SOUTH EAST No. 92 December 2015

Lovewalker Walk London campaign launched Mayoral and London Pidgeon; and the Green Party’s Sian candidates to promote and invest in Assembly elections 2016 Berry. Both Sadiq Khan and Zac walking in the capital. Goldsmith are currently London Through discussion we’ve ith the major parties MPs. On 5 May, Londoners will proposed three areas that we’d having selected their also vote for the 25 members of the like the candidates to support: W candidates for the next Greater London Authority, including 1 Champion the and London Mayor, the Ramblers is 14 constituency members. The other routes to ensure they remain launching its Love London Walk deadline to register to vote in the safe to walk and open for all London campaign to call on elections is midnight on Wednesday Londoners. candidates to make the capital a 19 April 2016. 2 Ensure equality of access to our walking city ahead of the mayoral The Ramblers has nearly 13,000 amazing parks and green spaces, and London Assembly elections on members in London, making up a and that everyone has a green space 5 May 2016. large proportion of the readership of close to their home. We now know the candidates South East Walker - and, of course, 3 Employ a walking commissioner/ from most of the major parties to many many more Londoners share ambassador to champion walking, replace Boris Johnson as Mayor our love of walking. We’re asking ensure best use of investment in of London: Labour’s Sadiq Khan; all of you who live within a London walking, and promote London as the Conservative’s Zac Goldsmith; borough to support our campaign to a walking capital. the Liberal Democrat’s Caroline ask London Assembly and mayoral continued on page 2 The Thames Path in Greenwich. Coast Path moves forward in , and evelopment of the trail from Burnham on Crouch in to get around the Lydd ranges on with their counterparts at Natural to ensure the natural environment England Coast Path Essex to Shotley in . Romney Marsh which have been England. is protected. Many economic and Din the south east has Work is now underway in East used for military training for over Essex Ramblers, who have long health benefits will be possible as a moved two steps further with Sussex and Kent to prepare the 150 years. At Hythe a route along campaigned for a path following the result of the creation of the England the announcement on 28 new Camber to Folkestone section the Royal Military Canal will be county’s coastline, held a training Coast Path in Essex, particularly the September that Environment for public use and is expected to be followed. At Camber Sands, the session in Maldon on 24 October inevitable increase in tourism it will Secretary Elizabeth Truss, had completed by autumn 2016. This new Broomhill Sands sea defences (see page 9) to study the current bring to the county.’ approved the route for the 30-mile section will skirt the Dungeness will provide safe access to the top of proposals and prepare themselves to Aidan Lonergan, Area (49km) section from Camber to peninsula and St Mary’s Bay but will the beach. participate fully in the consultation Manager for Natural England said; Folkestone, followed in October divert inland around the military At around 350 miles, Essex has process. ‘We are creating a walking route with the start of the process firing ranges at Lydd and Hythe. A the longest coastline of any English Essex County Council’s Cabinet where visitors can enjoy some of to determine the route for the mix of byways, footways adjacent to county. Work to establish a route Member for Infrastructure, Cllr the most scenic, invigorating and 187 miles (300km) of the national roads and a cycle path will be used following the Essex coast north from Rodney L Bass said: ‘For the first dramatic landscapes that Essex has Burnham on Crouch and continuing time people will have the right of to offer. into Suffolk began in October with access around all our open coast Attention will turn later to the completion and public opening including, where appropriate, any Essex coastline to the south of expected in 2018. As well as the land, other than the trail itself, which Burnham-on-Crouch with the coast through Maldon, Clacton on forms part of the coastal margin and next section around the Crouch Sea, Walton on the Naze, Harwich, has public rights of access along the estuary to Wallasea scheduled for the coast path will include a 12- way. Each stretch of the path will be 2016-17. The final stretch from mile section around the shores of designed and implemented through Wallasea through Southend-on-Sea Mersea Island. The first Essex local consultation in order to strike and Canvey Island to Tilbury is sections are being considered for a fair balance between the interests scheduled for 2017-18. development by public rights of way of the public having rights of access When completed in 2020 (we teams at Essex and Suffolk county over coastal land and the interests hope) the England Coast Path will The riverfront at Burnham on Crouch will form part of the England Coast Path. councils working in conjunction of affected land owners, as well as be a 2,800-mile national trail. 2 South East Walker Battle of Berkhamsted On the trail of the Panshanger Oak he phased opening of public before demolition in the 1950s. This historic part of the park was Common celebrated access to Panshanger Park The Panshanger Oak, believed designed by Humphry Repton for Tto the west of Hertford to have been planted by Queen the fifth Earl Cowper whose family he 150th anniversary The advice of Lord Eversley, took a further step in July with the Elizabeth I, now has a girth of 7.6 owned Panshanger Park from the of the fight to save Chairman of the newly formed creation of a waymarked trail in the metres. Queen Victoria visited late 17th century until the estate was TBerkhamsted Common, Commons Preservation Society west of the park. Called the Oaks the tree in 1841 when staying at broken up and sold in 1952. Mineral Herts, from enclosure is (now Open Spaces Society) was Trail, the two kilometre route from Panshanger House. A report of her extraction rights were granted in being marked by the National sought and it was decided that Riverside Cottage (grid ref TL visit in the London Standard refers 1982 following a public inquiry, with Trust with an exhibition at its the fight could best be fought by 294125) takes in the Broadwater to ‘a tree situated in the rear of the the owners, now Lafarge Tarmac, Ashridge visitor centre and a someone with common rights lake, Panshanger Great Oak, mansion and justly celebrated for required to return a restored country self-guided trail around the (and plenty of money). Such a remains of the Orangery and site its immense size and the surpassing park across the 1,000-acre estate. central part of the common. person was found in Augustus of where Panshanger House stood beauty of its growth, for which it has The main access point for The common now belongs Smith, known as Lord of Scilly, not its rival in the kingdom’. George Panshanger Park is via the Thieves to the trust together with who had already distinguished Bradshaw in his 1866 guide referred Lane car park (grid ref TL 305127) neighbouring Northchurch, himself by asserting the rights to the famous oak ‘Sylva Britannica, from which permissive paths can Pitstone, Aldbury, Ivinghoe of the public against the claims remarkable for its size, symmetry and be followed to the start of the Oaks and Hudnall commons. of the Crown and Duchy to grandeur of appearance’. Trail. In the mid-19th century, the ownership of foreshore of the sea common, was leased by the coasts. It was agreed that the Crown to the owners of the commoners had a legal right to adjoining estate of Ashridge remove any encroachment. House but with commoners A plan of direct action was rights reserved, When this estate decided upon and on Tuesday came into the possession of the 6 March 1866 a special train young and sickly Lord Brownlow left Euston station in London his trustees wanted to enclose shortly after midnight carrying Berkhamsted Common and 120 hired men armed with tools incorporate it into Ashridge and crowbars. The train reached The Panshanger Oak (grid ref TL 250130). The remains of the Orangery, built around 1856. Park. They attempted to buy Tring at 1.30am and a march of out the commoners and offered three miles in the moonlight took exchange land near the town but them to Berkhamsted Common before any agreement could be where they set about dismantling Ingrebourne centre opened reached they arranged for high the fences. By six in the morning ssex Wildlife Trust, in London Loop). . Fighter squadrons iron fences to be erected across all of the railings had been taken partnership with the Hornchurch Country Park is the from Hornchurch were prominent the common, enclosing over 400 down and laid in heaps, the men London Borough of former site of Sutton’s Farm airfield in the Battle of France over Dunkirk acres of land which the people of having performed the task with E Havering, opened a new visitor which opened in 1915 from where and the Battle of Britain. Various Berkhamsted had for centuries as little damage as possible. centre at Hornchurch Country biplanes of the Royal Flying Corps artefacts and relics of the site’s RAF enjoyed rights to gather fern and Lord Brownlow took action Park in east London on 3 defended London in World War One. history, such as gun emplacements, gorse. against Augustus Smith with October. Called the Ingrebourne The airfield closed shortly after World pill boxes and trenches can be seen in the resulting court case lasting Valley Centre, it provides a focal War I but the land was requisitioned the park today. The airfield closed until 1870 when it ended with point and information resource in 1923 because of the expansion of in 1962 and the site was sold for Smith completely vindicated. as well as a café and toilets for the the RAF and the airfield reopened as gravel extraction. In 1980, following The common was never enclosed park (and is on the route of the a much larger fighter station, RAF ground reinstatement, after again and 60 years later, in 1926, quarrying and in-filling with landfill, was acquired by the National the Greater London Council carried Trust. out a massive landscaping project to The exhibition at the Ashridge create the country park. Estate Visitor Centre (01442 The Visitor 851227) runs until 31 March 2016 Centre (01708 520364) is open daily and entry is free. The waymarked from 9am - 5pm, situated just off Battle of Berkhamsted Common Squadrons Approach, Hornchurch Trail starts from car parks on The new visitor centre opened with a Spitfire flypast. (grid ref TQ 537848). the B4506. A free leaflet can be obtained from the Ashridge Estate Visitor Centre or downloaded continued from page 1 for Health group, or other formal with template letters and emails to from http://www.nationaltrust. exercise routine, or just as part of make it easy for you to contact the org.uk/ashridge-estate/. On Why we think walking our daily lives. Time and again we candidates for the mayoral election the anniversary itself, Sunday 6 is great for London hear of research telling us how good and London Assembly. We will also March 2016, the National Trust walking is for both our physical be inviting some of the candidates will be holding a guided walk at Walking for leisure and mental health, so we’re urging out for a walk with us, and 4pm followed by mulled wine We Ramblers, and others, walk for Londoners to ask the candidates to providing them with pedometers so and hot snacks. The cost for this leisure be it with our local Ramblers’ promote walking for health in the that they can see how far they walk is £15, bookings essential via the group, an affiliated group, with capital. during the campaign as part of their friends, family, colleagues or on The trail leaflet. Ashridge Visitor Centre. lives in our city. our own - and often within the 33 Walking for transport boroughs themselves. Within the Many of us also regularly walk If you’re on twitter please boundaries of our amazing city we as part of our journeys into and follow our new account have access to many beautiful places across London - be it our regular LoveLondonWalkLondon@ to walk and many wonderful paths commute, or trips to the shops, Ramblers_London set up especially to walk on, including large sections doctors, to visit friends, or for a for the campaign, and which of the Thames Path National Trail, night out. If we walked less and we’ll be using to interact with the London Loop, , Lea drove more, or took more buses, candidates and to highlight some Valley Path, and so or took the tube a couple of extra of the issues around walking in on. London offers us huge parks, stops when we prefer to walk, both London. And you’ll be able to forests, riversides, heaths, hills with the roads and public transport keep up with the latest news from our campaign on our website www. brilliant views, canal towpaths and would be more crowded and our ramblers.org.uk/London. all manner of urban routes to enjoy - city more congested. So we need Please do get in touch with and we want to highlight them, and the candidates to understand that the London office at campaign@ to seek the support of the London we walkers are part of the solution, ramblers.org.uk for more Assembly and mayoral candidates and that encouraging more people information or to get involved. in promoting, maintaining and to walk is good for everyone. improving them. Clare Wadd How you can get involved in Publicity Officer, Walking for health the campaign Inner London Area Berkhamsted Common. But many of us also walk for our As the date of the election publicity@innerlondonramblers health, be it as part of a Walking approaches we will be providing you .org.uk South East Walker 3 SOUTH EAST New trail for Vale of White Horse walker o celebrate the Ramblers created a new walking trail called by the mayor of Abingdon-on the D’Arcy Dalton Way. Distributed quarterly to members of the Ramblers in , 80th anniversary, members ‘The Vale Way’. It was launched to -Thames, Cllr Helen Pighills, who The Vale Way is accessible by bus , , Milton Tof the Vale of White Horse the public in Abingdon on Friday cut a cake, unveiled a map of the at several places and the route is Keynes and West Middlesex, Essex, Group in Oxfordshire have 3 July. The launch was attended route and joined us on a walk described in five shorter sections with Inner London, Kent, Oxfordshire and to the end of the way in Abbey the start and finish of each on a bus Areas. Meadows, Abingdon. route. We hope the Vale Way will The Vale Way links the market encourage experienced and novice THE RAMBLERS Address: 2nd Floor, Camelford towns of Abingdon, Wantage and walkers to access and enjoy the local House, 87-90 Albert Embankment, Faringdon and is 27 miles long. countryside. We have heard of one London SE1 7TW. The route starts in Abingdon, at the long distance walker who walked the Tel: 020 7339 8500 junction with the Thames Path, and entire route in less than a day in the Fax: 020 7339 8501 then continues along the Sustrans first week after launch! Email: [email protected] path to Milton, Steventon, West The route and instructions can be Web: www.ramblers.org.uk Company registration no: Hendred, Ardington, Wantage, the found at http://www.ramblers- oxon. 4458492 Wilts & Berks Canal, the Challows, org.uk/thevaleway/valeway.htm. Registered charity no: 1093577 Cutting the cake to mark the trail opening are (left to right) Stuart Hughes, Peter Stanford in the Vale, Hatford, Folly Peter Skuse, Stuart Hughes, Skuse, John Gordon, Mayor of Abingdon-on-Thames Helen