walkerSOUTH EAST No. 115 September 2021 Love Your Loop - celebrating 20 years of the Loop he first Love Your Loop festival manifesto commitment. Rainham Marshes with a chance to visit the close to many historic sites and buildings. The takes place throughout September We're delighted that the festival has met with RSPB reserve there. start and finish of all sections are accessible by Tto celebrate 20 years of London's such enthusiasm from Ramblers groups in both We are using the festival as an opportunity public transport. iconic London Outer Orbital Path, the Inner and already, and we're to build relationships with other organisations Clare Wadd London Loop for short. grateful for the support of all the groups and with an interest in the Loop and hope to Chair, Area The festival is intended to celebrate this Areas. At the time of writing, over 20 walks add some of their activities to the festival brilliant walking route, and to promote it to a from more than 10 different Ramblers groups programme. Details of the events can be found wider audience of the public and stakeholders, including landowners, friends' groups have been added to the festival programme, at https://innerlondonramblers.org.uk. and local councillors. We also hope to use with more in the pipeline. The walks range The London Loop is mostly flat or gently the festival to bring pressure to bear on City from four to 11 miles and include circular sloping and stretches for 150 miles around Hall, and the boroughs walks which incorporate part of the Loop, the outer edge of London. It passes through to continue to maintain and improve the route alongside complete route sections. The festival beautiful open spaces such as Hainault Forest in line with the Mayor of London's 2021 also includes a London Strollers walk around Country Park and , as well as passing 40th anniversary Living with HS2 he Wealdway offers 82 other ways to improve and Coast Path in and the he route of HS2, the high-speed railway HS2 is ramping up its activities with a lot of being built from London to Birmingham enabling work going on. Path closures have largely miles of fine walking promote the Wealdway, which . The order and the north of , crosses the been short-lived, or have come with diversions, from to is perhaps not as well-known in which they get published will T T length of the Buckinghamshire, Milton Keynes but the signing of such diversions is often poor, , crossing not just and used as it deserves to be. depend on progress dealing with and West Middlesex Area's territory and causes More and more fencing is appearing including the well-preserved medieval The waymarking of the route landowner objections to parts and other organisations much the fencing-in of all affected paths. We have taken landscape of the High across has long of the Coast Path and possible concern in our attempts to defend the path HS2 to task about poorly placed signage for closed network and to enable people to understand but also the North and South been in need of refreshment, realignments of the Saxon paths but generally, access remains relatively good. where they can walk and when. One change on the cards is that whereas we had four Downs, the Greensand Because of constraints imposed Shore Way to take advantage Rob Jones-Owen of Hillingdon and District crossing points on the Stoke Mandeville/ Ridge and a good stretch of by the forest conservators, of new access provided Group writes: There have been significant Stone with Bishopstone/Aylesbury border, all within the valley. After instead of using conventional as part of the Coast Path. disruptions to the path network in the London just over one mile, we have been consulted on nearly a decade of work by posts and waymarks, the route The work described here Borough of Hillingdon since the HS2 project reducing the crossing points to three by merging the was given the go-ahead some years ago. There middle two, roughly equidistantly. This is because Kent and Sussex Ramblers was marked by short oak posts and also Kent Ramblers' was petitioning to Parliament by local residents to and the Meopham Footpaths with grooves in the end-grain contribution to the cost of the there is now going to be a South East Aylesbury ensure the necessary diversions would be Link Road running next to HS2, and more housing. Group, it was opened in being particularly weathered. new fingerpost at the junction reasonable and well signed. Assurances were given For safety reasons, Buckinghamshire Highways September 1981 at Camp We are working with Sussex of the and the by HS2 at those select committee sessions. wants the crossing points of the road to be near Hill on Ashdown Forest. Ramblers to agree and install Eden Valley Walk (see page 2) At first local walkers were encouraged by the the roundabouts of which there are three. Having nature of the signposts used. The posts were fixed, To celebrate the Wealdway's appropriate replacements. is funded by sales of our current considered the implications we are in agreement the number of the footpath was shown and the on this although it is a shame that we should lose a 40th anniversary this year, When the Wealdway was walking guides (see www. diversion was clearly marked. Sadly, this encouraging Ramblers' groups in Kent and created, information boards kentramblers.org.uk/books). crossing point when we had to fight to get as many as standard has not been maintained. In the summer we did. Meanwhile, the Chiltern Society has erected Sussex, led by an enthusiastic were installed in Eastbourne, Robert Peel of 2020, Ruislip and Ickenham residents were sent signs on the diversion of the Chiltern Heritage Trail team in & Malling Gravesend and Tonbridge. Secretary, Kent Area an HS2 newsletter that identified two particular where it crosses the line of HS2 in Great Missenden. closures and diversions, one across the Ruislip Group, have put together a series We are not sure whether the For such a major project it is disappointing golf course and the other close to Bayhurst Wood. that there is no single map view of the changes of walks and a brief ceremony first of these survives - perhaps Residents were again assured that there would be is planned close to Tonbridge some observant reader could suitable signposting to ensure walkers would be able in place. It is difficult when planning a walk in the affected area to see what is open, diverted or Castle on the morning of tell us - but the others have to follow the diversions but this did not happen. The path across the golf course was certainly shown closed. It requires consulting the detail in many Sunday 26 September. We have seen better days so we are items on a long list of path closures. The path a dedicated web page with full investigating the possibility to be closed but anyone wishing to find a diversion would look in vain. Fortunately, Richard Kane, rights closures for HS2 construction in Bucks are listed details at www.kentramblers. of installing replacements. of way manager at Hillingdon council, was able to at https://bit.ly/2T9fKX3. Please report any org.uk/wealdway40 and we There have been at least intervene with the relevant contractors and eventually problems encountered to Buckinghamshire Council. look forward to welcoming three printed guides to the signs were put in place in February this year for the Ramblers members and Wealdway over the years but golf course path, and a little later for the path close to potential new members none is currently in print and Bayhurst wood. Unfortunately, the signs are not on posts and are of a temporary nature and can be blown on the anniversary walks. we have begun work on a new One of the short oak posts used to over or removed. As some of the paths will be closed for The anniversary has one alongside other guides to indicate the route of the Wealdway in many years, one would have thought that funds could prompted us to think about further sections of the England Ashdown Forest. Photo: Robert Peel be found to put in place more permanent signage. Roy Johnson of Aylesbury and District Group writes: Confusing signs at Denham Golf Club. Photo: Rob Owen-Jones 2 South East Walker September 2021 New sign for Vanguard Way smart new fingerpost for the Vanguard Way was Aunveiled on 26 May at Cernes Farm, near Starborough in . It lies at the 22-mile point, exactly one-third of the way along the to Newhaven route, and marks its junction with the 15-mile Eden Valley Walk, which starts here. The post also carries fingers for the Tandridge Border Path, which passes this point. The cost was jointly funded by the Vanguards and Kent Ramblers, manufactured in oak by the Resourceful Wood Company of Selsey, West Sussex, and dug in by David and Emma Huxtable of Cernes Farm. In view of the uncertain Covid situation, the launch of a Vanguard Way Association (see SEW 114) has been postponed until spring 2022. Colin Saunders Members of the Vanguards Rambling Club gather around the new fingerpost, with farmer David Huxtable on the right. Photo: Alan Smith Woodley walks launched Pewley Down ot on the heels of designing Walks the and parts of south Around Earley (launched at the end Oxfordshire. Most are circular, but there are community group to expand the playing field on Hof 2020), Loddon Valley Ramblers two linear walks along the River Loddon, with has vouchsafed some part of the land. Group has designed a similar set of walks for rare chalk grassland public transport connections at each end. A The fields will be leased for 500 neighbouring Woodley. These were published Mary Bather, Grant Kelly, Keith Brill and Mike in Surrey for posterity. New in May on Woodley Town Council's website years to Surrey Wildlife Trust and and Carole Evans and I from Loddon Valley Warren Farm, near Guildford, managed by them for wildlife. - woodley.gov.uk/walks - where they are Ramblers, worked with Woodley councillors and available to download for free as PDFs to be was put up for auction in May. staff, to plan, trial and publish comprehensive It already manages the 19-acre printed off or used on smartphones or tablets. The biggest lot was 37.6 acres, route instructions for the walks together with maps Rosamund Meadows so, taking They comprise a series of 16 accessible walks and photographs. Details of possible car parking adjacent to Guildford Borough in and around Woodley, designed to enable the three sites together, 80 acres places, bus stops and railway stations, together Council's 23.6-acre Pewley residents of all ages to get outdoors, keep fit of grassland will be protected. with refreshment outlets, are also included. and enjoy the town's facilities. Down nature reserve. A group, Many readers will be familiar Helen Tranter, Loddon Valley member and As with previous sets of walks, the emphasis was Save Pewley Down Fields, was with Pewley Down. If you are on finding attractive green routes and spaces in a Ramblers trustee, congratulated everyone formed and within three weeks walking from near Guildford relatively urban environment, using an extensive involved, saying "In these difficult times when had raised enough to make the network of rights of way and other paths. The aim getting out to exercise is important, it's great to Castle towards was to ensure that everyone is able to make full use see how quickly the group has produced another winning bid, thought to be over then, as you leave the built-up of these to improve their general well-being. To this set of excellent walks. I would encourage £1 million. Major donors were area, the current Pewley Down end, the walks vary in length from less than a mile to all residents and local Ramblers members to Julia Stephenson's Charitable nature reserve is on the southern almost 11 miles. Nine of the walks are pushchair/ download the walks and explore those parts of Trust and Surrey Wildlife buggy friendly and two are wheelchair accessible. Woodley with which they may be less familiar." slope, and the newly purchased The majority of walks are within Woodley, Steve Vale Trust. Holy Trinity Pewley land is on the northern side. but others run from Woodley to Sonning, Loddon Valley Ramblers Down School also donated so as David Cooper

Explore with map and compass: John Harmer hopes to resume the one-day courses he runs in Battle, on Saturday 25 September. Aimed at those with little experience to gain confidence in map reading and land navigation, the courses are held mainly outdoors near Battle. Call John on 01424 773998 or email [email protected] for details.

Inland Border Facility: Plans for a new centre adjacent to the Way (see SEW 113 and 114) at Guston, near Dover, have been revised and only a quarter of the site may now be required. No detailed plans had been released as we went to press.

