walkerSOUTH EAST No. 109 March 2020 Protest over missing Thames-side footbridge n Saturday 16 November Henley as far as the barricade across more than 150 people, the footpath (Fawley footpath 12), Ofrom Henley-on-Thames south of the missing footbridge. and beyond, joined a rally to Beyond this point the path was protest at the year-long closure of closed by a traffic regulation order. a footpath because of a missing Kate Ashbrook, Bucks Ramblers footbridge at Fawley Court in Footpath Secretary, says: "We Buckinghamshire. The closure pressed Buckinghamshire County was forcing walkers onto the Council to replace the bridge but dangerous A4155 Henley to nothing happened for well over a Marlow road. year, and the path remained closed The protest, organised by Henley by a traffic regulation order. This & Goring Ramblers and Henley was deeply frustrating not only for Walkers Are Welcome with support people from Henley who enjoy from the Open Spaces Society and walking along the river, but also Chiltern Society, was to show the for those who were planning a strength of feeling among local circular walk, taking in Hambleden people at the loss of the path and Lock and the hills behind. Their the danger to walkers in using the alternative route. Walkers, fabulous walks were thwarted by displaying banners, walked from Continued on page 3 The protest rally. Photo: Kate Ashbrook Fifth anniversary 200th gate installed of riverside path in North Bucks closure highlighted n 5 November, so there is no fear of running who every week replace one North Bucks out of work any time soon! or two damaged stiles with urrey and Beyond Ramblers Walkers are being forced to take a lengthy OrRIPPLE (ramblers The group was set up robust galvanised steel gates. (SABRE) threw a novel diversion through a marshy field to link Repairing & Improving in 2015 by Bill Piers of The replacement gates are S'birthday party' in December up with an alternative path. This is a very Public Paths for Leisure and Haddenham who had become self-closing and supported to mark the fifth anniversary of a attractive path and it is unacceptable Exercise) group reached a frustrated by the many old by treated redwood posts riverside path closure. Members that it's been 'temporarily' closed for significant landmark when and poorly maintained stiles guaranteed for at least 15 years. gathered for the ironic fifth birthday five years. We call on Surrey County they installed their 200th he had to negotiate when out The work is often event with balloons, banners and Council and the landowner to agree a gate, although they estimate walking with his wife Janet commissioned by Bucks bunting. The photocall grabbed minor diversion back from the edge of there are probably another and dog Mollie. This led to County Council or local parish media attention, with the Farnham the riverbank without further delay. 2,000 stiles in the area him forming the group, a team councils and supported by the Herald running a page lead news Elstead Parish Council Chairman needing similar treatment - of like-minded volunteers relevant landowner. More item and photo. Pat Murphy has said: "The path is a recently the 'Donate a Gate' A 50-metre stretch of footpath 64 valuable amenity for local people and scheme has been introduced in Elstead (between Farnham and visitors alike. We too are frustrated over to give individuals and Godalming) has been closed since the delay. We have to bring this to a organisations the opportunity December 2014 because of fears that conclusion." to have a gate dedicated to a it could be eroded by the River Wey. Mark Percy specific person or cause. If you are attracted to the idea of donating a gate or learning more about the work of the group, or indeed reporting a stile in North Bucks you feel might be in need of replacement, full details are available at www. bucks-wmiddx-ramblers.org. uk/donate-a-gate. Charles Boon One less stile to cross: The installation team with their 200th gate which (See also Stuck in the mud on was donated by Stone, Haddenham & Dinton's Simply Walk group. SABRE members mark the fifth anniversary of the path closure at Elstead. Photo: Mark Percy Photo: Bill Piers page 4). 2 South East Walker March 2020 Volunteers work on Capital Trumped! Ring and London Loop n November, together with one of Whilst litter is not a significant by the Environment Agency and the river the scheme coordinators, Andrew problem on much of the London Loop, in now flows freely. IHunt, I met with London's December around 10 Loop Leaders and Other volunteers involved in the Walking & Cycling Commissioner, members of Kingston Ramblers led by scheme have also been making contact Will Norman and some of the Barbara Crow carried a second litter pick with councils and Andrew Hunt has Transport for London (TfL) walking on section 8 near Berrylands station. The added most sections of the London Loop team to share the results of the initial result was a huge haul of recyclables to the Go Jauntly app. We are grateful surveys of both routes undertaken and rubbish, including a car tyre, fire to everybody involved for what they're by our volunteers. The surveys are extinguisher, broken traffic cones and doing to improve these two much-loved detailed section-by-section lists of all hundreds of cans and bottles. Another routes. Reports of issues are starting to of the improvements required to make Loop Leader, Tricia Peter, collected five come in from others, and we very much both routes easy to follow without shopping bags of rubbish whilst walking welcome these, although it will take map or guidebook and pleasant to her section for the winter audit, and has significant amounts of both time and walk. Volunteers have since carried reported fly-tipping which is now being money to fix everything, and we are clear out a second survey to assess winter monitored. that this is a long term project. walking conditions. Meanwhile, on the Capital Ring, We have been granted funds through With the support of TfL, the volunteer Philippa Huston has been instrumental TfL's Walking and Cycling grants for a focus for the coming months is on in signage improvements on Horsenden three-year project on the Capital Ring updating the PDFs on the TfL website, Hill, near Greenford. Whilst walking north of the Thames focused on getting which have become very out of date. the section and taking notes, she was local communities, who may not be As well as revising the instructions, this approached by one of the Horsenden Hill aware of the Capital Ring, walking on requires establishing a house style for volunteers, who asked if she was involved the route. However, the grant will also such things as references to waymarks in the Capital Ring. It transpired that enable us to buy some waymark discs and distances between instructions. The the main sign had been set alight years and stickers for those sections, to do maps included in the PDFs also need ago and had then fallen over, but Jon some pruning where necessary, provided updating, which it is proposed will be Staples, the warden, saved it and kept it we have permission, and to buy some done through TfL's Legible London in his shed. Philippa then met with the litter pick tools and t-shirts and vizi- mapping, and then the updated PDFs volunteers several times as they found vests for volunteers. We hope to obtain The nautical theme in Carnaby Street. Photo: Bob Murray will require formally checking before more signage arrows and allowed her other funding to buy these items for ome 40 people joined us for our annual they can be uploaded to the TfL website. to direct where to position them. They volunteers on the London Loop and Christmas Lights Walk around London's West Another outcome of the meeting is that have instructed their own contractors for the southern sections of the Capital End. We were delighted that four colleagues we have added a page to the Inner London to reinstate the main sign, and Jon has Ring. We are very grateful to Colin S from Ramblers Central Office joined us for the Ramblers website to highlight diversions improved the path through Horsenden Saunders who has donated 50% of his occasion. One of the most impressive sights was on the two routes, and we hope to be able Woods as you head off the Hill. Having fee from the forthcoming new edition the lights in Carnaby Street, which had a nautical to link to this from the TfL walking pages led London Strollers from Greenford to of the Capital Ring guidebook to Inner theme. All the decorations were made from recycled so that information is readily accessible to Northolt via a detour onto Horsenden London Ramblers instead of donating to plastic. people planning their walks. Hill at the start of January, I can confirm Ramblers centrally as normal. The end of the walk had an unusual twist. Instead of TfL has also located 400 London Loop that the signage is now very clear and easy Ramblers in London value these two taking our usual route, across St James's Park to our pub and 80 Capital Ring waymark discs which to follow. In Brent Park, near the newly routes enormously and in the manifesto for supper, we were diverted by a large police presence in it appears they will pass on to us, on rebuilt bridge, following our volunteers' for the 2020 GLA and mayoral elections Whitehall. President Trump was attending a reception at condition that we will only install them contact with the Greenspaces Officer for we are calling for a commitment to Buckingham Palace and the whole area was cordoned off. with landowner/council permission. Hendon, all the rubbish has been cleared ensure they are properly maintained and It was a bit surreal to be flanked by police on both sides! waymarked. Mary Gough We are looking for volunteers to help Bicester & Kidlington Ramblers with the grant funded project by putting up posters in shops, cafes, doctors' surgeries, libraries etc in the local communities the Capital Ring goes through in north London, promoting both the route Update on Kent's and our community walks. We are also looking for volunteers to lead short public walks, with a particular emphasis on named walks local Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Wealdway Tunbridge Wells communities and on reaching people he work planned Circular Walk who do not already walk. Please contact for 10 - 13 January We are still working on a [email protected] if weekend to replace you're interested in getting involved in T new guide to this popular the tunnel under the route and to other walks in Litter clearers with their haul from one short section of the London Loop near Berrylands. this project. A21 through which the Tunbridge Wells District. Photo: Barbara Crow Clare Wadd Wealdway passes near Tonbridge was postponed Progress has been delayed and there is currently no while we improve the London Paddington to has introduced a new through new date for completion waymarking of the routes All change! Reading: Transport for hourly service which serves of the project. and because of serious London took over the 'all- Kemble, the nearest station This is a great footpath obstructions both number of changes peak. An hourly Sunday stations stopping service' on to the beginning/end of the disappointment and a bit of on the Circular Walk itself to railway services service will also be added this line on 15 December. Thames Path. a surprise as all the signs for and on some of the other A took place in from May 2020. The station All stations are now open diversion of traffic during walks near Cranbrook. December which will be of is right on the border of seven days a week and a London Paddington to closure of the A21 had Some of these have now interest to walkers. Here the South Downs National bonus for London Freedom North Cotswolds: A been put in place before been dealt with and we are some of those changes Park (which celebrates its Pass holders is that they minimum hourly service the postponement was are currently in dialogue can now travel free all the now applies between which might interest SEW 10th anniversary this year) announced. It is difficult to with Kent County Council readers: way out to Reading on TfL Oxford and Worcester via have any confidence in the and paths lead direct from about the others. We hope the platforms to the South trains. Note though that the Charlbury and Moreton-in- promise that the work will be that by the spring all the Cooksbridge: This station Downs Way. The intention faster trains and the branch Marsh. Additionally, a new done "at another time early walks will be in a fit state to in East Sussex (between is to develop Cooksbridge lines off to Windsor, Marlow station called Worcestershire this year". Meanwhile the promote and that our new Haywards Heath and as a 'gateway' to the South and Henley continue to be Parkway opened by the M5 tunnel remains closed and guide will be available for Lewes) has an improved Downs, a move supported operated by Great Western in Norton to the south east the only reasonable diversion purchase. train service with Southern by the local parish council of Worcester and this also uses a short stretch of road trains now calling Saturdays and Cooksbridge Station London Paddington to serves Cardiff to Nottingham that is considered unsafe for Robert Peel all day and weekday off- Partnership. Cheltenham: Great Western CrossCountry trains. pedestrians by Kent County Area Secretary, Council. Kent Ramblers South East Walker March 2020 3 walkerSOUTH EAST Round Ealing Circuit launched Distributed quarterly to members of the Ramblers in Bedfordshire, re you looking for a walk which links each roughly five miles (8km), walked over the two coordinated on the day to deliver the circuit. The Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Milton two manors, two mansions, a zoo and days. Seventy walkers joined us over the weekend, route took us along some familiar paths (sections Keynes and West Middlesex, Essex, a maze, with a variety of parks and choosing to walk one, more or all sections. This of the Capital Ring and Thames Path) while Inner London, Kent, Oxfordshire and A waterways along the way? Try the Round flexible schedule took some planning but we were discovering, for some of us, the less well trodden Surrey Areas. Ealing Circuit (TREC) which is about 21 pleased to attract both those looking for a short, paths and parks to make a full circuit, including THE RAMBLERS miles (35 km) in length and designed to local walk (one section) and the intrepid few who the summit of Horsenden Hill at 279ft (85m)! Address: 2nd Floor, Camelford explore the many green spaces around the walked the whole route. We are now planning a repeat TREC weekend House, 87-90 Albert Embankment, borough of Ealing in west London. Starting at Ealing Broadway station, the route's for 3 - 4 May, and if there is enough interest, London SE1 7TW. Inspired by the longer London circular walks, Switchboard: 020 3961 3300 sections all connect with tube/rail stations, as all there may be a one day TREC Challenge for Membership Services: the Capital Ring and London Loop, and the West London Group's walks are accessible by faster walkers. Longer term we have ambitions 020 3961 3232 vision of London National Park City, West public transport. The majority of the route is to publish a detailed description of the route Email: [email protected] London Ramblers decided to create their own off-road, through parks including Walpole Park and to add a second loop around Hounslow's Web: www.ramblers.org.uk inner circle route to celebrate our green borough. (and Pitzhanger Manor), Lammas Park, Boston green spaces to encompass the full West London Company registration no: 4458492 We launched the route over a surprisingly dry Manor Park and Gunnersbury Park (with its Group's area. See www.westlondonramblers.org. Registered charity no: 1093577 weekend last October, split into four sections, two mansions) and beside river or canal paths uk for details of our upcoming walks including (Thames, Brent and Grand Union). If you were details to join us for TREC 2020 or to contact EDITORIAL wondering about the zoo and maze, they can be us if you have any suggestions for how we can Editor: Les Douglas Email: [email protected] found at Brent Lodge Park. develop TREC. Tel: 020 8809 2338 We are grateful to all the walk leaders who Mary Rutherford (please leave message) collaborated to research the route and then West London Ramblers