Pighills and Pat Lonergan. Hill, Faringdon, Little Coxwell and Jim Parke and John Gordon EDITORIAL Photo: Dave Cavanagh ends in Longcot at the junction with The Vale Way Team Editor: Les Douglas Email: [email protected] Tel: 020 8809 2338 (please leave message) Magna Carta Heritage White Cliffs Festival DESIGN AND PRINT Mortons Print Ltd - 01507 529255 Walk a huge success n north Essex, an eight Opinions expressed by contributors and a half mile signed his year’s White Cliffs Walk taking in places associated are not specifically endorsed by Walking Festival in Kent, with Louis Bleriot’s flight across route between the castles at The Ramblers. I organised by White Cliffs the Channel to Dover in 1909; a 12 ISSN 1747-4140 Castle Hedingham and Clare, T Ramblers, was a huge success, mile Battle of Britain Walk, visiting C 2015 The Ramblers. just over the border in Suffolk, with a total of 1,905 people going Hawkinge airfield and the Cat and All rights reserved. was launched in April when on the 41 walks. The festival took Custard Pot pub frequented by 140 people turned out for an Copy Date: For issue No. 93 place between 27 August and 2 some of ‘The Few’, and a Walmer’s inaugural walk. The local is 12 January 2016. September and the number of Colourful History Walk led by initiative, sponsored by the walkers was nine per cent up on Deal historian and author Gregory Heritage Lottery Fund, Castle last year. Holyoake. Hedingham Parish Council While the largest group of people The festival was opened in a and Clare Town Council, has came from the Dover - Deal area, ceremony on Deal Pier by town resulted in Magna Carta discs many others came from all over mayor, Cllr Adrian Friend, followed on public rights of way marker Kent. There were also walkers from by a five mile walk to Betteshanger posts and the publication of a various parts of Britain and visitors Country Park. Margaret Lubbock, guide leaflet with Ordnance from Czech Republic, Germany, Chairman of White Cliffs Survey mapping. Netherlands, Denmark, USA and Ramblers, said: ‘All the organising The route links the Norman New Zealand. group members worked tirelessly castles which were the seats of White Cliffs Ramblers took to make this year’s event a success’. Robert de Vere (at Hedingham) on the event in 2013, when it Next year’s festival will run from 25 and Richard and Gilbert de Clare, was known as the Deal Walking - 31 August. who were among the rebel barons Festival, and decided to expand it Graham Smith who forced King John to agree to into a White Cliffs Walking Festival White Cliffs Ramblers Teddy’s Magna Carta in 1215. The three The guide leaflet the following year. became members of a committee of of old, who, having partaken of This year’s programme included Trails 25 barons set up by Magna Carta the hospitality offered in Castle short, medium length and long and acted as guarantors that John Hedingham and possibly taken the walks, ranging from special interest would abide by its clauses. healing waters of the holy well of St walks of one or two miles to the launched Pilgrims heading for James, made their way to their next White Cliffs Challenge, a 53-mile group of 40 walkers, Walsingham, a de Clare overnight stop at Clare Priory’. trek organised by the Long Distance including town mayor foundation, might have passed this A guide leaflet to the route is Walkers Association. Other walks Richard Butler, set off from way too the guide leaflet suggests: available locally or can be down included a three mile Three Castles A ‘... as we walk the Magna Carta loaded from www.clarecastle. Walk, visiting Deal, Walmer and Elstree & Borehamwood railway Some of the festival walks featured station on Sunday 11 October to route, we can imagine the pilgrims countrypark.co.uk. Sandown castles; a five mile Bleriot beaches. mark the launch of ‘Teddy’s Trails’. Teddy, a fox terrier, was there too as the area between the and this regard. A short-term task for the with owner John Cartledge who Ridgeway Partnership the villages and towns that are closest Trail Delivery Group is devising a said his dog loved the countryside to the trail on both sides. It is there public rights of way reporting system that surrounds the town and they that the service businesses are located, that reconciles the myriad ones that and through which public transport currently exist among county councils had explored all the paths used finding its feet runs. and other bodies. he Ridgeway Partnership, provide a better experience for users of on the 18 self-guided trails which I cannot overstress that the If you would like to go on my which came into operation all types, to attract more visitors with vary from three to eight miles. corridor is an integral element of emailing list for discussions on on 1 April, aims to manage, new interests, and thereby support The idea is that walkers take a bus T the Partnership’s raison d’etre. The how we Ramblers can contribute develop and promote the Ridgeway landowners and service providers in outbound from the station before corridor includes the public rights to improvement of the walking National Trail and its wider the Ridgeway corridor. following a featured route back to the of way that lead to the Ridgeway, experience in the corridor, please let corridor. After its third Board The nascent refreshment and paths between them. From a me know. town. For the launch, walkers took meeting, in mid-September, it is programme is modelled around five walker’s perspective, inclusion of these Dave Cavanagh a 107 bus to Edgwarebury before clear that the Partnership is finding themes, each addressing different link routes in the Partnership’s brief Ramblers representative on the strolling back past a farm once raided its feet. Two working groups aspects of the way in which people use increases the likelihood of improving Ridgeway Partnership Board by Dick Turpin, a hotel frequented (Trail Development Group and the Ridgeway and its corridor: them. Volunteers will play a major [email protected] by film stars, ’s only Promotion & Development Group) • Living Ridgeway: communities, role in this, as they already do on giraffe, and the home of the surgeon are getting to grips with turning leisure, walking, food and drink, the Ridgeway itself. Before that we See also: http://www.nationaltrail. broad ambitions into cogent plans. tourism, social events who made Napoleon’s death mask. need to know the state of all the link co.uk/ridgeway/news/new- I would expect implementation to • Sporting Ridgeway: recreation, Printed copies of the individual routes. Results from the Ramblers partnership-set-run-ridgeway- be well underway in 2016. This sporting events, outdoor activities trail guides can be obtained free Big Pathwatch should be helpful in national-trail. on request from the Town Council will be helped immensely by Sarah • Natural Ridgeway: environment, Wright, our dedicated Ridgeway bio-diversity, the farmed landscape at Fairway Hall, Brook Close, Officer, who hit the ground running • Ancient Ridgeway: heritage, Borehamwood, Herts WD6 at her start in July. archaeology, history, ancient 5BT (020 8207 1382) or can be The overarching object of the monuments downloaded from: Partnership is to deliver a sustainable • Creative Ridgeway: painting, http://www.elstreeborehamwood refreshment of the image, the photography, literature, music, -tc.gov.uk/index.php/yourtown/ attractions and the facilities offered by sculpture teddy-s-trails. the Ridgeway National Trail. This will The corridor can be loosely defined Along the Ridgeway. Photo: Dave Cavanagh 4 South East Walker Annual Report BUCKS and AGM he Area Annual General wishing to eat sandwiches after the Meeting will be held at walk. Light refreshments will be T1.45pm on Saturday 6 served after the meeting, prior to a briefs February in the Ruislip Guide talk by a member of the Ramblers’ Hut, Bury Street, Ruislip, Board of Trustees. Middlesex HA4 7SU (Explorer There will be an opportunity News from Bucks, Milton Keynes and West Middlesex 172, grid reference TQ 089878). for questions and discussion. This The Hut is near the southern is your chance to make your views (High Street) end of Bury Street with known on how Ramblers operates, an entrance between house number whether locally or nationally. 38 and the courtyard of the Great Please come along and exercise your West London’s Barn. There is a pay-and-display democratic rights. car park in St Martin’s Approach Copies of the Annual Report (TQ 091877), and parking should will be available at the meeting also be available in local roads. The or, from early January, on request 60th anniversary Hut is about a 10 minute walk from from the Acting Area Secretary, Ruislip station via Ruislip High John Esslemont, either as a pdf file Street, or 15 minutes from West (requests, with ‘Annual Report’ Ruislip station via Ickenham Road, as the subject, to johnandjean@ AGM and social Church Avenue, Manor Road and thamesinternet.com) or in print Ruislip High Street. Buses H13, (requests, accompanied by a embers of West London parking at the church. Please presentation of photographs and 331 and U10 pass the Hut. If stamped addressed envelope of Group are invited bring some finger food to share other memorabilia charting the you require further information suitable size for an A5 booklet, to to the group’s 60th so that we have plenty of festive history of the group. M about the meeting please contact 4 Park Farm Way, Lane End, High annual meeting and Christmas fare to enjoy. Tell others you are Please do come along and enjoy the Acting Area Secretary, John Wycombe, Buckinghamshire HP14 social evening on Wednesday coming to save on your Christmas the evening. If you would like to Esslemont (01494 881597 or email 3EG). An abbreviated version 16 December from 7pm at St card postage as we exchange cards get involved with the group and [email protected]). of the report, excluding contact Andrew’s Church Centre, Mount during the evening. want to know more then please In the morning, before the details will be published on the Park Road, Ealing W5. You will hear reports covering contact us at westlondongroup@ meeting, Robert Jones-Owen, Area website, http://www.bucks- The venue is near public the past year - holidays, walks yahoo.co.uk. Secretary of Hillingdon & wmiddx-ramblers.org.uk. transport (Ealing Broadway and footpath work. As it’s Martin Harris District Group (07854 207607 or Notice of any formal motions to station and buses) and there is our anniversary we will have a Secretary, West London Group [email protected]), be proposed at the AGM should will lead a circular walk of about reach the Acting Area Secretary 6.5 miles starting from the Guide no later than one week before the Hut, towards Ickenham along meeting, ie by Saturday 30 January. MK Ramblers the Celandine Route, returning We still have a number of vacancies through some of the woods north for Area Officers, including the ver the past few months those who fell in found out. Other walk weekends. This time we of Ruislip. Expect mud, but no Area Secretary; any offers of help, the group has enjoyed a than that it was a great weekend. were based in Boston and walked significant hills. The meeting room or enquiries about what is involved, Ovariety of activities. In September we completed the to Wigtoft on the first day and on will be open from 1pm for those are welcome. In July we had an evening visit to Jurassic Way, a walk the group to Billingborough the next day our local state-of-the-art recycling originally did in 1996. At that when we reached the highest point facility to see what happens to all time we thought it an excellent of the weekend, a dizzy height of our pink sacks and blue boxes. Our walk and it still is, although it nine metres. It was great to see annual coach trip was to Rutland could do with some work on it. a field full of pumpkins growing Wycombe’s Water with a choice of three walks, The only route descriptions are fat for Halloween, an unusual one of which included a visit to pdf copies of the 1994 leaflets sight to many. It was also good Barnsdale Gardens, created by the which are downloadable from to see fields full of broccoli, all late Geoff Hamilton of Gardeners’ Northamptonshire County sorts of cabbages, brussel sprouts, World fame. We had courses Council’s website but are not very cauliflowers, potatoes and the 30th year on map awareness and compass good. exotic looking Romanesco his year saw the 30th However, it wasn’t just 30 navigation under the instruction On the first weekend in broccoli. Well it was to us because anniversary of Wycombe years of the Wycombe Group of Nick Markham of Ivel Valley October we started yet another we normally only see yellow & District Group. we wanted to remember, it was Walkers. Nick also invited us to coast to coast walk, this time the oilseed rape, wheat, corn, barley T For previous anniversaries also the continuing support join his group’s Exploration of the Macmillan Cross Britain Way, 280 and maize, with the occasional we arranged a walk of the given to the group by one of Brickhills, the nearest thing that miles from Boston in blue flax in our area. corresponding length by way our founding members, John Milton Keynes has to a mountain to Barmouth on the Welsh coast. Ian Andrews of celebration, but decided this Esslemont. We have therefore range. We are doing it in a series of linear MK Ramblers time that 30 miles might be a commissioned a further gate On the August bank holiday step too far! from the Chiltern Society which weekend we continued our We have continued to receive administers the Donate-a- journey on the Great English money from the Walking Gate scheme, to commemorate Walk. We based ourselves at Partnership whereby the group both our 30th anniversary and the George Hotel at Chollerford receives payments when members John’s contribution over that in Northumberland and walked book a holiday with Ramblers time. Incidentally, John can the 44 miles from Vindolanda to Worldwide Holidays. This income now also lay claim to another Rothbury. The distance would has to be spent on promoting achievement in that on the 25 have been shorter had it not been walking in the widest sense of the May he completed his tenth 100- for the ‘harvesting’ taking place in word and we have chosen to buy mile walk with the Long Distance the forests which made footpaths gates as replacements for stiles Walkers Association! impassable because of felled trees. in order to provide easier access Tony Wells With no diversions available it was along the footpaths. Wycombe Ramblers like trying to find ways through a boggy maze and not pleasant as On the road near Birtley, Northumberland. 