South Downs National Park: A series of free podcasts featuring stories about rivers was launched in July. Merrie Williams was inspired by Brighton's 'lost' river, the Wellsbourne, while Lucy Flannery's story is about the River Meon in Hampshire. The podcasts can be heard at https://pod.link/1573987093. Helen Tranter with Steve Vale, Keith Brill and Grant Kelly at the entrance to High Wood, Woodley. South East Walker September 2021 3 More on Ramblers' Parish Path Adopters

s reported in previous pilot showed that a worryingly Adopters - but more than that, issues of South East high number of rights of way had we wanted to look at the bigger Total Surveyed AWalker, because of issues. They were reported using picture. Just how many Defects concerns about the deterioration Essex Highways Issue Reporting were being raised by Essex in the state of the rights of way Systems. We wanted to find out Highways? And how many Harlow 160 158 network in Essex, we set up a whether the issues were known Jobs? And how many of these Parish Path Adopter programme about already and for how long. Jobs were actually completed? in which volunteers walk the We also wanted to know what So in February 2021, we Tendring 654 395 footpaths in a given parish and action was being taken and when made a second Freedom of record their condition. We the issues were likely to be fixed. Information request asking for thought we would say a little We also promised to work more figures for the past 32 months. Brentwood 409 300 more about this and provide an closely with Essex Highways. - 6,149 Defects were raised update. Unfortunately, no answers were - around 2,000 resulted from We knew we were not going to forthcoming and our offer of Enquiries raised by the public, Uttlesford 2,131 1,239 be able to survey all 10,000 rights closer collaboration was rebuffed. but around 4,000 Defects were of way at once but we could start So we decided that the only way raised by inspectors directly. on a small scale and gradually to get a picture of how well Essex - from the 6,149 Defects, NW Essex (Braintree) 1,986 186 build up. But we knew we had to Highways was handling the issues around 3,500 Jobs were raised be fairly rigorous about how we reported to them was to submit a - the majority of those Jobs 1,004 92 collected and managed the data. Freedom of Information request. were still marked incomplete. Colchester The majority of public rights Our first such request was But perhaps most worrying of way in England and Wales are submitted in June 2020 and we was that there appeared to Rochford & Castle Point 456 97 organised by parish. Parishes are received the results about six weeks be a growing work backlog. usually grouped into districts later. What we learnt from this The Jobs backlog totals rising and districts make up counties was primarily how Essex Highways from less than a hundred at the end Basildon 262 74 (of course, there are exceptions). managed issues reported by the of 2018 to 1,331 at the end of 2020. That's why we based the scheme public. We found that whilst Essex Highways manages all its on the parish level and why we Enquiries are made by the public highways and public rights of way Maldon & Dengie 611 152 decided to pilot this scheme across (and our Adopters), it was Defects assets with a software package called a single district. Members in and Jobs which were the critical Confirm which is also used by quality issues in Confirm (how Tendring District in the northeast metric because that is when Essex many local authorities in England SOUTH EAST corner of the county volunteered Highways record that work is and Wales. It has become apparent about checking all the outstanding to be the guinea pigs (28 parishes actually needed and will track it that there is a wide variation in Defects from 2018?). Things will walker with 653 public rights of way through to completion. It was only Essex inspectors' use of Confirm. appear to get worse before they Distributed quarterly to members extending over 250 miles) and after a Defect was raised by one of Defects raised per inspector of the Ramblers in Bedfordshire, get better. But 10,000 rights kicked off the pilot in March 2020. 11 Essex rights of way inspectors from 2018 Q3 to 2020 Q4 Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Milton of way are assets and if you are Keynes and West Middlesex, Essex, To record the results, we that action would be taken. And, ranged from 188 to 1,193 Inner London, Kent, Oxfordshire and put together a simple online unfortunately, we found that very If inspectors are significantly managing them with an expensive Surrey Areas. spreadsheet with one row per right few Defects had been raised against underperforming on Defects then asset management system, it's THE RAMBLERS of way, grouped by parish. Tendring the Enquiries (issues) logged by they will be underreporting Jobs your responsibility to ensure the Address: 3rd Floor, 1 Clink Street, volunteers walked all the rights the Tendring pilot adopters; most and probably Jobs completions London SE1 9DG. of way in their parishes (average had simply been knocked back. too. And if this is the situation data in the system can be trusted. Switchboard: 020 3961 3300 23) and typed their findings into Over the next three quarters, your data quality is poor. And if Finally, I wonder if Essex is an Membership Services: 020 3961 3232 the shared spreadsheet. They around 75 volunteers surveyed a data quality is poor how can they outlier or if other counties using Email: [email protected] found around 25 - 30% of all further 2,500 rights of way across effectively manage the assets? We Web: www.ramblers.org.uk Confirm have had similar issues. rights of way had issues, the the entire county and recorded will continue to try to work more Company registration no: Maybe readers outside Essex 4458492 most common being overgrown their findings, submitting over closely with Essex Highways. We Registered charity no: 1093577 vegetation, missing or damaged 500 issues to Essex Highways. will continue to run the Parish might be able to help answer this. waymarkers, missing or damaged Here's where we were at the end Path Adopters programme. The EDITORIAL Ian Glen Editor: Les Douglas fingerposts and over-cropping. of the second quarter of 2021: main value of the programme Parish Path Adopter Email: [email protected] In May 2020, we decided to We wanted to find out at the may well turn out to be that our Tel: 020 8809 2338 roll out the Parish Path Adopter county level what happened to recorded survey findings will help Coordinator. DESIGN AND PRINT scheme across Essex. The Tendring all the Enquiries raised by our inspectors to address the data Essex Area Designed by DPS: 01529 300452 Printed by Blackmore Ltd

Opinions expressed by contributors are not specifically endorsed by The Ramblers. ISSN 1747-4140 C 2021 The Ramblers. Old Malden Lane All rights reserved. Copy Date: For issue No. 116 ocals have started an online petition where there is no refuge, particularly bad if Epsom & Ewell Local Committee to fund a is 12 October 2021. to improve the safety of Old Malden you are walking with others. Information feasibility study to assess options for improving Lane on the Epsom/Kingston L boards for the Hogsmill Walk direct walkers border. The lane runs parallel to the the safety of pedestrians using the road, along this road, whereas the London Loop Hogsmill River and would be an obvious including a 20 mph speed limit, physical speed and Thames-Down Link sensibly divert to reduction measures, improved signage and the link in three walking routes. However, the a longer but much safer route. lane has fast-moving traffic and blind bends: The petition, which runs until 1 October, can potential for extending the existing footway. when the pavement stops there are stretches be found at https://bit.ly/3AJ3M7r, requests David Cooper 4 South East Walker September 2021 RIPPLE BEDFORDSHIRE ne of the great things about deep they need to go in. Over the our RIPPLE (restoring and course of two weeks, four volunteers Oimproving local paths for painted all 50 posts, leaving each coat local enjoyment) activities is that we at least a day or two to dry. Once the often get to talk with path users and posts were painted, our volunteers lost bulletin landowners in a way we wouldn't no time in putting in six posts near normally do. I accept that our Roxton, two went to Little Staughton, work is on land where landowners and two new posts and discs were and farmers are supportive but added to a path in Little Barford. nevertheless conversations are well Major path clearance work was Bedfordshire Walking Festival worthwhile and contacts made can carried out on part of the Chiltern Way be extremely valuable. So too are through the old quarry at Sundon and fter much discussion, it was agreed to hold the seven and a half miles, starting 1.30 pm. Etonbury: all day, the conversations with path users. on a path alongside the river bridge at Bedfordshire Walking Festival this year and 10.6 miles, starting 10 am. No booking is required and It enables us to find out about them Great Barford which we cleared last Awe are pleased to say that it will be at its usual you are welcome to complete one, two or three wheels). and their use of the paths whilst year and again after flooding in early time, from 11 - 19 September inclusive, and subject to On Sunday 12 September at 2 pm, the Friends we can talk to them about the spring. This year has been exceptional any guidelines applying at the time. The festival will of Bedford Cemetery have a fascinating tour of the Ramblers, what we do for footpaths for plant growth with the wet weather be open to all, Ramblers members and non-members site showing the variety of trees there. The tour and explain the role of our groups. in spring and early summer combined alike. will last a couple of hours and is free but donations Sometimes we don't see anyone with warm temperatures, resulting Most of the 30 walks do not require booking, people towards the volunteers' work would be welcome. and our work goes uninterrupted. in almost every path becoming can just turn up. Walks will range from informative ones On Wednesday 15 September you can join the 'Slow Either way, we always achieve our overgrown in one way or another. of about two hours covering three to four miles to the Way to Riseley' walk of 11 miles with a good cafe at the objective before finishing work for Sometimes we are asked to clear a path six to eight-mile half-day walks and full-day walks of 10 end, Stay overnight and you could join LDWA members the day. and told it is unwalkable or blocked to 17 miles. There will also be a new challenge event, for a 17-mile walk entitled 'Don the cap of North Over the last couple of months, we in places but when we get there we the Three Green Wheel Challenge, over the first weekend Bedfordshire' which will explore the remote areas of have carried out tasks needing six or find it is not too bad., but of course of the festival. This will feature the 'green wheels' of Knotting, Yelden, Sheldon and Upper and Lower Dean. more people as well as smaller projects what might be acceptable to us regular Sandy, Biggleswade and Etonbury. Organised by Central It will be great to catch up with old friends, meet new suitable for one or two members This walkers might not be acceptable Bedfordshire Council's Countryside Team, the Sandy ones and enjoy nine days of walking. We look forward has been great for the members, great to casual walkers and dog walkers. and Biggleswade events will take place on Saturday 11 to seeing you. The programme is available on the festival for the councils and great for the Recently we have had tasks between September and the Etonbury one on Sunday 12 September. website at www.bedswalkfest.co.uk and in hard copy. paths. We have cleared and widened Cardington and Cotton End, at Great (Sandy: six miles, starting 9 am, followed by Biggleswade: Barry Ingram and improved paths with discs and Denham, Kempston, Odell, along marker posts. However, before we the River Ivel between Sandy and were able to put in marker posts in Blunham and at Biggleswade, and June, we volunteered to paint them between Shefford and Chicksands as the supplier was unable to do this. on the John Bunyan Trail. We had lots of offers of help from Our volunteers have been busier members and they learned a new skill. than ever this year, and what a It was necessary to apply one coat with great job they do. It's great too white primer followed by two coats that more and more members are of yellow, to a depth mark of 3 feet volunteering and using their talents 3 inches or 69cm. Yes, that is how to keep our paths in good condition.

Enjoying a walk at the 2019 Bedfordshire Walking Festival. Photo: Barry Ingram

of August. Bedford Borough user track. Other news Council has promised to extend Central Bedfordshire Council the Ouse Valley Way along the is currently down to just two understand that work is river from the Great Denham highways officers involved with finally taking place on roundabout to Kempston Mill rights of way but the grapevine Irepairing and/or replacing instead of it cutting through the tells me they are not only going the weir bridge between new housing estate and playing to replace the third officer Tempston and Roxton and that fields. No date is set but it is but employ a fourth one too. it should be ready by the end going to be a surfaced multi- Barry Ingram Stephanie, Cherrie and Keith clear the Eric looks after the yellows. way.

INNER LONDON insights Post painting - white - Geoff and Sandra head up the White team. and London Loop project ur Capital Ring and London At the start of July, our online Capital Volunteers are continuing to monitor London Area we are able to order Loop project team has been Ring guides to the route, published at their sections and to replace missing more Capital Ring discs, to enable us Oable to continue its work the end of 2020, have been accessed waymark discs where they are able. to replace the ones that come with a during the difficulties presented by over 25,000 times and our online These have included sections of the separate black and yellow arrow, plus Covid. The volunteer team met on London Loop ones, published at the Loop between Havering-atte-Bower also vinyl stickers to replace those Zoom in June to share information start of May, nearly 10,000 times. We and on Section 21 and on on signposts in which and advice, celebrate achievements are able to keep these guides updated the Capital Ring in Harrow, Barnet and were not UV-coated and have faded. and consider the next steps. We're as and when anything changes on Woods. Volunteers have met We have a full complement of very grateful to Will Norman, the ground. We also publish online council officials in Barnet and Hackney Capital Ring and London Loop section London's Walking and Cycling information about diversions and to try to improve the signage in these volunteers and coordinators but are Commissioner, for speaking to temporary closures of sections of the boroughs. Unfortunately, the Loop, looking for one or more people with the meeting, to Colin Saunders, Capital Ring and London Loop on the in particular, seems to be plagued by an interest in publicity to join the author of the original Capital Ring website as we are made aware of them wooden fingerposts which have reached project and help us promote the routes guidebook and the recent updates - so if you spot anything please do let the end of life and are rotting away. This in the media and/or social media of David Sharp's original London us know via capitalringproject@gmail. presents us with a much larger problem so we can encourage more people Loop guide for joining us, and to com or londonloopproject@gmail. than simply screwing in new discs. We to enjoy these routes. Please email the volunteers who shared their com. If you're planning to walk one are trying to work with the boroughs me if you would like to get involved. experiences of making waymarking of the routes then please check our site and landowners to get these posts Clare Wadd Jen Pedler changes a waymark disc on improvements and carrying out at https://www.innerlondonramblers. replaced but this will be a slow process. Chair, Inner London Area the , part of Section 12 of litter-picks. org.uk before you head out: Thanks to funding from Inner [email protected] the Capital Ring. Photo: Maeve Dorrian South East Walker September 2021 5 "Nearly every journey begins with a walk"

