, Southwark, Lewisham, routes are still under development mapped out by Ramblers volunteers Along with 18 other groups beyond. Greenwich and Bexley, this trail and it is hoped that others can be working with a coalition of like- across the capital, including CPRE Counter's Creek: Follows the would link the Thames Path with the added in coming years. minded organisations. London, Urban Good, London hidden river along the boundary River Quaggy and River Shuttle. Des Garrahan writes: We've all Living Streets, the Long Distance between Hammersmith & Fulham, Five Boroughs Link: A route been out walking locally a lot more Walkers Association, Sustrans Proposed Greenways Kensington & Chelsea and takes across the boroughs of Westminster, in the last year. We discovered London and the National Trust, Forgotten Rivers: A route that in the cemeteries at Kensal Green Camden, Islington, Hackney and new places on our doorsteps that the Ramblers in London headed a reveals rivers obscured by years of and Brompton before linking with Waltham Forest, linking the Thames we didn't know existed. We learnt consortium to devise six new walking development. The River Fleet route the Thames Path and Putney and Path with . New routes around Thame xfordshire's Thame & TOC), in the countryside completed it in six hours - quite Wheatley Group has around the town. a challenge to improve on! Obeen instrumental in It follows Thame Town Then in April, TOC had a creating a new walking route, Council's adoption in July 2020 baby brother called TIC, the the Thame Outer Circuit (or of a 10-year Green Living Plan Thame Inner Circuit, a four- to promote a cleaner, greener and mile circular walk route within healthier town. One of the plan's Thame. This was another objectives was to encourage objective of the Green Living walking in the countryside and Plan and was also created with it proposed a walking route the assistance of Thame & connecting outlying villages Wheatley Group members. and accessible from the town by Ruth Cornish public transport. Group member Thame & Wheatley Ramblers Tony Clark rose to the challenge and devised a 20-mile circuit Details of both routes are at using public rights of way with www.thametowncouncil.gov.uk They're off!: As soon as lockdown rules were eased at the end of March and we were permitted a few linking sections on quiet (search for Thame Outer Circuit). to walk in small groups again, we were off the starting blocks! Taking advantage of the spring roads. This was then checked and A leaflet is also available from sunshine we restarted our walks with a ramble along a part of the London Loop, through the Scadbury Manor estate in the borough of Bromley. It was a glorious day and an opportunity documented and finally unveiled the information centre in to remind ourselves how very beneficial it is to socialise with others whilst walking through our to the public in March this year. Thame Town Hall. Visitors wonderful countryside! Within the first few days at from farther afield may find it Beverley Johnston least two people had separately useful to know that the Outer Dartford & Gravesham Ramblers walked the entire route in a Circuit passes Haddenham & See also Lockdown and beyond on pages 13 to 15. Check the latest advice on walking and Illustration by Sam Osborne for the Covid-19 at www.ramblers.org.uk. Thame Outer Circuit. single day, and now one man has Thame Parkway railway station. 2 South East Walker June 2021 Parish Path Adopters in Essex - "a superb initiative" n last September's South Inspired matter. We contacted Alan Goffee, East Walker, Len Banister I was inspired by David Radford's Ramblers Footpath Secretary for Ireported on our Parish Path excellent article in the March issue of Uttlesford, who joined us on a field Adopter (PPA) programme, in South East Walker to describe my own trip to view the problems and he then which Ramblers volunteers walk experiences of being a PPA. This Essex passed the information to EH. We all the paths in a given parish Area project came at just the right received updates from EH with some and report any faults to Essex time as all group walks were cancelled surprise as they have 'set' replies, some Highways (EH). Uttlesford is one and we were all confined to walking of which had no relevance to the issue of the groups which has been most from home. Along with my husband reported. These included being able active in signing up to the scheme we decided to adopt our home parish to inspect the path within 24 hours of and below are the comments of of Stansted Mountfitchet, along with it being reported, not finding an issue, two of those PPAs. the adjoining parishes of Farnham or the issue being not as dangerous as Both authors make similar and Manuden. The work of a PPA other paths in Essex. points from different perspectives has three distinct sections: walking So here are my three top tips for and it's worth drawing them out. the paths and noting issues; adding all any budding PPAs: GPS is very useful Firstly, EH's reporting technology the information to a spreadsheet; and when checking paths as you can get hasn't been particularly user-friendly reporting issues to Essex Highways an accurate grid reference; fill in the Several problems were found along this path. Photo: Sylvia Hayes and we know that some PPAs have (EH). Each of these involves very spreadsheet as soon as possible after walking the path as even with notes struggled with it. But we have made different skills. note of the problem of course. stay at the same scale and location the memory fades over time, and be EH aware of that and as a result We worked our way through the But things have moved on. There for the next report, thereby avoiding prepared for strange replies from EH. improvements have been made, paths in each parish trying to find are 24 rights of way in the parish. having to repeatedly home in from Sylvia Hayes notably in finding the right map circular routes as much as possible, Starting in June 2020, I have the county level. for the footpath being reported and taking notes and photographs as we inspected and reported 19 so far, five At the time of writing,mud in identifying problems that have went. The most common issue was Welcomed still to go. Within the 19, problems outclasses all other path problems. already been reported, thus removing with waymark posts which had been As a first step I contacted the were found on 13, resulting in 18 Understandably, being seasonal there either knocked over, rotted away or duplication. What is encouraging parish council, who enthusiastically issue reports to EH. The breakdown is no pigeon hole for a report of were missing. The poor condition is that - like most technology - the welcomed the PPA initiative. Why within the 13 was five P1 (Safety, excessive mud. It might be possible of fingerposts, bridges and stiles less wouldn't they? Would I like to more you use it, the better you get, Impassable), four P3 (Vegetation, however to have a box to mention of a common issue but there were attend council meetings? This was and PPA coordinator Ian Glen has Waymark) and four P2 (Other). I lack of run-offs. The nearest at still a reasonable number. We only politely declined, early days, don't been very supportive. had hoped for a bigger group of P3s present is 'blocked watercourse'. came across two major issues in you know. Secondly, our two contributors since that would be fodder (sorry) for Any reader thinking about the three parishes. One involved a However, the parish council has becoming a PPA will want to know and other PPAs I have spoken to our path clearing team. pond flooding onto a path making it a footpath expert and the two of us how much time it will take. I reckon find it a great initiative and one All reports have received an email impassable and the other was a path have been in dialogue ever since, that I spent about a couple of hours which they enjoy. Not only will it response from EH, via standard that disappeared into a stream with frequently on the basis of 'Can you at home marking up the map with help to improve our footpaths, but it letters. In many cases these amount no way of crossing it. get this fixed?' And of course said path numbers and start locations, helps fulfill the Ramblers' charitable to noting the problems and agreeing After completing the surveys we rep has a dog, and walks every path around 12 hours on the ground objectives. to assign an inspector at the next then had to add all the information to in the parish at least once every year checking paths and taking notes and Finally, it pays to read South East the large spreadsheet. We found this and is highly knowledgeable. Puts planned visit. And of those inspected, photos, and finally six hours at home Walker. We spotted the article from to be quite a tricky process at first but my efforts to shame. only a few have so far resulted in deciphering my notes, registering Oxfordshire Ramblers in the March it became easier as we became more And the parish rep has not been action. But we must recognise the defects with Essex Highways and issue about their 'How to' guide for used to the system. The spreadsheet the only source of support. Although considerable workload the PPA uploading the data to Google Sheets. dealing with path problems and asked has also evolved and improved as the I don't live in my adopted parish of programme must be generating. Twenty hours in all, or just over half for permission to adapt it for Essex. project has progressed. The final Hatfield Broad Oak, I know people Successes have been repairs to an an hour for each right of way. Time The Essex version is now available part was to report issues to EH using who do, and I kept meeting them, unsafe bridge and the clearing of two well spent, and the more I do, the and feedback suggests that PPAs and their online system which as David making the whole thing a social completely blocked paths. quicker I get! other members have already found it said, is quite 'clunky' to use and experience. Mostly they were either I was most grateful for the support Overall, I find Parish Path very useful. You can find it on our obviously designed with roads in out training or dog walking. Back of Ian Glen, our PPA Coordinator, in Adopting a superb initiative and website essexarearamblers.co.uk. mind rather than footpaths. Finding In May 2020 when I started I had the early days as I struggled with the can't imagine a better way to generate Look under 'Footpath Matters', and the correct box that an issue fitted to smile knowledgeably as they Google Sheets database for tracking an all-encompassing picture, with then go to 'Guides'. into was one difficulty, a fallen branch described a particular path and its the programme across Uttlesford. reporting links to Essex Highways for Mike Cannell or a broken stile was easy enough problems, since it was inevitably one It would be wonderful if, when action. Area Media Officer but a disappearing path was another I did not know. And take a careful reporting one path, the map would Murray Lowe Aylesbury Ramblers remember Mike Roe y predecessor Mike Roe, checker for many years. who died in 2019, put in We ran into problems finding a Mmany hours championing second site which was followed by local footpaths and an article about a series of Covid lockdowns but Bill him was published in the March eventually found a site for the second 2020 issue of South East Walker. gate and got the farmer to install it Our group has recently donated at Bridge Farm in Ford in the parish two gates in his memory, one funded of Dinton-with-Ford and Upton by member Vicki Franco and the (at SP 778094). This was also very other via our members' bookings with appropriate as it is on the Aylesbury Ramblers Holidays The first gate was Ring which Mike helped maintain put in by Bill Piers' RIPPLE team in and keep waymarked. Bishopstone in the parish of Stone Roy Johnson with Bishopstone and Hartwell (at Footpath and Countryside Secretary The new gate at Bishopstone. The plaque reads: 'In memory of Mike Roe who SP 803104) where Mike was our path Aylesbury & District Ramblers Mike Roe worked tirelessly to improve our local footpaths'. South East Walker June 2021 3 walkerSOUTH EAST 40th anniversary celebrations for Distributed quarterly to members of the Ramblers in Bedfordshire, the Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Milton Keynes and West Middlesex, Essex, Inner London, , Oxfordshire and he High is arguably furnace and hammer ponds that are Surrey Areas. the finest walking country relics of the Tudor iron industry. Tin the south east with its The Wealdway is a long distance THE RAMBLERS sandstone outcrops and the best path running for 82 miles north - Address: 3rd Floor, 1 Clink Street, preserved mediaeval landscape in south across Kent and Sussex from London SE1 9DG. Switchboard: 020 3961 3300 northern Europe. to . It crosses Membership Services: The mixture of small farms, arable not just the fine scenery of the High 020 3961 3232 fields, pasture and woodland cut by and Low Wealds but also the North Email: [email protected] Downs, the South Downs and the Web: www.ramblers.org.uk steep-sided ghylls make every walk a delight, marred only slightly in winter Greensand Ridge. The role of one Company registration no: of our members, Geoff King, in its 4458492 by the glorious Wealden mud. The creation was described more fully in Registered charity no: 1093577 ancient timbered buildings, especially A view from the Wealdway near Balls Green. Photo: Robert Peel last December's issue of South East the eponymous Wealden Hall House, EDITORIAL Walker. There has long been a Wealdway The very fine guidebook produced add much to the landscape, as do the Editor: Les Douglas September 2021 will mark the 40th information board at in 1999 has long been unavailable. Email: [email protected] anniversary of the opening of the Tel: 020 8809 2338 Castle. This was last renewed by However, this may prove a little Wealdway and several groups in Kent a Ramblers' team including myself ambitious as there are many obstacles DESIGN AND PRINT are planning various activities to mark in 2012 and it has suffered from to overcome including the need to Designed by DPS: 01529 300452 the occasion in cooperation with those the effects of the elements. We are improve the waymarking of the route, Printed by Blackmore Ltd groups in Sussex Area whose territory hoping to produce a new, more the tight timescale and the competing the route passes. durable information board for demands of other guidebooks in Opinions expressed by contributors are not specifically endorsed by The planning of events is at an early unveiling at the September ceremony. preparation, particularly the next part The Ramblers. stage, but will certainly involve offering Tonbridge Castle is the nexus of the of our best-selling guide to the Kent ISSN 1747-4140 a selection of guided walks along parts Wealdway, the Eden Valley Walk and Coast Path. C 2021 The Ramblers. of the route and perhaps even the the Valley Walk so we intend We will use the tag All rights reserved. whole route. We hope that some of to discuss with Tonbridge & Malling WEALDWAY40 on all walks that Copy Date: For issue No. 115 these walks will be incorporated into Borough Council the possibility of are part of the celebration so that a is 12 July 2021. the programme of the High Weald having one or more new information simple search should bring them up Walking Festival which will take place boards to cover all three walks. We will on the Ramblers' on-line walks finder. from 11 - 19 September, organised be able to contribute to the funding We will also have a dedicated web by Sussex Ramblers and the High of whatever is agreed with them with page at www.kentramblers.org.uk/ Weald AONB team (https://www. the profits from selling our walking wealdway40. Kent and highwealdwalks.org/). We also hope guidebooks, including one that covers Ramblers groups who would like to that the final walk of the celebration the last two mentioned routes as well participate by hosting a Wealdway40 will culminate at Tonbridge Castle as the Darent Valley Path. walk should contact Neil Whittall on 26 September where a short Finally we will consider whether we ([email protected]). ceremony will be held, in the presence can produce a new guidebook to the Robert Peel of representatives of the press. Wealdway in time for the celebrations. Secretary, Kent Area 'Border Facility' delayed celebrates 40 years n 3 May, 27 members of the pieces, assisted by me. Vanguards Rambling Club In those 40 years, planning, administration Ocelebrated the 40th anniversary and signage of the trail have been carried out on of the Vanguard Way trail (66 miles from an informal basis by the Vanguard Way Working Croydon to Newhaven) by walking the 12 Party, consisting of club members, with support miles from Croydon to Oxted, with lunch from the highway authorities and many other at the Bull Inn, Chelsham Common. The people who are keen to help. But later this original launch in 1981 was marked at a year a formal Vanguard Way Association will tape-cutting ceremony by Alan Mattingly, be launched, as soon as possible after meeting then Ramblers' General Secretary, who The site of the 'Inland Border Facility' (to deal with customs checks and paperwork for vehicles venues reopen. If you would like to be kept would have attended but was locked down in heading in and out of the UK) with the houses of Copthorne in the distance. Photo: John Shale informed of the launch meeting details, contact France. Instead, Kate Ashbrook, Ramblers n January Kent's White Cliffs Way. The construction of the site has Vice-President and a member of the club, me at [email protected]. Full details of the route and free route Ramblers reported their concerns been delayed, the original date planned agreed to cut the original tape, which had at the lack of consultation when for completion, June 2021, has now been been joined back together and re-used on descriptions are available at vanguardway.org.uk. I special powers were used for plans to moved to 'early 2022'. Colin Saunders two subsequent celebrations. Sadly, a fierce build an 'Inland Border Facility' in the What is known is that once the plan Vanguard Way Route Manager wind ripped the tape apart and the photo fields of Guston, near Dover, directly is agreed the construction on the site will be shows Kate cutting one of the remaining [email protected] affecting the route of the the responsibility of Kent County Council Way (the front page story in SEW 113). and fully funded by a government grant Since January the group has made on condition that it is operational by early representations about the potential impact 2022. the proposals would have on the North White Cliffs Ramblers continue to Downs Way, and fears for the safety of monitor the situation. Tony Bristow, group users. These issues appear to be addressed Chair, said: "The preliminary plans that we in plans published on the 'facility's' website. have seen give us some cause for optimism Nevertheless, there are still no guarantees that the development might result in that closure of the path will be avoided. enhancements to this section of the North The current plan is not the final design, Downs Way. However, as always, the devil there has been no update since January, is in the detail. Therefore we will continue and no significant works construction to monitor this development and remain management plan has been published. concerned as to the potential disruption to This would set out how the works would the lives of local residents." be carried out and the measures to be taken Lee Pickup to divert and protect the North Downs White Cliffs Ramblers Kate Ashbrook cuts the tape while Colin Saunders assists. Photo: Linda Wright 4 South East Walker June 2021 KENT calling Area Secretary's diary he three months since I too) to promote out of season visits know what safety features to put in wrote my last diary have to Kent in support of the tourist place or whether they should even Parish Path Observers are needed in the red areas. Tpassed with seemingly economy. be open at all". We clearly need to little to show for them despite yet In April we learned that Network press for an urgent and satisfactory also aim to have a Local Footpath the end of April we had a proportion another 1,800+ emails passing Rail had persuaded Kent County resolution in this case and to be very Officer for each parish to scrutinise of national membership higher through my inbox and outbox. Council to make an emergency vigilant for further threats. all proposals for diversion or than at any previous time since Book sales have continued steadily closure of a rail crossing on a Our volunteer public rights of way extinguishment of paths. At present the current system for counting but not spectacularly so that we have footpath near Hildenborough. manager post is currently vacant and we have 58 vacancies although we members was introduced in 2010. now covered the cost of printing last According to a press statement meanwhile I have a watching brief. do have temporary cover in place Having had a successful online year's guide to the Tunbridge Wells from Network Rail, the 'emergency' I am taking the opportunity to bring for 43 of these parishes, leaving 329 AGM in February, we are planning Circular Walk and have accumulated was that use of the crossing had up to date our records of all the with permanent cover. We have a series of 90-minute webinars for a total surplus on publications of increased from one or two people a volunteers in Kent engaged in public vacancy maps on our website (www. our public rights of way volunteers over £8,000 towards our project to week to "almost ten a day". There rights of way work. Kent is a large kentramblers.org.uk/volunteering/ to replace our annual full-day improve and promote Kent's named has been a suggestion that people Area with over 4,500 miles of public fp_vacancies.htm) - please have a meeting. We may be able to open walks. Spending the money is still using the crossing are not only more rights of way. Like most Areas, we look and see if you can help. these webinars to any member who a slow process not because of any numerous but also more reckless but aim to have someone to keep an eye A regular task is scrutiny is interested in the topics being shortage of work to be done but if so it is odd that the press statement on the paths in each parish - we call of the monthly membership discussed and if so we will post because Kent County Council has did not say so. The press statement them Parish Footpath Observers or figures. Although these have details on the website news page, not had the resources to procure the included the rather ominous PFOs. We have over 387 parishes long been in decline, we comfort We might even recruit some of the work. I understand they have now comment "Footpath crossings like (including the wards in Bexley and ourselves a little with the fact that casual attendees as volunteers when recruited an additional member of (this) are a legacy of the past and Bromley where there are no parishes) as a proportion of the national total they see how interesting the work is! staff as part of a European Union we keep a constant check on how and 293 of these are looked after by the Kent Area membership has been Robert Peel funded package (yes, I was surprised many people are using them so we 245 PFOs leaving 94 vacancies. We steadily rising for some time and at Area Secretary Lost Ways/Don't Lose Your Way