9th Birthday Bash t is hard to believe that our regular place to celebrate our the dance floor too. The evening group has been going for advancing years. I organised the ended as is our tradition with the Inine years but we recently event and made it more festive with Proclaimers ‘I Would Walk 500 marked this anniversary with balloons and a cake. As ever it was Miles’ and Sinatra’s ‘New York a Chinese meal and dancing at great value and the food was good. New York’. New Poons in Chalfont St Giles. DJ Nigel made sure all those who Trevor Gent An earlier gate funded by Wycombe Ramblers to replace a stile. Photo: Tony Wells This venue has become our wanted to had an enjoyable time on Chiltern Weekend Walkers South East Walker 5 Way through cider orchards. All the meals were noteworthy for Cider all the right reasons: in Ewyas Harold Aylesbury Group’s HS2 walk we had the best pub meal in ages, with Rosie the wholesome lunch stops and the ylesbury Group took a We then crossed the road, Lake and pass behind the cricket ine members of Chiltern lovely Mary from the dairy farm who walk on 30 July which deemed to be a major HS2 ground. This elevated section will Weekend Walkers delivered to the campsite the best A followed a section of construction route for the depot, be very prominent and the anxiety Ntravelled to the Golden Saturday night curry (plus five-star the HS2 route in the Calvert and through the sailing club felt in the village was evident from Valley in in early homemade apple pie and pavlova). and Twyford areas. The walk berthing and camping areas to the numerous posters. August for a camping weekend of The highlights? A great started from Greatmoor Sailing the private footpaths which took From there we headed towards walks combined with the Down on bunch of people, the food, the Club heading toward Calvert - us around Grebe Lake. This lake Poundon and then to the edge of the Farm music festival, all washed adventurous walks taking in the HS2 will pass directly through was also formed from a clay pit Charndon, another village at the down with local cider. quiet and beautiful countryside, the this village - and to the southern and is now a wildlife area. The south west corner of Grebe Lake. The first day we walked north up glorious weather, some of the cider. the valley and looped round up the entrance of the Jubilee Lake flowery scrubland area around The private footpaths within the Downsides? The Herefordshire valley side which provided striking Way being very overgrown in parts, nature reserve, managed by the the two lakes contain a range of sailing club run around the lake views of Hay and the mountains, Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife wild flowers, including delicate and took us back to the clubhouse. the wasps. The music? Ah, just a pushing through chest-high broad matter of personal taste; some of the Trust. orchids which attract numerous This was a very tranquil walk in beans along the way. The second cider. And the future? Well Rosie This tranquil reserve, once a butterflies. a rural area which does not attract day we took a decision to extend our has an idea of superior (gilded even) clay pit for the London Brick Leaving Grebe Lake we headed the HS2 attention of larger urban planned walk south to the pretty camping facilities on the Company, is now a delightful across country towards Twyford, communities. A grateful thanks village of Abbey Dore, the gardens coast... place to watch watering wildfowl. a small village but with a range of to Greatmoor Sailing Club and and the tea/lunch stop of note, by Jon Hilton Dense reed beds have been facilities including a cricket club’s Twyford Cricket Club for the use including part of the Herefordshire Chiltern Weekend Walkers planted at the shallower end of the pavilion where we stopped for a of their facilities. lake, and a small pond has been mid-walk break. The HS2 line Peter Spinks created to attract frogs and other will sweep around as it exits Jubilee Aylesbury Ramblers amphibians. The route took Hillingdon complete us along the eastern edge of the lake which will form a parallel boundary with the HS2 line and the Thames Path one wonders what effect this will ompletion of the 184- two points which would have added have on wildlife. The line is then mile Thames Path became another 45 -60 minutes to each to turn west towards Charndon, Creality for our group journey. Local cab companies were on an elevated section over in September but it wasn’t the very accommodating. the wetlands, passing adjacent distance that finished them off, it Our sense of achievement has to the proposed intermediate A mid-walk break at the cricket pavilion set a new standard for a banana stop. was the champagne which one of spawned a number of other proposals. maintenance depot. Photo: Maurice Crump the group had dutifully carried in One member will be leading us his rucksack over the last 12 miles along the 82-mile Essex Way next to celebrate the finale in style. year while another will be taking us The weather was on our side with parallel to the Thames Path, north Three days in the Dales glorious sunshine set in a cloudless of the river between Woolwich and blue sky, breathtaking autumnal Brentford, walking along the canals wenty nine Amersham the first hour and a half of walking! usual high standard from HF and colours and dry ground underfoot for an alternative view of waterways Ramblers enjoyed three On our last day the three walks the food was good and plentiful. throughout our walk from Cricklade and meanwhile London walks are Tdays of fine weather were around Malham Tarn, Cove Thanks must go to Jean Bamford through the picturesque villages being planned for the winter months walking in the Yorkshire Dales and Moor with the Hard walkers for arranging yet another holiday of Ashton Keynes and Ewen. The to keep us focussed. There is also recently, based at the HF doing some rock scrambling at for us (her last as she has now Source was dry around the stones used talk of walking a long distance path Country House of Newfield Hall Gordale Scar. The best evening passed the mantle to me!). We look to mark the rise but it was sufficient in Norfolk so watch this space,,, at Malhamdale. entertainment on our last evening. forward to next autumn and walks for us to reach the commemorative If anyone would like any On the first day the Medium Not for everyone I suspect but some in from the HF Country plaque and commence celebrations information or helpful numbers walk began by ascending Eshton energetic dancing to round off our House at St Ives. which ended with an evening dinner for the Thames Path we would be Moor, a long but not arduous break went down very well. Bill Collins at the Wild Duck in Ewen. delighted to help out. climb before descending for lunch Our walk leaders were up to the Amersham Ramblers Many groups are put off long Elise Harvey beside the Leeds & Liverpool Canal distance projects due to the amount Hillingdon Ramblers of organisation involved but we used followed by a gentle walk back. As public transport as far as Oxford and there were about 40 walkers staying then our own vehicles and minibuses at Newfield Hall, HF provided an beyond that point. We car-shared additional Hard/Medium walk to minimise cost and then parked which on the next day nearly our cars at the end of the walk and proved to be my nemesis! We arranged minibuses back to the start. were told that this would involve Minibus fares worked out at between around 1,800 feet of ascent in the £5 and £8 per person per trip which Upper Wharfedale area but I wasn’t One day the Easy walkers came across these tightrope walkers practising across was very reasonable and saved us the It was the champagne wot did it! expecting half of this ascent to be in peaks near Malham for their circus high-wire act. Photo: Bill Collins hassle of shuffling cars between the Photo: Elise Harvey

provided with timber by TfB. a steady demand for work, North Bucks rRIPPLE takes stock Dog latches continue particularly the installation to be welcomed by the of gates. Independently, RIPPLE (ramblers asked to check them out and steps. At all 10 stiles a new more enlightened farmers. we have already met with Repairing and Improving to attend to them. What we North Bucks rRIPPLE dog latch Their installation ensures Wing Parish Council and put Public Paths for Leisure actually found on a 2.5 km long was installed, one with a steel walkers can pass along the together a RIPPLE proposal to andr Exercise) had a busy first section of the path running frame that we developed to right of way quickly without help them with a number of six months but has slowed westwards from Thame (Old) allow the tension in the sheep the need to hunt along the long term problem stiles. We down. Road, were three farmers proof fencing to be retained. hedgerow or sheep netting for look forward to the outcome Two of our team attended farming six fields, only one We reported additional a sizeable gap through which of their next meeting. a long-overdue progress and arable, with a total of 11 stiles. problems on LCR4 in June their dog can pass. The steel Doing our bit is enjoyable way-forward meeting on 22 Some had collapsed completely via the Transport for Bucks component parts of the steel and rewarding. Want to help - September in County Hall, and most were awkward to website system, but with rights framed dog latch cost around maybe set up your own group? Aylesbury. Ringway Jacobs (RJ), nigh impossible to traverse. of way officers short on the £10. Our installation of a new Contact me at williamjsbpiers@ Transport for Bucks (TfB) rights Following our discussions with ground and busy elsewhere, dog latch is deemed by RJ TfB gmail.com. of way officers Joanne Taylor the farmers over the summer liaison was minimal and we to be an improvement rather Bill Piers and new-in-position Alastair months, three of us set about didn’t receive any guidance than a repair. They wouldn’t North Bucks rRIPPLE coordinator McVail, who from July took repairing and improving from them and so we carried add anything that isn’t already over responsibility for North them, eliminating one stile on. It has now been agreed there. Our philosophy is Bucks, hosted the meeting. altogether at one of four that in future, all work will be that one impassable obstacle Although it was agreed we double stiles. Disappointingly, pre-ordained by Alastair. Also, quickly ruins an enjoyable have done some sterling work, the farmer with the large wherever possible, stiles in walk. With dog walkers very they were concerned that British Simmental cattle, was need of repair shall be replaced much at the fore in using and liaison between us and them particular that stiles were not with gates, either provided keeping open the network we needs to be closer with clearer replaced with gates. At four by TfB or through some form believe their needs should be work demarcations. We fully stiles where a combination of donate-a-gate scheme. If catered for. agreed. of high fences and/or low the landowner prefers to With clear liaison with One project was highlighted ground level caused by cattle have the stiles repaired then Alastair, our own North Bucks in particular. Long Crendon puddling, resulted in the the landowner will need to rights of way officer, we are footpath 4 was reported to us two-step British Standard supply the necessary timber. looking forward to providing at the end of April as having versions being really difficult From now on, only in extreme him with a valuable resource A three step stile with all-timber dog two problems and we were to negotiate, we added third circumstances will we be and to receiving from him latch. 6 South East Walker Surrey Heath SURREY celebrate 20 years urrey Heath Ramblers was friends, chat to new ones, to nibble created in 1995 and so we and imbibe and to consume some Sdecided that this year we of the fantastic birthday cake snippets should celebrate 20 years of made for us by Laura Batchelor. successful walking. Keith Bagot On 9 August, current and past Chairman, Surrey Heath Belmont station at 11.10 (subject to members gathered to greet old Ramblers the arrival of the train from Victoria 10.23, Clapham Junction 10.30, West 10.54 and Sutton Area AGM 11.07). This will be a four mile ll members of Surrey appreciate it to reduce our car linear walk finishing at the church. Area (whether they are ‘footprint’ in the area. The Agenda and Annual Report A members of the Area’s The host group this year is and any other papers relating to the 17 local groups or chose not Sutton & Wandle Valley Group, AGM will be found on the Surrey to be allocated to a group), are who will be leading two walks Area website www.surreyramblers. cordially invited to the Area’s in the morning and laying on a org.uk (link from home page) after Annual General Meeting to be buffet lunch (available from about mid-December 2015. held on Saturday 6 February 13.00) for those attending the Currently we expect to have some 2016 at St Andrew’s Church, AGM. The AGM will be followed Area Officer vacancies to fill and Northey Avenue, Cheam SM2 by an illustrated talk by our guest these are listed below. 7HF, commencing at 14.00. speaker, Shaun Claridge, from our If you have any questions If you are coming by public SABRE group, who will be talking regarding the AGM feel free to transport you might like to join about some of the adventurous contact the Acting Area Secretary one of the walks listed below. If and challenging walks he has at [email protected] The cake was cut by Keith Bagot (left) and the group’s only past Chairman, John Ray. Photo: Brian McGibbon coming by car there is plenty of undertaken. or by phone after 15 December on on-street parking surrounding the Walk 1 will start from the church 01424 845052. church. However if group members (address above) at 10.30 and will be Graham Butler can car-share to the venue we would six miles. Walk 2 will start from Acting Area Secretary Walking

recorded and the administration need to produce publicity material; with Officer of the Area runs smoothly and to to assist our local groups with ideas to receive and pass on information help their own publicity campaigns; sight loss vacancies from Central Office or from other and occasionally prepare or assist in t the AGM on 6 February, organisations, and the other role is preparing press releases or articles for elen and I are identical Surrey Area needs to elect purely to take and prepare minutes publications. The role can be split twins and we are visually impaired registered Amanda (left) with sister Helen. members to two Area of Area meetings (four a year plus with one concentrating on material H Photo: Tony Pearson A the AGM). The role of the Area blind. We have two eye conditions production and local group support Officer posts. Below are brief and I know they have prevented us Secretary can be considerably more which equates to about one per details of the posts but more details and the other on external releases and cent sight. However, this doesn’t from a fall or two. involved in decision making and can be found on the Area website articles. The Area would welcome stop us taking an active part in We love walking so much and www.surreyramblers.org.uk. implementation of Area projects if offers from any members who have our walking group, East Surrey are determined even though we the incumbent wishes but Surrey had current or previous experience Walkers, which we joined nearly can’t see where we are putting our Area is primarily looking for in working in media companies or three years ago. We walk most feet. It takes guts to put one foot Area Secretary members who enjoy handling the weekends and there is nothing in front of the other but with help This role is important to record who have worked or are working admin side of running a Ramblers better than walking around 10 you can achieve anything. Walking details of meetings and actions in publicity/communications Area. To discuss options please miles taking in the sounds, smells in Surrey, Kent and Sussex on the taken and to ensure that agendas, departments and are happy writing contact secretary@surreyramblers. and feeling the wind in our hair. whole is fantastic as mostly the minutes and other papers are press releases, articles and possibly terrain is fairly easy underfoot. org.uk or telephone Graham Butler When we started with the group sent out (electronically) to Area giving interviews. If any members we would link up with a walker Membership of East Surrey on 01424 845052. Officers, Area Council members are interested in discussing the but slowly our confidence has Walkers has changed our lives. and other officers within our local role(s) would they initially contact built up and we now walk behind Without their wonderful support group network. The role can be Publicity Officer [email protected] a person and they verbally talk us we would be staying indoors and split where one role is to act as Area The Area is looking for a member or phone Bob on 020 8224 3128. through what we need to know. not experiencing the inviting countryside. I would like to take Secretary, concerned with ensuring or two members to fill this role(s). Graham Butler For example, they inform us if it is uneven underfoot or with low this opportunity to say a huge thank that meetings are organised and Surrey Area does from time to time Acting Area Secretary hanging branches and when there you to all the walkers who help us are steps. Helen and I don’t see on a regular basis. Furthermore, we three dimensionally, so all the have made some lovely friends and ground looks totally flat to us. A now we have some new hobbies, Godalming & Haslemere group perfect day would be a bit cloudy, joined a book club and I take part in we both love the sun but it really yoga and run with Oxted Runners. host Oxfordshire visitors does affect our eyes as it can be so We really do feel part of the Oxted bright. We have all the gear, our community now. n April, we entertained a Surrey countryside. Evening visit to Oxfordshire has been best buy though was walking poles Amanda Whiteley party from Chinnor U3A in entertainment included a quiz as arranged for 2016 and is already as they really support our balance East Surrey Walkers IOxfordshire. well as a skittles match. It proved fully subscribed. The 17 visitors stayed in to be a very enjoyable and social Philip Watson Godalming for a three day mid- occasion helped by lovely sunny Godalming & Haslemere week break spent walking in the weather, so much so that a return Ramblers