n 2016 Ramblers campaigned agenda and taken seriously, one of for a London walking the achievements Will is proud of for Business, for Planning and for in London must be reduced, and media, pedestrian collisions don't Icommissioner (it previously in his first five years in the post is Housing, and has a lot more to do this can only be done through - "It's a wider cultural piece within had a cycling commissioner) that walking is part of the Mayor's with policing than he expected. increasing walking and cycling for the media - how do we put walking and Will Norman, appointed Transport Strategy for London. In the last few years, other cities the 4.5 million local journeys a and pedestrian safety and comfort later that year, was subsequently Whilst there's still a long way to have also appointed Walking and day of under two kilometres that on the map, because this has been appointed to the first such role go, the healthy streets tests that Cycling (or Cycling and Walking) are currently driven - 250,000 going on for decades and all of it in the UK. The role sits between take place of every investment now Commissioners; Manchester has of them just for the school run. won't change in four years." He Transport for London (TfL) and include walking. Whilst walking Chris Boardman; Sheffield, Dame We talked about the changes cited a healthy streets scheme in City Hall and reports directly investment usually isn't as obvious Sarah Storey; Liverpool, Simon that Londoners will see in the final west London which was badged as to the Mayor of London. In as new cycling infrastructure, "a O'Brien; and there are roles in walked part of their commute when a cycle scheme despite it including May this year, soon after Sadiq huge amount has happened in the Scotland and Wales. As their work they are back in the office after 18 15 pedestrian crossings, and the Khan's reelection as mayor came last few years." He is particularly is mainly delivering hyper-local months of working at home. These schemes which he had been looking the news that Will had been pleased that 5,000 traffic light schemes, they don't work directly will include wider pavements, 24- at on the day we met, which all reappointed. changes have been made to prioritise together, but they do support each hour bus lanes to make bus journeys included new pedestrian crossings, In this year's mayoral elections, pedestrians, that over half the city is other with common challenges, more reliable, and improved but one included some cycling we campaigned for six new green now 20 mph, making walking safer, and in pushing the government crossings. More cycle lanes have infrastructure. "so I bet that will routes in London and for existing and of the new direct vision standard for policy changes. A challenge been introduced "which is always be defined as a cycling scheme, routes to be better maintained. for trucks and heavy goods vehicles; for Ramblers is how we can be a conflict people talk about, but I even though it brings benefits to Sadiq Khan's manifesto reads these contribute to a quarter of more joined-up across the country prefer walking next to a cycle lane pedestrians". There is a significant "Walking with a friend or taking all pedestrian fatalities so making to work with them all in tandem. and being separated from the cars overlap alongside conflict and the kids out for some fresh air pedestrians visible to them is a big The goals for walking in this by a few metres. I don't like mixing trade-offs. In response to a has sustained so many Londoners safety benefit. Will is also proud new three-year term are still to with cyclists though, and I'm not question about budget allocation, during the pandemic. We have of what's been achieved during the increase the number of walking a fan of shared space." People are "it's difficult on anything we do learned the value of our wonderful pandemic particularly of the 106 trips by a million a day, from 6.4 also likely to see that traffic is back to distinguish what is walking and green spaces, and I want low traffic neighbourhoods (LTNs) million to 7.5 million walking to, or above, pre-pandemic levels. and cycling as they are both." to develop a new plan for connecting which create improvements for journeys by 2024. "What has We discussed the media's We talked about how cycling, these areas with local communities, walking. In Waltham Forest where changed for this second term is, insistence on flocking to and which has historically been very making sure these green routes LTNs are more established, people you can see from how busy the creating controversy - which is male, is somehow seen as quite are accessible for everyone. This walk 115 more minutes a week parks, towpaths and walking routes usually cycling stories because glamorous, whereas walking, will include improving existing than before they were introduced, have been, how much Londoners more space for cycling means space which is older and more female, walking routes, such as the London and independent research shows have rediscovered and value green taken from somewhere else - and is seen as quite dowdy and dull. Loop and Capital Ring. City they're three to four times safer spaces. Hundreds of thousands of of illustrating walking and cycling Will said that, when he first came Hall will also back exciting new for pedestrians. He tells me that people have started enjoying them, stories with pictures of people on into the role, he was astonished schemes like the Camden High 57% of Londoners say they're so the question becomes, how do bikes rather than walking. Will sees at how male-dominated the Line and the Peckham Coal Line". walking more than they did a year we help more people rediscover part of his job as being to try and world of transport is. However, When I met up with Will ago, with 30% saying they're now walking? How do we improve counter this and to raise the profile he perceives this is changing in Norman in June to chat about his walking journeys that they used to those leisure walking routes that of walking. " is London, supported by TfL's role and about walking in London, drive, which shows that embedding we've got and how do we, working really significant - 25% of all trips inclusion and investment work and he said walking was his default walking changes in street design with the Ramblers, deliver the method of getting about and is resulting in more walking. "Is commitments in the manifesto?" talked about his favourite walks. there further to go? Yes, a huge Asked what our 12,000 members He grew up in Bristol, where he amount. And is more attention in London can do, Will talks about walked to school, and moved to still given to cycling? Yes, but I'm the value of campaigning, and London as a student at the London proud of the fact that's changing." about how vital emails and letters to School of Economics, living in Will considers the walk to school to councillors, the mayor, and himself the East End. "My mum bought be particularly important because are in supporting the changes we me Peter Ackroyd's 'London: The behaviours get set in childhood - like, suggesting how they could be Biography' which I recommend it's key to get kids more interested further improved, and highlighting to everybody - it's a history of in walking because people who what's been missed and we'd like to London written in the style of are active early in life tend to be see more of. "The most powerful "you can see the remains of that active later in life. London now thing Ramblers' members can do here on this corner" - and I used has 330 school streets, supporting is to write to local councillors to that to explore, coming in by a a shift away from driving to school. support leisure walking, but also to different route each day, to see He is clear that 'walking' comes get people talking about walking." what he was writing about. That first in his job title for a reason, and is He was clear that people will not was my introduction to walking in frustrated that he still has to remind expend political capital to make London, and it was a wonderful people about the walking part of his some of the changes that are needed way of discovering the city - for role and that some people refer to without getting any recognition instance, I'd see a nice-looking pub him as the 'cycling commissioner', for it. "Change needs political or bookshop or record store. So, I both internally and externally. leadership, which we have, technical love exploring London by walking, TfL is a large organisation where expertise which we have with always have done, and it's how I've change can be slow, but Will is borough transport officers and TfL, got around since I came here." clear that change is happening. but also campaigning communities - and nearly every journey begins impact assessments on spending Will still lives in and Whilst he reports to the Mayor, like Ramblers and Living Streets, with a walk. But we all need to do on all aspects of equality, including still walks around, particularly he naturally works closely with talking about walking, and the more on this and to build on it." gender. The two deputy mayors he along the Lea Valley, a walk he the Deputy Mayor for Transport, improvements they would like When his team puts out a press works most closely with are both does with his family at weekends. Heidi Alexander, but also with the to see in their neighbourhoods." release about walking, however, it women, and walking and cycling at "I love the way it fuses London's Deputy Mayor for Environment Since the pandemic started, often doesn't get picked up, whereas TfL are both headed up by women. industrial heritage and history with and Energy, Shirley Rodrigues. TfL has been subject to short- press releases about cycle lanes are We wrapped up with Will saying greenery, how stunningly beautiful An example of where the agendas term funding agreements, and "all over everywhere". I asked Will he had never worked in a job that Capital Ring and London Loop project it is, and how the modern tech hubs come together is the recent opening significant budget cuts are expected, about his Twitter posts, which seem he believes in as much, in terms of are growing up and changing it of the Ripple Greenway linear which may make manifesto to be about 90% cycling related, achieving outcomes and delivering again". He also walks in Epping park* in Barking & commitments to walking difficult but he sees Twitter as a bit of a changes that benefit millions of Forest, highlighting the fact you which they launched together. "So to achieve. However, things such parallel universe, and as only one people. But, whilst he'd thought can get there by public transport, much is about delivering change as waymarking are relatively cheap of the public faces of what he does. the job would get easier as he grew and on the Thames Path, with a for the environment by changing and straightforward to do and, in He talked about the strong cycling into it and became more confident, bit of mudlarking thrown in. He transport, 27% of all carbon the pandemic, TfL learned that lobby who do a very good job of "it doesn't because every change is dislikes the term 'utility walking', emissions come from transport, they can do a lot with less. Where promoting cycling, the controversy as big a fight as the first one and, seeing it as intertwined with leisure so I work with Shirley on air a community is divided by a main generated by cycling schemes, and if they weren't controversial, then walking, as shown by the 25% quality, parks, greening and school road, putting in a bridge might be his frustration that, when he tweets they wouldn't be radical enough of people using leisure routes in streets to have more sustainable very expensive, but a new crossing about walking, the number of to drive the change that the city London to get to a destination. transport for the environment." will be more affordable, for instance. retweets and likes is much lower. needs." But, walking around a new Having had to battle to get to He also works with the Deputy Will is clear that ultimately the Ramblers' members who are on road layout with his son recently, the point where walking is on the Mayor for Communities, volume of traffic social media can help change this! he saw one of the improvements A key focus of his role he'd asked for literally in concrete is those killed or seriously "and it will be there for the rest of injured on the roads and, my life and probably my son's life. whilst cycling collisions so I am actually delivering concrete get a lot of traction in the change that is so important." 6 South East Walker September 2021 Felsted Mill ssex Ramblers have demanding quite oppressive reported the complex security fencing on the suggested ESSEX E developments at Felsted diversion. The inability to find Mill, near Dunmow, in previous a way through (literally) for this issues of South East Walker. option seems to us a tragically extras The landowners seeking to lost opportunity. Subsequent divert Footpath 59, so that diversion options would have it passes less closely to their entailed road-verge walking, and properties, have complained More on car-parking vehemently to us that we have were ultimately rejected both by unfairly portrayed them as the local Ramblers (who regretted everal of us in Essex other walking groups, "... and the walkers could car-share to divide main cause of delay in securing the historic line of the path being Ramblers have been financial viability of the parking the parking costs (similarly, in the reopening of this footpath lost) and by Essex County Council Sasking the scheme would be jeopardised". shire Essex walkers tend to be which incorporates a footbridge (who were concerned about road Corporation to think again The Corporation received some scattered over a wider area, so immediately adjacent to the mill safety issues). The path has now about the car-parking charges criticism earlier this summer for that organising car-sharing could itself. They considered that the been scheduled for reopening it introduced on 10 May (see introducing charges for another amount to quite a barrier) and bridge was not only intrusive on its original line, although also page 5 of June's South of its historically inherited assets, (c) that running a concessionary but that it was in acute need of significant revetment works on East Walker). Previously the the Kenwood Pools on scheme would be costly (not if repair. The residents involved the banks of the River Chelmer car parks were well-used and Heath, with parallel concerns the concession holders can easily baulk at being referred to as free. The problem we see is that that long-term users would be be identified as members of an will need to be completed first. 