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Walkers beside the Grand Union Canal on the TREC launch weekend. Photo: Sue Neville David Bounds 1932 - 2019 t might be difficult to believe After the deluge now, but when East Berkshire rom mud to flood, persistence that sees us ignore waymarking and hopefully see IRamblers was formed in the walkers have been harsh weather often reaps its many of you out and about on early 1970s, many of the local paths Fbattling the record rewards in those clear, crisp, the Thames Path. I recommend simply did not exist on the ground. levels of rainfall in the UK sparking days that are sprinkled you give the Thames Path website Sure, they had been put on the at the end of 2019 and start across this time of year and https://www.nationaltrail.co.uk/ map in the 1950s but many were of 2020. None more so than make your heart soar as you lace thames-path a look beforehand overgrown and could not be used - the thousands who have been up your boots and zip up your and en route. It's packed with even if you could find them. In fact walking, or trying to walk, the waterproofs. One such early up to date information on the the then Berkshire County Council Thames Path. On some days December day saw me and Steve state of the path, recommended considered that they should be the rain fell in such biblical Tabbitt, Trail Manager, finish the pubs and offers suggestions for extinguished as they were no longer proportions it would have waymarking of the Hounslow things to do and sights to see needed! been only mildly surprising section of the Thames Path. along the way. Group members in the early days did David takes a break in Cookham whilst to have been passed by an Who says the sun only shines on Des Garrahan checking over the text for one of not walk, they worked - to clear and the Rambling for Pleasure guidebooks. ark afloat on the river while the righteous? Ramblers representative, open the paths. That's when I first met Photo: Dave Ramm trudging along the riverbank. 2020 will see us keep on Thames Path Partnership David. He used to come on his bike so We might only have just got after a hard day's cutting and clearing, David was a wordsmith. His clear used to writing 2020 instead of building stiles or a footbridge, I would directions were constantly praised 2019 but repair work is already offer him and his bike a lift home. by those we would meet and who well underway in many locations It then became obvious that everyone could resist those lovely, tempting along the Thames - time and should be invited to try these 'new' paths introductions that he was able to tide indeed wait for no one. In so the group's Chairman, Peter Nevell, provide at the start of every ramble. January the weather eased up arranged for the Maidenhead Advertiser Footpath worker, author, historian - enough for much needed work to publish the first of the circular oh yes, and for many years the Footpath to be completed at Tilehurst, walks and after they had accumulated Secretary for Loddon Valley Group. Berkshire. Close to Reading this he put 12 of them together and the Dave Ramm stretch of the Thames Path sees first Rambling for Pleasure guidebook lots of use at all times of the year appeared in 1977, price 30p. Kate Ashrook, Chair of Ramblers - whatever the weather. I took over the maps from Peter GB and general Secretary of the Open Of course, walkers are a A damaged section of towpath at Tilehurst, since repaired. Walker and when Peter died in 1988, Spaces Society, adds: David was a really hardy, stubborn bunch and the Photo: Des Garrahan David took over the text. That was dedicated member of the Ramblers and to continue until 2015 and included did so much for us, he put his heart and Continued from page 1 three new areas: Kennet Valley, the soul into it. His lovely books are just one this closure." new footbridge to be built but said this might not meet their Chilterns and going into Hampshire memorial to him. I know he carried out The path reopened after the the estate had not allowed access specifications and have to be with the Three Castles Path plus all the most of the roles in the Loddon Valley estate installed a new footbridge for it to be installed. replaced with their bridge! multiple revisions of the different titles Group, and could be depended on for in December, and blamed the Furthermore, the council Although the path reopened in - with the most recent being Along the his commitment to the cause. We could county council for the delay. was surprised to see a new December, the situation with the Thames, now in its seventh edition. do with many more people like David! However, the county council footbridge had been installed footbridge was unresolved as this claimed it had arranged for a by the estate without notice and issue went to press. 4 South East Walker March 2020 BUCKS Anniversary briefs celebrated News from Bucks, Milton Keynes and West Middlesex Stuck in the mud e installed two a narrow field section bordered Rover and trailer, started slipping kissing gates (our by a post and rail fence beside and sliding and heading rapidly W 204th and 205th) in the drive to the property, and a towards the post and rail fence, Ford, south west of Aylesbury, hedge. Unfortunately, this narrow which would have been very costly, donated by the parish council, area had been pretty much trashed and embarrassing, to repair to say Retracing the inaugural walk of 2000. Photo: Paul Rhodes on 10 December 2019. Our team by a couple of horses and so we the least. Having come to an un- hiltern Young Walkers place on 9 January 2000 from of eight was joined by Michael unloaded the trailer of the gates, planned halt in the muddiest area celebrated the group's Amersham to Great Missenden. Hopkins, Central Officeposts, buckets of tamping stones, we were well stuck and had to 20th birthday on The anniversary photo was Delivery Officer, to experience water bottles and most of the tools. unload the trailer contents over C Saturday 11 January with a taken on a path overlooking Little a day with a Ramblers volunteer We then managed to drive through the fence, unhitch it, move the walk which retraced the route of Missenden in the Chilterns. group. this section and reload on firm Landy on its own and tow the their inaugural walk which took Jacqui Stiefel It turned to be one of our more ground. empty trailer out by hand, before challenging ventures. It was very Surprisingly the trailer on the reloading it yet again, wet and muddy underfoot and outward journey can still be pretty Thank goodness the Dinton Ordnance Survey put the route rained pretty much the whole heavily loaded with all the tools Hermit pub in Ford has just on the Explorer map in 2016 and time. Although I'd carried out plus we take away the 'arisings', the reopened where we regaled Michael Stephen the route's website, (available via our usual advance check for timber from the old stiles. To get with stories over a pint, stories that www.aylesbury-ramblers.org.uk), access for the Land Rover and back out of the field I decided to before today's adventures he might gets almost 10 hits a day. trailer I'd misunderstood from the take a 'run at speed' to get through have found hard to believe! O'Shea When Stephen stood down landowner the route, ie not across the muddy section. Big mistake. Bill Piers ate last year Aylesbury as Treasurer in 2015, he became her lawn, and had to drive through Unfortunately, the 'rig', the Land North Bucks rRIPPLE Ramblers lost one Publicity Officer and started Lof their most active promoting what we do at local members, Stephen O'Shea. events, encouraging people to join Stephen joined the group in and getting our walk programmes 2008 and very soon became published locally. Stephen was a walk leader and committee also a keen participant in our member. 50th anniversary celebrations In 2012, when the group in 2016. He also edited our decided to take forward Roy newsletter, 'Walkabout', and Johnson's idea of an Outer was a regular contributor to the Aylesbury Ring walk, Stephen group's photographic archive. joined the committee for this, In recent years Stephen and his volunteering to take on the roles partner Mary have hosted two of fundraiser and group treasurer. of our annual summer socials in He did an incredible job, raising Mary's garden. Even though they over £10,000 for the project in 18 were unable to walk as much as months. He also contributed to they once did, Stephen and Mary waymarking and promoting the were keen to stay in touch and route, and arranging the official keep the social side of the group launch in Wendover Woods. as active as ever. He was also heavily involved in His family and friends have producing and distributing over donated two gates to be sited on 90,000 copies of the 14 route the Outer Aylesbury Ring in his guides, along with publicity memory. Stephen will be missed Assessing the situation before unloading the trailer. Photo: Bill Piers leaflets, car stickers, a branded enormously by all of us. water bottle and our unique Stephen Putnam waymarkers. The legacy lives on! Aylesbury & District Ramblers

The bedraggled team ready for the pub after getting stuck in the mud. L - R Michael Hopkins,Ramblers Delivery Officer. Joe Stephen at a Ramblers stall. Photo: Maurice Crump Fontoura, Charles Boon, Allen Fairbrother, Andrew Hearsey, Derek Holland, John Chantler and Keith Wheeler-Cherry. Photo: Bill Piers South East Walker March 2020 5 getting funding from Aylesbury passed on but for always wearing Vale District Council for signpost a tie. He was a true country Walk and buffet to Mike Roe arms and way markers for the gentleman who will be sorely missed ery sadly we have to Round Aylesbury Walk, erecting by all who knew him. mark 40th anniversary report the death of Mike many of the arms to sign the route Roy Johnson Roe in November 2019. n December we held our Christmas walk and a celebration buffet V as well as the ongoing maintenance Footpath and Countryside He joined the Ramblers in 1998 to mark our 40th anniversary as a group. of way marking on that route and Secretary, Aylesbury & District and very soon became an active The event was preceded by a walk taking in Stockgrove Park the Aylesbury Ring. I relied heavily Ramblers I walk leader, walks coordinator on Mike for guidance when I took woods and with over 40 and then Membership Secretary members taking part. The over from him in 2012 as at the before becoming our Footpath and buffet included a special cake time we were working on the Outer Countryside Secretary. He held and we were pleased to have Aylesbury Ring and about to start that post for many years, protecting the cake cut by one of the waymarking it. It was Mike who and improving our local footpath group's original members, Phil sourced a banding tool which we network, supporting and working Ashbourn, who was able to give were later able to keep for fixing with Bucks County Council's rights some background details on the Outer Aylesbury Ring arms to of way team. I joined the Ramblers the group's formation. signposts and was part of the team in 2003 and first met Mike at our Our AGM saw Elaine step that erected all 84 arms 2004 AGM when he was asking for down as Programme Secretary He was a regular contributor footpath checkers. and Gail as Area Representative. to this publication, always with He was certainly my mentor as a Our thanks go to both of them interesting articles describing walks footpath checker and his knowledge for their effort and work over with a bit of local history such as of footpaths and rights of way law the last few years. Although no local landmarks, path claims or certainly helped us all contribute replacements were found at the problems. These were often centred to our mission. In addition to meeting, subsequently we have round industrial or mechanical Mike Roe at work in Princes Risborough. recruiting more checkers he checked now more volunteers to help history, such as railways and old Whilst putting up signpost arms for the many parishes, usually walking alone Outer Aylesbury Ring, Mike was asked out. farm machinery. and enjoying the quiet countryside Many members on his led walks by the Highways Department if he Founder group member Phil Ashbourn with Ian Dunford in the Vale of Aylesbury. would also remove a sign pointing to a Chair Ian Dunford. Photo: Peter Hurst Milton Keynes Ramblers remember him not only for the long-closed public toilet! He was also instrumental in interesting information that he Photo: Roy Johnson