On 22 August, one of the hottest days of 2015, Veronica (of Hammersmith Fulham & Wandsworth Group led an excellent Kingston Group ramble between stations on The group at the Devil’s Punchbowl at Hindhead. Photo: Don Clark the Sussex coast. Here is the group at Seaford Head with the leader in the centre. Photo: Brenda Horwill South East Walker 7 Timely Overnight walk motley collection of and it became clear this was the visit 11 ramblers, five from late evening wedding venue. The ichmond Ramblers AWoking Group, one from narrow footpath from the church enjoyed a timely visit to Kingston, two from London led us eastwards cross-country in R historic St Mary’s church Strollers, one from Kensington the dark to reach a track which in East Farleigh, Kent, on Saturday & Chelsea, and two from North climbed diagonally up the scarp 10 October, on a walk from East East Hants groups joined us for slope of the downs to reach the Farleigh to Yalding. Our visit The group at St Mary’s in East Farleigh. an overnight walk, mainly on . From here coincided with the centenary of the South Downs Way, from navigation was easy, even in the the death by firing squad of the of whom are buried in a communal We were shown around St Mary’s Petersfield to Amberley. The dark, as we simply followed the nurse, Edith Cavell, on 12 October grave, marked with a wooden by warden George Moore, who walk was billed to be at an route for 20 miles all the way to 1915, for assisting allied soldiers memorial, in the churchyard. The pointed out many items of interest, easy pace, with frequent stops, Amberley. We tried to make to escape from occupied Belgium. centenary explains the engraved and several of the group departed to attract those who had never minimum use of our torches, Edith Cavell had connections commemorative plaque to Edith clutching home-made cakes having attempted something like this so as to let our eyes adjust to the with the church, as she helped to Cavell, which we saw in the local nipped in to the coffee morning in before. Three of the 11 fitted dark, though it was occasionally nurse casual hop-pickers during stonemason’s window. Two sons of the adjacent village hall. this description. necessary to use them when an outbreak of cholera in 1849, for William Wilberforce, both of whom Mavis White The date (4/5 July) had been passing through wooded areas. which she received an award. were vicars of St Mary’s, are also Publicity Officer, Richmond 45 ‘hoppers’ died of the disease, 43 buried in the churchyard. Ramblers chosen to be on the weekend with a At one point we heard a creature full moon closest to midsummer’s crashing through the undergrowth day and the shortest night. Sunset right beside the path. We could was officially at 21.20 with sunrise not see it, but our guess was that Healthy fun for all the family at 04.50. But it was not fully it was a badger. We heard owls nce again, Farnham the younger walkers’ energies! of advertising flyers around the town, dark until an hour after sunset, making owl noises, sometimes far & District Ramblers Much of the walk on Thursley the walks were well attended by and similarly the sky began to away. By 4am the sky was starting Oprovided three mid- Common focused on the numerous children, parents and grandparents lighten about an hour before the to brighten in the east, and with it week Family Walks during the varieties of butterflies and lizards, as and we see this as an important way to sun appeared above the horizon. the dawn chorus began. Around August school holidays. Superbly well as the chance sighting of what get the message that rambling is a fun This was despite it being partially then we met our first other organised by Anne Pullinger, this subsequent research showed to be way to stay healthy across to today’s cloudy and the moon not as bright walkers, all carrying heavy packs, year’s walks took in Fleet Pond, a female grayling. Keen eyes also and tomorrow’s generation. It is as had been hoped. We only had coming in the opposite direction Frensham Great Pond and the spotted dragonflies and other insect planned to run a similar programme three brief showers, all well into and attempting to do 100km (62.5 moat at Elstead and each offered pond life including water boatmen next year, so if you would be prepared the Sunday morning. miles) in 24 hours. Good luck to fascinating insights into the flora and pond skaters, along with typical to lead a walk in summer 2016 please We set off from Petersfield at them, we thought! and fauna, designed to appeal to fauna such as round-leaved sundew contact Anne on 07812 404974. 9pm, following the Hangars Way As time went on the morning walkers of all ages. and cotton grass. Graham Noakes for about three miles to the village got warmer and warmer, we The first walk enabled us to observe Encouraged by advance distribution Farnham & District Ramblers of Buriton, noting a beautiful got more and more tired and the islands on Fleet Pond built for sunset along the way. The thus slower and slower and well birds to nest safely and there was an intention was to have a drinks stop behind our intended schedule, but eagerly-taken opportunity to feed at the pub there, and we arrived at everyone was determined to enjoy some of the ‘residents’. The next walk the location shown on the map to the fun, camaraderie. and sense of was led by Nick Baxter, who gave find a building that (clearly had occasion to struggle on to reach an appealing talk on the heathland, been a pub and) now appeared to the Riverside Café at Amberley for different types of heather and lizards be an upmarket hotel. A young a very well-earned breakfast sitting to be found in and around Frensham lady came out to enquire if we on the outside patio overlooking Great and Little Ponds. Tree were the wedding party - a strange the River Arun. Then there was climbing was also a popular outlet for All work and no play. query, we thought, as we were just a few steps to the station to in walking gear and it was past catch the train home. Following my request for new again. She has previously worked 10pm. It semed there was a local One of our number had a Footpaths volunteers for these schemes, for West Sussex as an Access wedding nearby, the reception was GPS which recorded the total 24 Surrey members expressed Ranger so has lots of experience. to be at the hotel, and the guests distance as 25.6 miles (which interest in the BVPI training, were due even at that late hour. was a fair bit more than my own and access with a further eight interested Forestry Commission project Local footpath secretaries in becoming Volunteer Path Central Office is cooperating But the Five Bells pub was less estimate). All three newcomers I am pleased to report that Robert Wardens under the Surrey with the Forestry Commission in than 100 yards down the lane. to long distance night walks were Alcock has managed to find County Council scheme. 11 were a survey of public rights of way in At 11pm we left the pub and the awarded certificates to mark their assistance for Mole Valley. Pat able to attend the BVPI training at forestry land and Mole Valley is Hangars Way and soon passed achievements. Womersley will take responsibility Wotton on 15 September and all one of the chosen areas. It is being Buriton church, where everything Brian Reader for the parishes in the south east are now qualified BVPI checkers. undertaken to enable the Forestry was lit up, there was lots of activity Woking Group of the area (Dorking, Betchworth, Training for Voluntary Path Commission to get a better Brockham, Buckland, Wardens is still to be arranged. understanding of the enjoyment Charlwood, Holmwood, Leigh of rights of way within woodland and Newdigate) while Rob The Countryside Access and Ramblers have agreed to help will cover the north and west Management System by way of volunteers and others Saltburn break (Leatherhead, Abinger, Capel, This is now live in the Surrey undertaking a small number 4 members of Epsom & part of the Cleveland Way, a visit Headley, Mickleham, Ockley County Council office and I’ve of surveys of woodland across Ewell Group enjoyed a to Whitby, a trip on the North and Wotton). David Cooper has sent a link to the new system to all England. It comes about by way week based in Saltburn by Yorkshire Moors Railway and some kindly agreed to take over as local Local Footpath Secretaries. Steve of the evidence provided for the 3 footpath secretary for the Royal Mitchell, the county council’s Head Independent Panel on Forestry the Sea, North Yorkshire from 14 great pubs. We can recommend Borough of Kingston upon of Countryside Access, attended some years ago which identified to 21 June. the Birch Hall Inn near Goathland, Thames. the Local Footpath Secretaries a gap in the commission’s The weather was perfect and which you have to walk to. meeting on 10 October and gave a knowledge base. This project the walking varied. We included Bob Hayward Big Pathwatch presentation on the new system. It was one of the commitments About 40% of squares have been is now being used by public, is very within the new woodlands policy completed in Surrey. I anticipate user-friendly according to several from Defra which was produced sending out a further update (for Local Footpath Secretaries and in response to the Independent example about the ‘core’ squares greatly reduces the amount of work Panel’s final report and ideally which must be completed to the county council’s countryside this will lead on to the Forestry ensure statistical validity). 57% officers have to do in order to Commission finding ways that have been checked so far. follow up a reported problem. the linear access we already enjoy All Surrey members are urged to can be built upon via targeted BVPI and volunteer and register and use the system for all improvements and working path warden schemes future public rights of way problem in partnership with private The Best Value Performance reporting. woodland owners to gain extra Indicator (BVPI) exercise in May Mary Ann Edwards has started access. showed a record 85% of paths as as the Reigate & Banstead/ Rodney Whittaker ‘easy to use’. A total of 215 hours Tandridge Rights Of Way Officer Area Footpaths was spent on this exercise. so the department is up to strength and Access Officer Some members climbed the Hanging Stone near Guisborough. Photo: Syd Jarvis 8 South East Walker where 33 of us stayed in comfort Home and away with at The Potters Heron hotel at Ampfield, between Winchester Rewarding week and Romsey. We enjoyed good Reigate Ramblers weather, good company and an hilarious entertainment evening on eigate Ramblers have had evening walks was very popular and for SABRE the Saturday. It was a busy weekend a good year. It seems a a one-off midweek afternoon walk with a ‘welcome’ walk taking in the long time since we were was so well attended that it will be R watercress beds in Arlesford and a sampling mulled wine and mince repeated next year. Our group of choice of two walks on Saturday pies on Reigate Hill before our volunteers, dealing with path access and Sunday. All the walks had walk on Christmas Eve 2014. and clearances, has continued been trialled and were led by group Since then we have had a busy working, albeit with less oversight members in the same way that the programme walking locally, but from Surrey County Council. There entertainment was home grown. also in London, on the coast at have also been social events including Each person will have their own Rottingdean and into Kent and a quiz night, skittles and the summer highlights which might include the Sussex. dinner, all well attended. All smiles despite the obstacles. Iron Age fort at Danebury Hill, the In summer, a series of short We have enjoyed a weekend away water meadows around Romsey and en members of SABRE enjoyable and rewarding. Earlier places of interest such as Mottiisfont (Surrey and Beyond in the same week several SABRE Abbey. Ramblers) joined seven members enjoyed lunch at the Overall, Reigate Ramblers does a T members of the London Sports Clink Restaurant inside HM good job and also has fun. We aim Club for the Blind on Saturday Prison High Down. Here to be friendly and outward looking 17 October for a seven mile selected inmates train to cook and always welcome newcomers walk in the Godalming area and and serve high quality meals, and members of other groups. We along the winding . several months before they are now look forward to another year, There were a few obstacles, released to enable them to gain confident in the encouragement and such as wobbly planks, sticky skills and reduce their chances of support we have from our members. mud and tricky stiles, but re-offending. A summer Reigate Ramblers walk to Polesden Lacey attracted over 40 walkers - not John Dougill everyone found the day both Nigel Woodhead all shown in the photo! Photo: John Dougill. Reigate Ramblers Lavender walk KENT fter a glorious walk in how it developed into the largest the Darent valley on 22 lavender production business A July, 28 North West Kent in the country. We discovered the Group members were treated to difference between lavender and a tour of the lavender fields at lavendine and honed our sense of calling Castle Farm, Eynsford. smell in the process. A visit to the The group had started the day by distillery followed and we saw the walking from the visitor centre at process of distilling the oil at first Lullingstone to Shoreham, taking hand as well as many products, the high route via the golf course both medicinal and culinary, My walking year: a personal view and returning along the river. We produced at Castle Farm. stopped to admire views of the Finally, there was the chance for n the spring Maureen and I - I may turn them into a book one Board, even if the implementation completed the