'landowners' - a term which typical six-hour parking stay in deterred and possibly priced out. I existing bone fide organisation, Looking back over the five or they consider implies a degree one of its car parks would now suppose we should expect the City such as the Ramblers). of wealth and privilege which more years for which Footpath cost £6. The charges are less of London to have fiscal viability Ms Eggleston hopes that our does not apply in their case. 59 has been the focus of debate, punitive for short stays and high on its list of priorities, but walk leaders ".. can find ways We can confirm at the very the concern of the aggrieved are judged necessary by the at a time when policymakers to incorporate the forest in their least that our use of this term householders to get the path Corporation to deter commuter are extolling the benefits of walks without being reliant on was not intended maliciously moved is probably the most parking. countryside access, it seems forest car parks", which is positive or contemptuously, and merely consistent element in the debate, We asked the Corporation's perverse to be treating countryside in a sense, but does leave one reflects the widespread use of but the costly bridge and river- Director of Open Spaces, Colin car parks primarily as a means of wondering what - if not merely as this descriptive term in rights bank repairs, complex re-routing Buttery, to work with us to generating revenue. Constraining strategically-placed revenue earners of way legislation. debates involving a different see whether - at least on an access by using prices invariably - the Epping Forest car parks are The main complexity in this landowner, and debates within experimental basis - we might excludes less well-off users. actually for. She has offered to case - and one which seems to devise a special tariff, such as Various secondary arguments meet with us, and we will no doubt Essex Ramblers itself about the have generated the most acrimony an off-peak longer stay ticket have been deployed to defend the be taking this offer up, but please merits of different diversion behind the scenes - is that three which would be of no interest to charges, including (a) that they in the meantime - whether you are options have all contributed to or more different diversions were commuters. Disappointingly, will encourage the use of public a regular Epping Forest walker or being proposed for Footpath the delays experienced. We would their Head of Visitor Services, transport (there actually isn't simply would like to walk there 59, one of which was actively like this fuller picture to replace Jacqueline Eggleston, replied much of that - especially in the occasionally - let us have your views. supported by Essex Ramblers for any impression given that the saying, in effect, if they helped 50% or so of Epping Forest which David Radford a while, until it was effectively Felsted Mill householders alone the Ramblers in this way, they'd lies in Essex rather than in Greater Chair, Essex Ramblers vetoed by another landowner were responsible for the delays. have to help a wide range of London), (b) that determined [email protected] Thames Path 25 years on he 25th anniversary of the inauguration of the Thames Path National Trail was reached on Saturday 24 July. Starting with the Tdreams and hopes of walkers in the 1930s, it was first proposed in 1948, named as one of the country's long-distance recreational routes in the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act of 1949, the final section was opened and the Thames Path National Trail inaugurated at the on 24 July 1996. Since then, the trail has been walked by millions of people and is often used for long- distance running and charity events. From its source near Kemble in Gloucestershire to the Thames Barrier at Charlton, south east London, the trail is about 184 miles (296 km) long. (Although with the imminent arrival of the England Coast Path, the Thames Path will be extended a little to the Foot Tunnel on both banks). The general aim of the path is to provide walkers with a pleasant route alongside the river and is the first National Trail to follow a river for its whole length. The Ramblers' Association, particularly David Sharp, along with the Society, were instrumental in the establishment of the path. In the mid-1970s they devised a route that required no ferries. By 1984, the Countryside Commission declared the walk feasible and work began in earnest to establish the trail. With the uncertainty of Covid-19 restrictions, it proved impossible to organise a proper celebratory event on the actual anniversary day but I did manage to lead a walk for almost 40 folks on the Waterlink Way which finished on the Thames Path at . I will, however, lead a walk along the Thames Path from North Greenwich to Deptford at 11 am on Saturday 18 September. The walk will be part of EU Mobility Week (which includes World Car-Free Day on 22 September) as well as a celebration of the Thames Path and the Ramblers part in its creation. All are welcome, email me at [email protected] or check the Ramblers website at https://www.ramblers.org.uk/go-walking.aspx. Thames Path walkers are encouraged to share their favourite sections and places on the Thames Path via social media using #ThamesPath25 on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Check also the Thames Path Representatives of the organisations that helped set up the Thames Path gather at Marsh Lock, near Henley-on-Thames. National Trail website at https://www.nationaltrail.co.uk/en_GB/ Left to right: Elaine Townson, Thames Path Partnership; Des Garrahan, Ramblers representative on the Thames Path trails/thames-path for information on how to upload your photos. Partnership; Steven Tabbitt, National Trail Officer; Peter Finch, River Thames Society and Kate Ashbrook, Ramblers Vice- Des Garrahan President. Photo: Wendy Tobitt, Thames Path Partnership. South East Walker September 2021 7 OXFORDSHIRE Footpath matters on-line County council The Draft Map Modification Work on the bridges on Merton Order waiting list is now 69 cases. FP1 and Marcham FP17 is expected Of these 30 are under investigation, to be completed this year. It is also one is awaiting orders, and 12 orders hoped that, with funds from Oxford Strimmer success have been made (four confirmed, Fieldpaths Society (who have money and seven objected to, six of which to spare from sponsored walks in small team of volunteers started the 2021 I was the only volunteer on the day qualified to use are with the Planning Inspectorate). the 1970s), the mess that is Old Thame & Wheatley footpath clearance Thame & Wheatley Group's new Stihl petrol strimmer, There are 18 diversions pending. Marston FP3 will be sorted out soon. Aprogramme on Monday 7 June. Sandra which proved more than powerful enough to cut Booth, Alan Bonham and I set about the task of through the dense grass and nettles. Whilst I trimmed, clearing the footpath from the Thame by-pass to the Phoenix Trail (a part of the National Cycle Alan and Sandra raked and removed all the cuttings. Network managed by Sustrans). The footpath runs There was a very curious audience of young bullocks Diversions, claims etc behind the Windles and Groves factories recently who watched laconically from the adjacent field. The he saga of Oxford FP80 the list, presumably refused. constructed on this greenfield site and is an ideal weather was fine and sunny which made for hot, tiring (Churchill Hospital site) Modification orders for Woodcote route for dog walkers and others wishing to access work, especially when wearing a safety helmet and Tcontinues. I and about FP33 and 34, Waterstock FP13 the Phoenix Trail from the town. visor but the 200-yard stretch was completed in the 50 others submitted statements and diversion orders for Mollington Windles is excellent at keeping the path clear of case to the Planning FP3, Godington FP6, Chadlington planned time of two and a half hours. A successful along the side and rear of their factory but Groves Inspectorate, only to find at the FP5 and Chalgrove FP3 have been is not. This part of the footpath has ryegrass, start to our new footpath maintenance season! last minute that the city council confirmed; the extension of the nettles, thistles, cow parsley, socks and wildflowers Chris Melbourne had decided to dedicate a path last on its old route through the growing in abundance, up to waist height in places. Thame & Wheatley Group behind the estate in any case, in allotments needs to be claimed. order (according to the minutes) There has been some progress to overcome the majority of on Tetsworth FP65. I am told objections. The verdict from that repairs to the stiles (which the High Court hearing on necessitated having bum and both Rollright FP7 has appeared; the feet on the top rail, in order to get Open Spaces Society lost the legs from one side to the other) are case with costs and were refused in hand while the owner is moving permission to appeal. house; which leaves me wondering The modification and diversion whether the property is being sold. orders for Spelsbury FP12 (the It seems that there are so many dead-end at Taston, where the problems in Tetsworth that there historic route has been built may be a blitz on the area. Of over) have been confirmed. The my 171 unresolved problems, 29 diversion proposal for Dorchester are in Tetsworth and 14 others are FP13/14 has disappeared from in the immediate area of FP65. Other matters hame & Wheatley group and one had a tree growing out of it). has designed a 20-mile Because of the amount of rain and T walk from Thame, the sunshine over the past few months, Thame Outer Circuit, available to paraphrase an old song, the on the Thame Town Council nettles are high as an elephant's eye website. It includes Tetsworth and they're growing and growing FP65, see above. The directions right up to the sky, resulting in such suggest using the road - which is Chris Melbourne using the group's new strimmer. Photo: Sandra Booth ineffectual swishing of sticks. I find almost as dangerous as the stiles that walking sideways and trampling - until the stiles are sorted. them with the leading foot actually I took the photo below whilst on works, and produces a foot of extra 100th session for Vale Path Volunteers one of the walks on our resumed walks programme. It shows two of width at the cost of slowing down Vale Path Volunteers, the Vale of White three cars behind the somewhat; if enough people follow Horse Group's path maintenance team, in Stoke Row which aren't going suit, the stems might actually be met for a special occasion on Wednesday 2 anywhere soon (they remind me of broken as well. And if the nettles June. The day saw their 100th work session the notice I saw in the 1980s along are two metres high, the rucksack since forming in March 2012. To mark the the canal north of Cropedy that can be used as a shield. Try it. event I organised a cake-cutting ceremony advertised boats for £1 each or three David Godfrey for £2, all three were rusting hulks and some non-alcoholic drinks. The Area Footpath Secretary work site for the morning was Abingdon Footpath 100/1 which leads westwards from the town and follows the line of the former Wilts & Berks Canal, now filled in and overgrown. By coincidence, this path was one of the first to be cleared by the team so it was fitting to return here for our 100th session. Twelve members of the team enjoyed a slice of the celebration cake and a drink. I was also able to welcome Pete Day as a new recruit to the team. Jim Parke Jim Parke cuts the cake ahead of the Vale Path Volunteers 100th session. Coordinator, Vale Path Volunteers Photo: Dave Cavanagh Motodinosaurs. Photo: David Godfrey 8 South East Walker September 2021 BUCKS Orchard Path Our resident poet, Lizzie Ballagher. celebrates a 'minor path' near the village of Cobham in Kent. briefs Strung between leaf and leaf, apple and apple, cobwebs gleam in autumn's watery light. News from Bucks, Milton Keynes and West Middlesex Where the path narrows, where it disappears between rows of trees, leaves glow, fruit grows in flame and scarlet: Area and group AGMs radiant as a mediaeval tapestry. he Annual General Meeting Group AGMs of which details were available by the copy date of this season is approaching: issue are as follows: And in their midst, a thick-limbed oak, Tgenerally October to December leaves burnishing in late-year sun, for groups and January to March for at its roots where slow bees bumble - Areas. At the time of writing, it seemed Amersham & District: sleepy now - a froth of wildflowers: probable, though not absolutely provisionally Wednesday 24 November, 8 pm, certain, that Covid-19 restrictions will venue to be confirmed. shepherd's purse, groundsel, have been lifted, allowing physical scabious, toadflax, pimpernel, meetings to take place in the usual chicory, daisies, speedwell ... way though advice, or good practice, all this along the Wealdway on face covering and social distancing Aylesbury & District: may continue to cause problems. under brisk blue air, Constitutionally groups and Areas are provisionally Friday 3 December, 7.30 pm, St Anne's Hall, Aylesbury Road, Wendover HP22 6JG. light playing between leaf-loss, required to give notice to all members, apples in their red and russet perfection but difficulties associated with the shining like Christmas. General Data Protection Regulation and Covid regulations may make this A week from now, the walkers will have gone, difficult to achieve. Please accept this as notice that Chiltern Young Walkers: the pickers come to gather harvest, AGMs may be taking place during the provisionally Saturday 6 November, time and before the winter rains above period. All details given below venue to be confirmed. turn all to cider vinegar. should be regarded as provisional: please contact group secretaries for further But today we walk information about meetings and any in a haze of apple fragrance: associated walks if you do not hear from the year, the path, lending us Hillingdon & District: them directly; to avoid disappointment its late-season sweetness. provisionally Saturday 23 October, 2 pm, St Martin's Church do not turn up without checking. Hall, Eastcote Road, Ruislip HA4 8DG. © Lizzie Ballagher