took over coordination of the Kent project and am in the process of becoming the Ramblers Lost Ways project in coordinator for this in Kent (as well as Medway IAugust 2020. I have no previous and the London Boroughs of Bexley and direct experience in rights of way work, Bromley which are also part of Ramblers Kent but fortunately my predecessor Neville Area). The Don't Lose Your Way project has Machin had several years ago done the generated a significant amount of public interest hard work of identifying potential routes and I was recently asked to speak to two Kent- by looking at all the definitive maps and based magazines, and Transportation spotting possible anomalies in these (eg Professional (the journal of the Chartered dead-end paths), setting up a system to Institution of Highways and Transportation). record these and then arranging for a team This has provided an excellent opportunity to of volunteers to survey them on the ground promote both the Don't Lose Your Way project and complete a standard template to record and the Ramblers - which is particularly timely, findings. given the significant increase in the number of Neville also established a process with Kent County Council whereby they organised people out walking in the past year as a result a folder for identified potential routes with of Covid-19. information from their archives on the original I thoroughly enjoyed my opportunity to 1952 definitive map and subsequent reviews, explain the Don't Lose Your Way project to which provides an excellent summary and the two journalists and would recommend a basis for more detailed research where it everyone to take the opportunities that arise to is decided that the potential route is worth promote both this project and the Ramblers in progressing further. general. As well as progressing the above, I have also Colin Sefton established active contact with the subsequent Area Vice Chair and Lost Ways Coordinator Colin Sefton (right) with Jack Cornish, the Don't Lose Your Way programme manager. Photo: Mike Walter Central Office 'Don't Lose Your Way' [email protected]

Bridge (or vice versa) to view the applies to all parts of the popular and Barnham lines. Dates include series of light works on nine bridges. parks in south west London and nine consecutive days from 14 - 22 Briefly The free-to-view installations can be is to protect the deer during their August as well as some weekends. seen from dusk till 2am nightly for at birthing season. • Illuminated River: Five more least the next ten years • Rangers' favourites: A book of 20 bridges across the Thames in central • Horsham works: Southern Railway favourite short walks designed by London were added to the project - • Dogs in Richmond and Bushy has warned that engineering works South Downs National Park rangers thought to be the largest public art Parks: The Royal Parks has advised at Horsham this summer will disrupt was published by Harper Collins commission in the world - in April. that dogs must be kept on leads (or a number of services through that in April. The walks vary in length You can now take an evening stroll better still not taken to these parks station including the Dorking to from one to six miles. It is on sale in from London Bridge to Lambeth at all) until after 2 August. This Horsham and Crawley to Arundel bookshops for £6.99.. South East Walker June 2021 5 The battle of ESSEX Felsted Mill - extras 15 months on n the December 2019 issue of South East Walker I Idescribed the fight by Uttlesford Ramblers against a Saga of the group of landowners seeking to divert a footpath crossing the River Chelmer at Felsted Mill by declaring the bridge damaged bridge over the mill race unsafe. This would have blocked a well-used hat happens when was that this couldn't be done the culvert can be installed. On path and access to a number of a major footpath immediately because the field was 20 January, the county council routes. W becomes inaccessible under crop and heavy machinery imposed a six-month closure order The struggle has been lengthy. because of a damaged bridge? would be needed to install the culvert on this section of the Essex Way. For 30 months local residents and That was the problem facing and remove the old bridge. It was This means that a named walkers have been stopped by a West Essex Ramblers for the agreed to do the work after harvest, recreational path will have been group of landowners from access whole of 2020 and into this year. in the first week of August, but the blocked for 20 months. And the to an amenity that benefits all. The story begins in January replacement culvert never arrived. problem on the Roding raises Their disregard of local people 2020 when, following heavy rain, Essex County Council has failed to wider issues. As we all now know, and the legal position has been a footbridge over a ditch feeding provide a satisfactory explanation the UK's climate is getting wetter. eye-opening and the stress put into the nearby River Roding near for this, much to the annoyance of Met Office research shows that the on those fighting for the rights of Fyfield on the Essex Way was lifted West Essex Ramblers whose offer to amount of rain from extremely wet walkers was unreasonable. sideways, probably because a fallen construct a temporary plank bridge days has increased by 17% since the But after much going backwards tree downstream had dammed the was turned down. last century, increasing the risk of and forwards, and a series of river and caused it to back up. It Meanwhile, following further flooding. Projections suggest that meetings between the parties, did not help that the ditch was also heavy rain this January, the bridge the UK is likely to see warmer and Essex Highways eventually blocked with shrubs. has been washed away entirely, wetter winters. decided in April 2019 to formally Essex County Council surveyed although presumably parts of it will The Land Drainage Act, 1991, confirm the installation of a new the site and decided to replace the be found downstream. With crops bridge in its original position. requires that a watercourse such as a The closed path at the mill. bridge by a culvert, with the Essex now in the field again, it will be a ditch be maintained by its owner in This should have been the end of Photo: Diane Shepherd Way running over it. The problem further wait until this August before such a condition that the free flow the story but was not. Because Felsted Mill is a of water is not impeded, and county year and work was completed listed building, the proposed councils have powers to enforce before Easter. At the time of work required approval by landowners to do so. Main rivers, writing, the removal of the path's Uttlesford District Council as such as the Roding, are under the temporary closure order was the local planning authority, control of the Environment Agency. awaited and with it, the reopening and objections were raised by Those of us who walked this past of the footpath after 30 months. landowners including a request for winter will know that it was arguably Essex Ramblers wish to record Uttlesford Ramblers to agree to wetter and more unpleasant than their thanks to Essex Highways moving the position of the bridge. ever it has been. Many footpaths The proposal was of course seen as for their efforts in safeguarding were inundated to the point of only causing further delay to the this public right of way, and being unusable. Mostly this was reopening of the footpath with no would particularly like to thank due to the sheer volume of rain, but benefits to walkers. Helen Baker, our contact since the in some cases ditches were seen to be There were further objections beginning. overflowing. Climate change is not by landowners at a parish council Alan Goffee going away. meeting, but formal planning Footpath Secretary, Uttlesford Mike Cannell approval was obtained earlier this Ramblers The footbridge near Fyfield. Photo: Brian Smith Area Media Officer Parking charges introduced in Epping Forest ricey charges were parking restrictions and local car scheme', was proposed at £150 a £150 for the supporter scheme. for members of key charities and introduced to some of park charges. This is a particular year. Parking for longer than six Despite 85% of respondents saying partners, like the Ramblers, were Pthe, formerly free, Epping problem in the southern area. The hours will not be permitted, either that the scheme was too expensive, ignored. Forest car parks on 10 May. The City of London says it also wishes by single ticket or the supporter they went ahead with the charge. Valerie Jones charges will be introduced in to encourage alternative means scheme. Suggestions for a concessionary fee West Essex Ramblers 14 car parks, but the aim is to of accessing the forest, like public The group did not think these roll the scheme out over time. transport. fees were reasonable. Essex The car parks in phase 1 are in West Essex Ramblers, in whose Area President, and West Essex , Wanstead, catchment area the forest sits, member, Len Banister, called them and High Beach. became aware of the plans last "exorbitant" saying "they favour Parking in the forest developed November and sought to engage dog walkers and quick strollers, and in a haphazard fashion. There with the City. We wanted to ensure discriminate against more-dedicated are now about 55 car parks, with that charges were reasonable and walkers." capacities ranging from three to that serious walkers would not be We also took issue with the 200, offering about 950 spaces in deterred from visiting. We were tokenistic consultation. The City total. The decision by the forest's dismayed when we learned that of London consulted after its owner, the City of London, has charges would be £2.50 for up committee had taken the decision been driven by the need to generate to two hours, £4 for up to four to charge, and by how much. revenue and deter non-forest use by hours and £6 for up to six hours. They merely sought views on commuters and drivers displaced An annual season ticket aimed at minor details and asked whether by residential parking zones, street frequent users, called a 'supporter people would be prepared to pay One of the Epping Forest car parks where charges will apply. Photo: Valerie Jones 6 South East Walker June 2021