High day. For more about the trail please has disappointed. Despite some valley and the lavender fields in full some retail therapy in the shop and Landscape Trail. visit kentramblers.org.uk/kentwalks/ shortcomings I think it vital that we bloom whilst enjoying home-made the reward of a refreshing drink I lavender biscuits lovingly made of local apple juice and a lavender Being naturally contrarian, we HW LT. make the project a success so I’ve been walked it from east to west (Rye to The second theme to our year’s trotting around bagging squares here, by the leader (in truth, offered as biscuit. The event was enjoyed by Horsham) while most people walk it walking is the Kent Coastal Path. The there and everywhere. It’s surprisingly a bribe to entice people to sign up everyone and we each came away the other way. Actually, we got the first half from Camber to Ramsgate is difficult in a county with a footpath for the tour!) having learned surprising facts impression that most people don’t due to open in 2016 and I am working density as high as Kent’s to complete Vanessa led us into the fields about lavender. walk it at all because we passed very on a guide to the route for publication a square in one or even two walks so where we were given an insight Carole Flowerday few other walkers and no more than to coincide with the opening. So trips I’ve had to visit some of them three into the history of the farm and North West Kent Group half a dozen who could conceivably down the M20, sometimes running or even four times to get myself well have been anything but local dog the gauntlet of Operation Stack, were into the top 100 on the leader board walkers. Some days, including a regular feature of the summer. The and stay there. The biggest revelation gloriously sunny Sundays, we met no book will be lavishly illustrated with from my participation has been to one. This is a huge shame because it photographs and maps and will be a discover how many discrepancies is a very fine walk, arguably the best Ramblers publication with all profits there are between the Explorer maps long distance walk to pass wholly or supporting our charitable work, so and the definitive map, leading to partly through Kent. we hope that many of you will buy a some extended dialogues with both We took a long time over the walk copy - please see our website for more the Ordnance Survey and the local - nearly three years. What’s more, details. Perhaps the most striking authorities concerned. with three exceptions, we did it as a feature of the route is its variety I’m now looking forward to 2016 series of circular walks - 21 circular including the sands of Camber, the and wondering which of Kent’s many sections with three linear sections other-worldliness of Dungeness, the splendid long distance routes to using public transport to return. So White Cliffs between Folkestone and tackle next - I hope to see you on one in order to cover the route’s 90 miles, Deal, the dunes of Sandwich Bay and of them. At Castle Farm. Photo: Maureen Carroll we had to walk nearly 250 miles. I the faded gentility of Ramsgate. Robert Peel have written up many of the circular The third theme has been the Secretary, Kent Area (and walks and put some of them on the Big Pathwatch. I’ve been a big former national honorary routes page of the Kent Area website supporter of the concept while on the Treasurer) East Kent ploughing day s in the past four years in our activities and, hopefully, Minnis was attended by two more national organisation.’ Kent Ramblers had a stall to attract new members. It was a Celebrating 80 octogenarians, Gordon Sencicle And just to add to the theme, at the East Kent Ploughing great day out, extremely popular hite Cliffs Ramblers and Gerry Staples. we discovered that the local shop, A celebrated the 80th Group Chairman, Margaret Stelling Minnis Stores, was also 80 Match at Adisham on Wednesday with country lovers and with some anniversary of the Lubbock, said: ‘We are fortunate in years old, providing an ideal spot 30 September, thanks to the very fine displays of ploughing W generosity of the NFU. furrows by many different styles founding of the Ramblers being able to draw on the experience for the group’s photo call! with a walk on 27 September and support of a number of members Graham Smith Robert Peel, Area Secretary, ran and vintages of tractors, traction attended by the group’s own who are of the same vintage as our White Cliffs Ramblers the stall with volunteers from engines and horses. octogenarians. White Cliffs Ramblers to advertise Graham Smith The group’s oldest active leader, the Ramblers and generate interest White Cliffs Ramblers Brian Godden, who is 83, led 38 members on a six-mile walk from Road, Snodland, Kent ME6 Stelling Minnis. Five other group 5DP. members who are aged 80 or Kent Area It will start at 10.00, lunch more - Joy Davies, Dave Munday, will be provided and there will Daniel Pallant, Len Wilson and be a walk in the afternoon. Audrey West - also attended. A AGM celebratory meal afterwards at aturday 6 February 2016 Further details will be on the Six of White Cliffs Ramblers octogenarians: from left Joy Davies, Daniel Pallant, Area website(www.entramblers. the Rose & Crown in Stelling Brian Godden, Audrey West, Len Wilson and Dave Munday. Photo: Tony Bristow at Snodland Community SCentre, Paddlesworth org.uk) in due course. South East Walker 9 West Essex Ramblers ESSEX in the Wye Valley est Essex Ramblers the hotel whilst on the last day travelled to the Wye we stopped off at Folders Green Valley in September. in the heart of the Forest of Dean extras WThe weather forecast was for a short ramble. grim for our five-day walking All the walks introduced us holiday, staying at Lindors to some of the many delights of Country House Hotel, in the the Wye Valley. The climb to village of St Briavels. Set in Symonds Yat was a highlight, Coast Path training day nine acres of superb wooded as was the walk back on the gardens, Lindors is usually a Wye Valley Way. Another hirty five Essex members The meeting, under the direction involved and organised this training haven of peace and quiet. Even ramble followed the Offa’s Dyke met in Maldon on Saturday of Justin Cooke, Senior Policy event. Both had believed that this the presence of 48 West Essex Path to Redbrook. One way T24 October to discuss the Officer for the Ramblers, went on day would never come. They were Ramblers did not quite spoil or another most of us reached Area’s involvement in progressing to discuss Natural England’s work thanked for their work. the tranquillity, although it Monmouth and Tintern, each the development of the England to improve coastal access and create Justine was also thanked for his was a close run thing at meal with interesting historic sites. Coast Path in the county. new rights of access to the coast, the presentation and the clarity it had times and at meetings with our The weather, which in spite of The meeting opened with an incorporation of the seaward side of brought to our understanding of three doughty leaders, Neil, the gloomy forecast, turned in uplifting introduction by Cllr the path as open access land, safety, the current state of play. We hope Rosemary and Phil, provided by our favour. We walked mainly Rodney Bass, Essex County Council sea views and closeness of the path to to welcome him back to the opening. Ramblers Worldwide Holidays. in dry conditions, even with Cabinet Member for Infrastructure, the sea and the balance that needed Further discussions and the buffet For three days, two walks were sunshine beaming down on who expressed the county council’s to be struck with landowners. The lunch tended to merge, being relaxed on offer each day one easier and us at times. All in all, another commitment and support for the fact that Natural England has powers and fulfilling in more ways than one. one harder. On arrival there was successful West Essex experience. Ramblers in this project. His to extend the path up estuaries Following lunch Jackie Harrop an afternoon walk direct from John and Pat Juchau promise to work closely with the but not the absolute powers of the of Maldon & Dengie Group led a Ramblers was very well received. coastal sections was covered. How walk through Maldon to the River this would affect the path through Blackwater with its ancient quays Essex led to the biggest debate of the and sailing barges, where it was day. The role of Natural England, possible to see some of the issues its decision-making process and discussed during the morning. It involvement with landowners were was a pleasant end to an absorbing clarified. The building of working day in which we learnt much about relationships with Natural England the benefits our involvement could was discussed and the role of the bring. local path contact person made clear. Essex Ramblers showed their Two members present had been enthusiasm for the England Coast champions of the idea of a coast path Path and we hope to welcome many for many years. Dave Hinchman has others to see its benefits in the future. An attentive audience at the training walked and mapped the route while Alan Goffee day. Photo: Ann McLaren Ann McLaren has remained fully Essex Area Chair The group outside the hotel. Photo: David Keane 80th anniversary Uttlesford’s first holiday abroad he group under Chairman or Cathedral Cave. Our walk on the Perhaps the one exception from celebrated Clive Gillingham, only wet day took us through inland the walking and learning about the ssex Area marked the possible and it is clear that groups Ttravelled to Menorca for gorges where local produce was island was the quiz organised and 80th anniversary of celebrated in true Ramblers its first overseas holiday from 25 grown on terraces created alongside run by our leaders. It was great fun, the formation of the fashion with good walking, September - 2 October. streams. It was an echo of the past, as very noisy and created much silliness E The group, in conjunction with was the smugglers’ path we followed. with Uttlesford competing against Ramblers by inviting each enjoyable socialising and of group to designate one of their course, a well-earned drink! Balearic Outdoor Holidays travelled Walking in farmland and hilly fields the Rest of the World (ie the other walks during the week of 21 - Alan Goffee around the unspoiled areas of eastern showed how the island was self- walkers on the holiday). 27 June as a ‘Celebration Walk’. Menorca, walking the coastal path, sufficient before tourism arrived. The walking was good and the Each group then agreed to passing through inland villages and Our day out on the coach took sights seen were at times spectacular write a brief report of their walk small towns full of white painted us to El Toro, the island’s only particularly after the night storm, and take photographs of the day. and red tiled buildings, and seeing mountain, with its lovely gothic with the sea crashing over the These reports have been brought birds such as booted eagle, Egyptian church and the wonderful views rocks. The accommodation was together in a booklet coordinated vulture, peregrine and golden oriole. around the whole island, included comfortable and with a special The views of isolated bays, with watching cheese being made, seeing character. We will look back on and paid for by the Area and lovely sandy beaches, small fishing the largest imaginable flock of ravens our first excursion abroad as a very copies will be sent to groups for th 80 Anniversary Walks villages and rocky outcrops, were all and a tapas meal at Fornells looking enjoyable success. their archives. It was a great way to involve as many members as The booklet cover. enjoyed as we walked sections of the out over the pure blue sea. Eileen Cooper Cami de Cavalls, one of the main walking routes on the island. This path of 186 km encircles the island and was originally a horse track used Lea Valley Friends to warn of invasion. o celebrate Queen on the flotilla of boats passing We walked from the port of Mahon Elizabeth II becoming beneath. Later the group moved on along the estuary passing the leper the longest-reigning to The Mall where they were met island and the many fortifications. T The port’s history and its involvement British monarch our group took a by a phethora of media folk and walk around Westminster on 9 two members were interviewed by a with the British was provided by our September led by Dennis Galvin. Canadian television crew. guides John and Carolyn. It was a We stopped on a bridge over the Pauline Macfarlane stimulating day and ended with a Thames and were able to cheer Lea Valley Friends Walking Group cold beer at Es Castell. On the Sunday we were fortunate to see the Es Migjorn Fiesta with On Cap de Cavalleria. Photo: Sylvia Hayes its prancing horses, immaculately dressed and controlled, riding round the town. A brass band took over the town square with the crowd Area AGM stamping, clapping and shouting to he Area Annual General hall. the beat. It was a fascinating spectacle Meeting will be held at Lunch will be provided and ending a day spent walking across 10am on Saturday 13 there will be an optional short nature reserves, up deep ravines and T February 2016, at Stock village walk in the afternoon. Cheering the flotilla. Photo: Pauline Macfarlane visiting the huge Cova des Coloms 10 South East Walker park with great views over the Exe where we decided to abandon the valley, then down to the quayside longer walk as nothing was visible and on to the magnificent cathedral. and we headed into Okehampton. The next day the coach took us to Next morning with drizzly rain Crediton for a walk led by Malcolm again we set off to Exton where break back to Exeter along the Creedy and Geoff led the long walk and Judy Exe valleys with the short walkers led the short walk from Exmoth ifty two members enjoyed dropping out at Newton St Cyres. In station. The aim was to all meet a five-night stay at Exeter the evening we were able to use the up at Budleigh Salterton for tea and FUniversity in August. common room for quizzes and games ice creams. On our final day most Linear walks were chosen to cover organised by Pauline. of us were dropped off at Bicton both coastal and inland routes and Next day Sue led the short walk Park for a walk led by Graham to different leaders volunteered for from Teignmouth station whilst Viv Sidmouth. each day. and Andrew took the long walkers I would like to thank the walk We arranged for an Exeter coach from Colley Lane Cross through leaders and other members for their company to take us from Chelmsford Teignmouth to Dawlish Warren contributions towards making the and back as well as ferrying us to our where the coach was waiting for us. holiday so enjoyable. The catering various walk locations each day. We We had walked in sunny conditions staff were very pleasant and helpful designed routes so that long and until now but on our fourth day there and the coach drivers were great short walks could run in parallel, to were warnings of mist, heavy rain and and made good use of their local cater for those who wanted an 11 - 13 even thunderstorms. Understandably knowledge. mile walk and others who wished to around 20 of our group decided to Graham Hopkins spend more time to look around at a revisit Exeter while the rest decided Chairman, Chelmer & Backwater leisurely pace. to carry on with the planned walk Group After our journey down Peter led from Sticklepath. Our leader Chris www.chelmerandblackwater- On the coast path into Sidmouth where thoughtfully laid out benches allow people a city tour which took us through a followed the Tarka Trail to Belstone ramblers.org.uk to enjoy the view.