Please help save our oldest group: The current committee of North West London Group has reluctantly concluded that the group is no longer Milton Keynes & District: viable and will propose a motion to their provisionally Sunday 7 November, 1 pm, Summerlin Community AGM for dissolution of the group. It is Centre, 138 Station Road, Woburn Sands MK17 8SG. very unfortunate that one of the oldest Ramblers groups, and the oldest in our Area, should have come to this point. If sufficient volunteers were to come forward before (or at) the AGM to ensure a viable North West London: committee, and an adequate number of provisionally Tuesday 19 October, 7 pm, walk leaders, the motion for dissolution venue to be confirmed. could be withdrawn. If you want the group to continue, and are willing to take an active role, please contact the group secretary, Henriette van Zaelen (email: [email protected], or Wycombe District: phone 020 7272 4493). provisionally Saturday 20 November, 2 pm, Lane End Village John Esslemont Hall, Finings Lane, Lane End HP14 3EY. Acting Area Secretary

Digging deep with North Bucks rRipple In Westlington we've replaced Connect Scaffolding of Thame be viewed in a video on YouTube a stile with a timber kissing gate. kindly loaned us three scaffold poles - just enter #northbucksrripple Before we could start we needed to and swivel joins for us to construct (don't forget the double 'r', show replace the adjacent field gate's 200 a tripod. The next job was to secure your friends and 'Like'). The gate x 200mm oak post that had rotted a length of chain with two 200mm itself was donated by a villager off at ground level, the landowner long, 10mm diameter, coach in memory of his late wife. agreeing to pay the cost of the screws. With team member and Bill Piers replacement 175 x 175 mm redwood Aylesbury Rambler, Joe Fontoura's North Bucks rRIPPLE Happy landowner Valma Thompson admires the new kissing gate with post. We dug down around 900mm mini 500kg rated block and tackle (Ramblers replacing and improving Bill Piers. The gate was donated by a before we came across the base of we managed to extract the base of public paths for leisure and Joe Fontoura expresses delight at finally villager in memory of his late wife. Note the post which we had to extract. the old post. This operation can exercise) extracting the stump. the new massive gate post. South East Walker September 2021 9 Ephemera: another box found What a load of rubbish! Oxford Ramblers formed a team from GoodGym had removed 30 espite the feeling I didn't need to keep them as I a mention in the 1983 edition of of volunteers on Saturday 12 June bags of rubbish from this area but of progress with could always search online for 'The Saxon Shore Way' but that to participate in OxClean, an we need not have worried. In a comments gratefully any information I needed. The was about all. 'A Sense of Space annual litter-pick organised by little under two hours, we collected D Oxford Civic Society. The event more than 20 bags of rubbish received from South East items I did keep were the walking - The Best of British Outdoor Walker readers and the take- routes created and published in Writing', edited by Roly Smith usually takes place in February but (sorted into recyclables and non- this year was postponed because recyclables) and several large items up of some of my old walking- South East Walker and revisiting and published in 1998 did not of Covid. We have participated including two televisions, an iron based materials by friends them remains a likely activity. include any contribution from in this event for several years and bedstead and a bucket of broken and acquaintances, I suddenly One of the interesting finds female writers. To confirm this year 11 volunteers from the glass. Conditions were much discover another box of old from my belatedly discovered box whether this disparity remains Ramblers, Oxford Fieldpaths more pleasant than in February walking-based documents: was 'Discovering Canals' by Derek today a quick look at the current Society and friends gathered to 2020 when we litter-picked here a combination of papers, Pratt which was published in 1977 membership of the Outdoor clear Magdalen Wood West, an in heavy rain. Afterwards, some of magazines, route guides and and, quite by accident, finding Writers and Photographers Guild attractive but not very well-known us adjourned to the local Franca's area to the east of the city. We were cafe for well-earned tea and cakes. books. In this article, therefore, another book by Mr Pratt on my indicates that membership is still slightly alarmed to learn that about Keith Frayn I'm describing a few of the bookshelf. With a minuscule over 75% male. However, the a month previously, volunteers Oxford Ramblers guides and books and their amount of research, it became clear editorial team of walk magazine authors. My previous pieces that the author is a photographer is well represented by women have been about getting rid of and writer specialising in canals so things might be improving. the vast amounts of the walking and waterways. His above- In conclusion, there is so much materials many of us gather mentioned book was re-published more to be written about the above Far from scary but hardly ever use and so for a in 1981 and 1987 along with a host but space is limited and if time and When a week-long fundraising Ruby, enjoying a mid-walk break change we're going to focus on of other publications including the space permit in future there might Scarecrow Trail was organised in June at the top of Maureen's drive, was some of the interesting themes other book lounging on my shelf be an opportunity to investigate by Long Crendon Pre-School and Out complete with compass, map, flask that can be detected when sifting which was quite different because old local routes to see how things of School Club in Oxfordshire, Thame and backpack plus information on through our piles of paper. it was a work of fiction based have changed as well as exploring & Wheatley Group member Maureen Baker grasped the opportunity to the new Thame Outer Circuit which For a start, I would like to around feuding canal boatmen. the rich tapestry of walking simultaneously contribute to the has been created by group members. ask what ramblers do with their Another interesting theme that opportunities that exist today and trail and publicise the Ramblers with Ruth Cornish copies of walk, the national should be obvious but became looking forward to many future her Ruby the Rambler scarecrow. Thame & Wheatley Ramblers Ramblers magazine, and our more apparent when scrutinising developments. This is all part of very own South East Walker? the contents of the box was that the fascinating world of walking. For a long time, I stored them virtually all the content was John Pestle religiously but gradually realised written by men. Fay Godwin gets [email protected] On becoming a trustee Essex member Lucy Robinson was elected to the Ramblers Board of Trustees earlier this year. Here she tells us about the process and her objectives. all the candidates to record a Ramblers campaign effectively on 90-second video that could be behalf of walkers everywhere. At Ruby the Rambler with her creator Maureen Baker. Photo: Ruth Cornish played before the vote. The grassroots level we must continue vote took place in the morning the vital work of protecting and The ascendancy and I was delighted - and not a enhancing access to the countryside OPINION little surprised - to find myself and walking routes, ensuring the of the cyclist elected to a three-year term. existing network of rights of way So, what are my objectives? In remains open and accessible and here is no doubt that section of the road carriageway or cycling and walking should the shared path, which a few yards a nutshell, I want to ensure that in good repair, and enhancing the be promoted for the health later even has a sign suggesting it the Ramblers strengthens and T network wherever we can. We can of the population and of the is reserved solely for cyclists. My enhances its role in promoting make routes attractive by joining up environment. In July last year, first thought was that this jumbled walking and in ensuring that and signing paths to create long- the Prime Minister announced a confusion was an oversight, but when walking routes are maintained, distance routes - as an Essex resident '£2 billion cycling and walking I contacted the council the reply was revolution'. It is noteworthy enhanced and developed. I and member of Tendring Ramblers, that "cycle lanes provide alternative however that the press release believe that we have a unique I am particularly keen on ensuring options for cyclists who would prefer was slanted very heavily towards to be on the road, whilst others may opportunity to really make a joined-up access all along the coast cycling - as a trivial example, it choose to use the shared spaces when step-change in the way walking and around estuaries. I want to referred to cycling 50 times and they are available". This confirms a is promoted and supported. ensure that the Ramblers take to walking only 10 times. The lack of thought for pedestrians in imperative to push the cycling hen I saw the email During lockdowns, the benefits forward the next stages of the Don't the rush to accommodate cyclists. agenda appears to take precedence seeking applicants of walking for both mental and Note also that the Thames Path runs W Lose Your Way project, sifting the over pedestrian or walker needs. for vacancies on the Board of physical wellbeing became apparent long list of potential rights of way A particularly bizarre example of parallel to this road and there has Trustees, I knew at once that I to individuals, health professionals down to a prioritised selection in the desire to please the cyclists can recently been lobbying to have it wanted to apply. As a lifelong and politicians as many more order that we can work with central be seen on Oxford Road in Reading. officially opened for cyclists as well. walker, I was acutely aware of The footpath on the north side of A joint approach to encouraging people took up walking. Brexit has and local government and partners walking and cycling is highly the vital role the Ramblers plays the road has been designated as a provided the opportunity for a new to get as many of these paths on desirable, but it requires both parties in advocating for walkers and shared pedestrian and cycling track relationship between government the definitive map as possible. for some time. However, Reading to have equal status and common safeguarding rights of way and and farmers and, as host for And I believe the Ramblers Borough Council has now marked off aims. Ramblers' primary focus access to the countryside. And I the UN 2021 Climate Change should be encouraging and part of the roadway on both sides of must be the safety and needs of wanted to put my skills to use in Conference, the government will supporting councils to improve the carriageway for cyclists, without walkers. It would be great if that supporting this work. be looking for concrete measures walking infrastructure in towns. redefining the original path for can be promoted in collaboration, pedestrians. My photo below shows but important that there is no At the time, I had not appreciated to demonstrate its commitment to But it is in making sure that that at the beginning of the shared compromise on that principle. that the process of appointing carbon reduction and to achieve everyone has the chance to footpath heading into town, cyclists Alistair Lax trustees was via election at the its goal of net-zero carbon by experience the sheer joy of walking have the option of the designated Pang Valley Ramblers, Berkshire annual General Council meeting 2050. We need to capitalise on this in the countryside, to realise its but, luckily for me, Essex Area was favourable set of circumstances to undoubted benefits for physical prepared to support me and help work to create a country designed and mental wellbeing, that we me through the process. I prepared for walking, and at the same really have the opportunity to a statement setting out what I time to grow our membership, make a step-change. That means thought I could bring to the Board our supporters and our income. ensuring people of all ages and and also my objectives in applying As a former civil servant and from all communities can and to be a trustee. Then, as this year's county council director, I hope to be do walk more. The time is right. General Council was to be held via able to bring my knowledge of local We must seize the opportunity. Zoom, Central Office arranged for and central government to help the Lucy Robinson Jumbled confusion, not an oversight. Photo: Alistair Lax 10 South East Walker September 2021 Inner London Area vacancies

Two longstanding members will be stepping down at the AGM next February and some key committee roles will become vacant. This is an opportunity for any interested members to become involved in the Area which coordinates 10 groups, has set up the Capital Ring and London Loop project (see page 4) and is campaigning for more green routes. Parking charges introduced in Epping Forest (SEW 114, page 5) Please contact [email protected] to know more.

I read this article with some surprise whilst travelling on public transport to a walk in Epping Forest (£6.60 each return).

The proposed £6 daily charge enables four or five people - at least one of whom can afford to own and run a car - to park on a concreted-over area of open space for less than the cost of one Those we have lost return tube fare from , or just over the price of a pint of beer. I'd be interested to know what Essex Area considers to be a reasonable cost for that service.

As a charity that works for everyone, we should be campaigning for cheaper and better public Barbara Webb 1930 - 2021 transport for all, and the closure of car parks to all but Blue Badge holders. The freed public stalwart of Kingston particular spot in Six Acre Meadow, realm could then be returned to open spaces that can be enjoyed by everyone, instead of being Ramblers passed away Old Malden. She wrote up her used for the temporary storage of private property. Phil Marson in a nursing home on findings in her pamphlet Millais and London A 10 May. Barbara Webb joined the Hogsmill River, first published the Ramblers in 1977 and was in1997. This includes a walk where Valerie Jones replies: I am sympathetic to the point about the need to campaign for better public a walk leader into the 1990s. A you can follow in the footsteps transport, but, at the current time, easy access to Epping Forest by public transport is only feasible if biology teacher, her walks would of Millais and William Holman you live within the London area and you wish to start your walk in the southern part of the forest. often pause at the sight of an Hunt. (The Hireling Shepherd Epping Forest stretches for over 12 miles, north to south, and a number of the start points for our walks, interesting plant, which her and The Light of the World also especially those in the northern sections, are nowhere near public transport stops. A great many Essex followers became accustomed to. painted by the Hogsmill but further walkers live well outside the London transport system. So using public transport would require a journey She served as Footpath Secretary upstream). Kingston Museum (020 into London and then out again, taking some two hours. By car, it would be 30 - 45 minutes. High from 1999 until 2012. 8547 6440) still has copies for sale. Beach, in the northern section, has no public transport. Nevertheless, the City of London has imposed a She is best known locally for her six-hour limit and £6 charge, but not far away the Lee Valley Regional Park has daily charges of £3 and detective work in finding where Barbara promoted nature £75 for an annual season. I believe that is a more reasonable tariff and would be happy to pay that. the background of John Everett conservation and can take credit Millais' Ophelia was painted. for Kingston council employing a Kit's Coty Vineyard (SEW 114, page 9) From contemporary writings and biodiversity officer in the late 1990s. local topography, she determined a David Cooper I write in response to the poem by Lizzie Ballagher who describes with pleasure a walk through the 115 acres of vineyards that have been planted around Aylesford in Kent. Over the last decade, this quiet corner of north Kent has become one of my favourite places for walking. I particularly enjoy walking here in the winter and with friends have often walked from Bluebell Hill around Kit's Coty and beyond.