London Loop section 1 page 3 INNER LONDON insights London Loop and

From here the route is shared with cyclists on National Cycle Network Did you know? (NCN) route 1 all the way until it reaches Thames Road past Crayford Capital Ring project Crayford Marshes is an Creek. The raised bank allows views across the marshes and river to the area of grazing marsh y the time South East which were published in December from ideal, they are now linking left and the grazing land and scrub to the right and is a haven for supporting rare plants birdwatchers. and animals and a Walker hits doormats range of breeding birds. 2020, and which had already to our website for the up-to-date It is designated as an Carry on along this track following the bends of the we will have published notched up 15,000 views by mid- ones for the Capital Ring (and SSSI (Site of Special B eventually passing estates of scrap merchants and metal recycling depots Scientific Interest) The updated guidance and new maps and with the striking Queen Elizabeth II Bridge ahead. area to the left between April this year. hopefully for the London Loop too the path and the river is for all 24 sections of the London Special thanks go to Ian Bull who by the time you read this). When you reach the River Darent mouth the path turns right inland leading known as the Erith Saltings being the last to the Dartford Creek Barrier. The Thames Path ends here while the Loop Loop on our website. They are completed all the mapping for both Thanks to these pages, we remaining fragment of path joins the Cray Riverway walk. There are also signs for 'HW 1066’ ` salt marshes on available to download at https:// routes, Andrew Hunt who acted as now have a full complement of another long distance footpath which follows the route of King Harold from London's inner Thames. innerlondonramblers.org.uk/ London to the site of the Battle of Hastings. Did you know? series editor for both routes and to volunteers looking after every The Queen Elizabeth II loop. all of the volunteers who checked section of both the Capital Ring Cross the barrier access road and continue along the winding river bank Bridge was opened in path. About three quarters of a mile past the Barrier the route continues to 1991 as a link on the M25 motorway. Despite the pause in volunteering their sections, re-wrote route and London Loop. Inner London follow the path on the embankment by the Darent as it curves to the left. during the most recent lockdown, descriptions, and those who did Area has recently committed more thanks to the hard work and independent reviews of completed funding to the project which This version by members of the Ramblers for In this format: text © Ramblers 2021, maps © OpenStreetMap dedication of volunteers, this huge route descriptions to ensure will enable us to purchase more Downloaded from: https://innerlondonramblers.org.uk/loop Published: May 2021 piece of work is barely behind accuracy. Whilst TfL's website is waymark discs and replacement schedule. The London Loop PDFs still hosting out-of-date maps and vinyl arrows for signposts where follow those for the Capital Ring route descriptions, which is far existing ones have faded. The page for the first stage of the London Loop from Erith.

Love your Loop - London Loop 20th birthday he London Loop was to promote the London Loop to organise walks on the London We would very much like to a couple of people to take an active completed 20 years a wider audience under the Love Loop to create a London Loop hear from anyone who has ideas role coordinating and promoting Tago this year, and we your Loop banner, and to try to walking festival during September for events, activities or partner the activity programme. Please want to celebrate this brilliant secure more investment in it, as part of this celebration. We organisations we could work with, contact me if you'd like to get London walking route during and in London's other walking also want to partner with other or would like to get involved, September, when we hope that routes, for the long-term. organisations with an interest in whether through a Ramblers group involved. Covid restrictions will be at a We hope that Ramblers groups the Loop to run litterpicks, joint or other organisation you belong Clare Wadd minimum. This will enable us across London will be able to walks, talks and other activities. to. Specifically we're looking for ([email protected]) Area AGM he Inner London Area Council regarding the clusters and AGM was held over communities of interest initiative. SURREY TZoom on 9 February This motion was subsequently with around 70 participants carried overwhelmingly at General logging into the meeting. The Council, and we look forward to constraints of Zoom meant that seeing how the Board takes this snippets the meeting was necessarily important innovation forward. shorter and more formal than We were pleased to welcome normal, and we all missed the Michael Penny, the Ramblers' chance to socialise before and honorary Treasurer, as our guest Lesser spoke about the challenges after the meeting and to chat speaker. Michael thanked volunteers facing the Ramblers, and the work informally over tea and cake. and gave us an update on the As is standard, the annual report Area AGM going on to address the decline national picture from the Board's and the accounts were presented, in membership. She expanded perspective, as well as answering he Surrey Area AGM was Andrew Bowden and Deb Skinner and the committee for the new year on the key topic of volunteering our questions, most of which were held by video conference was elected. Whilst all key roles were elected as Footpaths and Access pre-submitted. Questions covered on 13 February with and covered the importance of were filled, we are keen to hear T Officer and Webmaster respectively. plans to recruit a permanent Chief more than 90 members in Assembly as the new volunteering from anyone who would like to get Subsequent to the AGM, at the Area involved in the Area as we look to Executive, Area and group finances, attendance. Ramblers trustee hub. The talk was followed by a Council meeting in March, I was the future and succession plan for urban walking, climate change. Sophie Clissold-Lesser, and Q&A session. some of those, such as myself. who whether or not we're volunteer- Area Support Officer Nicky appointed as Area Secretary. The AGM was rounded off with led and the potential to increase have been on the committee for Wilson also joined the call. There remains one Area Officer a quiz organised by Holly, followed quite some time. Please contact the membership fee to support The following officers were re- vacancy: that of Vice Chair. Please by a video from Kate Ashbrook me if you would like to know more investment in lost footpaths. contact Holly Matthews at chair@ about the opportunities and what I very much hope we can return elected: Chair, Holly Matthews; and Interim Chief Executive Tanya might be required. to meeting in person next year. Membership Secretary, Elliot surreyramblers.org.uk to find out Curry. The AGM also elected our three Clare Wadd Cairns; Treasurer, Richard Lovell more about this opportunity. David Leedham General Council representatives Chair, Inner London Area and Publicity Officer, David Cooper. Guest speaker Sophie Clissold- Area Secretary and passed a motion for General [email protected] South East Walker June 2021 7 That way madness lies... avid Radford was elected Chair path leaves a road. Local finger-post designs Waymarking is a subjective benefit, of Essex Ramblers at their Area range entertainingly from lichen-encrusted notwithstanding efforts to define standards DAGM in February. Here he concrete posts to collision-safe rubberised in the legislation and performance follows up his article in the March issue black structures and rusticated engraved measurement regimes, and it's labour- on working with Essex County Council varnished wood (all found in Essex) to more intensive. In Essex - as no doubt in other with his thoughts on the quality of business-like green steel signs showing the counties - the main highway authority waymarking. path number, destination and distance (in relies extensively on volunteers to maintain It has become almost obligatory, as neighbouring Hertfordshire). The angle waymarks. We are aware of at least six people compare survival notes after the shown for the path from the road is usually Ramblers group-based volunteer working lockdowns, to remark on what a life-saver it approximate, and obviously susceptible parties in Essex, and we have estimated that was to get out and walk, when all else was to being randomly adjusted by glancing Ramblers alone contribute about 3,500 forbidden. Seasoned ramblers may have collisions with passing traffic or hedge flails. hours of free labour annually to aspects of smiled - benignly, patronisingly, occasionally The provision of waymarks along the route public rights of way maintenance. Attempts tolerantly - at all those folk out on the is altogether more haphazard. In Essex, a are made, in consultation with our local footpaths who previously weren't. Some typical waymark is a circular plastic disc nailed rights of way inspectors, to follow local well-trodden paths have visibly widened to a four-inch square post, normally at a field priorities, tempered by undertaking work to two metres where polite Covid swerves boundary, path junction, or another point in a manageable geographic cluster. This have left their mark. where the path changes direction and might covers a range of activities, but overgrowth So is this a good time to take stock of how be missed. Much the same design seems clearance and the repair and clearing of novice-friendly our rights of way network is, to apply across all counties. Occasionally waymarks feature largely. We understand as we hover warily between Wave 2 and a the disc is customised with the logo of that one neighbouring county has - as a possible Wave 3 of the pandemic? There a long-distance path of which it forms a result of budget reductions and reallocations seems to be some ambivalence about how part. This convention seems a reasonable - only enough in-house resources for about well signed public rights of way need or compromise, offering something which 10 waymark replacements across the whole ought to be. Walkers habituated - like me is visible at short range, without defacing county each year. However minimally - to coastal paths need only keep the sea in the landscape with intrusive flashes of interpreted, it's hard to see how that sight to avoid getting lost. But most of the bright plastic. Waymarks can be especially amounts to compliance with the s27(4) national network isn't conveniently in sight welcome when a public right of way involves duty. Whether Essex is complying with of the sea, so getting lost is more of a distinct cross-field sections where - depending on its volunteer assistance is hard to judge: possibility. Walkers with French rambling the season - the line of a path may not be at probably the answer is "Yes, in places, but experiences talk wistfully about the Grande all obvious, and where setting off at even a possibly not, strategically". Randonnee markers - friendly daubs of red slightly wrong angle can entail accumulating So to return to my original point about and white paint on rocks, trees and posts a kilo of mud under boot, and then arriving recognising and welcoming new walkers on that make walking on auto-pilot a trivial at an impenetrable fence at the far end - the rights of way network: will we rise to the matter, whereas grim-faced orienteers with not to mention any unintended damage to occasion? Harnessing volunteer efforts to drizzle-spattered laminated maps positively growing crops. Under these circumstances, help, as Essex County Council does, could welcome the anonymity of large tracts of having a clearly visible waymark which can form the basis of a healthy partnership the English countryside. Is there a happy be seen from the opposite side of a cross-field philosophy. But it might also create a medium? path would seem essential for easy use by false buoyancy if compliance with good In the scattered and confusing legislation the public under any definition. practice or hard statutory duties relies on governing public rights of way, there lurks Our Parish Path Adopter scheme in Essex volunteers coming forward. Any significant the Countryside Act 1968 (a good year for (see Parish Path Adopters in Essex - "a superb collaboration with volunteers needs a us baby-boomers), which in section 27(4) initiative", page 2) has helped us gauge the shared database, so that a patchwork of reminds us that, it shall also be the duty of quality of waymarking. Pending a fuller local contributions adds up to a recognisable a highway authority ... to erect such signposts audit, it would seem that at least half of pattern of strategic coverage. as may (in their opinion) be required to all public rights of way surveyed by our Essex Area would welcome information assist persons unfamiliar with the locality to Parish Path Adopters either need existing from other Ramblers about the state of follow the course of the footpath. The duty to waymarks to be repaired or re-erected after waymarking in their areas, and about erect signs - typically finger-posts - where a first installation, or else would benefit - methods of working with their local public right of way leaves a road is specified becoming easier to use by persons unfamiliar authorities which might be emulated more separately in s27(2). with the locality, in the official parlance - by widely. Most highway authorities have complied some additional, new waymarking. David Radford with this by erecting finger-posts where a But of course there's a problem. [email protected] Photos: Mike Cannell