e arrived in Amroth, member of our group joining any the southern start of walk, logistically it made sense to Wthe Pembrokeshire walk with a small group for the fill- Coast Path, on 12 July, a group in stretches - anyone could come OXFORDSHIRE of 18 of which a core five had but only the keenest really wanted managed to walk the whole to arrange these extra weekends. 180-mile path over three And so the pattern continued. years. A summer weekend in 2014 open By definition, the Oxfordshire to all the group based at the on-line Weekend Walkers can’t take much wonderful, but now sadly closed time off to walk during the week, Marloes Sands YHA, we walked so to embark on a long distance path of this length was ambitious, from Broadhaven to St Ishmaels, at least logistically. We knew that loving the fish restaurant on the Three years on the it was never going to happen in one way at Dale. Then in October go so here’s how we did it. the same group of dedicated Pembrokeshire Coast Path Loving this bit of heavenly walkers stayed near Neyland in coastline as much as many people farm accommodation in order to do, we organised a weekend away walk a most interesting stretch at the private hostel in Trefin in from St Ishmaels to Angle. This July 2013. If you remember, that was full of historic interest from was a sweltering one and it was pre-history through Napoleonic hot going with plenty of dips in defences to modern pipelines. the sea needed. We walked to This spring 2015 we took a house the perfectly placed hostel from in Pembroke and walked again for mill-pond calm Strumble Head; two days to reach Bosherton. All and the next day from the hostel that remained was the final two to the not-a-surfing-day beach at days stretch to Amroth, which Whitesands Bay. once again was opened up to a Smitten as the core group were large group staying at Manorbier with the whole path idea, they filled YHA. And it didn’t rain once. in the St Dogmaels to Strumble Head leg in not such idyllic What a sense of achievement weather later, based at Newport there was, so much so that we YHA. Then this particular are carrying on next month to St group later that autumn stayed Clears. at St Davids YHA and walked to Carolyn Blackmore Broadhaven over a couple of days. Oxfordshire Weekend The group was not shy of 14-mile Walkers At Amroth, triumphant! Photo: Carolyn Blackmore days. While we were open to any

Well’. We are very excited that he also Chair of Henley & Goring will support us as our President. Group. I have also been group He will tell us why rambling is so Publicity, Walks, Footpath and Area AGM important. Social Secretary. Dave Cavanagh he Oxfordshire Area AGM Trustees, will give us an update Des Garrahan will be giving his will be proposed as the next Area will be held on Saturday on current Ramblers projects and presentation from 14.00 and the Chair, although other nominations T23 January 2016 in answer any questions or concerns. formal meeting will begin at 15.00, are welcome in advance of the Begbroke village hall (grid ref SP We will also be delighted to during which there will be a photo meeting. 470140). As usual we will have a welcome Professor Sir Muir Gray, presentation of Area and group There are other Council roles morning walk starting at 10.30 a senior doctor and advocate for activities. Members of Bicester & we hope to see filled: Treasurer, and led this year by a member Health Walks and is standing for Kidlington Group will also provide Publicity/Press and Walking of Bicester & Kidlington Group election as our new Area President. tea and cakes after the meeting for Environment. who are our hosts. Lunch can be He will be able to promote health which we are very grateful. Please email me at susanmgr131@ a picnic in the hall or a snack in walks and the benefits of belonging I will not be standing for re- gmail.com for more information. the village pub, to the Ramblers. He has written election having been a member of We look forward to seeing as Highlights of the day will include several books about keeping fit and the Oxfordshire Area Council for many of you as possible. two special visitors. Des Garrahan, healthy in later years including ‘Sod 12 years, five as Secretary and three Susan Maguire Chair of the Ramblers Board of Seventy! - The Guide to Living as Chair. During this time I was Area Chair Professor Sir Muir Gray. South East Walker 11 Thame and Wheatley Waterfalls, snow visit the Isle of Wight and sunshine in Norway

Enjoying the view in the Rondane National Park. Photo: Wim Klaucke The happy group on the Isle of Wight. Photo: Ruth Cornish onderful waterfalls, We walked beside waterfalls, stunning scenery, bubbling turquoise rivers, through arner Leisure’s the natural wetland forms an Havenstreet where a special sparkling sunshine grassy heather, lichen terrain, past Bembridge important nature reserve. surprise awaited them. A W and vivid blue skies sum up mountain huts with grass covered Coast Hotel A downpour on our third vintage luxury carriage had W Henley & Goring Ramblers trip roofs; we clambered over stones proved a popular venue for 26 day caused the cancellation of been coupled for the exclusive to Norway from 9 - 16 August. and boulders; we waded through members of our group who the planned walk so members use of the group! The long The trip was organised superbly mud and bog; we climbed many a enjoyed a full programme of took advantage of the hotel’s walkers took a bus to Lake then by Alie Hagedoom and Wim hill, and walked across the snow. walks from 14 - 18 September, varied leisure facilities which an undulating path to Ventnor Klaucke who had lived in Norway We loved every minute of this devised and tested by trip included a spa, gym and indoor and the stunning cliff walk for many years and had the amazing mountainous countryside organisers Ruth Cornish, bowls. Some proved that their back to Sandown. advantage of speaking Norwegian. lit up most days by brilliant Peter Bozier and Bob Ward. feet aren’t just made for walking On the last day there was The holiday was based in the sunshine and clear blue skies. Ruth got the group off to by taking to the floor for cha- time for a stroll in the warm Rondane National Park, which Everyone agreed that the walks a good start with a ‘meet and cha lessons. Some brave souls sunshine along the prom has a unique mountain landscape were very well planned and greet’ walk along the coast path embarked on a soggy afternoon between Sandown and Shanklin with most of the peaks being over led. Wim and Alie had worked then inland for a surprise tour walk from Sandown to the hotel for a last taste of the island’s 5,000 feet. Long and short walks extremely hard to provide us with of Bembridge windmill, the via Bembridge Fort, the Pelham most popular resorts. At the were offered each day. Wim led an excellent, enjoyable, exciting last windmill remaining on the Monument and Culver Down. final evening meeting everyone the long walks, totalling 74 miles holiday and our sincere thanks go island, now fully restored by the An improvement in the expressed thanks to the overall while the shorter (though to both of them. For a fuller report National Trust. weather next day allowed organisers and walk leaders for not always easy) walks led by Alie on this trip go to www.ramblers- There were long and short a return to the walking a great trip. The hotel proved a were up to eight miles long. We oxon.org.uk/HGReports.htm. walk options on the following programme. A leisurely walk comfortable base to relax, enjoy often started out together or met Tilley Smith and Barbara day. Both started in the Brading started from Ryde, took in the the food and the island’s many for lunch and it was good to swap Wood marshes where a once thriving peaceful grounds of Quarr attractions. notes in the evening. Henley & Goring Ramblers port traded goods on the River Abbey and ended at the Isle Mike Smith Yar. With the river now silted of Wight Steam Railway at Thame & Wheatley Group Footpath matters Big Pathwatch for Rollright FP15 has been made, The Gods of Chance have thrown and the documentary evidence up some oddities by way of sample for the gap in the definitive map squares. Two adjacent squares is difficult to interpret. Claims (SP6116 and 6117) involve a have been received for the paths seven-mile round trip to do both in Bagg’s Bottom and along the in one walk, because this is the Evenlode, and for a village path tail-end of a cul-de-sac path (and in Chinnor. to get there you have to go round four pheasant barns and much Other matters else). They also included another I attended a workshop on dead-end (SP5010). Over the Restoring the Record in August. last few days I have blitzed an This went into great detail on area between Chipping Norton how to assemble the evidence for and Bledington, encountering a a claim and where it might be few jungles (and some wonderful found. Whether I will be able to views) along the way. make six claims by Christmas is another matter, as a lot of evidence Diversions, claims. etc is in London, and most of the Diversions of Ambrosden BR6, cases on my list are footpaths and Horton-cum-Studley FP9, bridleways to be claimed from Didcot FP2/9, Didcot FP21, enclosure awards without maps. Members of Blitz & Klean, the path maintenance team of Bicester & Kidlington Group have received their certificates to enable Uffington FP9 and Bicester FP6 David Godfrey them to begin work with their new brushcutter. Here members get ready to work with the Canal and River Trust. have been confirmed. The order Area Footpath Secretary 12 South East Walker Leighton Buzzard BEDFORDSHIRE Ramblers celebrate 30 years bulletin n Sunday 4 October, activities like barbecues, dinners, Leighton Buzzard pub nights and quizzes. ORamblers celebrated 30 Some things have changed over years. The event was marked by the past 30 years. Members have a walk led by founder members left and others have joined, some Chris and Derek Vickery, footpaths have been diverted and Bedfordshire Walking followed by a lunch. others created. But what has Over the years many miles have remained constant throughout been walked, many friends (and those years is our enjoyment of Festival 5 - 13 September indeed a few marriages) have been walking, our love of the countryside made and much companionship and our determination to pass his has been a fantastic For the first time we included year and include a session just for enjoyed. As well as the more local on that enjoyment to the next experience’ said an walks for health as a separate families. weekly walks. we have enjoyed many generation of walkers. American visitor who section in the programme and gave It is always good to get ‘T weekends and holidays in different Chris Duxbury joined several walks during this an introduction followed by details feedback from leaders and parts of the country, as well as social Leighton Buzzard Ramblers year’s festival. of the walks. These health walks participants because whether we In Bedfordshire on holiday, she are proving to be very popular and like the comments or not it helps explained that the festival had been perhaps Ramblers groups should tremendously when considering a marvellous way of exploring the consider trying to build relations the festival for the following year. county and was so impressed by and adding these walks to their The festival is organised by the knowledge of the leaders and programmes. Ramblers volunteers and many that the warden of Old Warden Another first was an on-line of the walks are led by Ramblers church had offered to wait until booking and payment facility. volunteers. All volunteers deserve she came back an hour or so later PayPal was used for certain walks a big thank you because without to take photographs and explore where both booking and payment you the festival would not be the church and mausoleum in was required. The booking facility an ongoing success. Thanks peace and quiet. worked well but unfortunately the must also go to the three local Her comments reflected another PayPal link didn’t seem to work for authorities, Bedford Borough, successful nine-day festival which, some people and others indicated Central Bedfordshire and Luton apart from the rain on the two that they had not used it. It seems Borough, for their financial and Saturday mornings, had ideal that this was a good idea but needs walk contributions. Thanks also walking weather. The tone was working on. to Marston Vale Forest Centre for struck on the first day with a Thanks to help from their help and assistance, the RSPB, huge turnout for the World War 2 GoOutdoors, and particularly National Trust and Greensand The anniversary cake. Photo: Julian Critchlow informative walk where the tour of the manager of their Bedford Trust plus The Villager magazine the museum at Tempsford Airfield branch, leaders had micro-fleeces for producing the programme and was conducted by Lady Erroll, the and leader badges provided. advertisers for supporting us. landowner. This was followed by Another first was the Maps Can Planning has already started another big turnout for the launch Be Fun sessions. We knew what for next year and as the festival is of a new walk around Millbrook we wanted but weren’t sure how getting bigger every year we could created by Central Bedfordshire non-walkers would respond and do with more volunteers to help Rights of Way. They had produced whether anyone would come along. organise and promote it. There a new walks leaflet to coincide with We needn’t have worried as both are lots of opportunities to get the launch and the walk is also on sessions were well supported and involved and if you feel you can the ‘Let’s Go’ website. the feedback from participants was help in any way please contact The Bridges of Bedford, another very good. So good in fact that [email protected]. informative walk, attracted many we intend to run them again next Barry Ingram and was only able to go ahead because of the generosity of Bedford Mobility Centre who lent the leader a mobility scooter. The biggest group was to be found at Shuttleworth with a wonderful informative tour of the estate on paths not normally accessible to the public plus a tour of Old Warden church and the Ongley Mausoleum in the grounds. The Friday bus walk ‘Oakley’s Riparian Best’ was another well-attended and thoroughly enjoyed morning The cake was cut by (left to right) Maureen Wong, Chris and Derek Vickery. Photo: Julian Critchlow out and the festival finished on a high with 33 people and three dogs participating in the Ampthill History and Henry VIII tour. Many other walks had excellent Ivel Valley Walkers support as well, such as those vel Valley Walkers have ramble from Woburn. The Geoff taking place from Haynes, Stotfold, done themselves proud Stone annual walk takes place at Ridgmont, Ampthill, Roxton, Iwith a walk on 13 of the 16 Turvey on Tuesday 29 December Woburn and Biggleswade. On the days of the Ramblers Festival of and there is an intriguingly titled Challenge (40 Winter Walks (19 December - 3 walk ‘Over the hills but not very miles over two days) for the first January). far away’, from Barton on Sunday time 90% of starters completed Spread across the county and 27 December. However, if these the two days and received their beyond there are walks at Weston don’t satisfy your appetite over certificates, most recording their in Hertfordhire, Graffham Water, the Christmas period why not thanks to Nick and Roy and West Perry, Steeple Morden, come and visit The Lost Villages Waitrose at Ampthill for their Barton, Ickleford and Woburn. of Bedfordshire starting from support in helping them reach the A huge number of people joined the Shuttleworth and Old Warden Historic Trail There is a Christmas Eve amble Woburn on Sunday 3 January. finish. walk on Thursday 10 September. from Tempsford, a