Sadly the pleasure of these walks has been almost extinguished since these huge vineyards were planted. There is no joy to be had in trudging through acres of monoculture in which the wildflowers are much reduced and in winter the views are of monotonous lines of bare stumps planted in stony trenches.

I for one mourn the loss of the vibrant and diverse environment that this area used to offer. I understand the motivation for using the land more productively, but it would be easier to stomach if vineyards were pepper potted with fields left fallow or planted with wildflowers to support the diversity of plant and animal life and to gladden the eye of those who pass by.

Helena Russell Deptford, London At the ceremonial opening of the Ophelia interpretation board in March 2014. Left to Lizzie Ballagher comments: I have every sympathy with Helena and her frustration with the right are Barbara, Miriam Dean, the late Alan Dean, Deputy Mayor and Penny Shelton, monoculture of grapevines in this part of the North Downs, Field boundaries and their wildflower Mayor of Kingston. Photo: Kingston Ramblers. habitats are indeed shrinking so I share that sadness with her and do all I can as a gardener and cook to offset those changes in our own small domain. Balanced against the problem is the sad fact that we have been shielding for 16 months and have been able to go only the shortest of distances - the vineyards are less than five miles from home. For us, the vineyards are also a small taste of glorious places farther from us David Broughton that are now out of reach - hence a poem of delight. David, a long-time member of Bedfordshire's Ivel Valley Walkers died on 14 May after a short illness. He was a regular walker and the group's coordinator of summer Radius evening walks and had previously been the group's Programme new Surrey Hills Arts Inspiring Views was presented with a bottle of Denbies finest fizz.' Secretary, instrumental in changing artwork was unveiled on 30 June on Denbies More information on Radius and a three-mile the programme to its present Ahillside, near Dorking. Created by artist circular walk which starts at Denbies centre and format. Following his death, his James Tunnard, 'Radius' is a distinct sculptural passes the artwork can be found at https://www. daughter, a German citizen, had to seat, and the eighth work in the Inspiring Views surreyhillsarts.org/permanent-works/radius. The David Broughton. Photo: Barry Ingram quarantine on entering the UK and programme, which opens up hidden views, carries project was co-financed by the European Union their respects. His daughter is again when back in Germany. As out conservation work, improves access and European and Regional Development Fund. a result of those time constraints, planning a return visit and then, commissions artists to interpret the views through the funeral arrangements had to be Covid restrictions permitting, a art. The innovative design is said to capture the fitted into a four-day time frame memorial walk will be arranged. essence of the surrounding undulating landscape in with no time for his friends to pay Barry Ingram its curving shape and has been crafted from locally sourced oak. Its location, on the (grid ref TQ 159507), provides a place to stop and reflect. , Surrey Mole Valley Ramblers members Louise Stilwell- Stage and Yvonne Abel attended the launch event and 'Off-road barista coffee supporting nature conservation and report that 'the front-facing panels of the bench are countryside projects' is served adjacent to the sawmill (RH5 6DN) at inscribed with beautiful quotations while on the reverse Norbury Park, Thursdays to Sundays, 9 am -3 pm. Access is by foot (or are inscriptions of haiku poetry created by the Mole cycle/horse) only. "We came across it on a walk", writes Brenda Horwill Valley Poets. Chris Hunt, the Chairman of Mole Valley of Kingston Ramblers. See https://www.facebook.com/WidaCoffee. Council, made a delightful speech and the work's creator Radius. Photo: Surrey Hills Arts South East Walker September 2021 11 Exmoor Wish you were here? ore than 40 Guildford Ramblers took advantage of the lifting of lockdown Mrestrictions to enjoy a group walking holiday on Exmoor at the end of May. The three days of walking included a trek to the summit of Dunkery Beacon, the highest point on Exmoor at 519 metres (1,700 feet), on a clear and sunny day with stunning views north to the Brecon Beacons and south to Dartmoor. Other members walked the Lorna Doone Valley, completing a challenging 11-mile walk from the heather-covered moorland down to the coast at Porlock Weir and back in wet and windy conditions. Lynne Davies, our Chair, commented: "After the lockdowns, it was so good to get away and have the opportunity to walk in a different countryside to that which we are familiar with. We came back refreshed and reinvigorated." Richard Peters Guildford Ramblers On Dunkery Beacon. Photo: Richard Peters Kinlochewe, Scotland Norfolk cottish hotels opened a for its dramatic mountain scenery the stunning wilderness scenery, week before English ones so with wild spectacular peaks and the wonderful and sometimes Sour group took advantage challenging ridges. On one of these challenging walks, the excellent of this to go ahead with our May mountains, Beinn Eighe, which rises company of other walkers. Special trip to Kinlochewe, a trip that close to the village, is the national moments were recalled - skinny had been booked long before nature reserve of Wester Ross. dipping in lochs (we have photos to lockdown. It was a long way Most of our group of 25 stayed in prove it but the dipper was wearing to travel - over 600 miles - but the Kinlochewe Hotel with others a swimsuit this time), wading a everyone agreed it was well worth opting for self-catering chalets or river, hearing cuckoos every day, the it for the spectacular scenery, a nearby campsite. There was a bright yellow gorse and good food. wonderful walking and great choice of three walks on most days, company. Even the weather was ranging from a walk around the After the disappointment of decent. national nature reserve to long hard having to cancel our trip to the Kinlochewe is situated at the walks on high ridges with over 3,000 Dolomites for the second year head of Loch Maree, regarded feet of ascent and fabulous views. running, this trip to a very different by many as the most beautiful The group was asked to comment but equally enthralling mountain loch in Scotland, in the Torridon on what they had enjoyed about the area was much appreciated. mountains in the north west of the trip and what would stick in their Joan Clark country. The area is well known memories. Topping the list were Henley & Goring Ramblers

On the beach. Photo: Jim Robertson hen members well as a visit to Sandringham Margaret House. With coach travel not W Baxter and Sue possible, everyone self drove and Edgington first put their then made use of the local buses. heads together in October We enjoyed walks along beaches 2018 to plan a short break in under the big Norfolk sky that Norfolk, little did they know fortunately only delivered the that a pandemic would arrive odd sharp shower. The bird and that the trip would not watchers in the group made come to fruition until July 2021. good use of their binoculars With perseverance and and, although the countryside determination, Margaret and was fairly flat, it provided her team organised for 46 views so different from our members of our group to stay familiar leafy Surrey landscape. at Old Hunstanton with three Philip Watson days of walking on the Peddars Godalming & Haslemere Way and Norfolk Coast Path as Ramblers

Walking in the Torridon. Photo: Wim Klaucke

each day and returned to the same West Highland Way point the next day. And instead of A small group of Aylesbury members, the group completed being confronted with midges and Ramblers set off on 28 June to the trail in eight consecutive days, the Scottish rain, well known at this tackle the 96-mile West Highland walking between nine and 16 miles time of year, they enjoyed warm and Way, on the first group holiday each day. Staying at a mixture of generally sunny midge-free days. since lockdown. Organised by HF selected hotels and the HF HF Holidays and led by a leader house at Alltshellach, near Glencoe, Stephen Putman who also happens to be one of our they were collected at the end of Aylesbury & District Ramblers In Fort William the group rested by the 'Man with sore feet' sculpture. Photo: Liz Sutton 12 South East Walker September 2021 It's good to talk! he treasurers of Surrey positive with many participants SURREY kicked off July by saying how helpful it was. One Thaving a good old chat. commented that it was great to July marks the beginning put faces to names and that it of the busiest four months genuinely helped to make them snippets of a treasurer's year. First, feel less isolated in their role. there's preparing the group New group treasurers really budget, followed by the annual appreciated the chance to pick walks in the morning followed return and finally the group's up tips from their longer-serving by the meeting in the afternoon. accounts. What better time colleagues who in turn benefitted Get involved! Surrey Area Council needs you! to take to Zoom and share from exploring fresh ideas. And We are looking for an Assistant thoughts, concerns, queries particularly appreciated was 'm Chair of both Surrey Area Surrey and beyond. My feeling Membership Secretary to join and experiences of this role? my promise to not allow the and Surrey Young Walkers. I is that you can't just take without our committee and help support This follows a successful gathering to drag on for too long! Ibecame Surrey Area's Chair giving back and ensuring that the our current Membership Secretary experiment in July 2020 when I Next July's online chat is already just over three years ago at the good continues into the future in recording data, writing reports, and the 16 Surrey group treasurers pencilled into the Area's diary and AGM in Farnham. I have always for the next generation. This is organising and attending meetings identified a mutually convenient the message from Surrey treasurers been very active and anyone will why I joined the Surrey Young and liaising with Central Office. date for an online meet and to colleagues nationwide is tell you that walking is most Walkers committee back in 2011 greet. There was no agenda, just to go online and get talking. Full training will be provided. Please important to me and I love it. and then Surrey Area Council in a free and open discussion about Richard Lovell contact me at chair@surreyramblers. It's very good for both my mental 2018. the job. The feedback was very Treasurer, Surrey Area and physical health. Since joining Surrey Area's next AGM will org.uk if you are interested the Ramblers in 2008 I have be on Saturday 5 February 2022 or would like to know more. found some really good friends, in East Horsley and we are really Holly Matthews fell in love with my life partner hoping that by then we will be Chair, Surrey Area and Surrey and explored the countryside of able to meet up face to face with Young Walkers Footbridge funded Our group has recently funded the rebuilding of a wooden footbridge on the Winkfield 28/Warfield 24 footpath. The bridge, at grid reference SU 893716, was rebuilt by Bracknell Forest Rangers BERKSHIRE led by Robert Solomon. Brian Poulton South East Berks Ramblers bites

2 pm in Seeby Hall, Lower plans for the day. Our group is Area AGM Church Road, Sandhurst GU47 gradually returning to a sort of This year it's our turn to host 8HN. The plan for the day is: normality and our fantastic leaders the Annual General Meeting for 10 am Walk of around five are filling our programme with Berkshire Area and this will be held miles, 12.30 pm Lunch, 2 pm three or four walks each week. (Covid-19 restrictions permitting) AGM, 3 pm Afternoon tea. Brian Poulton on Saturday 6 November at The committee is busy making South East Berks Ramblers

Commemorative bench for David Bounds 1932-2019 n early 2020, before Covid, ahead and a suitable location special plaque was commissioned. the purchase of a bench to was identified: a spot on one When Covid restrictions Icommemorate East Berks of David's favourite footpaths allowed, a working team from Ramblers 50th anniversary which connects Remenham Hill Loddon Valley Group led by Ray had been under discussion and to Remenham Church Lane and Sharp arranged the installation and Before the rebuild. Photo: Rob Solomon it was decided that it would be features in some of the walks in the work was carried out with the fitting to make it a memorial the Rambling for Pleasure books. assistance of members of East Berks to David Bounds who died Negotiations were held with Ramblers. A small ceremony, in October 2019. David had the estate manager to obtain hosted by Kate Ashbrook, been the Footpath Secretary of permission from the landowner, Ramblers Vice-President, took Loddon Valley Group for many Culden Faw Estate, to put up place on 30 April this year. years and co-authored, with the bench on their land near Liz Richardson Dave Ramm, the very successful Henley and this was granted. Secretary, East Berks Ramblers Rambling for Pleasure series of East Berks Ramblers purchased a walking guides. bench made from environmentally The project was given the go- friendly and durable material and a