prize organised by the Friends of the and North Wessex Downs Areas of 170 gravel lakes, has been recognised Briefly can be viewed for a while at Outstanding Natural Beauty. Details for its biodiversity and importance to https://ridgewayfriends.org.uk/swire- at chilternsaonb/mend-the-gap.html. breeding and wintering birds. • Explore with map and compass: ridgeway-arts-prize/. Works inspired Natural England said it was unusual by what has often been called 'the John Harmer who runs these one- • Heathlands Sculpture Trail: Seven for a 'completely man-made site' to oldest road in Britain' (and now a new artworks have been installed day courses for beginners in Battle, become an SSSI. national trail from Ivinghoe Beacon along the Serpent Trail which winds East Sussex, hopes to resume in July to Overton Hill, near Avebury) are between Haslemere and Petersfield. and has set aside Saturdays 3,10,17 presented in four categories: written The sculptures form part of the • Ditchling Music Trail: An 'audio and 24 for these. A standard charge word, sculpture, photography and Heathlands Reunited project. A walking experience' was launched of £10 applies but reduced rates wall art, with many items for sale. leaflet can be downloaded from at the Brighton Festival in May and are available. If interested, contact https://www.southdowns.gov.uk/ features orchestral music composed John on 01424 773998 or john@ • Mend the Gap: A £3.75 million heathlands-reunited/ or picked up at by Lewes-based Ed Hughes inspired harmerfamily.plus.com with your programme to "compensate for the the South Downs centre in Midhurst. by the South Downs with insights preferred date. Further courses and a negative effects" of the electrification into the collection at Ditchling more advanced one will follow in the of the main railway line between • Cotswold Water Park: Site of Museum of Arts and Crafts. It is autumn if there is sufficient demand. Reading and Didcot is looking for Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) status projects to back. Among other has been awarded to this 5,000 available to download to phones via • Swire Ridgeway Arts Prize 2021: things, these can be improvements acre lake system on the borders of the ECHOES interactive sound walk More than 180 entries submitted to access and recreation in the 20km Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire and app (search for Brighton Festival in to this year's arts competition and corridor between the Chilterns Wiltshire. The site, which includes the App itself). 8 South East Walker June 2021

furloughed or unemployed or the walking groups they follow have Ephemera shut down their programmes. Tonbridge At the same time walking is regarded as a positive way et me start by thanking From my correspondence it everybody who seems that I'm not the only to exercise as long as social distancing rules and restrictions retirement contacted me to share person who buys walking books L on travel are obeyed and many their views and experiences of which are rarely used. In turn people are discovering their own ave Wetton, who has the issues discussed here and this leads to hoarding and the backyards for the first time. In held many roles in our many of the comments run reluctant desire to dispose of theory, therefore, there should group over the last parallel with my own. items you don't really need to D be plenty of time to deal with 45 years including Chairman, For example, a friend told keep. hoarding and decluttering and announced his retirement from me he bought an enormous But along with the challenges walking close to home which in the committee in January. ring-bound book 500 Walks of dealing with hoarding and turn reveals all sorts of memories However, he remains committed in France and in a decade of decluttering often comes and books and pamphlets which to protecting the local rights of ownership didn't manage to do memories as well as the you feel you should really read way and will continue to act as any of them. He finally took it current situation where the before disposal and if you're not an adviser on footpath matters, to a book exchange at his local pandemic should at least create careful you achieve very little of especially where diversions are railway station where it was soon opportunities to tackle the your stated objectives. proposed. snapped up but he still wonders first two topics mentioned. Sifting through your mountain "I'm passionate about protecting whether the new owner has Walkers find themselves in of walking materials usually rights of way for walkers," says undertaken any of the routes. different situations such as being reveals things that you have Dave. "It doesn't just happen; it long forgotten. Like checking requires collective effort by members routes and leading walks for and others, to ensure all paths are organisations and publications walked and checked regularly so that have long since disappeared. that problems can be resolved to I suddenly got ruthless and lots ensure good access for everyone." Dave Wetton Photo: Caroline Wetton of the paperwork linked with Dave became a founder member such activities went into the of our group after moving from recycling bin but at the same eyesight, but Caroline has been London to Hadlow in 1975 and time some of those memories there to support him and be his has been a driving force behind the linger and if I'm not careful I'll second pair of eyes. In marking his success of the group which has now start again gathering material but grown to around 230 members. He retirement, our current Chairman, at least I know there is so much has been a dedicated walk leader Neil Whittall, says, "On behalf of walking information online that and, with his wife, Caroline, has the group, we thank you Dave for you don't really need to keep arranged away-day walks and short your years of dedicated service and tons of paper. for your friendship." John Pestle walking holidays Dave has persevered longer than Nicola Brown Books galore. [email protected] many would have, given his failing Tonbridge & Malling Ramblers

Criminal trespass (SEW 113, page 8) This article was pure scaremongering and the proposed legislation would not make criminals of walkers that strayed from a public footpath. The Essex Way without a car (SEW 113, page 8) proposal is to tighten the current law over illegal encampments. The Currently figure of it requires an encampment of six caravans for police action. Hillingdon Ramblers walked the entire route from Epping to Harwich in easy day six is to be reduced to two. John Fisher stages between March and September 2016 using public transport throughout. We Canterbury took the Central Line to Epping for the first section and after that caught trains from Liverpool Street (after 9.30 so we could use our railcards). We often used local The opinions expressed in the article are consistent buses at either or both ends of each day. The buses were brilliant. There were one or Des Garrahan replies: two anxious moments as we waited for a late running bus but I always had contact with Ramblers national policy. A stance further emphasised by Ramblers public details for local taxis if the worst happened but didn't need them once. We really opposition to the Police Bill currently working its way through Parliament. An enjoyed walking the Essex Way and have since walked another Essex linear route, action that I wholeheartedly support. the Saffron Trail, from Southend to Saffron Walden, also using trains and buses. It was a bit more challenging but equally do-able. Liz Lloyd Hillingdon Ramblers The Great Eastern Parks Route (SEW 113, page 16) Far from meeting local or even London's real needs, the Bishopsgate Goodsyard development is another grand project that, even as future walkers yomp the somewhat far-fetched 'green stepping stones' from the City to the far-flung rural idylls of Essex, will darken our horizons for decades if not centuries to come. That this development has been controversial is an understatement and I'm surprised the Ramblers has not been more upfront about this. Dominic Pinto London WC2

Des Garrahan replies: The Great Eastern Parks route was devised by the East London Garden Society and selected by a group of 18 organisations in London facilitated by the Ramblers. of London that will connect to It existing offers different green spaces walking and opportunitieswe are very excited to that to area be able to include it as one of six potential new walking routes for London.

Hillingdon Ramblers nearing the end of the Essex Way. Photo: Elise Wright South East Walker June 2021 9 Summer on the Vineyard Path Nifty it's Coty Vineyard spreads its 115 acres over the southern flanks of the North KDowns near Aylesford, in Kent. Several at 90! good paths run through it, linking the with less well-known footpaths. f you need proof that rambling is What's amazing to walker and poet Lizzie good for your health then look no Ballagher is that this new vineyard is still one Ifurther than two of our very active of Kent's best-kept secrets; it's easily possible to members who have recently celebrated walk throughout the vineyard's grassy extent their 90th birthdays. without seeing another soul. Firstly, my friend Brian Harrow celebrated his 90th birthday just before Christmas 2020. He joined our group around 1992 whilst still at work and walked on Sundays with his wife Beryl. After retiring they joined our Thursday walks too, which were often longer and more of a day out. I remember an occasion a few years Brian and Beryl Harrow ago when Brian experienced chest pains on a walk. Alarm bells rang for the rest time. There were walks at weekends and of us but we thought at first it might be occasionally on bank holidays. Muriel indigestion. Brian took some indigestion became Secretary in 1992 and started to tablets but these did not help and Brian organise coach rambles and to date we and Beryl decided to go home and seek have enjoyed 26 such excursions although medical advice. After seeing a doctor they don't seem to be as popular as they once were. Then she started to organise June skies burn blue and bright today it turned out that Brian had to have a as any light along the Mediterranean's edge. stent put in a blood vessel near the heart. walking holidays for us and to date has Before this episode Brian had successfully clocked up 101 such trips! I think she We walk below its sapphire lamp: northwards dealt with a number of serious health could have opened a niche travel agency! up the slow incline, the gentle slopes rising issues but came out fighting fit and when These days her official title is Group through chalk, through flint, through clay we are out walking he sets off like a rat out Walking Programme Coordinator, and between the ordered rows of vines. of a drainpipe. You can't see him for dust, very good at it she is too. until you get to a hill that is. Beryl works Please don't be alarmed but Muriel Here strips of summer grass are mown, out walks they can jointly lead although is an addict. Yes, I'm afraid to say that hay strewn, running all the wide expanse I must say that Brian's part in all this is she is addicted to that strange herbal of the vineyard; smelling sweet. Tilled earth more moral support than proactive. I'm vegetation we call tea. So much so that at the vines' feet is silver, near as fine as flour. sure he would agree. Having said that, during the 1990s she decided to brew Muriel Fell in classic pose. Photos: John Tickner only the other day Brian led a walk for some tea at the end of a Thursday walk Between the starry green of lush new leaves, a small group and admitted that after all and serve with biscuits (or cake on a Ditchling Museum and finishing with a incipient grapes are small as peppercorns: these years, it was a first for him. With good day). Then she had a bad back and visit to her old friend in the village (and Impossible for us to see ahead as yet Beryl behind him, two dozen ramblers in Ritchie and Natasha kindly offered to more tea!). When asked for a memorable to autumn's juicy harvest. front and extra custard on his apple pie, take over the tea duty which, during the moment in her walking life, Muriel recalls I am sure that Brian will be confidently pandemic, we have sadly been missing. I a holiday she organised in Ireland where Along the burgeoning edges - vineyard's hedges - stepping out for years to come. really look forward to the return of our the group were sitting in the dining room wild poppies have sprung scarlet since last Then, on 29 March, Muriel Fell of after-walk cuppa and chat. Now if you before dinner when the farmer brought we walked this way; vivid purple burr-flowers Croydon Ramblers celebrated her 90th have a tea addiction, what better function in a week-old donkey to say hello to prickle with bumble-bees, with honey-bees. birthday. This 'young' lady has been the to organise than a tea for long-standing everybody. June skies burn blue and bright today powerhouse behind the success of our members, walk leaders and a tea or lunch Muriel is always on the go, always out as any light along the Mediterranean's edge. group for many years now. Chairmen and for those members who turn 80 years of walking, always busy doing or planning We make believe that we have walked to France: committees come and go but Muriel has age. So that's what Muriel did, and still something. I have done some calculations Soak up the sun, imagine tasting Chardonnay ... always been working away for the good does. and reckon that Muriel has walked well of our group, slaving over a hot tea-pot, Muriel's favourite walk is down Sussex over 50,000 miles in the past 40 years the sparking beauty of this space bottled, working out how to keep around 750 way, starting from Hassocks station, which is more than twice around the corked for cooler days to come. members happy, contented and interested. coffee stop at the Jack & Jill windmills, Equator. I think she fully deserves a cup Muriel's first walk with the group was at then along the to of tea, don't you? C Lizzie Ballagher Christmas 1981. Then she joined proper Ditchling Beacon, down to Westmeston John Tickner like in 1982 whilst still working full- church for a picnic lunch, a tea stop at Croydon Ramblers White Cliffs Walking Festival to go ahead ent's White Cliffs flats of Sandwich. to see how we can avoid having Walking Festival, now The festival offers a wide range too many people congregating K in its seventh year, of walks and welcomes new walkers together. Staggered start times for will take place from 26- 31 as well as seasoned ramblers. All walks and reduced numbers may August and include the bank walks are led and organised by also be required but we still plan holiday weekend. members of White Cliffs Ramblers to promote an interesting and Festival walks will provide an and are free, with a £1 voluntary enjoyable festival. opportunity to explore the history contribution. The programme of festival and architecture of some of Kent's most historic towns; or discover its Covid rules will apply this year. walks will be on our website www. sparkling coast and countryside, Festival committee Chairman whitecliffswalkingfestival.org.uk in with a landscape that varies from Neil Fraser, confirmed. "We are June. Dover's iconic cliffs to the rolling working hard to ensure the event is Lee Pickup The view from the Western Heights in Dover. Photo: Lee Pickup hills of the North Downs and the safe and we are reviewing the walks White Cliffs Ramblers 10 South East Walker June 2021 not a Lost Path is worth recording. Oxfordshire Ramblers PPW network. When a PPW has completed the However, I contacted coordinators of desk survey, three sets of data are sent the Chiltern Society and I am pleased OXFORDSHIRE to the Local Coordinator: the total to say that their path representatives number of Lost Paths in a particular will participate in the survey. I then parish, the number of paths recorded contacted the coordinator for the as being significant, and the total Cotswold Wardens who has asked length of the significant paths. their volunteers if they would be PPWs are then asked to undertake a willing to check out the Lost Paths in on-line field survey of those paths reckoned their parishes. With the help of both to be significant. The form is used these organisations, all 320 parishes to record such information as the in the county will potentially be grid references of start and end of covered. the Lost Path, compass orientation, At the time of writing I have Investigating Lost Paths - first steps length, and the nature of the surface; data on Lost Paths for 46 parishes whether for example it is in use by throughout the county, which wo meetings of the Two key documents were prepared a circular walking route around a local walkers, or totally overgrown represents 14% of the total. Within Oxfordshire Area and and agreed: Guidance Notes for Parish village by incorporating a Lost Path. and impassable. An explanation the 46 parishes there are 163 Lost T Group Footpath Officers Path Wardens and Explanatory Notes Local Coordinators sent round the of why the path is considered to be Paths of which 52 (or 32%) are in February established the for Local Coordinators. For each of information to their PPW teams in significant is also requested. The form considered to be worth recording. procedure by which Lost Paths the Ramblers groups in Oxfordshire February. The task then for PPWs also has space for a screenshot of the The total length of the Lost Paths (LP) would be assessed. It was there are Local Coordinators who was to identify those paths which are Lost Path taken from the interactive in this category is 32 miles (51 agreed that Parish Path Wardens manage a team of PPWs. PPWs of most benefit to walkers. This is map, and for photographs. kilometres) (PPWs) would play a key role were provided with a form on best done by means of a desk exercise Initially this survey was Jim Parke in this survey because of their which to record the key information which can show clearly whether or intended for PPWs within the PPW Network Coordinator unrivalled knowledge of the paths about those Lost Paths, shown in in their parishes. blue on the interactive map, which Under the leadership of Jack were worth saving, ultimately to be Cornish at Ramblers Central Office, recorded on the county's definitive a large team of volunteers has map - hopefully. However, it is clear checked the whole of England and that many of them are not worth Wales looking for all possible paths recording and can be ignored. This as shown on early edition Ordnance can be for a variety of reasons. There Survey maps. It is estimated that may be existing public rights of way Oxfordshire has nearly 700 miles which duplicate the Lost Path. Other of such paths. The routes of these Lost Paths are very short and do not paths have been recorded on a digital link any significant locations. On the interactive map which enables one other hand a Lost Path that improves to zoom down to a local level which the connectivity of the path network shows them in great detail. You can is significant. It may, for example, see the map by going to the Ramblers provide a useful link between existing homepage (www.ramblers.org.uk) public rights of way or an alternative and clicking on the 'Don't Lose Your to walking along a road. In some A screenshot from the Ramblers Don't Lose Your Way online map. The blue dashed lines are where footpaths are shown on old Way' link near the bottom left. cases it may be possible to develop maps but which were not adopted as public rights of way in the 1950s and 60s.