the Ramblers Board of Trustees. After this the AGM started in earnest. Bedfordshire Area is AGM growing with now in excess of BEDFORDSHIRE he 2019 Bedfordshire 830 members. The numbers on Area AGM was held our group walks, across all our Ton 30 November at groups are also increasing. In Houghton Conquest village fact we calculated that you could bulletin hall and was organised by have walked for some 250 days North Beds Ramblers. and covered about 1,200 miles The morning started cold and over the past 12 months with the foggy as people started arriving Bedfordshire groups (and possibly at the hall for a warming cup of needed a new pair of boots). This coffee before our short morning is no small thanks to our dedicated Christmas lunch walk, led by Tony. The group of growing band of volunteers who about 20 intrepid walkers headed organise everything from walks out across the foggy meadow and holidays to bingo nights. and up through Kings Wood to At the end of the day, the Area emerge on the Greensand Ridge Officers were all re-elected and the and the welcoming sun. The five afternoon drew to a close. We are mile route led us down towards looking forward to 2020, more Maulden and then over the ridge walks, more training courses and back to the start and lunch back our 11th Bedfordshire Walking at the hall. Festival all in our surprising little After lunch we caught up on county (for further details email the latest Ramblers activities and [email protected]). campaigns, with a few words Pre-lunch walkers prepare to build up an appetite. Photo: Bernard Morse Nick Markham from Richard May, a member of Area Chairman knew our group's Christmas wanting to get up an appetite on a attire for the meal, festivities lunch at the Barns Hotel in seven mile ramble. The group was and speeches followed by a carol IBedford was going to be a split into two, with half walking singalong led by Bernard. One of popular event because last year clockwise, the other anti-clockwise our members, Antony Copsey, is a we attracted 70 guests. and passing merrily halfway round violinist in the Hitchin Symphony So when the organiser, Bernard in the village of Cople. It required Orchestra and had invited a couple Morse, informed me there were an extra walk leader and backmarker of orchestra colleagues to play and going to be 90 guests arriving and but showed us that a large group accompany our singing. It was a reserve list had been started, we like this can be led in different a great way to come together at knew it was going to need some ways. Especially when we've been Christmas and celebrate our group organisation. The traditional pre- attracting such numbers on our activities. lunch walk required a different Wednesday walks. We got back Roy Carter A cold and foggy start. Photo: Nick Markham approach with 50 out of the 90 and changed into our Christmas Ivel Valley Walkers Health and wellness fair New Year – A New You was resolutions made it an ideal time to with a friendly rambling group. Our the message Leighton Road hold the event and judging from the stall proved so popular that all our ASurgery was promoting at numbers attending it was clear there leaflets and walks programmes had the Health and Wellness Fair on are many people seeking to improve gone by the time the event closed. Saturday 11 January. their health and wellness in 2020. The fair was a huge success and we It was an opportunity too good Our message was that there was no hope it leads to more new members for us to miss to promote the health better way to health and wellness joining our group. benefits of walking and belonging to than by doing more exercise which Mike Shephard a local Ramblers group. This season could be easily achieved by walking Leighton Buzzard Ramblers At the fair. Photo: Linda Hartley of Christmas lethargy and New Year in our beautiful local countryside 6 South East Walker March 2020 Essex develops policy on fault reporting ESSEX n the initiative of our to identify volunteers to cover every Public Rights of Way parish in their catchment areas. OLiaison Officer, LenTraining will be provided for them. Banister, we have produced a The Parish Path Adopters will be extras paper dealing with methods of expected to annually walk and report fault reporting over the Essex on every path in their assigned parish. path network and how we can In parishes where there are a large make the procedures more number of paths, more than one efficient and effective. A copy Adopter may be assigned; conversely, of Developing a new policy on some parishes could be combined to Fault reporting and Public Rights of Way Fault provide a more worthwhile task. Reporting can be obtained from Over the years we hope to refine [email protected]. the reporting system but initially We have already had considerable we will encourage people to use the role of Parish success in improving relationships the Essex County Council website with Essex County Council, which and liaise with their own working has responded by making the central parties. The immediate priorities Fault Reporting System more user- are the recruitment of the Parish Path Adopters friendly. We now want to focus on Path Adopters and walking every the implementation and subsequent path in each group's catchment area. eaders will recall that etc). Our district, Epping Forest, fly tipping and fingerposts either development of Parish Path Adopters With over 600 parishes in Essex, it is a motion from Essex contains about 1,200 public rights missing, rotted or down. These are - a system of path monitoring already accepted that universal coverage will R Ramblers asking the of way and 28 parishes, but of problems only local authorities can in use by a minority of groups (see the not happen overnight; inevitably, Board of Trustees to increase course the length and number of address. Although the public rights item by Richard Iles to the left). there will be an element of trial and the publicity given to the work public rights of way in each parish of way performance of Essex County We hope to develop the system error and learning from experience. carried out by members to varies considerably. All Parish Path Council has improved immensely in over future years and for 2020/2021 Mike Cannell improve public rights of way was Adopters are provided with copies the last 10 years in spite of budget we will be encouraging each group Area Media Officer carried unanimously at last year's of the relevant definitive maps. In cuts, the list of blocked paths, some General Council. Mover of the addition, ideally, they receive copies for 15 years, remains high. Feedback motion Len Banister, Essex Area's of any proposed public rights of way can be poor and priorities opaque. Rights of Way Liaison Officer, says alterations, often via our Footpaths However, I am determined to end Turpin's Trail reinstated "Ramblers have to step in where Officer. Walk leaders also have a on a positive note, so here is a recent local authorities are failing. We reporting role, especially for the success story where coordination need to increase the large number most obvious problems, but in of Parish Path Adopter, Footpaths of volunteers working regularly practice have many other overriding Officer and our working party on path maintenance and make priorities. were key and which, coincidentally, sure the public appreciate what Pivotal in interpreting and involved my wife (as Parish Path we do." Here, Richard Iles from translating the Parish Path Adopters' Adopter) and myself. West Essex describes the role of output into public rights of way In Lambourne, which includes a Parish Path Adopters, who play improvement is our working party substantial part of Hainault Forest, a key role in keeping their local and fortunately we are blessed with Essex County Council proposed paths in good condition. See an excellent leader, Brian Smith, to a number of diversions and a also the item which follows on whom problems are forwarded on path extinction, but also a path Robert Bartlett of Uttlesford Ramblers fixes a new Turpin's Trail sign. developing Essex's path fault a spreadsheet; any that the working creation. We reacted with a series Photos: Sylvia Hayes reporting system. party can address are earmarked and of (constructive) counter-proposals. n March 2017 I reported that restoration by the council was West Essex Ramblers' Parish the rest sent to the relevant Essex The extinction was of a cross-field that Uttlesford Ramblers, unlikely. In 2016 the Uttlesford Path Adopters are responsible for County Council public rights of footpath; the only alternative was the group based around Group of the Ramblers therefore walking all paths in their adopted way officer to action. This flow of a parallel bridleway which can get I Saffron Walden, were working decided to adopt and restore the parish annually and recording all information has the advantage of extremely muddy so we proposed to restore Turpin's Trail, trail. faults, which range from overgrowth easing the load on the Footpaths a diversion of the footpath to the which is in three interlinked Over the past three years, to damaged/rotted and potentially Officer but has the potential field edge with a small increase in sections between Thaxted and Ramblers volunteers have cleared dangerous furniture (stiles, gates disadvantage of the Footpaths distance. One of the proposed Hempstead. the paths, designed and installed Officer not always being in the diversions would have created an Each separate walk takes three new waymarks, and updated the picture. unwelcome junction with a road hours. The full circular walk route guide. Turpin's Trail is now Parish Path Adopters are expected at a blind bend, so we requested a from Thaxted to Hempstead and ready for everyone to enjoy by to record the grid reference and give continuation of the headland path back to Thaxted takes about nine following the guidance notes on a brief description of problems, to emerge at a safe junction. Our hours. The trail is based around the Uttlesford Ramblers website When I started as a Parish Path counter proposals were submitted the legend of highwayman Dick at https://www.uttlesfordramblers. Adopter in 2011 I realised that a by our Footpaths Officer to the Turpin, allegedly a second Robin org/our-walks/85-turpin-s-trail. digital camera was essential in this county council who accepted them: Hood but in reality a horse thief, html. The whole trail is now context, especially as blockages may full marks to them and credit to the house-breaker, torturer and well waymarked, but walkers be major (brambles, shrubs or even landowners too. Thanks to Brian murderer. Born in 1705, some are advised to carry the relevant trees) or minor (grassland weeds), Smith's impeccable organisation and say in Thaxted and others in Ordnance Survey map (Explorer and the extent of footbridge damage, the working party's determination Hempstead, he fled north when 195: Braintree and Saffron eg rotten treads or supports, can be we managed to get the bulk of life got too hot for him in Essex. Walden) as well as the guidance revealed. the diversions through, with the Eventually he was captured, tried notes from the website. One point Parish Path Adopters can have a creation of a new path through an and executed in York in 1738. to note is that the original route lonely experience, particularly in attractive woodland area (no trees To exploit the Turpin myth, guide was in printed form; putting some of our more remote parishes, were harmed), the field diversion around 20 years ago Uttlesford the notes on the web enables a but are stimulated by their work done and appropriate waymark District Council created Turpin's fuller and more comprehensive being valued, which occurs when posts installed; all this was achieved Trail. Since its creation, Turpin's description, as well as enabling problems are dealt with in a timely during the exceptionally wet period Trail has deteriorated. Signs had amendments to be made quickly if manner by our working party. What in November. I hope 2020 brings been broken or disappeared, the there are changes to the route. depresses them are the same old similar happy resolutions to you all. path was overgrown and cuts in Mike Cannell Woodland path creation. problems turning up: especially paths Richard Iles local authority funding meant Uttlesford Group Photo: Richard Iles blocked immovably by landowners, West Essex Group

engineer, which involved wind part of his life. Every week he Belgium. He was very involved Rod Birks tunnel, cold climate and engine would find the time to spend with with the group's committee and for performance testing. a stroke victim, offering them his many years was Treasurer, handling outh East Essex Group But about 26 years ago he had support. the group's finances without the member Rod Birks, who a cardiac problem which involved In 1997 he and his wife Judy help of a computer and later Sdied in November 2019, a heart valve replacement. As a joined the Ramblers and that became the group's Chairman. spent his entire working life with result of that procedure he suffered became another hobby he really He was a generous and sociable the Ford Motor Company. He a stroke, which greatly affected his enjoyed and threw himself into. He man, who enjoyed the company started as an apprentice whilst speech, but he made a very good could always be relied upon to lead of family and friends, and will be studying engineering and moved recovery and returned to work. several walks in the programmes sadly missed by one and all. into research and development. From then on he joined the Stroke and for a number of years he Dorothy Cosh He became a senior test Association which became a big organised day trips to France and South East Essex Group Rod Birks South East Walker March 2020 7 knowledge and ability to find Ramblers about their amazing with half term. In retrospect, all the ponds, even in secluded coast - the longest of any English that was too late. Some members Festival success wooded areas. The second 15- county - and their campaign for (and non-members) have child mile walk, with the Rochford access to it, soon to be realised fter a year of planning, offering a walk. We had 34 walks care responsibilities, winter is and East Essex groups, around with the England Coast Path. I beginning to set in, and the clocks our first locally-organised which covered every part of the Canvey Island, could not have did so enjoy walking right round go back. For 2020 we plan to A Festival of Walks got county, with about 550 walkers. been more different - the wide Canvey Island with its fascinating underway on a wet Saturday in The groups were positive in their open marshland and views over the landscape, industrial history and move the date to the first week in late October. Fortunately the support and the pictures on our Thames were a total contrast to the wildlife. I congratulate Essex Area October. And in 2019 we held one weather improved as the week website show the interest created. vivid autumn colours of the forest. on its walking festival which was a walk on a Monday. This was not progressed - until the following The publicity found its way into A visit to Canvey, just to see the great success and enabled people well-supported, probably because Saturday when down came the over 2,800 hits on the festival murals painted on the sea wall is who are not yet our members to this is not a normal group walking rains again. Maybe this was to be website, it got into newspapers, the a must - and while you are there discover the joys of walking with day. For our second festival we will expected: after all, the festival's county council's events website, consider calling in for a quick one us and learning about our work to provide a walk on a second Sunday theme was water! However, an interview on Radio Essex, and at the historic Lobster Smack pub. protect paths and access.' instead. judging by the photographs a individual work by groups in their It was particularly pleasing to How do we build on what we Finally, we would like to thank good time was had by all. Of local areas. It was a really great job have the support on this walk achieved? The idea of a theme everyone who volunteered and particular interest was the vast in showing the public what Essex of Kate Ashbrook, Ramblers' worked well, so 2020's theme variety of 'watery' scenes that Ramblers do. Chair, who travelled from will be 'Heritage': Essex is full of contributed to our festival's success Essex has to offer. One of us accompanied West Buckinghamshire to join us. Kate historic buildings, so that will by putting on such a complete and The festival was a complete Essex Group on their walk around said, 'It was a terrific walk and I am give plenty of scope to organisers. varied programme of walks. success in terms of group support, Epping Forest and was impressed so glad to have done it. I have for a We held 2019's festival in the last Gordon Bird and Alan Goffee with only one of our 18 groups not with our leader Marianne's local long time been hearing from Essex week of October which coincided Chair and Vice-Chair, Essex Area