Boxing Day For more information visit www. ramble from Silsoe and a Rudolf ivelvalleywalkers.co.uk. South East Walker 13 Lea & Footpaths and RIPPLE Another successful year small trees. Sometimes power paths. with work done on byways, tools are best, other times Work starts again in 2016 bridleways and footpaths. it’s loppers and secateurs. and we would love to see a Our clearance work was Marker posts can be easy few more joining us, it is three Icknield’s with two people putting in times a month for a morning challenging and very rewarding, particularly six in three hours or difficult 10am - 1pm and volunteers when a path was reopened when one takes almost an come as often as they can and between two fields inhour and a half. The terrain is stay as long as they can. This summer Westoning. different each time, the views surely must appeal to people different and there is a real who love the countryside and embers can look further afield. Mike Dines has Nine people. mostly working with power tools, sense of achievement. It is a walking and want to do their back on a variety regularly led a summer walk in challenge and that is why our bit for the community. To find of summer walks, the Huntingdon area where he took all morning to open the M 400 yard path which had been hardy volunteers come along out more please call 01234 mostly, but not exclusively, was brought up. This year’s walk impassable. New marker regularly and work so hard 353704. undertaken in good weather. involved a ride on the guided posts were put in and the for three hours. A big thank A very happy season’s We kicked off the programme busway from St Ives and a walk parish council has said a big you to all the volunteers for greeting to all members and a on the hottest day of the year back along the Ouse Valley thank you to us. coming along and helping healthy and productive 2016. with a walk from Totternhoe Way, again not blessed with the More recently a path improve Bedfordshire’s public Barry Ingram Knolls picnic site, fortunately one best weather. We’ve also visited leading from the pub in of our shorter walks at only four old favourites such as Woburn, Tilsworth through to the miles. Amazingly it was attended Sharpenhoe and Great Offley. golf course was cleared, a lot by 13 people (and a dog), but One of the high spots of the of accumulated rubbish was with frequent water stops in summer was our Outdoor Quiz removed and three marker every available shaded area, Walk, the second to be ably posts put in. nobody suffered from heatstroke organised by Rita Tarron. The The most difficult and although a number of us did venue was the attractive village of some would say the hardest question our sanity! Kimpton and questions required marker post we have ever put But it wasn’t always like that. A high levels of observation and in was to be located on the walk from Ampthill Park a couple lateral thinking! But we all Three Shires Way in the most of weeks later saw us getting quite agreed it was great fun and on northerly part of the county. wet. The walk involved a stop this occasion the weather was The marker post was to be on Jackdaw Hill to remember kind to us. situated next to a bridge but unknown to us the ground our old friend John Foran at his In September we contributed around had at some time commemorative tree, but the a walk for each day of the been covered with hardcore weather had deterred quite a few Bedfordshire Walking Festival to quite a depth. members from attending. and members enjoyed taking part Each RIPPLE is in theory the Destinations have been both on our own walks and those same, clearance and/or marker both very local, with walks organised by others. posts with the occasional from Stockwood Park and Rosemary Hasker kissing gate or stile repair, but Bramingham in Luton, and Lea & Icknield Group in practice each is so different. Clearance can be nettles and brambles then shrubs and This marker post proved most difficult to install. Photo: Barry Ingram

Ramblers members as well. I must Followed by a totally new GPS to Training thank the team of local Ramblers Maps course aimed at giving the who continue to support us with knowledge around how GPSs and e ran three courses running these courses. maps are joined at the hip. We will during the summer Now, let’s look forward to 2016. then round off the year by making W of 2015, our usual We know our usual courses work another appearance at the 2016 introduction to map reading and so the thoughts are how about Bedfordshire Walking Festival. compass work courses. adding something slightly different Yes, 2016 is going to be an Plus, for the first time, we to the mix. Our plan is therefore extremely busy year. At the time of also ran a map reading morning to run four courses over the spring writing the exact dates of the events giving people a chance to practice and summer months, this time are not known but we are aiming to map reading skills by not only starting in March or April with have the spring dates in the diary designing a route but also walking our introduction to map reading before the end of the year, with the it out. Again, all the courses (Map Awareness Course) and how summer ones to follow shortly after. were well supported with over 25 to use a compass (Walking with a If you are interested in finding people attending over the three Compass course). This will then out about these courses, please days, many coming from outside be followed over the summer with a email me at ivwramblers.nm@ Bedfordshire. Knowledge of our Map Reading Day giving people an ntlworld.com. courses has now also spread to non- opportunity to practice their skills. Nick Markham A suitable place for a photo in Shefford. Photo: Karan Dimmock

Briefly • The Chiltern Society has A highly commended launched the ‘Wobbly • Uckfield Line station and Uckfield. announced the results of certificate went to the Red Bridge’ (London’s Millennium platforms are being extended its Walkers’ and Cyclists’ Lion at Dagnall. Bridge) and grew to attract to take 10-coach trains from • Cotswold Outdoor has Pub Award. From the some 20,000 ‘Strollers’ at its London Bridge. Whilst the opened a new London store 28 pubs nominated, • Strollerthon: A book about peak. Published by Footline works take place there will be in the former Job Centre at South Chilterns entry the the charity walk that raised £4 Press, the book is available weekend closures at various 319-327 Chiswick High Road, Highwayman Inn at Exlade million for children’s charities for £7 plus £1.50 postage times between Hurst Green W4. During the summer Street near Checkendon on in the 1990s has been written from www.footlinepress. and Uckfield. Additionally, the company also opened the Berkshire/Oxfordshire by Colin Saunders, author of co.uk, Amazon, or by between 4 January and 20 a new store in former HMV border was judged overall guidebooks to the Capital cheque for £8.50 payable to February the line will be shop premises at 62 West winner. Winner for the Ring, Way and Footline Press at 35 Gerrards closed between Crowborough Street, Horsham, West Central Chilterns was the Vanguard Way. In various Close, London N14 4RH. All and Uckfield. From 29 Sussex. This partner of the Polecat Inn, Prestwood, and guises, the event ran from profits will be donated to February to 16 March there Ramblers continues to offer for the Northern Chilterns the 1990 to 2001 and included an international children’s will be no weekday daytime a discretionary 15% discount Valiant Trooper at Aldbury. the event that infamously charity. trains between Hurst Green to members. 14 South East Walker Loddon Valley BERKSHIRE celebration oddon Valley Ramblers particularly past chairmen Pam bites Group celebrated its Hall, Mary Walker and David L 20th anniversary on Turner, and gave a short overview Friday 16 October. of the group’s history and current During the morning and activities. afternoon, both fortunately dry, John Spence’s talk was entitled Berkshire Walkers more than 50 members walked ‘A Ramble Through Life’; John, the 60+ miles of the Wokingham who went blind at age 38, had a Way, which we designed a few very successful business career and weekend in Dent years ago. It is divided into 10 has a vast range of involvements: stages so five groups each walked he is a county councillor, e enjoyed a long return journey over and beyond the simultaneous double stages, Church Commissioner and on weekend away from air shafts which serve the tunnel though some people walked only the board of many charitable W17-20 September below. a single stage. So car logistics bodies. Thus disabilities are to discover the magic of the Saturday’s walk was further afield were challenging, but we didn’t there to be overcome! He Yorkshire Dales. The plan was and required quite a long drive but lose anybody! praised Ramblers for community for the group to be based in the was worth it to see Malham Cove, In the evening, 66 members involvement, footpath work village of Dent which is actually in essence a curved limestone cliff at plus guest speaker John Spence and enabling healthy enjoyment in but still within the the head of a valley with a spacious and his wife Yvonne enjoyed of the countryside. And Dales. There were a few options area of limestone pavement at dinner in the oak-beamed throughout, the talk was laced for people to be based in hotel/ the top. Once the group had got Briar Room of the Cantley with hilarious stories, often with pub accommodation while a together we made our way along a House Hotel in Wokingham. audience members as the butt! campsite was only a two minute well-maintained footpath to Janet’s Photographs of past group events That people lingered at the end walk away, making this a perfect Foss in Malhamdale where we were displayed; and a large cake, of the evening was testimony to spot for many of us. stopped to marvel at the waterfall decorated with the Wokingham the success of the whole day! The group arrived on the and the deep pool below. A few Way and the rivers Thames and Graham Smith Thursday afternoon and evening of us braved the stepping stones to Loddon, was consumed with Chairman, Loddon Valley at various times with a few of us get a closer look at the cave as well. coffee. I welcomed everyone, Ramblers teaming up to car-share to reduce We decided to carry straight on to costs and minimise our carbon Gordale Scar, a great limestone Exploring Gordale Scar. footprint, before meeting up in the gorge. Some of us ventured up the pub for an evening social. rocks and through the scar whilst then began and we made the summit The first official walk began on others took an alternative route soon after the cloud had descended Friday and we soon made steady before picking up a short section of and views were obscured. Our progress through the various the Pennine Way towards Malham descent took us via the natural cave miniature gates to reach Howgill Tarn and on to the great limestone at Gaping Gill. As the final walk Bridge. the next stage was on flat amphitheatre of Malham Cove. of the weekend was drawing to a land before arguably the toughest The view overlooking the valley close we experienced the only rain to part of the walk, an ascent of what was sensational. We arrived back in fall on us all weekend. We were all was shown on my map as Tough Hill, Malham and decided to eat at the thoroughly worn out by the time we a climb of maybe 180m in a third of pub there before returning to Dent reached our cars but I like to think a mile over thick and occasionally later. satisfied with the splendid walks. boggy grass, To compensate for Our plan for Sunday was to climb We returned to Dent and headed for this the next stage was on easy soft Ingleborough. I had picked this peak the hostelry for dinner and to sample The anniversary dinner. ground before we spotted a dip that to complete the Yorkshire Three more local ales whilst reflecting on provided us with some shelter out Peaks set having led the Berkshire the weekend’s experiences. of the wind and perfect for us to Walkers up the other two in 2010. Dan Harris have lunch in. Later we arrived at The route I chose was south easterly Membership Secretary, West Berks update Force Gill aqueduct near Blea Moor from Clapham via the village of Berkshire Walkers 20s-30s Group tunnel. We had arrived in North Austwick, after which we made our ur new system of Working Party and has been going Yorkshire but our stay in the county way to Crummock Dale for a lunch (A longer version of this report can be organising coach trips by for about 15 years. It was started by would not last long as we started our stop. The ascent of Ingleborough found at www.berkshirewalkers.com). Ocommittee has worked Ray Clayton and Fiona Walker who well with the valiant members were quickly joined by others to clear producing six cracking trips, paths with our partners, previously each comprising three rambles Mencap clients and latterly from the of differing lengths, so making a West Berks Community Furniture Pang Valley celebrate total of 18 walks. Project. Everyone involved deserves The programme for next year has a hearty round of applause for their 20 years already been set. That’s forward commitment. The last session with planning! There were evening our volunteers took place in August ang Valley Group walk and King’s Copse near Beenham. wonderful birthday cake which walks to enjoy as well and this year’s but the activity will continue, in south Oxfordshire, On Sunday 19 July 2015 we held was cut jointly by Iris Fryer, the were even better attended than last. managed by the Community P west Berkshire and the walks through our home territory widow of a founder member and Thanks to everyone involved for all Furniture Project. mid Thames valley and this year of the Pang Valley and held a picnic past Chairman, and John Banks, their hard work. So summer ended and our marked the 20th anniversary of in the delightful setting of the Black another founder member and past Sadly, Fred Carter has had to autumn and winter schedules took their founding. On Sunday 18 Barn at Rushall Farm to celebrate Chairman. It was an excellent withdraw from leading walks over. In October, Dr Paul Sievers, a June 1995, Peter Muirhead led the occasion. Our Chairman Chris occasion and we look forward to because of leg problems. His renowned photographer and retired the first walk through the woods Howlett and Ray Clayton, our repeating this on our 25th birthday! walks will be badly missed as they local GP who is a great friend of and fields around Butler’s Farm Countryside Officer and long-time Over the years we have maintained have been ideal for a great many the group, gave a talk on the Joys stalwart committee member, led the an excellent programme of walks people especially those with vision of Japan illustrated with a selection walks with about 25 participants on Sundays and Wednesdays, impairment. Fred says that he of the many photos he took while on each. More members joined for offering a variety of distances and would happily continue planning he was there. Two training the picnic and each of us brought landscapes. We are fortunate to and publicising future forays opportunities were arranged: ‘Map something to contribute ensuring have so many lovely places to walk. working with the leader if someone and Compass Training’, led by a vast spread of savoury and sweet Our social diary also looks good, would be willing to volunteer. Colin Honeybone and ‘Essential items, as well as a variety of drinks. with holidays and weekends away, Please contact him, his details are in First Aid’ with St John Ambulance, After eating, meeting old friends occasional coach trips with walks, our programme and on the website. both in October. and making new ones, Chris gave fish and chip suppers, and other Thanks Fred, we wish you well. The AGM was held on 