This plaque was added to the commemorative bench. David Bounds. Work complete. Photo: Rob Solomon South East Walker September 2021 13 KENT calling Area Secretary's diary eeping in touch with investigations continue and there long. The other track, shown in the our 200 or so footpath are moves afoot for local Access photo below, is not itself a public K volunteers is an Forums to work together to oppose but is crossed by one important and challenging task. the threat at a national level. at the point shown. It is not certain In better times we used to hold I have received a request for Kent whether the vehicles causing the a daylong meeting every year or Ramblers to find a volunteering damage are recreational or related so to receive presentations and opportunity for a 15-year old as to woodland operations but either discuss topical issues. Seeing part of the Duke of Edinburgh's way, the consequences for walkers little prospect for holding such Award. I am still investigating are unacceptable and I am pleased to an event this year, we have begun the feasibility of this but it does say that Kent County Council acted a series of short online meetings, occur to me that if we offered such quickly to begin an investigation each devoted to a single topic. opportunities nationally this might although a quick solution is unlikely. We have held three so far - on be an excellent way of introducing Work progresses on new guides definitive map modificationyounger people to the Ramblers. to Kent's named walks. Checking orders, on our Lost Ways project There's been much in the press and testing route descriptions is to claim unrecorded public rights lately about the failure of the Lake always one of the most difficult Richborough Wharf where a diversion from the Coast Path has been necessary. of way before 2026 and on public District National Park Authority to tasks so for the Saxon Shore Way path orders. These have been curb the menace of recreational off- guide we have put an offer on our well received, although attended roading. Sadly the problem is by no website to share the drafts of the by only a small proportion of means confined to the Lake District. guide with any walkers willing our footpath volunteers, and we On a recent walk on the Kent to offer feedback in return. As a Working together: plan to hold more meetings in the Downs, I came across two instances result, we have over a dozen walkers Kent Ramblers and Kent County Council autumn. of routes ruined by four-wheel-drive independently stomping the route As those who have walked the vehicles, quad bikes and motorbikes. and reporting back. If you would have been an active member of Ramblers in Kent for the last currently open section of the One was a byway subject to a traffic like to join them, go to www. seven years and during that time I have seen many examples Kent Coast Path from Camber to regulation order but the lock had kentramblers.org.uk/KentWalks/ Iof the excellent relationship that has been established Ramsgate will be aware, one of the been removed from the barrier and Saxon_Shore, which surprisingly between Kent Ramblers and Kent County Council. I have been biggest disappointments is that the the bikers I met refused to accept is the third most popular page on particularly impressed by the positive engagement of Graham section along Richborough Wharf that a motorbike and car in a red our website with nearly 700 hits Rusling, the council's Rights of Way and Access Service Manager has been 'temporarily' closed since circle meant that motor vehicles are per month. I plan to set up similar and his team, with the recognition that whilst we have a slightly the path was opened, necessitating prohibited. Kent County Council arrangements for the Wealdway different focus, both organisations have as objectives making a diversion alongside a busy road (or acted quickly to have the police and the Coast Path in due course. the public rights of way network as good as possible within the perhaps a bus ride instead). This replace the lock but I don't expect Robert Peel current legal framework. is because the landowners objected the off-roaders will be deterred for Secretary, Kent Ramblers Examples of 'good practice' include working together on path that allowing walkers to use the path clearance and improvement work, the county council supplying along the wharf would interfere waymarks, stickers for promoted routes and a rucksack of equipment with their business of storing for path maintenance to Ramblers (and others) who complete the vehicles. We have always believed training to become a Countryside Access Warden. Kent County that with goodwill on both sides it Council has also established a small team of Lost Ways Volunteers should be possible to find a solution who provide a summary of the council's contemporary (post-1950) that would meet the reasonable highways record. This has proved invaluable in helping focus our interests of both landowner and own research of historical records for potential additional paths (ie for walkers, so when the closure order Don't Lose Your Way/Kent Ramblers Lost Ways Project). There is came up for review by Natural early engagement at a local level at the pre order-making stage for path England this summer our Coastal diversions and extinguishment, we may not agree but the dialogue Access Officer, Ian Wild, objected is always positive in nature. There is also an easy to use map-based to renewal. I drew the matter to the online reporting system, the use of which is actively encouraged for attention of the Kent Countryside all issues encountered (I do regularly - and have many times seen Access Forum who also objected. that issues I have reported have been actioned - within the timescales Despite the consultation responses, according to the prioritisation system). As Graham often says, has decided to "If we don't know about issues we can't start to deal with them". extend the temporary closure for The council's Rights of Way and Access Service has attended a further six years. Another issue Off-roaders Photo: Robert Peel many Kent Ramblers events, including the annual rights of that came to my attention recently way meetings and, more recently, our online seminars, giving is that Highways England, which informative presentations and willingly answering questions, is apparently responsible for all even if an answer may not be the one that we would hope for. bridges across disused railway There is of course always 'room for improvement' (it would be tracks, propose to fill in a large great if issues could be addressed more quickly!), but I believe that a number of them, thus jeopardising very solid base has been established to further build on in the future the future creation of cycle tracks and that the positive attitude and engagement of the council's team and footpaths along those railway could serve as a useful example for other areas. I did ask Graham if tracks. Solid information is hard to he would offer any advice and he simply said: "Engage openly with come by but there are unconfirmed the highway/surveying/access authority. The Ramblers - indeed all suggestions that several bridges in of the user groups/stakeholders - have a lot to offer and are often Kent are threatened, on the old willing to volunteer. The question best asked is how can we best hop-pickers line through beautiful help the authority improve the network. Keep an open mind, as this Wealden countryside around may not be in ways that volunteers have traditionally contributed". Cranbrook and Goudhurst and on Colin Sefton the Elham Valley line which used to Vice-Chair, Kent Ramblers run from Canterbury to Folkestone across delightful downland. Our Churned-up track Photo: Robert Peel 14 South East Walker September 2021 creams from a brand new pop-up cafe housed Sunshine six-pack in a converted horsebox. On Tuesday, Chris hiltern Weekend Walkers celebrated the Parsons rounded off the impromptu mini-festival Lockdown Spring bank holiday heatwave with a by leading a sunset walk with a picnic in Marlow. Crecord run of eight walks over six days. We pride ourselves on being able to get "The promise of a sunny weekend brought an walk information to members instantly! and beyond unprecedented flurry of walk offers from our Mark Percy leaders, showing that spontaneity is one of our Chiltern Weekend Walkers strengths," said our Chair Andrew Zelin. Former Chair Steve Dowling kicked off on 27 May with a 10-miler around Cookham. "It felt Christmas social like the first real day of summer," he said. On est London Group During the evening you will hear Friday 28, Jane Humfryes led a teatime riverside members are invited reports covering the past year, our stroll from Marlow. Saturday saw Ann Kimber W to the group's Annual walks during the pandemic and and friends go in search of sculptures at Coleshill. General Meeting and Social on our restarted programme. Come Sunday brought three walks including the long- Tuesday 7 December from 7 pm at and share your stories of how you awaited post-lockdown comeback of prolific leader Northfields Community Centre, coped with the lockdowns and any Alan Shiell. Highlights of his walk included sightings 71a Northcroft Road, London interesting walks you may have of exotic animals on the Fawley estate. Meanwhile, W13 9SS (near Northfields for those wanting a serious workout, there was a fast- taken which could be added to station on the Piccadilly Line paced 15-miler, with the added challenge of dodging our programme in future. Tell us and local bus routes). runners from a nearby triathlon in Wendover Woods. what you think of the format of the It's the first chance for a get- By Monday, with temperatures nudging 25 together and to meet in person since programme and our website at www. degrees, me and my Chess Valley posse were our 2019 AGM. Please bring some westlondonramblers.org.uk. If you grateful for the chance to cool down with ice Picnic in the park. Photo: Lawrence Jones festive food for the finger buffet, so would like to get involved or want bring something you enjoy. Tell to know more then please contact us others you are coming to save on at [email protected]. your Christmas card postage as we Martin Harris Another restart! exchange cards during the evening. Secretary, West London Group t was another restart for our rambles in mid-April and our first five-mile walk Iof the year was on Saturday 5 June! 15 people (including six non-members) Winslow's half-century enjoyed walking from Weybridge station to Addlestone station. Lunch was either a bout this time 50 years council was providing us with picnic by the New Haw Lock on the River ago, a man called Joe old railway sleepers to place over Wey or in the garden of the White Hart, Lowrey moved to our streams to act as bridges. A where ramblers are always made welcome. town in north Buckinghamshire Many of the original walkers The afternoon walk went over the Coxes and called a meeting to see if were from nearby Buckingham Lock and in front of the mill where we there was any interest in walking and Hanslope and eventually, stopped for the photo. the local footpaths. By then he they split away to form their Our group AGM will be held at Claygate had discovered that the majority own groups. However a new Village Hall on the afternoon of Saturday 13 of the local paths were impassable committee was formed and our November. The day will start with a five- and hadn't been walked for years. club continued, with regular walks, mile walk from Cobham & Stoke d'Abernon The meeting showed that there annual outings and producing two station with various options for lunch. We was plenty of interest so it was books of walks. Today our club look forward to seeing many members there. decided to hold fortnightly walks. is thriving and as life begins to These proved very popular with get back to normal we will almost Brenda Horwill families and after a few weeks, certainly be celebrating our half- Secretary, Kingston Ramblers Kingston Ramblers at Coxes Mill. Photo: Brenda Horwill there were requests for walks century and resuming weekly walks. every weekend. Members met Valerie Newby in the town and walked out to Publicity Secretary, Winslow clear a path of scrub and weeds. District Ramblers After about three years the local (affiliated to the Ramblers) Summer evening walks 've been a Rambler for more than 10 years, and at us! One walk stands out however when there was Visiting the Medway megaliths have been a volunteer leading walks for much relentless drizzle all afternoon and evening. I wasn't Iof that time. I joined the Leighton Buzzard sure if anyone would brave the weather but, in the Dartford & Gravesham just off the North Downs Way Group six years ago when I moved from Surrey end, two of us completed the walk, getting more and Ramblers visited the Coldrum and Pilgrims' Way. If you are (hi Reigate Ramblers!) to Bedfordshire. Like more sodden. It was hard going but exhilarating! Stones whilst on a chilly early walking in the many who work full-time, I usually only have the Karen Veal summer walk from Trosley area, it is well worth a detour. opportunity to walk with a group at weekends, but Leighton Buzzard Ramblers Country Park. Dating from Other megaliths in the area I do enjoy walking after work, so felt there was around 4000BC, the Coldrum can be found near Aylesford. an opportunity to share this time with other like- Long Barrow (TQ 654607) is Beverley Johnston minded walkers. the oldest and best-preserved of Dartford & Gravesham To take advantage of the longer late spring and three sites of neolithic megaliths Ramblers summer evenings I offered to lead some mid-week evening walks through June and July. Parking at or near a pub we then walk a circular four miles, returning to the pub for some refreshment - maybe just a glass of lemonade for some or a pint of local craft beer for others. These have proved very popular, with participants keen to walk and talk and enjoy each other's company for a couple of hours. In the first season, I led nine summer evening walks with an average of 10 walkers on each, thus clocking up around 160 miles between us! The evening walks are now a fixture of our group's summer programme, recently always working within the prevailing Covid guidelines to ensure everyone's safety. The shortness of the walks has attracted some new walkers, some trying out the distance and some walking with a group for the first time. Some have even been recommended by their doctor to 'take up walking and join the Ramblers'. Some have gone on to become members. Resting at the stones. Photo: Beverley Johnston I have some regulars who come back each year and will often walk in whatever the summer weather throws Miles and smiles in the evening sunshine. Photo: Karen Veal South East Walker September 2021 15 (I always smile thinking you saw a walk in the of those old ramblers programme you just Nearly normal! standing for hours, tea turned up for it. Now, Rebuilding in one hand and juggling almost every walk has jam, cream and scone extra requirements. There n April our group emerged from the winter lockdown in the other). Also, is a maximum number of and immediately benefitted from our advance planning. our footpath working walkers allowed, usually IInitially, walks were restricted to six walkers, then 10 party organiser, Peter varying from 10 to 30 and later 30 with the committee encouraging leaders to Robinson, has selected and advance booking is adopt a cautious approach. It soon became apparent that three dates when our keen essential. If you want to for various reasons we had lost a considerable number of volunteers will disappear join a walk limited to ten walk leaders as well as walkers over the past 15 months. In into the undergrowth. people then you need to get fact, for the first three months, we existed with only four But that still leaves 158 in quick. But then, many leaders who were able to lead regularly and two who could walks in three months, ask you not to book more lead occasionally. We are, therefore, enormously pleased catering for all abilities than a week in advance to have still been able to offer two morning walks and two and tastes. which can be tricky and all-day walks most weeks. Those of us who aspire mean sending off an email We are in the process of rebuilding the group, both in terms to supreme fitness and join to the sound of the dawn of walk leaders and walkers. Two new leaders have been found our Monday morning five- chorus. So the new normal and we are delighted to have seen a number of new faces on mile brisk walks can then is not quite the same though our walks. Nevertheless, the committee recognises that the sign up for our annual I hear we may be asked to next few months will be difficult as we continue to adjust to 23-miler from Eastbourne take part in a group survey the changes and ensure that members, both old and new, are to via the Seven on the best way forward. served in the best possible way. The new online booking form Sisters. At the other end I usually send a photo or continues to work well and has been enthusiastically received of the scale, we have some two taken on a walk. The by walkers and leaders. Where a member does not have access local four or five-mile walks last one I led was an evening to a computer then a new 'buddy' system is being encouraged. A pyramidal orchid near Banstead Woods. Photo: John Tickner while the rest are mostly in stroll to a pub on the edge Our newsletter congratulated Marian Mears on winning n the general scheme than 167 entries. Surely the seven to 14-mile range. of Banstead Woods. Now the second of our photo competitions with her picture of an of things I feel this must be a record. When it comes to holidays I could provide photos unusual weathervane (see below). The subject for the summer Iwe haven't done Admittedly, some of the we have three lined up for of slightly inebriated photo competition is that of unusual or amusing signs. badly in getting back events don't entail much this year and four others ramblers but thought you Finally, a call for new walk leaders. If you are an experienced to normal service. Our walking - our tea addict in the pipeline. So the might prefer this one of leader or someone who found some interesting walks during group's current three- Muriel is holding five tea programme looks normal an orchid we discovered lockdown or would just like to try your hand at leading walks month programme which and cake afternoons and or even better than normal. near the end of the walk! then please get in touch with Sue, our Walks Coordinator, at runs until the end of there is a cream tea for But what was normal John Tickner [email protected]. You could buddy September has no less long-standing members before was that when Croydon Ramblers up with one of our experienced leaders to ensure you have the confidence when going solo. We also have a collection of previously walked routes available to help you get started. distancing and group restrictions have reluctantly returns to her lake guided Richard Trimmer Recovering seriously undermined the operation by the kindly human. Perhaps we of our committed group of path are not the only species to find that West Berks Ramblers n common with other groups, maintenance volunteers. Surrey a walk can help us manage problems we have been busy planning County Council's policy throughout as well as provide fitness and pleasure. and publishing our walks I the Covid period was to withdraw Stephen Hanks programme. We are delighted to insurance cover for tasks involving the East Surrey Walkers have been able to maintain our use of power tools and this has further pre-Covid programme providing walks on most days of the week, restricted the range of tasks we can and sometimes more than once a work on. Our team is anxious to get day. The walks continue to be well back to working at full capacity and supported but, as a generalisation, now has a significant backlog of tasks. our leaders report reduced numbers On a lighter note, imagine the of participants. We are optimistic surprise of our members who came that numbers will increase as across a man attempting to guide restrictions are eased. a swan along a footpath. The man Our volunteers are involved with explained that the swan was a pen the Don't Lose Your Way project (female) and had lived with her and under the excellent direction partner for a number of years but in of Andrew Bowden have identified recent times the couple had fallen a number of potential rights of way out several times and walked away. It worthy of further investigation. Social seems that having made her point she Heading home. Photo: Stephen Hanks Clergyman on the roof. Photo: Marian Mears