BERKSHIRE bites

Looking forward to the morning walk. Photo: Jason Owen useful and informative. The talk With West Berks about place names in Berkshire his has been a busy period Area was interesting for us to find for us with a total of 78 out about their origins and Twalks being offered meanings. As with all good during the autumn. We were AGM AGMs there was plenty of cake rewarded with some fantastic to choose from! It was good colours in the early part of the erkshire Area held to talk to the other groups in season although it soon became its AGM on Saturday Berkshire and to hear about all obvious that the heavy rainfalls B30 November 2019. the good work they have been would lead to difficult conditions With the offering of two great doing during the year. Work later. It was also good to see an walks, a visit from Rebecca ranging from leading walks, increase in the number of new Dawson, a Ramblers trustee, stile/gate replacement, footpath members joining the group as and a talk about Berkshire maintenance work to lots of well as an increase in the number place names, this attracted a great social events and holidays. of walk leaders. good number of attendees. 2019 was a great year for Conditions underfoot have sometimes been difficult! Photo: Richard Trimmer November saw us involved with The walks proved to be Berkshire Area. With this work two Annual General Meetings. talk by Dr David Peacock on the Richard Bone, the much-acclaimed muddy but still manageable for going on I can confidently say The first was our own and saw the history of local place names. magician and mind reader, once all, the talk from Rebecca about that 2020 will be even better! unanimous re-election of the 2019 The following month saw a wealth again entertained us. the work at Central Office was Jason Owen committee who promised to build of walks during the Christmas Looking forward there are a on the success of the last few years. period despite the localised flooding number of exciting events planned, The second saw us playing host to which played havoc with some of notably a members' quiz night in the Berkshire Area AGM which was the planned routes. It also tested March with fish and chip supper, a held at Woolhampton village hall. the skills, local knowledge and full schedule of coach walks taking Staycation This was an all-day event including tenacity of both leaders and walkers us as far afield as Arundel, Ross- e hosted our Year resolutions! We covered a a choice of two walks in the morning in coping with the sometimes on-Wye and the New Forest, and a 'Staycation' (part of total of 1,314 miles across these and a presentation by Ramblers treacherous conditions. The week's holiday on the Isle of Wight. the Ramblers Festival walks. All started from a railway Holidays before the AGM. This season ended with a well-attended Richard Trimmer W station, making the walks easily was followed by a very interesting Christmas Social during which West Berkshire Ramblers of Winter Walks (21 December - 5 January) again and had 12 accessible for people who don't drive and helping to reduce our walks covering the whole county carbon footprint. It was great to see and two socials. so many new faces and welcomed This was again very popular with people from neighbouring groups 189 people attending. On New and from all over Berkshire. Year's Day we had 32 people, all Jason Owen wasting no time to start their New Publicity Officer, Berkshire Walkers

Our group kicked off the New Year with an easy four mile walk around Langley Park, Iver, Buckinghamshire. It was attended by 15 members and 25 friends, family and visitors. Let's hope their New Year resolutions continue throughout the year! Joyce Keegan, Windsor & District Group Photo: Joyce Keegan Enjoying the winter sunshine. Photo: Jason Owen 8 South East Walker March 2020 Rambling saved my life have been a keen Croydon looking very grim. Gordon Rambler for many years After a battery of tests I was Iand for the last 10 years declared fit enough to withstand the have done a long distance path operation and for the transplant to including the Milford Track in be successful. I received my new looks back New Zealand, a section of the liver on 19 July last year, five days Camino, Hadrian's Wall and the after being bumped to the top of the or more than 60 years alongside the busy A269 dual West Highland Way. waiting list! Six months on and I Graham Sencicle has carriageway. On returning from our latest walk am back to my weekly rambling and Fbeen serving ramblers' But I have been involved in - Collioure in France to Cadaques have signed up for a 17-mile charity interests in East Kent, including campaigns which have been in Spain - I was taken critically walk in aid of the liver unit at King's. being a founder member of successful. In 2002, with other ill and rushed to King's College I am in no doubt that my levels the East Kent Rambling Club members from the White Cliffs Hospital, London. I was diagnosed of fitness contributed greatly to the which was set up in 1958 and Ramblers, East Kent Rambling with autoimmune liver failure. My decision to offer me a transplant and became the first walking group Club and Dover and Thanet only hope was a liver transplant. to the success of my recovery. All My family was told that 65 was the I can say is keeeep rambling! You in the area. He later helped set Rights of Way Society, I attended cut-off age for this operation and never know what's round the corner. up the local Ramblers group, Canterbury Crown Court and as I was 70 at the time things were Angela Robertson White Cliffs Ramblers, and has gave evidence against Kent County Gordon Photo: Rob Riddle been an active campaigner for Council's attempt to close the improved rights of way in the cliff path at Capel-le-Ferne. The valuable land for crops. area. Here he looks back over alternative was a cycle track that I am also the local correspondent Outer London paths those years. only touched the threatened path for Thanet on behalf of the Open With members of Dover and at one point, before diving inland Spaces Society. Our last objection re you a Ramblers from TfL, I feel we have a chance Thanet Rights of Way Society, again. Two Capel residents dug to a path diversion by Kent Footpath Secretary for an to make progress. For example, a I have taken part in a huge out the path, so that the judge, County Council along a field edge A Outer London Borough? Rights of Way Improvement Plan number of discussions with Dover Adele Williams, had a wide earth was in 2018, where the farmer Here in Barnet, the issues (which Barnet has never written) are very different from those in District Council and, later, Kent path for her site visit - and the path repeatedly refused to restore three would provide a useful way of neighbouring Hertfordshire. For County Council, concerning was saved. footpaths in the same field in defining priorities for a walking example, we are still working with path diversions and closures. If I have also helped to organise a this particular parish, but also in the original 60 year old Definitive network. If you have advice to I considered these unacceptable, rally for a safe crossing over the A2 adjoining parishes. Map created before the borough of offer or would like to exchange I objected and attended any at Kingston, between Canterbury Over the years I have also Barnet was established, showing ideas with others, contact me. subsequent public inquiries. and Dover, attended by scores of helped clear paths from the time a few rural footpaths and no Libby Morris These were in the parishes of ramblers. I gave interviews to of the Great Storm in 1987 until urban ones. Now that transport Ramblers Footpath Secretary Staple, Sholden, Worth, Ash, BBC and ITV. A bridge was later 2012 with East Kent Rambling priority is given to walking and for Barnet Adisham (twice), Newington built. representing the Ramblers Club, and with Dover and Thanet cycling and money is available [email protected] in Shepway, Deal, Tilmanstone as a Local Footpath Officer, I Rights of Way Society over the (twice) and the England Coast attended the inquiry against Dover last few years; helped build five Path at Richborough, supporting District Council's refusal to allow substantial bridges with members trails and paths. This plus the our own parishes as Local Footpath an appeal from Ecotricity to erect of East Kent Rambling Club and Ephemera purchase of route guides I want Officers, and supporting others for four giant wind turbines between the White Cliffs Ramblers; and to walk but inwardly know that I their own parishes. the Saxon Shore Way, and the been a Local Footpath Officer for t a recent ephemera fair I haven't the time - or probably the I refused to accept the decision North Downs Way. The inspector 17 parishes for a total of 27 years. noticed a series of walking cash - to undertake the journey but of the inspector at Richborough refused to grant the appeal. In 1989 I helped to set up White A guides called 'Lunchtime somehow that doesn't stop me from Rambles in Old London' on sale and asked Dover District Council I have campaigned against Cliffs Ramblers, and led walks for making the purchase. at £15 a copy and this made me why it was necessary to store cars covering fields with solar farms, their programme for many years. At some point you have to say wonder whether there is any value on the Richborough Wharf, when having written to the local press, So I have had a busy 61 years, enough is enough but even then I in the vast amount of walking still have the problem of what to do the existing storage compound stating the argument for these to but now, as an 85-year-old material I have accumulated over with all my accumulated stuff. The was never full. Unfortunately, that be put onto warehouses, stores, disabled person, I'm thinking it's the years. recycling bin hovers but I'm reluctant problem has not been resolved sports centres, village halls and time to stop! An early edition of the North and walkers are forced to walk homes, doctors' surgeries, to save Gordon Sencicle Downs Way, the Thames Path in to throw out material which might be booklet form, old railway-linked of interest to others. So what is the walks guides and one or two Walker answer to this dilemma? Are there Miles editions along with books walking archives/libraries that might Beware the 'hidden' driving range! galore by walkers, adventurers, be interested or, as I mentioned at the beginning, are there dealers who any public footpaths hedge through which we could see golf club, Considerable reminders travellers, journalists and perhaps even the odd academic give a flavour might have customers who would cross golf courses. that a driving range ran parallel to were required to ensure that some of what I've got in boxes, on shelves be interested in purchasing some of Although some the path. Most of us were not even action took place, and some fencing M and hidden in cupboards. these materials? Perhaps even eBay walkers are very wary of these aware that we were anywhere near has now been erected. It also The piles get bigger if you're like might be part of the solution. Any paths,generally it is possible to a golf course. She came to quickly, transpired that there had been a past me who, when travelling, enters suggestions would be most welcome. have a good view of the golfers but her glasses had clearly taken history of communication between a tourist information centre and John Pestle and similarly the golfers can see the brunt of the force as they had the golf club and the local council scoops up all information on local [email protected] any walkers. As long as everyone snapped and dug into her causing regarding whether fencing should is sensible, it is not too dangerous quite a lot of bleeding. Her husband be erected to protect the path. The a situation. and another walker took her to path is used by local residents and a great job of converting stiles to Sadly we encountered a related, hospital, in passing stopping at the dog walkers and was basically 'an Stiles to gates gates in Wingrave with Rowsham a but much more dangerous situation clubhouse to report the incident. accident waiting to happen'. n the December 2019 issue few years ago the number of regular last year. We were walking along She had a cracked cheekbone and Somehow it seems unlikely that Bill Piers wrote that it was walkers on these paths has more a public footpath when one of our vision problems for many weeks, this was an isolated incident, and Imore satisfying to support than doubled - not a bad result walkers collapsed on the ground. but apart from a scar is now fully it would be interesting to learn of Simply Walk than to make in the depths of the countryside. Initially we thought she had been hit recovered. This accident could have other such occurrences and how "isolated improvements in the It is a brilliant example of the by a low branch, but there were no been far worse. they were handled. depths of the countryside". partnership between Ramblers and such branches. It was then noticed We filled in an accident report Alistair Lax Just to reassure him, since Bill's local councils. that there were several golf balls and then Ramblers Central Office Chair, Pang Valley Group, Berkshire North Bucks rRIPPLE team did Jan Walmsley beside the path, and a gap in the contacted both the council and the [email protected]