• There has been no progress on Wikipedia, Mother Dunch was derives from the Wittenham Tetsworth FP65 partly because the Mary Cromwell, Oliver's aunt, Clumps; Bede's Dorcic could be Footpath matters field officer has been on sick leave. who married William Dunch in either from an Indo-European County council We also await the verdict from the At our Footpath Sub-committee 1599, but I have been told by walk root derc - meaning 'to look' (thus • The Draft Map Modification High Court hearing on Rollright meeting a Section 130a notice leaders that she was the unpopular 'viewpoint' or 'conspicuous', (requesting the highway authority Order waiting list is now 75 cases. FP7. wife of an even more unpopular referring to the Castle Hill (fort) or Of these 27 are under investigation, • The modification order for Great to secure the removal of an Parliamentary Commissioner from Celtic duro - 'low-lying fort' two are awaiting orders, three Haseley FP36 has been confirmed, obstruction) was suggested. On during the Interregnum (1649 (referring to the Dyke Hills) and claims have been refused one of along with Goring FP37 (all two the way home I had a horrible - 1660). Edmund Dunch, who cic - 'breasts', for which compare which is under appeal (the county yards of it), West Hanney BOAT2 thought that, if one is needed per was MP for Wallingford at this obstruction, we might need a dozen the Irish da chich Anann, now council has been directed to make and Warborough FP5 have been time, married Bridget, daughter of them. known as the Paps of Anu (the Irish an order for a BOAT (Byway confirmed. The modification order of Anthony Hungerford of Open to All Traffic); you need a for Brize Norton BOAT12/13 Other matters Down Ampney. The Dunch male goddess of prosperity), two hills boat on that path sometimes), and has also been confirmed after • Because of lockdown (lock-up?) I line died out in 1714 (the above near the eastern boundary of Kerry. 17 orders have been made (four traffic regulation orders were made was thinking of getting a permanent from Wikipedia). The name of David Godfrey confirmed, and eight objected to, to stop all but pedestrians from wave when Figaro reopens, but the Dorchester-on-Thames probably Area Footpath Secretary six of which are with the Planning crossing the A40. Diversion orders result would be a Hokusai tsunami. Inspectorate). There are 18 for Milton-under-Wychwood I have been doing very little beyond diversions pending. FP5/13, Hanborough School the local park and have yet to visit • Work on the bridge on Merton FP1 and Ardley BR27 have also been the local problem areas; this will has been held up partly because of confirmed. start in the next few weeks. Also I More pairs of eyes the virus and partly because the • The order for the diversion of need to recce two walks for Oxford council's budget doesn't stretch to Chalgrove FP3, round the outside Fieldpaths Society, one of which wanted – part 2 a fleet of submarines; it is expected of a housing estate yet to be built, can be combined with checking a that work will start soon now that has been made. This will remove section of the Oxford Green Belt n the March issue of South • Bicester & Kidlington: Noah has got his dove back. the definitive line, which is Way where the council's records of East Walker we asked for • Arncott, Bucknell, Caversfield, volunteers to fill Parish Diversions, claims etc currently blocked by a hedge and obstructions are well out-of-date; I Chesterton, Noke, Somerton, • We are objecting to the proposed barbed wire, to a new exit at the this will make a 20 - 25 mile round Path Warden (PPW) vacancies Yarnton diversion of Oxford FP80 to road. The path straight on through trip. in some 43 parishes throughout • Didcot & Wallingford: the road at Warren Crescent, as the allotments has been walked for • In the absence of a decent (or even the county. As a result no fewer diverting to the road is against at least 45 years and the signpost indecent) recent photo because of Adston Upthorpe than 16 readers came forward to government policy and the path appears to be of pre-1974 vintage. lockdown, here is one from some • Thame & Wheatley: Forest should run alongside Lye Valley This, which is the original line of time ago of Wittenham Clumps, offer their services. This was an Hill with Shotover nature reserve. I have submitted our the path before the modern B480 otherwise known as the Berkshire excellent result, particularly as • Vale of White Horse: case to the Planning Inspectorate was built, as shown on the Don't Bubs (the county boundary some parishes had been without and received all 48 of the other Lose Your Way map, will have to be was moved in 1974) or Mother a warden for many years. • Denchworth, Great Faringdon, statements of case to comment on. claimed. Dunch's Buttocks. According to Below are those remaining South Hinksey, Upton, Watchfield parishes where we are still in need of a warden. Please contact me • West Oxfordshire: Bladon, Clanfield, Grafton & Radcot, for further details if you think you Holwell, Kelmscott, Kencot, could help. Langford, Northmoor, Swerford, Westcote Barton, Westwell. • Banbury & North Jim Parke Oxfordshire: Drayton, Area PPW Network Coordinator Hornton [email protected] Wittenham Clumps. Photo: David Godfrey South East Walker June 2021 11 RIPPLE activities BEDFORDSHIRE t's great to be back, from Bedford Borough and although did some of us appreciated by landowners and Iever stop? Government users. restrictions allowed a person to walk on their own and many Over the last few months, bulletin path surveys have been done in took that advice and whilst out Moggerhanger, Cople, Riseley, taking exercise continued to Pavenham, Chellington, Carlton, improve the path network by Stagsden, parts of Turvey, doing minor footpath clearance Kempston, Wootton, Swineshead, work, replacing discs and Melchbourne and Upper Dean. surveying. Minor clearance, The results will provide lots of East West Rail such as removing brambles and opportunities for our volunteers overhanging vegetation in and ast West Rail is moving in the coming months. ahead with the Oxford to around kissing gates and stiles ECambridge railway and and on paths, most of us do Small (one, two or three has been consulting on its plans when we are out at any time. people) tasks have already been for infrastructure development done in Wymington, along the Path surveying can be done by We are most interested in sections river bank between Great Barford anyone given the right tools and B and D. Section B is the existing and Roxton, just outside Marston information and being willing to Bletchley to Bedford line through Moretaine, Wilden, Little walk all the paths in a small area. the Marston Vale where there are Staughton and Bromham. two concepts to consider. Concept What you find interesting when 1 would see the same hourly surveying is seeing the variation service plus an ability to connect of use on paths from the well-used Before the last lockdown the to a faster limited stop service at to the almost non-used. Once number of people offering Woburn Sands and Ridgmont. The the survey form is completed and to help was increasing and it stations at Ridgmont and Bedford returned it is then broken down was a pity our work had to be St Johns would need to be relocated. into sections. Concept 2 would reduce the number curtailed without them being These sections tend to be able to participate. Now we have of stations from nine to five with Marston Vale train. Photo: Barry Ingram restarted and with so much to do the remaining stations benefiting (a) Work to be done by the we hope to welcome as many as from at least two services per hour. to make comments about rights of Whichever route is chosen, council, not our volunteers The five stations - Woburn Sands, way until the locations of the new developers will almost certainly possible whether it's a larger group i.e. roadside metal posts, Ridgmont, Lidlington, Stewartby stations are known. want to build out to it so we need task or smaller tasks in several dead-end paths, removal and Bedford St Johns would all Having decided the railway will to be looking at all the rights of way places. The work is flexible with of unnecessary gates, path be relocated. The stations at go into the main Bedford station from Bedford along the A421 out to hours to suit, worthwhile and obstructions, such as rubbish, Lidlington, Stewartby and Bedford and then head north to Clapham the railway and beyond and not just good healthy outdoor exercise. mounds of earth. paddocks St Johns would then only be Green before turning east, Section the ones crossing the new railway. Welcome back! accessible for people travelling on D is the building of an entirely It would be good if the railway and locked gates for example the Bletchley to Bedford trains and new railway from Clapham enters Cambridge from the south and contact with landowners. Barry Ingram not the future Oxford to Bedford Green towards Cambridge. The making it easier for Bedfordshire (b) Work our volunteers could trains. consultation booklet shows the people to access Addenbrookes do i.e. replacing marker posts, What the consultation does not general direction of two possible Hospital if a new station is provided replacing discs, clearance of appear to have taken into account is routes but apart from indicating the there. vegetation, repairing stiles or the massive tourism potential and proposed routes will cross a lot of If you wish to comment on the putting in kissing gates. current development in the Marston farmland, it is not possible to assess proposals you can do so until 9 Vale, particularly around Stewartby. how they will affect rights of way June by email at consultation@ Following on, the next stage is It makes reference to improving between Clapham Green and the eastwestrailway.co.uk or www. a discussion with the appropriate connections by foot or by bike to Cambridgeshire county boundary eastwestrail.co.uk/feedback. council rights of way officer and the new stations but we are unable until more details are known. Barry Ingram then a schedule is drawn up to create maximum impact on the path network and minimise risk. Earlier in the year the parishes Countryside Code of Cardington and Cotton End were surveyed and our RIPPLE was talking with one of my will actually take notice and abide one on walking in the countryside? volunteers have, where necessary, friends recently, discussing by the rules and whether non- replaced marker posts and discs, Ithe usual things walkers regular walkers will do too. The Ramblers groups could do their cleared brambles and made like to talk about and during our Highway Code is bought, read and bit by adding the new Countryside sure the path network can be conversation she happened to used by new road users so they can Code to their websites and walked safely. This would not mention that Natural England pass the theory test and, unless programmes and walk leaders have come about without one of had revamped the Countryside RIPPLE (Restoring and Improving caught for speeding and maybe could do their bit by including our members carrying out the Public Paths for Local Enjoyment) Code in April and how user- having to go on a course or even relevant details in their pre-walk volunteers Roy and Paul install a new friendly it was. survey. A great job by Ramblers marker post on a path at Cardington. resit the test, how many ever read introductions. As my friend Afterwards, I went online to find volunteers working with support Photo: Barry Ingram it again or buy updated editions? said, it's all about education and out for myself, and there it was not Perhaps every walker and awareness and as lockdowns have only in short leaflet form but with potential walker should take a shown, more and more people a more detailed guide for users and guidance for landowners. The theory test on the Countryside have been out walking for the first short leaflet is clear and concise Code followed by a practical test time and want to know more about Bedfordshire Walking and gives the user all they need by a government inspector before the countryside so let us help them. to know, just like the Highway being allowed out. That's not Ronnie Rambler Festival 2021 Code. It leaves people in no practical I hear you say. However, doubt which are paths, bridleways, as we claim to be the main walking The revised Countryside Code can t the time of writing, and 19 September. Check our restricted byways and byways open organisation could or should this be found at www.gov.uk/govern- discussions are taking website at www.bedswalkfest. to all traffic. However, I wonder be a role for us, after all we put on ment/publications/the-country- A place with a view to co.uk for the latest news on whether cyclists and horse riders lots of courses so why not about side-code. having some form of walking this. festival this year between 11 Barry Ingram 12 South East Walker June 2021 Area AGM he Annual General Meeting but opportunities remain for others BUCKS of Buckinghamshire, to become involved: if you are TMilton Keynes and interested in helping to run the Area West Middlesex Area was held please contact me at johnandjean@ on Saturday 6 February by thamesinternet.com to discuss briefs Zoom video conference, with 26 possibilities. members in attendance. It has After the formal business, we News from Bucks, Milton Keynes and West Middlesex been necessary for many of us to welcomed as speaker Ramblers' get used to meeting this way over trustee and treasurer Michael the last year, and it is gratifying Penny, who said that a move to that attendance was only slightly Surrey had given him an enhanced lower than for our other recent perception of the importance of Privatising paths AGMs. Ramblers' footpath work. He drew This was a very different, and less attention to the success of Don't find it extremely annoying 'would like to fence in his private year) so it is not surprising that it is social, experience than normal and, Lose Your Way in identifying when colleagues and I have meadow' , so we are to be shoved more used. It is unclear how privacy arguably, less democratic as some candidate paths for claiming. He to waste time inspecting from the straight route across the and security would be improved. At members are unable to participate I discussed ongoing campaigns and path diversions promoted by field to an indirect path around the Penn the path runs down the edge in video meetings. Our usual pre- plans. The pandemic had stressed landowners on the grounds of edge, losing the sense of purpose. of a field next to a hedge, alongside meeting walks could not take place; any walking in the morning had to the importance of walking in alleged 'privacy and security'. At Chalfont, in endeavouring to a house. The property owner wants be done on an individual basis. towns as well as in the countryside; Too often these offer no public push walkers around three sides of to remove the hedge to improve her We remain short of officers. In permission for group walks had benefit. We have had three such a rectangle, the landowner claims views - thereby creating a privacy and particular, our Vice Chairman illustrated that Ramblers is viewed cases in our Amersham & District that his or her privacy and security security excuse to move the path. retired from that position, which as a responsible organisation. We Group's territory, roughly the old will be improved. Also, it will It is a puzzle as to why these was not filled, and our Treasurer need to get more people to join and Chiltern District of Bucks, in the formalise an existing permissive landowners bought properties continues to act, additionally, as become involved, to increase our last couple of months - at Ashley path. However, walkers have been crossed by paths in the first place. Secretary, and would welcome 'clout' with the government. Green, Chalfont St Peter, and encouraged to use that permissive We fight on! a volunteer to take over. Other John Esslemont Penn. path (the definitive path was even Kate Ashbrook existing officers were re-elected, Acting Area Secretary At Ashley Green the landowner padlocked on grounds of Covid last Area Footpath Secretary