proactive by responding to queries for new committee members by concrete cows but they don't more quickly. We held a walk for New people planting the thought with new Festival walks realise Milton Keynes has over people who haven't walked with Since restrictions on group walks members and explaining what is t is always a pleasure for us 6,000 acres of linear parks and the group before or have been on were relaxed we are seeing new involved. New committee members to help the Milton Keynes gardens and is greener than the one walk but have not been back for can bring new ideas to the group Part Trust with their countryside which surrounds people turn up on each of our walks a while. This proved a great success I annual walking festival. This it". We are back to using MeetUp. We Social events have started again with that haven't been thought of before. year's festival took place over Our group walks programme are also using our social media pages pub socials proving popular. We Jason Owen the weekend of 8/9 May when has filled out and we have enjoyed more actively and we are being more are also thinking ahead and looking Berkshire Walkers all 21 walks sold out quickly. many varied walks in and around Our member, Boyd Fisher, led Milton Keynes. Our evening some walks and commented walks have proved as popular as "Cynics, especially those who ever and we have been able to don't know or have never visited welcome some new members. the town sometimes refer to it Ian Dunford as a city of roundabouts and Milton Keynes Ramblers

MK Ramblers at Thornborough, Bucks. Photo: Boyd Fisher New members' walk. Photo: Jason Owen 16 South East Walker September 2021 walking route in southeast London. It extends from South Norwood Pavement plaques Country Park to the Cutty Sark in hese days when I'm out are all legible even if the laws, Greenwich. It connects a number of walking I find I spend a regulations and guidelines that parks and green spaces and the many Tlot of my time looking enforced them are not. pavement plaques are an integral down at my feet. Well, to be more While developing the six new part of the wayfinding provided. accurate, scanning the surface Greenway routes for London (see Across the road from St Pancras I'm walking on. As we step our SEW 114, page 1), I re-acquainted Old Church in Kings Cross, you way hesitantly towards the new myself with an older, different, normal of a post Covid-19 world, can find a pavement plaque for the pavement message. The ones telling one of the physical reminders all hidden . It is my hope around us in London, of the world me to follow the Barnes Trail for that we can have a few more and I'd we are edging away from are the example or History be interested in what other people messages/warnings/instructions Trail and especially the Waterlink think about this idea as well as A Waterlink Way pavement plaque Above the Fleet at St Pancras. Photos: on the pavements. True, many Way. There are, surprisingly, a lot of sharing any other examples you may Des Garrahan are faded but the exhortation different types on offer throughout know and like of pavement plaques. seen and liked when out walking. Des Garrahan to keep a social distance, queue London and the surrounding areas. Or perhaps other street furniture Feel free to email me with your here and follow a one-way system The Waterlink Way is an eight-mile apart from traditional signs you've ideas, comments and photos. [email protected] New Surrey 'Rail to Ramble' routes launched Island fit for a queen new series of Rail to Ramble routes, designed - Shalford - Chilworth (with the option of starting in esearch for new unique in England, in its circular to highlight how accessible the Surrey Hills is Guildford) walking guides often symmetry - although it can be Aby train and to encourage people to visit this - Chilworth to Gomshall R throws up interesting seen as a forerunner of Henry nationally protected landscape more sustainably, - Gomshall to Dorking Deepdene but little-known episodes in VIII's circular castles at Walmer was launched on 29 June. The four new routes have - Dorking Deepdene to Betchworth Kent's history. One such came and Deal. It was designed as been created along Great Western Railway's North Leaflets are available at stations along the line, local to light while I was researching both fortress and royal residence, Downs line, between Guildford and Reigate and outlets or can be downloaded from the Surrey Hills the England Coast Path around each route can be started from the railway station. much favoured by Edward who website at www.surreyhills.org. the Isle of Sheppey. The island The Rail to Ramble leaflets are a collaboration occupied it during construction Gordon Jackson, Chairman of the Surrey Hills Society, (which was once three islands) between the Surrey Hills Society, who created and but died soon after its completion. commented: "The North Downs line runs through the could nowadays be fairly tested the routes; the Surrey Hills AONB who The castle was demolished Surrey Hills AONB and provides the perfect means of described as a bit of a backwater, and the site cleared during the worked on the design and content of the leaflets; a sleepy place full of sheep, sea and with funding from Great Western Railway via accessing the countryside in a sustainable way. Over the Commonwealth. It is now a birds and prisons - and with a the Southeast Community Rail Partnership, an past year, we have received a huge number of visitors to public open space and little smattering of unenlightened organisation that works to connect local communities the area, particularly by car. As much as we welcome can be discerned of its plan. landowners who don't welcome with the railway across Sussex, Kent and Surrey. visitors we are also aware of the impact this can have on However, it was the subject of the coast path. However, in Four leaflets cover routes of five toresidents particularly in areas where parking is limited. the fourteenth century, it was a Time Team excavation with six and a half miles (eight to 10.5 km): Accessing the area by train helps to ease this pressure." briefly a centre of political Tony Robinson, broadcast in 2006. From that programme and * David Cooper adds: Kingston Ramblers have helped local organisation The Community Brain to produce power and high society when a leaflet for a three-mile walk between Tolworth and Chessington South stations. It was launched on 31 various historical records, I have in 1361 Edward III established May and is available at local stations or can be downloaded from https://bit.ly/3hgbjTI. Another walk in the the town of Queenborough, put together a reconstruction area, the five and a half mile Chessington Countryside Walk can be downloaded from https://bit.ly/36dgY6r. named after his queen, Philippa of how it might have looked of Hainault. at the time of its completion, Edward built a large royal centre shown in the illustration. at Queenborough. The castle Robert Peel was unusual for its time, perhaps Secretary, Kent Ramblers

At the 'Rail to Ramble' launch are (left to right): Gaynor and David Daniels, South East Community Rail Partnership; Heather How it might have looked. Photo: Robert Peel Kerswell, Surrey Hills AONB Board; Ken Bare and Christine Howard, Surrey Hills Society; Patricia Allen, St Martha Parish Council; Gordon Jackson, Surrey Hills Society.

which also passed Leyton Midland Each direction comes with a Unchartered Streets Road and Lea Bridge stations, number that links you back to as well as plenty of bus stops. a simple clear hand-drawn map eyton is first in a planned may have come across him via the Fans of Smoke will recognise and - and the maps and directions series of 'guided walks Bristol-based Sarah Records, which are always on the same page, for the misguided' he and I ran in the 8os and 90s). enjoy the style, both visual and L written. Unchartered Streets is jam- so you don't need three hands around London's less-celebrated Haynes aims to encourage people neighbourhoods. In the author's to walk and explore the less obvious packed with photos of the ordinary, to figure out where to go next. words, 'urban meanders through parts of the city, by celebrating their the odd and the plain eccentric, Leyton is available for £10 the unsung quarters of Europe's history and folklore, the quirky and capturing an early 2020s moment (plus post and packing) via most incorrigible city'. the downright odd. The first guide, in a mixture of black and white and uncharteredstreets.org.uk and The guide is written by Matt to Leyton where he grew up, follows colour. The text is crammed with from a small number of stockists Haynes, who some may have come a six and a half-mile circular walk, information, stories, anecdotes and in north and east London. across from his Smoke: A London largely on pavements, starting and jokes, but the directions are separate Further books planned in Peculiar magazine, edited with ending at Leyton tube station. The from the main body of the text, so the series are Deptford, journalist Jude Rogers, which ran idea though is that you can start you won't miss an important route Vauxhall and Brentford. for a decade from 2003. (Others and end at any point on the route, instruction amid the general frivolity. Clare Wadd