In winter, the smell of cow dung In the fritillary meadow and the wade of mud Then chequered flowers flood this field ust outside the small town of Cricklade on a slow river's edge; long grass & the cling of raindrops. where once Thames waters used to run, on the borders of Wiltshire and all colours - cream to crimson & every pink JGloucestershire, the North Meadow is that you can think of in between- Come spring, when the stone a nature reserve where grow the country's of winter's rolled away, largest number of wild snakes-head among dandelions & drying grass, wild lilies grow, snakes'- head fritillaries: fritillaries, a subspecies of the lily family. show heads bent like bells: bells hung so bountiful, yet so rare Originally set aside as a part of a flood then travellers come to stare, protection scheme for towns farther downstream but not yet rung until to walk in reverence there. on the Thames, the meadow is now a site of over the fields the clang & celebration Photo and words © Lizzie Ballagher special scientific interest and a source of wonder echoing in an Easter wind for those who visit Cricklade. of loud St Sampson's bells. South East Walker March 2020 9 footpaths as much as possible. There lightweight clothing and enjoying are still some landmarks along the some great pub lunches, with SABRE go into Battle way that Harold's men would have Harold's forced march carrying passed. Leaving Dartford on walk 4, heavy equipment through much ollowing in the footsteps Castle, and Bodiam to Battle were amount of travelling to reach the after passing under the A2 and M25, more difficult wooded and wet of King Harold on his completed over one weekend. start points. It took a year for us to we came to a church built from the terrain. His army must have been Fmission to repel William the Jane Watkins, who organised the walk the distance covered by King rubble of a Roman villa. On the last so weary, and with no time to rest, Conqueror, our walk from London project for us, said: "We felt a great Harold's men in just three days as walk we stopped at Caldbeck Hill, it's little wonder they were defeated. to Battle Abbey in East Sussex sense of achievement in completing they raced to head off the Norman where Harold instructed his army to With just the benefit of better timing following the 1066 Harold's Way the long distance trail. It involved invasion in 1066. It was a walk of 'meet at the Old Hoar Apple' before the course of history could have been the final march. An apple tree was was covered in 10 stages. The last a sterling effort not only in walking huge contrasts. From Westminster very different. planted here to mark the 950th two, from Sissinghurst to Bodiam fairly long distances but also the Abbey, lunch in the Mayflower Mark Percy anniversary of the battle. in Rotherhithe where the Pilgrim Harold's journey actually began in SABRE (Surrey & Beyond Ramblers) Fathers set sail 400 years ago, Yorkshire where he had defeated the * A third edition of the guidebook across a really desolate stretch over Norwegian King Harald Hardrada to the 95-mile/153 km 1066 Harold's the Thames marshes to the Kent three weeks earlier. Despite Harold's Way by David Clarke was published landscape of streams, mills rolling ultimate failure at the Battle of in 2019 and now additionally hills ... and some of the worst stiles Hastings, Jane says his epic march includes a 'William's Way' from we have ever encountered." south was a huge achievement in Battle to Hastings to make up "a true Harold's original route would its own right. We often reflected capital to coast experience" Details have followed Roman roads but and compared our journey through are on the History Walks website at it has now been reinterpreted by pleasant countryside, walking 1066haroldsway.co.uk or from the SABRE members relax at journey's end outside Battle Abbey. Photo: David LeQuesne author David Clarke using public in relatively easy conditions in author on 01424 425888. These boots were made for walking… and walking and walking! ast Surrey Walkers like to recognise territory to Stuart and so many weekends Cumbria Way in 2008 and St Cuthbert's Way members who have gone beyond the were spent exploring with the Ramblers' in 2009 - adding another 630 miles to Stuart's Ecall of duty and at our last AGM we Association and using their Grey Green Coach total since 1999 - 3,507 miles. gave an award to two of our long-standing excursions. In the 70 years of walking, clothing and members, Stuart and Alice Pickford. By now Stuart had reached the golden salary accessories have changed out of all recognition We presented them with a gardening of £1,000 a year and he and Alice were able - from the adaption of normal everyday voucher and a Christmas panetone. Job done to indulge in more continental holidays: they wear to scientifically designed garments and you might think but no. Stuart stood up to walked in Austria 1954; Florence and Pisa footwear. reply and casually slipped in that he and Alice 1957; Mountains of Majorca 1960; Rhine Rucksack In the 1940s there was nothing had joined the Ramblers in 1948 - 71 years Valley 1963. Nearer home they had youth specifically available in city stores and one of membership! Is that a record I wonder? hostel holidays: Isle of Man 1958; Wharfedale borrowed knapsacks from parents and slung Sensing a story here, I took a photo of the 1961; Cambrian Coast 1964. them over one's shoulder. After the war came lovely couple and asked Stuart if he could let In 1956 Stuart and Alice moved to a more commodious sack, with a detachable me have a few notes of his time in the Ramblers Caterham, Surrey, where they still live, and 'A' frame, followed by ex-army commando - and a week later a beautifully hand-written began to get to know the southern counties rucksacks with a rigid metal frame which Stuart and Alice. Photo: Pamela Cunniffe letter (yes, a letter, not an email!) came giving with the Ramblers' Excursions by special stood the test of years until, in the 1980s, not just a few words but an amazing social charter train which ran from London, joining came the H frame where the rucksack became skin of water-repellent fabric and sweatproof. history. Read on ... at East Croydon. After about 25 years, the full a cylinder and stood up to head level or Stuart wore out two such jackets and was on Stuart, a proud Yorkshireman, was born in train and the accommodation was reduced to higher. It was comfortable but unsuitable his third, almost threadbare, when he fell for Leeds in 1924. He left school in 1941 taking one or two reserved carriages. Sadly, by the for woodland trails as the sack kept snagging a 'waterproof' jacket , which failed to absorb employment to become an architect at 2/6d end of the 20th century, these reservations branches and, from the rear, one looked like sweat and he had a number of uncomfortable per week (12.5p in today's money). Called up were withdrawn and no provision for reserved a walking pillar box! Finally, a compromise years before he bought a Paramo jacket, which for the armed forces in 1942, he was graded Ramblers' carriages was made. came between the A and H frames resulting in has defied many gallons of Yorkshire rain and unfit for military service because at the age The Pennine Way long distance path a ventilating space between you and the sack is a delight to wear. However, before this of 13 he had been diagnosed with a 'weak opened in 1965 and Stuart and Alice walked and padded support at the waist and reaching satisfactory garment, one had to protect the heart'. So, he stayed home, and walked! Thus this the following year until turned back by the just up to the shoulders. Stuart says his latest sports jacket of the 1940s from rain. Ordinary began his love affair with walking. He joined outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease. They acquisition of a Berghaus 55 made of water- rain gear was a gabardine raincoat, too the Youth Hostels Association in 1943 and resumed the walk in 1968 and completed repellent fabric suits him fine. cumbersome to carry in the small rucksacks explored Yorkshire landscape and churches, it in 1975. The Pembrokeshire Coast Path Walking stick In the 1940s there were no of the time. But available, if you knew where making extensive use of buses of the West was completed in 1973 followed by walks in restrictions as to how cattle should be penned to look, was a fold up pure plastic mac with Yorkshire Road Car Company. By this time the Brecon Beacons in 1974. They went to or footpaths kept clear so a walking stick stitched seams. This was secured around the he was earning £1 a week and says that youth Yugoslavia in 1976 and to the Pyrenees in was essential for fending off frisky cattle and waist by a string of binder twine, and lasted hostels were all he could afford. The price 1979, Cevennes in 1983 and Corsica in 1984. hacking through brambles. until the stitched seams rotted in the rain. per night was something like a shilling (5p) By then many other long distance paths had Footwear With clothing coupons used only Luckily, by the 1950s, ex-army gas capes came for bed, one shilling and threepence (6.5p) for been created and walked: Wealdway in 1983; for essential items, walking was undertaken in on the market, voluminous in the extreme, breakfast and one shilling and sixpence (7.5p) Yorkshire Wolds Way in 1984, Vanguard Way stout but everyday shoes, worn with galoshes that had the advantage of a large pouch at the for evening meal and he had to supply his own in 1985; Dales Way in 1986, Cumbria Way in if muddy conditions or slippery rocks were back which fitted over the rucksack. They sleeping bag. 1987; Coast to Coast Walk in 1990/91; Lady encountered. In the 1950s a double-skin were waterproof and didn't sweat much as When his friends were demobbed after the Anne's Way in 1996, West Highland Way in waterproof leather shoe, Veldtschoen, with they were so voluminous and flapped around war, four of them joined Stuart on weekends 1998; Peddars Way and Norfolk Coast Path in commando rubber sole came on the market when one was walking. Eventually, the away in the Yorkshire Dales. In 1946, to 1999. and Stuart says he wore out three pairs before further his architectural career, Stuart took Unfortunately, Alice developed a problem he turned to boots. plastic mac returned with welded seams, also a holiday in Cambridge to study the many with her knees and 1996 was the last long Trousers Trousers were just trousers! reinforced with nylon, and this raingear has colleges, and there he met Alice, the girl who distance walk she and Stuart did together and Ordinary trousers getting a bit threadbare been renewed several times and remains the was to become the love of his life. They met subsequent walks for Stuart were done without were quite suitable for walking. If it rained, guaranteed waterproof covering. up again the following year in the Cotswolds, her, but were not as enjoyable and so he too it rained. In summer, shorts were worn, Headgear Stuart says that his office trilby and the following year he showed her the gave up weekend walks. However, Stuart still combined with long socks to protect from was first used until one windy holiday he beauties of Yorkshire with a walk from Otley had a yen for meaningful walks and when, nettles and biting insects. Waterproof nearly lost it! So next was a cloth cap and then to Bridlington. in 1999, he became aware that East Surrey overtrousers sweated and it wasn't until a beret, keeping the hair dry but offering little By now, it's 1948 and Stuart and Alice Ramblers (now Walkers) had a programme designer trousers that dried quickly came on protection to the neck. A Sou'wester with tie- joined the Ramblers to take advantage of their of walking long distance paths at fortnightly the market that Regatta seemed to have solved on cord did the trick for many years until the organised walks on the continent as neither of intervals on Wednesdays, he joined the walks the problem. arrival of the Tilley hat. Cool in summer, dry them had left the UK before. They signed up and completed 2,877 miles between 1999 and Jacket In the 1940s an old sports jacket was in rain, screwable to stuff in the pocket, this for 14 days youth hostelling in Belgium and 2014. If you are keeping up with the maths, worn, preferably three buttoned, with maybe was the headgear of choice for Stuart. Luxembourg for £21-15-0d (£21.75) all in you will realise that by 1999 Stuart was 75! a pullover underneath. Not until clothing So, by the age of 90, Stuart was wearing from London, which was just about all Stuart Between these fortnightly walks, Stuart joined coupons ended in the 1950s was any alternative boots, comfortable trousers, a rain and sweat- could manage on his now £5 a week. annual walks arranged by Alan Wales, another available. Then it was an ex-RAF bomber proof jacket, and a Tilley hat. He carried a Stuart and Alice married in 1952, the same long-standing member of East Surrey Walkers, jacket, with buttoned waist and zippered front. folding plastic mac, sometimes overtrousers year Stuart passed his examination to become but who has,sadly, recently passed away. These They were warm lined and waterproof but and all in a well-balanced and very comfortable a qualified architect. They lived in Leeds until annual walks included the Dales Way in 2004, they sweated and became uncomfortable. Ten rucksack. Oh, and a walking stick... 1954 when he took a job in London and they South West Coast Path in 2005/6, Cleveland years later came the Grenfell jacket. Almost Pamela Cunniffe moved to Chingford. Essex was unknown Way and North Yorks Coast Path in 2007; knee-length, with copious pockets and double East Surrey Walkers 10 South East Walker March 2020 Volunteers sought re you passionate about the maintenance officer role profile on outdoors and making sure the Area website). KENT we can keep the rights of A • Sector coordinator - In this way across Kent open for everyone role you'll be working with the to enjoy? public rights of way manager We are looking for people to and local teams to ensure there calling volunteer in four roles which are is a coordinated and consistent essential to maintaining the rights of response to problems on the way across Kent. Each year there are network and to protect and frequent applications to change or enhance Kent Area's public rights amend rights of way and issues that of way. (You can find out more on stop walkers enjoying the network the sector coordinator role profile across the area, or paths become on the Area website. Award for Bill Ripper overgrown, worn down and over time • Area inspection officer - Working need maintaining. The local teams with the public rights of way t our group AGM our founder of footpath workers work together manager and footpath observers, member, Bill Ripper, was presented across Kent with the public rights you will provide the regular with a Ramblers award for his of way manager, making sure that A information about the accessibility 'Outstanding Contribution to Walking'. there is coordinated and consistent and usability of the network thus Supported by his wife Doris, Bill founded response, helping to protect and ensuring appropriate remedial enhance the area's public rights of Dartford & Gravesham Ramblers in 1992 action can be taken. (You can find way. You can get involved and help and has worked tirelessly as a Local Footpath out more on the area inspection everyone enjoy our amazing network Officer for many years. A passionate officer role profile on the Area of rights of way in the following ways: campaigner, he has managed to keep many website. • Public rights of way manager - In footpaths open, often battling with councils These opportunities are open to this role you will be helping us to and farmers. He has successfully claimed everybody, regardless of whether ensure that the countryside is kept many paths as public rights of way. His you're an existing Ramblers member, open and accessible for everyone to persistence through a public inquiry ensured you've just joined us or have been a enjoy. You will be making sure there that there are recognised paths around the member for years. If you're interested, is a coordinated and consistent you can get in touch with me and I'll Dartford Lakes which now form part of the response to proposed changes and Darent Valley Path. Our group continues to be able to give you more information issues by working closely with local about what is involved. Just email thrive, with more than 250 members, a full teams of footpath volunteers. (You walks programme and many social activities. me on [email protected]. can find out more on the public If these roles are new to you, don't Bill still leads walks and encourages new rights of way manager role profile worry we can help you along the way members to attend a map and compass course on the Area website). and there is lots of experience and to help them get acquainted with maps and • Area maintenance officer - This knowledge that you'll be able to draw leading walks. Congratulations Bill, the award will involve you coordinating local on. You'll also gain experience and was very welcome and extremely well-earned. path teams' efforts and keep the skills, which hopefully will benefit Beverley Johnston Area's local paths well maintained you and can be added to your CV. Bill with his award. Photo: Beverley Johnston Dartford & Gravesham Ramblers and open for us all to access. (You Robert Campbell can find out more on the area Chair, Kent Ramblers New Chairman Maidstone Ramblers for White Cliffs walk around the world im Cheney is the new Chairman Jim, who has done much walking in the t is very easy to clock equivalent of travelling once The walks are varied and of the White Cliffs Ramblers, Peak District, Wales and Yorkshire as well up miles if you walk around the circumference of start from short three mile Jreplacing Margaret Lubbock, who as some trails in Europe, joined the group Iregularly. Maidstone the world plus a trip to Oxford ones at a leisurely pace once a stood down at the group's AGM in three and a half years ago. He said: "Having Ramblers has a programme and a flight to New York. month on Thursdays (except November. Margaret, who has been joined White Cliffs Ramblers, I found of walks every week of the Although it is not a during the middle of winter). Chairman for eight years, was presented excellent fellowship and support from the year. competition, a record is kept More challenging six to 12 with wine and flowers. other walkers and was pleased to be able to At their Annual General of those attending every mile walks at a moderate pace give something back to the group when it Meeting some very interesting walk. The top 20 walkers all are held weekly, mainly on was suggested that I could be Chairman. statistics were revealed. The managed over 400 miles each. Wednesdays and Sundays. I am conscious that the group has been total number of miles walked Five of them completed over Roger Spencer fortunate to have had excellent Chairmen in in the past 12 months was an 500 miles and the top three Publicity Officer, the past, who together with the committee, incredible 28,437. That is the more than 600 miles. Maidstone Ramblers have ensured that the group continued to develop and grow by serving the needs of its members. Margaret Lubbock has been the only Chairman of the group while I have been a member and she has done a great job of being quietly supportive of everyone else, someone who lets others get things done and has a nurturing style. I hope I can emulate those qualities, add something of my own and ensure that the committee Graham Smith, a founder member of the group, can effectively take the group into the next makes the presentation to Margaret Lubbock at the period of its history." Maidstone Ramblers on Tolsford Hill in the Elham valley. Photo: Roger Spencer White Cliffs Ramblers AGM. Photo: Jim Cheney Graham Smith Christmas lunch nce again, our group held who wanted to work up an appetite, but its Christmas lunch at the weather was not very encouraging. Othe Darenth Golf Club in Only six members braved the elements Shoreham, the room being beautifully and were pleased to return to the club decorated with a Christmas tree and all house for a very welcome drink before an the trimmings. excellent lunch. Many thanks to Darenth Sixty-two members enjoyed good Golf Club for making our Christmas food with the opportunity to catch up celebrations a great success. with friends and fellow walkers. There Carole Flowerday At the lunch. was a short walk before lunch for those North West Kent Ramblers South East Walker March 2020 11 INNER LONDON London elects n May, Londoners will 2024. go to the polls to elect However, while London's Ia Mayor and Greater Government realises the London Assembly (GLA) for importance of walking, there insights the next four years; the UK's is a tendency for it to focus on largest devolved government, walking to get somewhere - bigger than both Scotland young and old, rich and poor and Wales in population and - can be physically active, relax budget. and enjoy nature. In doing so Capital Walkers In the last few years, as they help to address many of the the Ramblers has increased most pressing challenges facing its campaigning in London, London, including obesity walking and cycling has risen levels, health inequalities, social celebrates 10 years up the agenda of London's isolation, air pollution and 020 marks the 10th within the Metropolitan Walkers to Eltham station to recreate the first leadership, but much more climate change. But access to birthday of the Capital test the feasibility of a new group walk, and to celebrate the success needs to be done to ensure that nature in London is not equal. 2Walkers. The group, for people between 35 and 55. of the group. We had a fantastic walking remains a priority for Too many Londoners live in aimed at people in their mid In November 2009, the Inner day walking through woodlands the next London government. areas deficient in high quality 30s to mid 50s grew out of the London Area created the Capital and pastures, seeing extraordinary In 2012 the Ramblers took part green space or are discouraged popular Metropolitan Walkers, Walkers and on the first weekend in buildings like Charlton House, in an environmental hustings for from accessing green spaces by London's Ramblers group for January 2010, the group had its first Eltham Palace and the Thames the then London elections. At people in their 20s and 30s. walk - Eltham to North Greenwich Barrier and enjoying the bird song heavily trafficked roads, a lack The success of the Metropolitan on the Green Chain Walk and the and views to the North Downs and that time, the organisers didn't of signage indicating through Walkers as a fantastic group for Thames Path, finishing in the Pilot across the city. know the Ramblers were active routes to destinations, walls or bringing people together meant pub on Greenwich Peninsula (or Speaking after the walk, the in London, still less that we had fencing that prevent access at that by the start of 2010 it was the Bugsby's Marshes as our first Chair newly elected Chair of the Capital more than 12,000 members in convenient points. largest in the London area. But insists on calling it). Walkers, Nigel Howard said:"This London. Boris Johnson, who We are therefore calling on at the same time, it was no longer Leap forward 10 years and the is a great group for meeting new was elected Mayor that year, the next Mayor to act to make it meeting its objectives as a younger Capital Walkers has grown to 440 people and exploring different promised and later cancelled the easier for people across London person's group. Ten years later, we members, with a strong programme areas of the UK. People join and 'Year of Walking' and appointed couldn't deny that we were 10 years of walks, socials and weekends make lifelong friendships locally to walk in nature. We are calling older! away. While some people do move and across the world, exchange an active travel commissioner for the designation of a new, As such and in common with from the Metropolitan Walkers to knowledge and ideas, and have a with responsibility only for high-quality network of green other young people's groups, the the group, its growth has largely great time while getting in a bit of cycling. walking routes providing safe, Metropolitan Walkers faced the been through people new to the exercise as well. I'm privileged to be The Ramblers stepped up its attractive and welcoming links question of how to continue to Ramblers. the new Chair and look forward to campaigning in the run up to from neighbourhoods to green attract younger members while To celebrate our birthday, on helping grow the group further over the 2016 elections, publishing spaces and between green spaces. still meeting the needs of existing the 5 January 2020, 75 members, the next 10 years." our 'manifesto', and walking To do this, we are working members. So, we created a strand guests and visitors gathered at Phil Marson and talking with many of the with like-minded organisations, candidates. At a hustings such as the London Campaign meeting, Mayoral candidate for the Protection of Rural Sadiq Khan praised the Ramblers England, Living Streets and the for its campaigning on increasing National Park City campaign access to land for all. When he to strengthen our message. A became Mayor, he delivered manifesto, detailing our vision on some of our campaign asks, has been published as the basis including creating a Walking for engaging with candidates and Cycling Commissioner. to promote our vision of how Following the election, we met improvements in our walking with Deputy Mayors, GLA environment can help Londoners members and the new Walking live healthily, enjoyably, and and Cycling Commissioner, Will productively. This is a joint Norman. Today, we have regular enterprise between Central meetings with Will Norman, and Office and London's volunteers. the Ramblers' CEO has sat on a If you would like to know London-wide forum convened more or want to get involved, by the Commissioner to guide please email london2020@ and enable his goal of increasing innerlondonramblers.org.uk, the number of London's walking Phil Marson trips from 6.4 million end-to- Vice-chair, end journeys to 7.5 million by Inner London Ramblers Celebrating ten years. Photo: M C Hemming White Cliffs festival dates lans are well under way to the 30-mile White Cliffs Challenge, The festival organising group is for this year's White Cliffs put on by the Long Distance Walkers now planning the walks programme, PWalking Festival, taking Association on 29 August. The festival which will appear on the website www. place in Kent between 27 August will be opened, in a ceremony on Dover whitecliffswalkingfestival.org.uk, and and 1 September. seafront, by Natalie Hoare, editor of in the event's brochure - due to be It will be the seventh annual walking walk magazine. available in June. More details will festival organised by the White Cliffs Last year's festival attracted a record appear in the next issue of South East Ramblers, and will comprise some 38 number of 1,255 attendances, a figure Walker walks, ranging from short walks of one which would have been higher but for Graham Smith or two miles themed on history/heritage the exceptionally hot weather. White Cliffs Ramblers The programme cover. 12 South East Walker March 2020 OXFORDSHIRE on-line Path