Footpath at Ashley Green runs diagonally right, to the white house. The diversion would be along the Footpath at Penn runs alongside the hedge. The owner wants to move it some distance away. hedgerow, turning right at the end of the field and along another hedgerow. PhotoS: Kate Ashbrook

Those we have lost John and Clare Kirkbride any readers will be more energetic walks with the Long anything negative or hearing any saddened to learn that Distance Walkers Association, and complaint from her." MJohn Kikbride died in led for their London, and later John and Clare met at Aberdeen October 2019 at the age of 92 and Sussex, groups. From 2007 she also University where he was a lecturer that his wife Clare died in early led a number of 20-mile walks for and she was a student. They married February this year, aged 60. Hampstead Group. in 1983 and spent the early years of John first came to my attention in Steve Lannon said: "Like their marriage in Scotland. When 2004 when he was already leading everyone who enjoyed Clare's walks he retired from his academic career walks for several other London- I was shocked and saddened to learn they moved to a third floor flat in based Ramblers and Ramblers- of her death. For many years Clare Pimlico, London, in a block without affiliated groups. Over the following was Hampstead's go-to leader for a lift. She became a swimming coach nine years he led 44 interesting and those of us looking for a longer and at the nearby Queen Mother Sports attractive walks for the Hampstead more challenging walk. Walking Centre in Victoria, & District Group. at a brisk pace, Clare's walks were By the end of 2008 the stairs to Barbara Luke said: "John led always well articulated taking in a their flat were becoming too much rambles of about 10 miles at a gentle variety of landscapes with a country for John and the couple decided pace, usually in lovely countryside in pub stop at lunch and a tea shop in to move to Innsbruck in Austria, John and Clare on the Hampstead Ramblers walk of 21 February 2009. Photo: Jane Rosoux Surrey. He would pause from time the afternoon if it could be fitted in. where they hoped that John would to time to tell his party something She was always a cheerful, welcoming enjoy walking and cycling over the the capital and so decided to rent a had deteriorated to the extent that about the local history or point out and chatty leader. And no one ever flat area around the lakes, while house in Eastbourne where, as with Clare had to care for him full time, a feature of geological interest. He missed a train back unless it was Clare could walk in the mountains. Innsbruck, there would be a flat which she did devotedly. Soon after wanted the walkers to feel as if they a deliberate choice to share a little They finally departed England with area over which John could walk his death she moved to a nearby were on a day's holiday." longer in Clare's company over a all their possessions soon after the and cycle, and the more challenging flat. She had been hoping to make a John also ran map reading courses drink in a pub near the station to Hampstead Group walk led on South Downs nearby for Clare. new life for herself with new friends for leaders and potential leaders. He toast another fine walk and bid her John's behalf on 21 February 2009 In October 2009 John resumed but unfortunately the imposition of also gave talks on astronomy and a hearty farewell until the next one." which, to everyone's surprise, was leading, mainly for the Hampstead Covid-19 restrictions forced her into evolution to his local University of Jerome Ripp added: "I often walked attended by the couple. However, Group and this time primarily an isolated existence and she filled the Third Age (U3A). with Clare in the early 2000s. My John's lack of German proved a in Sussex. He finally retired from time by cycling and walking on her When John was unable to lead memory of her is of a very positive problem and after a few months leading for Ramblers groups in 2013, own. a walk Clare substituted for him. person with a cheery outlook on life, they moved back to England. But but led five-mile walks for his local Jane Rosoux However, she preferred longer, always enthusiastic. I don't recall they still wanted to move out of U3A for a while. By 2017 his health Hampstead & District Ramblers South East Walker June 2021 13

many weekend walks for the group. She was also the Saturday Rambles Organiser for several years. Anne retained her membership Those we have lost until she moved into sheltered accommodation in 2015 but kept in contact with us. She Anne Berryman died on 5 January and on 15 January her family walked to a nne was one of included the usual cold showers in gate which Anne had sponsored Hillingdon Ramblers village overnight stops. This was by the River Chess near Sarratt A most adventurous and followed by Wainwright's Coast to Bottom and there left her walking energetic long-term members. Coast Walk which they self-guided. boots filled with daffodils. A She felt that as we are so They were both glad to have fitting tribute to her colourful life. fortunate to have a wonderful completed a Ramblers navigation Anne's granddaughter Daisy network of footpaths it was vital course when thick mist descended summed her up. "My granny we campaign to retain them. over the moors and all landmarks was feisty, persistent and utterly Anne's adventures with the disappeared. Fortunately, two inspiring. Only boring people are group go back many years local walkers appeared out of the bored, she'd say. A fashion icon, quiz and are best recaptured in the mist and allowed them to tag master extraordinaire and chocolate trekking holiday with her friend along until visibility improved. connoisseur who answered to Barbara Flack in Nepal when Anne was a committed walk nobody. I miss her every day." Holding the banner high, at a demonstration on Uxbridge Common against the they completed the Annapurna leader with our group from 1983 Elise Wright HS2 high-speed railway line. Anne (on the right) with friend Barbara Flack. Panorama on a guided tour which until 1995 and, with Barbara, led Hillindon Ramblers Photo: Hillingdon Ramblers

Emerging from lockdown Lockdown ntil we got the go- group email system and have ahead to resume group plans to broaden the appeal of Uwalking on 29 March, it our Facebook page. Having and beyond had been a difficult 12 months previously relied on a four-month for us. As Chair, my principal paper programme, we introduced a function during lockdown was monthly email only version during to keep members updated with the lockdown and this initiative news and to answer queries. will continue. Dozen limit The committee still met (on Footpath problems didn't go Zoom of course!) and we were still away during lockdown and our s soon as we could start our walks contribute to the fitness able to hold an online AGM. I'm Footpath Officer, Ted Herbert, group walks again and wellbeing of our members. pleased to say we now have three has had a busy time dealing with A in April, our leaders Our group is centred around excellent new additions to the several issues including lobbying added some local walks with a Bracknell which has seen committee: Marie Montague as Network Rail to replace a bridge maximum of 12 people on each. Secretary, Karen Veal as Weekend over the railway line that was taken thousands of new homes built in Welcome to town. Photo: Andrea Deeley Our experience has shown that Walks Coordinator and Gill King down many months ago and trying the last few years. One positive a limit of a dozen enables a Covid- as general member. In recent years to get a kissing gate installed on an Secretaries Mike and Helen side effect of this for us has been it has been difficult to find new old quarry bridge over the A4146 safe socially-distanced walk to take Shephard. Now that we are able the creation of a number of areas committee members so I am very by-pass south of town. to walk again, and given the huge place without losing contact with excited to have some new people We are also planning on known as Suitable Alternative numbers of people who took the back marker. The walks filled on board with progressive ideas to becoming more involved in the Natural Greenspaces (or SANGs). up walking during lockdown, I up within 24 hours of appearing help transform what some might Leighton-Linslade 'Green Wheel', Local examples are Ambarrow am hoping that our group can on our website as members took consider a 'traditional' group into an initiative to create a network of capitalise on this surge in interest the opportunity to meet fellow Hill and Court, Broadmoor a more marketable outfit able to foot and cycle paths around town. by growing our membership and walkers again for the first time Farm Meadows, Buckler's Forest, attract younger members who Finally, to keep in touch with will in time become the group's others during lockdown we had safeguarding our future. since last year. When a walk is full, Cabbage Hill, Englemere Pond, new lifeblood. We're modernising a couple of fun online quizzes Andrea Deeley Frost Folly Park, Horseshoe Lake a second walk is sometimes added our website, using a more reliable organised by our splendid Social Chair, Leighton Buzzard Group with a different start point. and Lily Hill Park. These SANGs Although we had been keeping have provided new local walks for in touch via WhatsApp and Zoom our group and their creation is to these were no substitute for the be applauded. Our first walk after lockdown real thing. The lockdowns have Brian Poulton ike many people, we Ripley. a hot drink. Our return route made us all realise just how much South East Berks Ramblers were excited when I was very excited to see cows took us via the picturesque ruins L the opportunity for and calves again because I used to of Newark Priory and through group walking returned and rear calves at the dairy farm on the the Papercourt Marshes nature on Saturday 10 April, 15 National Trust's Polesden Lacey reserve. Hopefully this was the enthusiastic members of our estate. Later we passed Ockham first of many great walks in 2021. group met at Woking station Mill to reach the green at Ripley James Teunon for a 12-mile circular via where we stopped for lunch and Surrey Young Walkers