13 a short presentation on the barn’s events, well supported by members. Thanks too to Kath Carter and November and the Christmas Social history and former use, as well as Our website (pvramblers.org.uk) Sheila Collins who jointly led the with entertainment will be taking talking about the last 20 years of has details of past and future events walks already advertised. place on 11 December. Reports in The wonderful birthday cake made by the group. along with lots of photo galleries. You may remember a previous the next issue. Susan Spires. Susan Spires had made a Hilary Jensen item on ROAR. This was the Denise Buchan forerunner to our Ramblers West Berks Ramblers South East Walker 15 goulash, or more apple or blueberry strudel, before walking back to pick East Berks holiday in Slovenia up transport back to our hotel. For Wimbledon fans we even managed ineteen members of East Secret Hills Walking around and above Lake Bohinsko lodge! to catch a couple of hours of tennis Berks Ramblers left Holidays organised the outline Jezero, including climbing The format for most days was a before dinner each evening! NStansted airport on 28 programme while the walks were mountains, walking through gorges, short drive, a walk of about an hour Our lasting memories of the June in blue skies and sunshine managed and led by local guides, round lakes and through forests and to a hut for a mountain tea or Turkish holiday are the stunning scenery, the for a week’s walking in Slovenia. Katya and David. They were both pastures, all with amazing alpine coffee (or glass of ‘elderly flower’!) amazing array of wildflowers, the We arrived at Ljubliana to dark wonderful and I think it is fair to say flowers. Lower down we passed lots plus a variety of strudels, then an unusual but tasty local dishes, the fun skies and pouring rain but it was that they made our holiday. of well-tended vegetable gardens, hour and a half’s walk to a summit and laughs we had with our guides short-lived and, apart from one Bohinj is a pristine wonderland beehives, cows with their familiar (or a lower viewpoint for the less and with everyone in the group. rainy evening, we had excellent located inside the Triglav National cowbells and, on one walk, passed adventurous) and then return to the Rosemary Davies weather throughout our stay. Park. We did a variety of walks the now derelict Tito’s hunting hut for a lunch of homemade soup or East Berks Ramblers

Dr Victor Simons 1925-2015 ictor (or Vic as he was Society representative on the INNER LONDON known to most people) Management V and who served Committee. Originally Victor as a Hampstead Ramblers Schneider, he came to Britain representative on Inner from Berlin as a refugee from insights London Area’s committee Nazi oppression and was taken from 1990 to 1999, died in in by a family in Berkshire before September aged 90. studying for a degree in mining. For three years he also served Our condolences go to his widow Group Focus: as the Ramblers and Open Spaces Rosalie and family. South Bank Ramblers Area AGM and likely vacancies he Area AGM will be held org.uk nearer the time. It is on Saturday 6 February likely that the posts of Treasurer T2016 in the Brockway and Membership Secretary will Room of Conway Hall, 25 Red need to be filled. It is also hoped Lion Square, London WC1R that a new Webmaster/Digital 4RL, starting at 2pm. Engagement Lead person can be Details of speakers and found. If you would be interested morning walks to the venue will in filling one of these key roles be added to the Area website then please check for more details http://www.innerlondonrambers. at the Area website. Spreading

o, this isn’t South Bank’s weekend throughout the south east necessary, and it is amazing how committee but a lovely ... Hertfordshire to Sussex and all some people just take to the role Nsight of alpacas on a points east and west. We are often and love it! the word Chilterns walk near Tring ... amazed how quickly we are in very We hope we are seen as a friendly nner London Ramblers ran information about the variety one of our many walks in the quiet places where we don’t meet group that welcomes people, and stalls at two events during of our groups and walks, and amazing countryside around other walkers. We try to keep paths one that keeps its committee the summer, the two-day to give out programme extracts London. open and are currently contributing roles refreshed. No officer should I Lambeth Country Show in containing upcoming walks, as When we tell people we are South to much needed replacement stiles continue in post for more than and Angel well as membership forms and Bank Ramblers they often imagine by the Monday Group in Sussex. three years and in order to plan Canal Festival in Islington. leaflets. we stroll up and down outside the Some of our walks have a theme for succession, we have some A tag-team of volunteers Around 80 people signed up to Royal Festival Hall on London’s such as plants, Dickens or canals. understudy roles, for instance the from across our groups took our mailing list, and have received South Bank. And although a few of Walks have been increasingly Assistant to the Walks Organiser shifts on the stalls, meeting a a follow-up email reminding our walks are within the city, most well-attended, and this has led us may well become the Walks lot of members of the public, them of their interest in joining of our walks take us into fabulous to draw up guidance for leaders Organiser and the Vice Chair the and enthusing them about both The Ramblers, and we have varied countryside. We are very on managing large groups. This Chair. Ramblers and walking in and been able to show some localised fortunate that London is such a included strengthening the role of If you would like more around London for health and increases in membership as a good hub for public transport, so all the back marker and pre-ordering information on our group enjoyment. result. Here’s to next summer! our walks start and end at a station. food in pubs. We always encourage please go to our website, www. We were able to share Clare Wadd We have walks of varying lengths new leaders to come forward, southbankramblers.org.uk. per programme, and increasingly ensuring those people are mentored Sue Ellenby walk midweek as well as the and accompanied for as long as Chair, South Bank Ramblers Volunteers workshops day day of free workshops for getting more people walking, An all-day session will focus Ramblers volunteers will promoting groups via social media, on making change happen: Abe run in central London understanding the Ramblers campaigning and working with the by Central Office on Saturday 16 mission and structure and the basics media. The day runs from 9.30am January 2016. of rights of way law. Afternoon to 4pm and places can be booked In the morning, workshops sessions will cover successful short at http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ At Lambeth Country Show with left to right Elspeth Cox, Andy Heath and Brian will cover recruiting members, walks, leading more challenging ramblers-volunteer-development- Francic. Photo: Clare Wadd an introduction to leading walks, walks and recruiting volunteers. day-london-tickets-18667383647. 16 South East Walker New tool proves its worth Diary Dates ale Path Volunteers, the strimmer and the training had to the main railway line between path maintenance team been met by a grant from the Didcot and Swindon, had Various dates in December: Beginner’s Map-Reading and Compass Vof Oxfordshire’s Vale of Ramblers Holidays Charitable been completely overgrown with Workshops White Horse Group, cleared a Trust (through which Ramblers dense vegetation, up to chin Ordnance Survey staff will be presenting free workshops in selected 150 metre length of bridleway, Worldwide Holidays profits are height, to the extent that it was Cotswold Outdoor stores. Tickets are free but need to be booked in two metres wide, in the parish channelled back into a variety of completely impassable to walkers advance in store. of Baulking on Friday 18 walking-related projects in the and horse riders. Within minutes Participants will also be entitled to a 25% discount on Ordnance September. UK). Within three hours the of completing the task a horse Survey maps bought on the day. We were using, for the first machine had chopped and chewed rider happened to come by and Wednesday 2 December: Maidstone and Reading; Thursday 3 December: Tunbridge Wells and Windsor; Wednesday 9 December: time, our recently purchased Stihl its way through the offending was able to pass along the whole of St Albans. All sessions start at 6.30pm. brushcutter/strimmer, operated growth, leaving the arisings to be the bridleway instead of having to by member Dave Cavanagh, who cleared to the sides of the path by divert along an unofficial detour Until Sunday 13 December: One and All – A voyage through sight, has received special training to do the rest of the team. through a wood. sound and sea so. The cost of the brushcutter/ The path, which runs adjacent Jim Parke Work across art, language and 3D sound in celebration of the National Trust’s Neptune Coastline campaign. Free entry. Can also be viewed online at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/oneandall. Somerset House, London WC2R 1LA A microcosm of 020 7845 4600, www.somersethouse.org.uk Until Sunday 3 January 2016: International Garden Photographer of the Year Plants, habitats and amazing landscapes are captured in these entries footpath challenges from the 2015 exhibition. Free entry. Stockwood Discovery Centre, Luton ower Shiplake is a Ashbrook. of the footpath and sections of the 01582 548600, www.stockwooddiscoverycentre.com Thames-side parish near This river loop footpath from path do have waymark signs on LHenley-on-Thames in Mill Road up to the railway bridge boundary fences. Unfortunately Until Sunday 7 February: Landscape Photographer of the Year Oxfordshire on the southern is a popular local route well-used at least one resident is suspected of The winning entries from the competition are on show on the balcony edge of the Chilterns and offers by walkers and maintained by a being very obstructive and negative and concourse of Waterloo station in London. Open all station hours. many wonderful opportunities thoughtful local resident who keeps to any official use of the footpath. for walkers along a wide network the fast-growing riverside vegetation To counter this effort is Until Sunday 13 March 2016: Intellectual Barbarians: The Kindred of well-maintained footpaths. under control. However, as we being made to persuade Oxfordshire of Kibbo Kift An archive display looks at an organisation which ran from 1920-32 However, one section of footpath all know, footpath access requires County Council to erect fingerposts and whose philosophy was based on a shared appreciation of nature and continues to be a source of attention constant vigilance and we now off the byway Mill Road pointing handicrafts and a commitment to world peace. Free entry. and concern to local ramblers. In face another set of challenges along to the two nearby paths FP7 and Whitechapel Gallery many ways it reflects some of the the section of footpath between FP36. London E1 020 7522 7888, www.whitechapelgallery.org increasing pressure put on our the railway bridge (SU 779287 on If you are in this area then please footpath network by intolerant Explorer map 159) and Shiplake use this beautiful stretch of riverside 12 December - 14 February: Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2015 landowners, but also shows how Lock (SU 777787). meadow and make sure you use Award winning images from the Natural History Museum exhibition. voluntary effort can be organised to Walking upstream at the railway the public footpath ‘through the Admission charge. overcome these obstacles. bridge is when access problems are gardens’. One day, if funding Chelmsford Museum, Essex The section of footpath is near encountered that have been a source permits, this river section might 01245 605700, www.chelmsford.gov.uk/museums Shiplake Lock where FP341/7 of irritation for many years. even become the official route for Saturday 16 January - Sunday 20 March 2016: British Wildlife starts from Restricted Byway FP 341/7 follows the original the Thames Path. Photography Awards 341/1 and joining 341/29 follows towpath along riverside land that Chris Nash A celebration of British wildlife and a showcase for great photography. a route along the river with has been absorbed into the gardens Free entry. wonderful views of open meadows of private properties lining the river Stockwood Discovery Centre, Luton and riverside properties. At the along this section. 19th century 01582 548600, www.stockwooddiscoverycentre.com old Ferry Cottage crossing, the maps show this towpath before footpath turns inland on FP37 houses were built. Saturday 13 February - Sunday 8 May 2016: John Constable: and then the official footpath once The path through this section is Observing the weather stopped by the railway viaduct near now marked by numerous boundary This exhibition examines the artist’s fascination with weather and its ability to change the landscape. Admission charge. Shiplake station. gates and to many first-time walkers The Lightbox, Woking The status of a critical section of can appear intimidating especially 01483 737800, www.thelightbox.org.uk footpath (now FP38) that connects when signs like those illustrated are the riverside path with Mill Road posted at the approach by the Saturday 9 April 2016: Map and compass awareness course (and the Thames Path) was disputed bridge. One sign encourages Following on from the success of previous years, North West Kent by the landowner for many years. walkers to use an unofficial path to Group is holding another course for those wishing to improve their After 13 years of campaigning by the lock using the byway. skills. It will be held at the Grasshopper on the Green, Westerham, local people including Dave Ramm This sort of unsocial and illegal Kent, starting at 10am. Cost £3 (lunch extra). To register, please of East Berks Ramblers together threatening signage needs to be contact Chris Baker on 01322 341722 or [email protected] with Henley & Goring Group and counteracted by all who enjoy by 24 March. Central Office, following a public our rights of public access. The inquiry in 2009 the Secretary of recent problems on this section State granted the official recording have been brought to the attention of the path but a last-minute appeal of Oxfordshire County Council’s Briefly saw the case go all the way to the Access Officer, parish council High Court. The December 2012 officers and others who take an • South Downs National will relink fragmented Walkers following the riverside path Park has published a parcels of land, restore issue of South East Walker reported interest in these matters. between the railway bridge and the official opening celebration Not all the riverside properties 2015/16 Public Transport architectural and landscape Shiplake Lock have to pass these off- Guide highlighting the features and create a by then Ramblers President Kate are unwelcoming to rightful use putting signs. most scenic bus journeys seven mile Deepdene Trail. in the area. Free copies The estate, once home can be requested at info@ of influential arts patron southdowns.gov.uk or Thomas Hope, was broken 01730 814810. up in the 1920s.

• Work has begun on the • Scoot Ferries has started a Hope Springs Eternal new passenger service from project at Deepdene, Portsmouth (Millennium near Dorking, Surrey. The Pontoon) to Cowes on project, led by Mole Valley the Isle of Wight. The Council which successfully 35-minute crossing runs 365 bid for £1 million from the days a year. Details at www. Heritage Lottery Fund, scootferries.co.uk.