This waymark directs you to climb over the tree (or do some serious limbo maintenance underneath). Photo: David Godfrey Footpath matters County council an improvement. success The definitive map modification • The claim for a path along here I was, a-digging who encountered brambles and to bear on the problem. The Vale order waiting list is now 79 cases. the south bank of the Thames from Rushey Lock to Tadpole this hole, a hole in blackthorn which forced walkers volunteers group has also cleared 24 diversion cases are outstanding. Bridge has been rejected. The the ground, so big into a narrow single file. The paths in Drayton and Kingston Ten claims have made it to an 'T claim to upgrade Nethercote and sort of round it was ...' sang Vale volunteers were able to bring Bagpuize with Southmoor parishes. order, eight having been made on the same day, including the Over Lane to a Byway Open to All Bernard Cribbins. In December brush cutters and a hedge cutter Dave Cavanagh the Vale Path Volunteers dug Norton case mentioned last time. Traffic (BOAT) has also been rejected, as has the claim to add seven holes, though they weren't Four more have been determined a BOAT in Over Norton; the big or round;they were square in favour. latter opens the way to claim a and deep. Their purpose in life restricted byway, as this is part was to receive two-metre-long Diversions, claims etc of the road from Hook Norton waymark posts. This was the • The claim for the path at to Charlbury in the 1770 penultimate chapter in a happy Christmas Common looks Inclosure Award. countryside access story. likely to be rejected, as too The waymark posts were along a much of the user evidence is well-used path but one which was from employees or tenants Other matters • Sunningwell Parish Council is not a recognised public right of of the Forestry Commission trying to find alternative ways way, ie it was not on the Definitive at the time of their statutory of opening up FP8 through Map of rights of way. The declaration of 1999. the former quarry. The owner relatively new landowner of Hitch • Diversion orders at Little is not particularly cooperative Copse was approached by two Rollright and Howberrywood as the path bisects the deer local parish councils who asked if Farm (both through gardens) farm. In the same parish there the owner would sign a Dedication have been confirmed by the is a planning application to Agreement which would lead to Two members of the Oxford City Path Wardens clear a path in Cumnor Parish. Secretary of State. extend the caravan park, which the much-used path becoming Photo: Jim Parke • The diversion of Didcot FP20 may resolve a Definitive Map 'official'. The landowner kindly will now be on an agreed anomaly which routes the path agreed to this, with the proviso off-road route, and has been through an adjacent barn. that waymark posts be installed confirmed. The creation order • The Oxford Group AGM on to help keep people on the line of for Shiplake FP40, to avoid the 23 November was preceded by the path. That was where the Vale Thames Path and crowds of users a walk which was programmed Path Volunteers came in, under going through gardens, has been as 'by the river'. In the end, the guidance of Arthur, the county confirmed, but any attempt to after a recce which involved council's Countryside Access extinguish the path through the a foot-deep stretch of 50% Officer for the Vale of White gardens (FP7) will be resisted. muddy water and 50% watery Horse. All that remains now is • There is a planning proposal for mud, I diverted to a squelch- for the path to be added to the development in the middle of free route inland. There is now Definitive Map. Wroxton which will require a a to-do about the 4,400 houses Earlier two members of Oxford minuscule diversion of part of proposed to be built north of City group's path maintenance FP2. Oxford, as the sites of many team, Oxford City Path Wardens, • The diversion order for Ardley of these are also flooded; the had joined forces with the Vale FP1 has been made, to take the houses may have to be built on Path Volunteers to clear an path out of the maze of small stilts. overgrown path in Cumnor industrial buildings which David Godfrey Parish. This followed a walk along Countryside Access Officer Arthur nails waymarks to a new post, whilst two members partly obstruct it; this looks like Area Footpath Secretary it by the Oxford City Group, of the Vale Path Volunteers prepare the hole. Photo: Dave Cavanagh