who told us about the valuable search and rescue work they do Zoom talks in the Peak District. Following hen we realised and over a number of weeks we the talk at each meeting we were earlier this year that heard about everything from randomly split into rooms to chat W it might be some time trekking to Everest base camp, the amongst ourselves. Not the same before our group could walk origins of Morse Code, crossing as being out on a group walk together again, our innovative the United States by motorbike, but a very welcome alternative! Chair, Linda King, came up painting scenes photographed Many thanks to Linda with the idea that we could meet on walks, Celtic painting and for the initiative and to the via Zoom with speakers from much more. We also had one speakers for their contributions. The easing of lockdown restrictions was celebrated with a walk at Dinton Pastures, near Reading, described by Brian as 'the silver lining of the gravel extraction cloud'. within the group giving talks. guest speaker, a volunteer with Ruth Cornish Photo: Andrew Johnson Linda found several volunteers the Edale Mountain Rescue Team Thame & Wheatley Ramblers 14 South East Walker June 2021 More webbing than walking Lockdown ith our walking heavily disrupted of Until lockdown, Zoom was mainly associated with late, our group has used the web much photography or speed. Now it's the means by which W more than local footpaths to keep in we hold our regular committee meetings and our and beyond touch. It has kept our group going in ways we never AGM. Encouragingly we had almost as many people thought about before, so much so that one has to attending our AGM on Zoom as we normally have ask, are we beginning to take the web for granted? in a village hall on a cold winter's night. But Zoom During the lockdowns we completely redesigned and cannot provide the after-meeting bonhomie or the ever- updated our websites, to make them more modern to popular refreshments. Adventures look at and more mobile friendly. We have contributed Now we can all walk together again and look forward to the Ramblers Group Walks and Event Manager to the regular social events which everyone missed in project, helping to find solutions that meet the needs the last year. But the web kept many of us together and with apps of local groups. Our small but active Facebook page in touch in this difficult year. It might even have made has allowed members to share images of their walks us better prepared for whatever the future may hold, with fellow members and to keep in touch. Even our Stephen Putman o many people, the What3words or OS Locate on bank wants us online! Aylesbury & District Ramblers lockdown during the their smartphones. In effect, we Twinter seemed so much used this challenge as a prompt to harder to tolerate than the first. familiarise people with how these warmed up and were rewarded with It was cold and wet, the days useful apps work. far-reaching views across the Barton were short and the second wave We realised that many in our The hills are alive Hills. of the pandemic had sapped our group were not yet confident his was my first walk as a The walk from Barton-le-Clay After a tea/coffee break at enthusiasm to an all-time low. It navigators but would nonetheless leader and I was excited. set off uphill, the only way to Streatley church we went on toward was during this period that one of like to join in with these activities. TI was looking forward Streatley. Some say there are no Sharpenhoe but staying on the tops our members, Yvonne Able, came It was decided that a smartphone to it but with some reservations hills in Bedfordshire but we soon again for the views, then to the tops up with a rather simple idea to used in conjunction with a paper having done the recce the day ascended from 80 to 160 metres of Markham and Moleskin Hills keep us engaged and entertained map and some local knowledge before with two long-standing with smaller bumps and steps in Then it was down steep steps to until group walks could resume. could be a liberating experience group members. between. Needless to say we all soon woods where some early bluebells were seen and Emperor butterflies A list of challenges was compiled and that perhaps a few members suggested the arrival of spring. with the aim of enhancing the might even be so emboldened Then uphill again to Sharpenhoe experience of being restricted by their experiences as to Clappers, the last climb and again solely to walking locally and in consider becoming walk leaders the views were amazing. What a a Covid-compliant way. These in the future. What3words will great walk which certainly put a challenges managed to transform pinpoint your location to a three spring in my step! what might otherwise have been metre square and each square has The group has an attractive a mundane walk into a proper been given a unique combination programme of walks for the summer adventure. of three words. OS Locate will - see www.ivelvalleywalkers.co.uk. Three challenges were set each give you a six figure grid reference Tom Collier week and were updated every (with a two letter prefix), which Sharpenhoe Clappers. Photo: Barry Ingram Ivel Valley Walkers weekend. The adventures ranged identifies a 100 metre square. from nature spotting to local With a little practice the grid months of debilitating illness. We history, navigation tests, or just reference can then be used to find Back to group walking all felt the loss of his company. things that caught the eye. For your location on a paper map. t was a long time since Chris The walk went well. First the Now, in casual conversation, it was example, a memorial, pub signs, We were delighted with the and I had led a walk for the magnificent 18th century Eyhurst intriguing to discover that one of our red coloured objects, signs of enthusiastic response to the Ramblers. But now, with Farmhouse with its neighbouring present group had somehow come spring, a triangulation point, ruins suggestions to enliven routine I into possession of one of his walking Covid hopefully past its worst, it pond with nesting ducks. Also, of a castle, church or industrial walks and in particular how was time to move on. We planned to see the variety of the former poles. For me, it felt as though John building, frogs and frogspawn, much fun people had with the a walk for a dozen members, outbuildings now transformed to was walking with us again. along with identifying birdsong. What3words app (which in other not too long or too tough, that accommodate people in place of Later, our walk took us to a wood Many of the challenges involved circumstances can be life-saving). we felt might appeal to those livestock. Next a golf course, barely managed by the Woodland Trust. planning a route; for example, When in photo mode a three emerging from lockdown. We inhabited, but leading to the edge of This brought back memories for to incorporate different types of word tag can be instantly added to did a recce and the formal risk the Long Plantation and the valley a couple who told us how they, as railway or river crossings and in an image fixing the location to a assessment - actually quite of fields that comprise Shabden Park volunteers some 30 years ago, had helped plant trees in a bare field that one case to pinpoint the location of three metre square. Alternatively, helpful in reminding leaders of and farm. The views from the ridge was now the wood. The feeling of the closest defibrillator. A full list this can be added at a later point their responsibilities - and were were worth the walk. Our group was alive, fresh and buzzing with continuity was comforting. of these challenges can be found at if needed. These images are then ready to go. Did it work? The weather was kind, enjoyment. There was also magic in And so back to the start and happy https://www.molevalleyramblers. easily shared electronically. our group arrived on time eager to the air or at least a coming together partings and the promise of more Strangely, the 'three words' org.uk/images/challenges.pdf. meet, talk and enjoy each other's of memories and earlier experience. walks to come. Members were encouraged to seemed to be mysteriously relevant company. It was months ago when About a year ago one of our keen and John Dougill share their adventures and photos to the image - or perhaps that was we had seen any one of the 10 who energetic members died after several Reigate Ramblers with others via our social group just in my imagination! joined us for the walk. Amongst on Facebook, along with the Louise Stilwell-Stage the group was Adrian, who not long locations of their 'finds' by using Mole Valley Ramblers before the first lockdown, had taken on the role of Walks Coordinator. So, as part of the briefing, it was good to be able to thank him for his contribution and commitment in setting up and managing the booking and recording process that made it possible for us to meet all the requirements for Ramblers to walk as a group in the Covid shadow. Halfway around the walk. Photo: Chris Upton Local attraction uring lockdowns when a problem.and a takeaway coffee was we had to stay local , only a short queue away. One of Dwalking in and around the highlights was to spot the four in Bexley delightful sculptures carved by artist borough was ideal for some of us. Tom Harvey in 2016. Some were Apart from the abbey ruins, there hidden in the woodland foliage and were lots of interesting walks and not so easy to find. In response to a task set in February to find red objects (cars and buses excluded!) things to do. The woodlands were Jack Yan one member was inspired by this footbridge in the Japanese garden at Gatton. never crowded, social distancing not North West Kent Ramblers Green Man in the woods. Photo: Jack Yan South East Walker June 2021 15 The programme of walks is filling up and includes our very popular evening walks. There should be plenty to enjoy. Plenty to enjoy Ian Dunford Lockdown ith the lockdown lifted we were able to Milton Keynes Ramblers start our group walks again on 10 April, W when our Programme Secretary, Maria, led a walk which took in the local Ouzel Valley Park. and beyond Next day, Peter, our Membership Secretary, had planned a repeat of our Christmas walk but in reverse. Unfortunately, Peter was unavailable on the day and I took over for the walk which visited Furzton Lake and Getting through it the Tattenhoe Valley Park. s with the majority of the 18 entries and was won by Sue Over the weekend we had more than 30 participants country, the three months Trimmer with her photo of a group and were able to welcome two new members. Both up to 31 March were spent of cows guarding a stand alone gate walks enabled us to meet up for the first time this year A and the routes highlighted the excellent path network in another lockdown with people in the middle of a field. The April Sheltering from a shower under a canal bridge on our and parks we enjoy in Milton Keynes. 12 April walk. Photo: Ian Dunford only allowed to walk with one newsletter had a similar competition other person. No group walks with the theme of weathervanes. or other activities were allowed Another of our initiatives is go! It dawned a cold and frosty to take place and hence members the establishment of Parish Path A walk leader prepares morning though the sun appeared continued to be encouraged to Wardens in as many of the 63 by mid-morning and there was a walk within their locality, posting local parishes as possible. These he lockdown was an a walk for a group. wall to wall blue sky. My walking opportunity to again I had spent some time the photos of their walks on our wardens will assist the rights of way gear was ready, boots fairly clean enjoy my favourite weekend before looking at Facebook page for others to enjoy. working party who presently inspect T and freshly waxed, water bottle walks, the ones I might take a Ordnance Survey maps and Committee meetings continued to filled, rucksack ready with all footpaths in each parish on a four- friend on or the ones that do not thought I had found a circular the usual things such as first aid be held by Zoom which proved to be year rotation. Anyone who feels they require an Ordnance Survey walk of about the right distance and whistle as well as my camera, very successful enabling the group could keep a watch on the paths in map to guide me whether along paths that were mostly mobile phone and money. to be in a strong position to restart their parish is encouraged to contact to turn left or right when unknown to me. As you will activities once this was allowed. Eugene Futcher at chairman@ footpaths cross. These walks I probably know, finding a route Luckily the walk went without Group walking was resumed on 1 wberksramblers.org.uk for more can revisit as in my sleep they on a map and actually walking it a hitch showing that my planning April with no less than 10 walks information. have become so familiar over are two entirely different things. had worked on this occasion. being offered within the first few And finally, a group of members many years. However, because My computer allows me to view This sadly is not always the case days, the second of which started at has also been actively engaged in the of Covid-19, forcing me to walk an Ordnance Survey map on the and I could tell you of the many walks that had to be abandoned Combe Gibbet on top of Inkpen Don't Lose Your Way initiative. So predominantly without friends screen and by using a program, because I completely lost the way Hill with the wind 'blowin a hooley'. far they have identified routes which or colleagues I have had the Bing Maps, I am able to mark or found myself in the corner of The group's first ever newsletter might be lost if not claimed before chance to research and focus the route, measure the distance a field where there should be a 1 January 2026 and will be carrying on new walks to lead when and print out a copy to carry with was emailed to members in January path but none existed. However and included a photographic out detailed research into those with restrictions eased. me on the walk. To really know Pre-walking gives walk leaders a route, you have to walk it and today it seemed as if the gods competition whereby members were the highest priority. (of which our group has 20) experience the ups and downs, were smiling on me, the weather encouraged to find and photograph Richard Trimmer a chance to become aware of the muddy places and the road was good, the route opened up pointless gates. This resulted in West Berks Ramblers possible hazards such as bulls crossings. faultlessly as I progressed and it in fields, awkward stiles etc, The weather forecast was good was not too muddy. I couldn't and make sure we don't get lost and my diary showed that Tuesday ask for more and look forward to leading your walk! All things 9 March was to be the day I would leading the walk fairly soon. needed for the risk assessment try out the walk for the first time. Michael Howes which is carried out before leading Psychologically I felt ready to Pang Valley Ramblers Finally, it's back to walking think a lot of people will agree that the last and some of our walk leaders who haven't led a walk lockdown was the most difficult. since before the first lockdown are submitting walks I When the government released the road map again. There is a big appetite for group walks - either details on the out of lockdown restrictions, Berkshire leading or coming along on a walk. It's nice to be able Walkers committee arranged a meeting to discuss how to get back into the countryside with people other Combe Gibbet - group in the wind - see above Photo: Richard Trimmer to get our (socially-distanced) group walks restarted. So than just your household, support bubble or one other our walking journey began and we had our first three person. For me, being back out on group walks is not walks planned for the Easter weekend. These proved to only physically beneficial but mentally beneficial too. I be popular as spaces filled up in just over 24 hours! need to start thinking and researching more new routes Since then we have had at least two walks each weekend to lead for the group! and all have been fully booked. Speaking to some of the Jason Owen attendees on the walks I have found them appreciative Berkshire Young Walkers of how quickly we were able to restart walks. The demand for our group walks is higher than we have seen before. We are regularly contacted by keen Ramblers who find us on the internet or via our social media pages and ask for details of our group walks and how to join - we later see that they have booked on and attended our walks. The calendar on our website is steadily filling up again - the weekly email to members is more than just online socials now (I'm so bored of Cows gather at one of the 'pointless gates', the subject for the group's photo Zoom Meetings!). competition. Photo: Sue Trimmer We are seeing new walk leaders submitting walks Meeting up again at Kintbury station. Photo: Sophie Mielke