f you come across a path that is spoiled by overgrowth, and if that path is in one Iof the areas covered by our Oxfordshire Report Ramblers path maintenance teams, then let the team leader know. The areas covered are those of our Banbury & North Oxfordshire, Bicester & Kidlington overgrowth ('Blitz and Klean'), Oxford City, Thame & Wheatley, and Vale of White Horse groups. You will find contact details on our recently updated website www.ramblers-oxon.org.uk. Ghost over the 'footpath protection' tab and then click on the 'Footpath maintenance teams' Nettles, a common problem in summer. This stinging path was cleared by our Vale Path Volunteers path maintenance team. Unfortunately for the three team link. members shown here, they were detailed to start work at the far end of the path. Ouch! Photo: Jim Parke Dave Cavanagh South East Walker March 2020 13 talking walking Oxfordshire Ramblers pace in South East new issue becomes available. Walker doesn't allow If not, go to www.ramblers- on BBC Radio Oxford Sus to tell you about and oxon.org.uk , then click on the e have featured on lengths and speeds - something for saying that kindness was found on illustrate all that members of 'magazine' tab. We publish the BBC Radio Oxford for everyone. Jim acknowledged the Ramblers walks. She highlighted Oxfordshire Ramblers get up magazine in January, April, July the fourth consecutive work of our volunteer walk leaders, that Ramblers provide very short, to. For that reason we have a and October - in between issues W year. On Monday 30 December walk organisers in each group, and of leisurely walks in addition to more quarterly magazine, talking of South East Walker. The January our Oxfordshire Ramblers Chair our walks coordinator Richard Birch demanding ones. Elaine cited walking, that is available on issue is liberally sprinkled with Jim Parke was interviewed live in pulling it all together to produce the upcoming monthly Abingdon our website. some of the best photos taken by on the James Watt midday show. our Oxfordshire programme. All in Stroll, which is no more than three It's an easy read, with few our members on walks in spring The 'peg' for the occasion was all Jim painted an attractive picture and a half miles, at an easy pace, words and lots of photographs. and summer of last year. Have the Festival of Winter Walks (20 of us that should entice more people without stiles or hills. I emphasised And jokes. If you have signed-up a look: they are a flavour of the December to 5 January). The aim to give us a go. the social nature of walking with for email communication from delights to come over the next was to get more people out walking On the previous day I featured Ramblers groups - talking with Ramblers you should get an email few months. by attracting them to Ramblers on the Sophie Law show. My walking, making friends and from your local group when a Dave Cavanagh walks, with the hope that they brief was to talk about the health renewing friendships. would continue doing so. During benefits of walking, especially in Dave Cavanagh this period we in Oxfordshire our local Oxfordshire context. This Ramblers provided no fewer than was on the back of a YouGov poll, 37 walks. commissioned by the Ramblers, James Watt introduced Jim's spot, into the causes of stress and the which lasted 12 minutes, with a few methods people use to deal with it. bars of Eric Clapton's 'Rambling on 89.9% of those polled agrees that my mind'. James was humorously walking in natural or green spaces provocative, asking if we were the helps them to relax and unwind. 'hairy sock' brigade. Jim dispelled The national picture was provided this, equally light-heartedly. He had by Elaine Webb, Ramblers local the time to cover all aspects of our advocacy manager. She took a One of the stunning photos in the January issue of talking walking. Photo: Phil Charles walks, including that they were not word - kindness - from the Bishop BBC's Oxford studios on Banbury Road, 'commando courses', with different of Oxford's Christmas address, Summertown. Photo: Dave Cavana Eventful day SURREY ingston Group had an to avoid getting our boots muddy eventful walk from and this was just before lunch. KBrookwood station on Surrey County Council has been Saturday 7 December. Firstly advised of the problem. snippets our members had to contend But what a delight greeted us with the RMT guard strike when we reached the Cricketers on South Western Railway. pub on Pirbright Green. Whilst Then a riding stable kindly undergoing refurbishment, food requested that we divert from was being offered in a yurt - a a public footpath through novel eating experience. When their stables to avoid upsetting the pub reopens, the yurt will be Spring festival young nervous horses in a re-sited in the back garden. After field. lunch we had a group photo However, there was no taken on Pirbright Green before ole Valley Ramblers variety of walks should appeal to cafes, pubs and music venues. avoiding the next obstacle - a retracing our steps through will celebrate their everyone from the most experienced There will also be night hikes and gate led to a sunken bridge in the Brookwood Cemetery back to 40th anniversary with walker to the complete novice. a chance to explore nature with M form of a tree branch and pallet. the station for another disrupted a 10-day Spring Walks Festival There will be three or four walks a guide. See our website www. With the aid of poles we were train service home. from Friday 24 April to Sunday to choose from daily, 35 in total, molevalleyramblers.org.uk/festival eventually able to negotiate this Brenda Horwill 3 May. varying from three to 15 miles, for details. challenge but it was impossible Kingston Ramblers Join us and witness nature's both leisurely and challenging. Louise Stilwell-Stage awakening first hand. The We will offer walks with picnics, Mole Valley Ramblers

Bridged by pallet and tree branch. Photo: Brenda Horwill

On Pirbright Green, ready for the next challenge. Photo: Brenda Horwill Mole Valley walkers near Ranmore. 14 South East Walker March 2020 Gower, South Wales rand living, kind cast iron lighthouse). Dramatic Wish you were here? weather and diverse coastal views, sheltered beaches, Gland/seascapes were moorland, salt marshes, sand enjoyed by 27 Tonbridge dunes, tidal creeks, ancient burial & Malling Ramblers on an chambers and forest - often all in walkers being a great success/the October mini-break when one day - were experienced on Sidmouth, Devon entertainment - but not least, the we had exclusive residency of walks. e joined our first sun) and well run. We have had no weather. the Parc-le-Breos Victorian The group's unofficial East Surrey walk in experience of any other groups in And on this point, how does she hunting lodge (now a country mission statement places leisure WJanuary 2019, heard the Ramblers but we are certainly do it? How does Helen, the group's house hotel), set in an ancient and conviviality over physical about 'Sidmouth', asked about pleased that, by pure chance, we 'boss' bring this group together for deer park. Even luckier for challenge, so coffee and lunch cancellations, heard there was have found ourselves with such a such holidays not once or twice but the two members who were breaks in atmospheric hostelries one, then booked it. great bunch. Everyone was chatty, seven times on the spin? Clear blue, allocated the bridal suite (and and cafes were integral to every By the time our coach rolled supportive and friendly at all times. cloudless skies, and temperatures they aren't even a couple!). walk. There was a choice of two into Sidmouth we were already Then, in no particular order, the that just shouldn't happen in late The unspoilt and secluded or three led walks every day, with soaking up the seaside atmosphere, hotel staff were brilliant/food came November/early December. I mean, beauty spots visited by us on none exceeding eight miles nor accentuated by the cries of seagulls. almost as we ordered it/great little a crowd of walkers on a Devon beach foot included Three Cliffs with strenuous terrain. A jolly Once inside the Royal York and town/superb and well thought-out in December wearing tee shirts, and Bay, Pennard Castle ruins disposition and strong leadership Faulkner Hotel we were swept back walks/great coach driver Daniel one of them later going for a dip? (the village itself in the 17th proved useful on open moorland in time to an era where style was an - particularly his reversing skills/ Incredible. century was buried in an with boggy conditions underfoot, accompaniment to substance, rather beautiful scenery/great choice of Chris Law overnight sandstorm), Rhossili overgrown paths and towering than a substitute. Agatha Christie options - the trip to Exeter for non- East Surrey Walkers Bay (with its evidence of ship rickety stiles which required movies could have been made here; wrecks and recognisable from bravery, resilience, team-building and the standards were impeccable the Lloyd's Bank galloping and other SAS skills. Up bright and early next morning black horse television adverts), Thanks as always to June for for our respective walks, brilliantly Worm's Head (sadly our visit her flawless arrangements, and organised and led by experienced did not coincide with low tide to Andy, Neil and Frank for and patient leaders, and off we for the causeway) and Whiteford planning and leading. went. Now, as this is about our first Point (with its Grade II-listed Yasmin Vawda impressions, we two rookies can yet dilapidated wave-washed Tonbridge & Malling Ramblers only say that the walks on this, and the following days, were spectacular, very hilly, chilly (despite the winter Enjoying the Devon countryside. Photo: Chris Law