say hello and even pause for a chat to the area or had recently joined the that can be missed on a larger group about the weather or to admire the group, didn't know many people walk. It is an opportunity to get It wasn't all bad dog. yet and didn't know how to contact to know your walking partner in t's great to be able to walk to each other; the rustling of With lockdowns and the them. So, we came up with the idea different and often unexpected suspension of Ramblers activities, of a 'Find a friend to walk with' ways, ones that can begin new or with friends from our group squirrels foraging on the ground again but looking back over finding someone to walk with was (or buddy) group. We contacted deepen casual friendships. I or scampering for the trees as you not easy for some people. It could our members to invite anyone So, while I am happy that I can the last year of lockdowns we approach; a muntjac or fallow deer be particularly difficult for those interested to join an email list for now join in group walks again, I have been able to find a few new in the undergrowth; the abundance who live alone or whose partner or potential walk partners. Those am also pleased that I've been able things that could be enjoyed. of fungi in the woods; the first family couldn't or didn't like going who joined could contact the list to continue to enjoy walks during When walking alone, undisturbed shoots of flowers as they come into for a walk. Those of us who have keeper to invite a member to join lockdowns and even find new things by chatting with fellow walkers, we season; the changing colours of the been group members for some time them on a walk on a specified day. to appreciate that I might not have can be more keenly aware of the trees as the seasons change. The could get round this by phoning Lots of paired walks were arranged found otherwise. sights and sounds of the natural people one meets on a walk seem friends and arranging to walk using this scheme. Walking with Joan Clark world: the red kites whistling friendlier too, more ready to smile, together. Less easy if you were new one other person has things to enjoy Henley & Goring Ramblers 16 South East Walker June 2021 classified as a Site of Importance for Nature exciting opportunities for walkers whether they Conservation and protected Metropolitan are experienced urban explorers or newly come to London parklife Open Land and it was once a jewel in London's walking over the last year. Nature will be given a ecological crown. A white-tailed eagle was chance to thrive and local communities will have cross the UK, and around the world, We mustn't forget the wide-open green spaces recently seen soaring in the skies above but its the chance to breathe fresh air, stretch their legs and London is rightly famous for its like Hampstead Heath, , wildlife is now in shocking decline and promised ideally to take control of their own environments. A parks and green spaces. Marshes and Blackheath to name management plans have been endlessly delayed. Visit CPRE London's website to see what In Inner London, the Royal Parks form a just a few. I really could go on and on and I The latest Breeding Birds survey shows eight they would like to create and see how you wonderful peaceful green chain walk out of, or expect you have your own favourites. species now extinct, failed or in drastic decline. can help. Check out www.cprelondon.org. back to, the centre. To the west you can find But you know what? We really haven't got The lapwings at Beddington Farmlands are now uk/news/lets-create-ten-major-new-parks-for- london-now. , a colourful oasis amongst enough parks for the London population and threatened with imminent local extinction. The iconic tree sparrow has collapsed from a Des Garrahan suburban sprawl. It's not just the Royal Parks. visitors. A fact that the Covid pandemic has sadly highlighted. And many areas are not as thousand birds to a single breeding pair in just Affectionately known as Vicky Park, there's blessed as, for example, the corner of south west a decade. Currently there is next to no public Those proposed new parks Victoria Park in the east. Not far away is the London where I live. As we emerge from over access to enjoy this vast area of open space. • River Quaggy Trail and Sports Park: between Olympic Park, a recent but worthy addition. a year of lockdowns of one sort or another, it Or what about the area around the River housing developments in Kidbrooke and Lee seems obvious that many workers will continue Roding in the east? This site is a series of Green. to 'work from home' for many years to come. connected green spaces next to the river at • Banbury Reservoir Park: a patchwork of green This will place even more stress on our already the apex of three London boroughs: Barking spaces near the Meridian Water development overcrowded local parks and open spaces. & , Newham and Redbridge. Two in Enfield. Our friends at CPRE London think we large areas of green space appear to have been • East London Waterworks Park: former water should create at least 10 new parks and I can't bought by developers and fenced off with a industry site on the Hackney/Waltham Forest help but agree with them. Think how much view to their being developed for profit. It is boundary. more opportunity this would offer for walkers, an ethnically diverse area with high levels of joggers, families, cyclists, skaters, dog owners deprivation, poor access to green space and • Beddington Farmlands Nature Reserve: and those who just fancy sitting on a bench communities severed by roads and railway lines. former sewage works site in the Wandle valley. watching the crowd go by. Much of the land is protected Metropolitan • Dandy Fifth Park: land beside a railway in So where will we find these new parks? Well, Open Land and also a rich habitat for wildlife. Lewisham and named after the scout group there are many green spaces in London which Step away from the arterial roads that criss-cross once based there. are just sitting idle - at best ignored, at worst the area and it is surprisingly green and quiet • Warren Farm Nature Reserve: former playing deliberately run down by owners and coming and it is hoped that the Romford Greenway (see fields in the Brent River Park, Ealing. under threat from development. 'Six new London Greenways proposed' on page • Railway Children Park: land adjacent to the Take Beddington Farmlands, a 161-hectare 1) will soon be journeying through this part of railway at . site (slightly bigger than Hyde Park) at the London stopping off at a new park on the way. centre of the wider Wandle Valley Regional These are just two of the sites from CPRE • Edgelands: green spacers adjacent to the Park. Together with the adjacent green spaces of London's list. The Ramblers applauds their River Roding in east London. Beddington Park and , this ambition, supports their vision and wishes • Welsh Harp () Park: a The River Roding in east London. is one of the largest contiguous green spaces in them every success in this venture. These 10 neglected open space on the Barnet/Brent Photo: Des Garrahan south London. An important area for wildlife, new parks, dotted across the capital, will offer border. Revisiting the Forbidden Britain campaign ollowing in the footsteps Road the pavement becomes broader some improvements in access and Gardens, a recently created open Other Forbidden Britain events of ..' is a popular trope but which now allows for more views when the various constructions are space which uses materials from reported in the same issue included 'Fmy walk earlier this year of the river and, at low tide, the complete the situation might be buildings cleared from the site. A Essex Area's walk at Thameshaven, was a much more modest exercise, occasional mudlark searching for better although a large section of the wall map shows how the present site Oxfordshire Area's Secret Forest following a Forbidden Britain historic artifacts and treasure. route will remain as road walking. covers a mere fraction of the original of Wychwood walk, Kent Area's jaunt held in October 1986. Where Grosvenor Road ends, John Pestle Pleasure Gardens of the same name. campaign walk along the Royal 'Forbidden Britain' was a national Chelsea Embankment continues It was also a good place to store up Military Canal and Surrey Area's campaign by the Ramblers which This publication (then called beside the river providing a long resolve to get through the next mile rally at Shere. ran for several years from 1985 to but boring pavement with almost South-Eastern Rambler) reported or two of misery along Imperial and highlight areas where the public were continual traffic and a good view on the 1986 walk in the Spring Townmead Roads, a mere stone's Mike Biggs, who led the 350 in unreasonably excluded. Essentially of on the other side 1987 issue: throw from the river but currently a 1986, recalls: it concentrated on the countryside of the river, plus boat moorings. Gates unlocked million miles away. I do indeed remember the occasion although riverside areas were included You can cross the road to view the "Help us unlock the gates along Near Wandsworth Bridge, albeit so many years ago. In and this example arranged by Chelsea Hospital and some fine- the north side of the Thames", said Hammersmith and Fulham Council particular, the locked gate at Crown London Area was to draw attention looking buildings but as there was London Area before setting off for has created a new stretch of riverside Reach we were demonstrating about to the need to improve access to a lot of water on the road on this their campaigning walk from the path which provides an encouraging was part of a development which had, the riverside along the north side of day there was a high risk of getting doorstep of National Office. The example of what is possible. Finally, allegedly, gained planning permission the River Thames in west London. soaked as vehicles sped by without Area hopes that eventually it will be after going three sides around the by promising riverside access, but It followed the river from Vauxhall consideration for pedestrians on the possible to walk along the banks of grounds of Hurlingham House (the then refused to do so on the grounds Bridge to Putney before crossing pavement. Perhaps another indicator the river from the present start of grounds and riverside being currently that it was Crown property and so to the south side at Wandsworth that the weather influences the The Thames Walk at Putney through out of bounds to the public) we immune from court action. Other Park, pointing out the unreasonable mindset of a walker. Central London and down towards crossed the Thames to an end-of- restrictions on access along the way. Approaching Lots Road is the the estuary. The 'Forbidden Britain' walk rally in . memories are of managing to get So, on a cold, grey day, revisiting the first real indication of major changes Walk concentrated on the Vauxhall The turnout of over 350 walkers everyone over the busy road junction walk 35 years later seemed like a good with access to the riverside becoming to Putney stretch, about half of which exceeded even the most optimistic at Vauxhall without mishap and idea to see how much had changed in available. The whole area is like a is open and the rest hidden behind forecast, as did the extent of sympathetic a 'loo stop' at Cremorne Gardens the intervening decades especially as massive building site which is not gloomy walls of decaying industry, newspaper and radio coverage. which went on for about half an much of the local scenery along the a pleasurable experience but the private housing and a snooty sports However, the Area is conscious that hour and I could only get the walk Thames Path in London has seen Thames Path does now go through club. it has a long and difficult struggle going again by pressing the bleeper some significant developments. Chelsea Harbour making the On the north side of Vauxhall ahead to achieve its aim of creating a button on the megaphone I had been The 1986 start point was outside diversion via Kings Road and a long Bridge, the first Campaign target continuous riverside walk. equipped with! the Ramblers head office then based tedious slog along roads parallel to was met: the locked gates at Crown at 1/5 Wandsworth Road, close the river no longer necessary. The Reach. Here a new private housing to Vauxhall Bridge. Campaigners riverside path now continues for development had observed the would have crossed Vauxhall Bridge a while until a sign instructs you need for a riverside walkway but and turned immediately left to walk to head towards Townmead Road had somehow 'forgotten' to unlock the path through the Crown Reach passing a giant Sainsburys and low- the gates at each end. Jolted by the development where a locked gate had level housing, a bit of a contrast with prospect of unfavourable publicity, prevented access. As it happened, the buildings built now on both sides the local authority managed to find a hastily-arranged official opening of the river. the keys in time for the walk and ceremony took place on that day. Crossing Wandsworth Bridge an official on-the-spot opening Today the riverside path remains Road and continuing along ceremony was performed by Alan open but after passing through Carnwath Road brings you to the Bradley, Chairman of Westminster this residential development our next real hurdle that is Hurlingham City Council's Planning Committee. perambulation mainly remains Park which still doesn't permit access (Our spies tell us that the gates have confined to walking along the busy to the riverside. The only option is remained open each day since). In a Grosvenor Road for a while. A to walk around the boundary of the short speech Cllr Bradley said how Thames Path waymark directs you private part of the park until reaching impressed he was at the sight of into a small and pleasant green space the public part and then on to Napier over 350 ramblers crossing Vauxhall called Pimlico Gardens which is fine Avenue and Ranelagh Gardens and Bridge in the Sunday morning mist. for a tiny bit of respite and a view then to the riverside. Continuing along Chelsea of the river but the traffic is ever The conclusion drawn from this Embankment and Cheyne Walk the present. Further along Grosvenor revisiting was that there have been walk paused for a while at Cremorne This leaflet was produced for the London walk.