but there was an additional consideration which was that the rugby final was showing. Due to the bad South Wales weather, people were not keen to do the shorter walk ike most large groups, we have a tendency which would also have involved a drive and so that was to run two distinct types of walk - 'fast and cancelled. Those who watched the rugby found that L long' or 'short and leisurely' and this can by 11am the weather had improved and three quarters lead to a slight divide in the group. of the entire group went out on a local walk from the In an effort to increase sociability, the weekend to town up Sugarloaf mountain. South Wales in November was designed to encompass On Sunday, the sun shone all day and we had glorious Three Cliffs Bay Photo: John James both groups. However, given that south Wales is not views. The local short walk took in the 'Punchbowl' flat, it was necessary to offer 'slow short hilly' rather than on the Blorenge mountain. The longer walk involved 'slow short flat' walks which was a discouragement to a drive to Llangorse Lake where the walk had to be some. It was set up for anyone who could comfortably replanned due to flooding. None the less, a good time St Ives, Cornwall walk in the Chilterns for six miles and offered two was had by all. wenty three of us met rooms, left as they were when the walks each day and 16 members booked onto the Helen and Graham Winnett up at Paddington for last miner came up to the surface weekend away in early November. Chilterns Weekend Walkers our journey down to the in 1990. The first day had an early start for the harder group T HF House Chy Morvah last Being very close to the Minack who tackled a linear 13-mile walk from Waun Fach September. Theatre at Porthcurno many of village over the mountain Waun Fach to Crickhowell. There was a choice of three us took the opportunity to see The easier group set off later for a circular walk taking walks each day so all interests and a production of 'The Mill on in Table Mountain and contouring across at 400m and abilities were catered for. With the Floss' by the Brighton Little then descending and returning to Crickhowell via the warm sunny weather nearly every Theatre Company who gave canal. In typical Welsh fashion, there was a mist over day our walking routes gave us an interesting interpretation of the hills which descended to about 500m. Hence the beautiful, sunny beaches still busy George Eliot's novel. If you have faster walkers spent most of the day in mist, while the with surfers and family groups and visited this theatre you will know lighter walkers had glorious views and some sunshine. glimpses of a seal or two. that performers must compete The entire group met up in the evening for a meal. Places of interest visited with the sound of the waves and The forecast for the second day (Saturday) was terrible Taking a break. Photo: Helen & Graham Winnett included the Botallack tin mines possible sightings of dolphins as with their abandoned engine the audience sits on stone benches houses perched just above the sea. perched high on the side of a cliff. days with many streams becoming which was mainly over fields and These remains are now a World With its excellent location, Chy difficult to bypass, Another harder gentle slopes. Thorpe, Heritage Site. Geevor tin mine Morvah provides an ideal venue walk the next day was from the top Our four leaders ensured that we was also visited at the start of one for walking groups and we were of Lathkill Dale to Ashford-in-the- all returned each evening to enjoy Derbyshire walk and we were able to see at certainly not disappointed. A Water with a few steep climbs but the good food provided at the ur autumn break last first hand how the mining was fantastic holiday and thanks to taken in our stride. I chose to rest house. The evening entertainment October was in the carried out and get an idea of the Geraldine who organised it. my weary limbs on the following was varied but the bar had a good Derbyshire Dales conditions that the miners worked Mary Brooks O day but did climb to the top of selection of beers and wines, all very staying at the HF Country House in as we were shown their wash Croydon Ramblers Thorpe Cloud which is a mere mile welcome after a hard day's walking. in Thorpe where we enjoyed four from the house. On our last day of Bill Collins days of guided walking. As walking I took the medium walk Amersham Ramblers well as the 31 of us another 20 walkers were staying there and we all joined the excellent guided walks for which HF provided four leaders. On the first day the harder walk was along some 13 miles of dales, finishing back at Thorpe after five and a half hours. The area had seen some days of heavy rain and this was evident over the next four Ready for the Derbyshire Dales. Photo: Bill Collins St Ives Bay Photo: John Tickner South East Walker March 2020 15

we had a short train journey from Capital Ring, Sherwood Forest, Langwith, Whaley Thorns station to Cresswell. A good day out! Warner Leisure Hotels provide London Nottinghamshire activities like swimming, shooting, archery (seems appropriate for to be where one of Robin Hod's drive up the A1 in October Sherwood Forest) and guided took us to a Warner men, Alan-a-Dale is buried, the walks around the gardens, so even Leisure Hotel called grounds of Newstead Abbey, A if you are not a keen walker there Thoresby Hall in Sherwood more of Robin Hood's Way and are activities to keep you occupied, Forest. Our John Hilton ending in the appropriately named arranges the accommodation Thieves Wood. For our final walk plus of course local places to visit. for about 40 of us and gets a we crossed into Derbyshire to start There is entertainment in the good deal about this time each at Cresswell Crags. This is an evenings, singing and dancing, if year whilst Geraldine Deas sorts interesting place, made up of two you have the energy! I was hoping out three days of walks. limestone cliffs about half a mile to see men in green tights, hiding The first day's walk took in a few long with a lake between them. behind trees or even a Maid Marian villages and part of Robin Hood's You can walk both sides of the lake - but no - just a few Friar Tucks! Way. The second day started in so we went out on one side and John Tickner the village of Papplewick, reputed returned on the other. To finish Croydon Ramblers

In Beckenham Place Park. Photo: Andrew Johnson

hirty one walkers from to us for early January being dry our group set out on 4 and sunny. Lunch was taken in TJanuary on the first leg the extensive Beckenham Place of the Capital Ring, the green Park which has an excellent cafe, route encircling inner London. outdoor benches and facilities. We plan to complete the The Capital Ring guidebook route by walking one Saturday is excellent. Various transport a month being guided along the options are suggested to get to and 15 sections by Colin Saunders' from the start and end points of Capital Ring guidebook. Our each section or indeed, to join or Ready to ramble. Photo: John Tickner chosen starting section was from leave part way as some did. The Grove Park to Crystal Palace; route is clearly shown on the maps about eight miles through and the supporting navigation Bromley and Beckenham. Along instructions are detailed and easy Great Malvern, Worcestershire the route we were serenaded by to follow. Only 70 miles and 14 the squawking, green ring-necked sections to go! parakeets which have adopted the Steve Wells area. The weather was very kind South East Berks Ramblers Saxon Shore Way, Kent n late November we with the last part being tackled continued our walk along in the dark! The second day was Ithe Saxon Shore Way in shorter and followed the present Kent. day coastline. We had good views The first day saw us walk from of the white cliffs,, passed below Lymne to our hotel near Church Dover castle and after the docks we Outside Worcester Cathedral. Photo: Bernard Morse Hougham. This day saw us pass climbed to the top of the cliffs again Folkestone with good views down for the final stretch to Walmer. ulling into the car park in North Malvern where this walk walk back from Worcester, whilst to the Eurotunnel terminal. The Ian Dunford Great Malvern after a two would go, Worcestershire Beacon a shorter circular walk began at day ended up being 15 miles Milton Keynes Ramblers Phour drive in the rain, where Saturday's walk would Elgar's birthplace. The end of the things were not looking good visit, Worcester Cathedral where day was celebrated at the Abbey for our weekend of walks in the Sunday's walk would begin and Hotel in Great Malvern with an Malvern Hills. Bredon Hill where we would be on evening meal. On Monday the However the forecast indicated the Monday. It couldn't have been group stopped at Elmley Castle for the rain would soon clear. The a more perfect start, even for those a circular walk onto Bredon Hill other 37 members arrived and struggling to get their breath back. and around Parsons Folly where put on their waterproofs but these On Saturday we had split the morning views began to fade were soon unzipped as we climbed linear walks to Ledbury. For our as rain approached. Our return to St Ann's Well and began to see return by train, trying to get the home was just as wet as on the blue sky. Continuing on to the right ticket from the machines at outward journey but our window Malvern Ridge and around Table the station turned out to be the for walking couldn't have been Hill onto End Hill, the views just hardest part of the day. Sunday more perfect. got better and better as the clouds brought more blue sky as we met at Roy Carter On Cheriton Hill near Folkestone. Photo: Ian Dunford lifted away. I could point out Great Malvern station for a linear Ivel Valley Walkers

bout 30 Croydon for our walk. John Bailey was a hooley. We loitered long enough Weymouth, Dorset Ramblers boarded a our leader and took us through to take a few photos and then Acoach on Friday 13 farms and woods and up onto the headed along the west side of the December (lucky we are not Ridgeway, returning for a bus back Bill before our return to Weymouth superstitious) to Weymouth for to Weymouth. On Sunday we took for the warmth of the hotel and a pre-Christmas mini-break. another bus to Portland where we a cup of tea. Cricket Chris, the We arrived at our seafront hotel intended to walk around the Bill leader, started out with about 16 mid-afternoon, spread the contents but yesterday's breeze had turned walkers and ended with four. of our suitcases around the rooms into a force eight or nine gale I was The weekend was organised and had a cup of tea. Some of us glad I'd had a big breakfast to weigh by our wizzy person, Muriel Fell, needed to stretch our legs and went me down. We stopped to have and we certainly got value for for a wander. our packed lunches in a spot out money from Shearings, the coach On Saturday morning we saw of the wind before continuing to company, some sunshine and a bus that took the lighthouse at the south end of John Tickner Fighting a gale on Portland Bill. Photo: John Tickner us inland to Upwey, the start point Portland Bill where it was blowing Croydon Ramblers 16 South East Walker March 2020 Round London Diary Dates South Downs National Park 10th anniversary Saturday 28 March Meet at the national park centre in Midhurst at 10.30am (or take a vintage bus from Petersfield to Midhurst at 10am). Tea and coffee will be served from 10.30, followed by short presentations by Kate Ashbrook (Ramblers and Open Spaces Society) and Margaret Paren (Chair of the South Downs National Park Authority). The bus will then take passengers to Petworth for a seven mile walk (a shorter option may be arranged) back to Midhurst led by George and Jasper Stride. Tea and cakes will be served on return to the centre. The bus will then take passengers to Petersfield. Organised by Hants Area and South East Hants Group. Hampstead Heath: The battles in Parliament, courts and the press over the years to protect this well-loved open space are told by Helen Lawrence in How Hampstead Heath was Saved: a story of 'people power', which was published by Camden History Enquiries to Jasper and George Stride 02392 254959 or Society (£14.95) in June 2019. Copies had sold out as we went to press but check camdenhistorysociety.org/publications. Owen Plunkett 07465 402211.

Turner and the Thames Until Sunday 29 March Five of JMW Turner's rarely-seen oil sketches depicting riverside scenes from Isleworth to Windsor are on show in the first exhibition in the artist's restored Twickenham house. Admission charge. Turner's House, 40 Sandycoombe Road, TW1 2LR www.turnershouse.org/whats-on, 020 8892 5485.

Havering Hoard: A Bronze Age Mystery From Friday 3 April until Sunday 1 November Headstone Manor: Works to create a new wetland area, paths, footbridges. trees and plants in Headstone Manor Park in the borough More than 400 objects dated to between around 900 - 800 of Harrow are continuing, funded partly by the National Lottery Heritage BC and unearthed during an archaeological investigation in Fund. Plans include deculverting a section of Yeading Brook in the park . the east London borough of Havering will be on show. See headstonemanor.org/about/headstone-manor-park-project/. Museum of London Docklands West India Quay, London E14 4AL www.museumoflondon.org.uk/museum-london-docklands, 020 7001 9844

Explore with map and compass Saturday 4 April Mayflower: This statue of Christopher A one-day course (10am - 4pm) designed to provide Jones, captain of the Mayflower, stands in the churchyard of St Mary's at Rotherhithe (on the beginners and those with little experience to gain confidence Thames Path), where Jones is buried. This year and experience in map reading and land navigation. marks the 400th anniversary of the sailing of Consists mainly of fieldwork in the countryside around the Mayflower from Rotherhithe and a series of Battle, East Sussex. Standard charge £10, reduced rates events nationwide are being held. Elsewhere in Isleworth link: Opened without fanfare, a short link path from Richmond the south east, Jones house at Harwich is opening available. A further course and an advanced More with map Road to the riverside path off Lion Wharf Road in Old Isleworth provides to visitors for the first time whilst in West Street in and compass course will be arranged for later in 2020 if an improved off-road route for Capital Ring and Thames Path walkers. It Dorking there stands the only surviving house of there is sufficient demand. provides views of Isleworth Ait and results from the adjacent development a Mayflower passenger. For festival events go to known as Fitzroy Gate. Currently it is unsigned but walkable. www.mayflower400uk.org. John Harmer, 01424 773998 or email john@harmerfamily. plus.com

Swire Ridgeway Arts Prize Saturday 18 - Sunday 19 April An exhibition of works submitted for this year's competition promoted by the Friends of the Ridgeway. The aim is to bring The Ridgeway to life not only as a long distance trail but as an artistic inspiration. Thomas Hughes Memorial Hall. Uffington, Oxfordshire SN7 7RA [email protected], 01367 240713. The exhibition moves to the Chilterns for the weekend of 25-26 April. Regent's Canal: The eight and a half mile/14 km canal from Paddington to Limehouse was opened on 1 August 1820 so this year will see its 200th anniversary. The towpath can be walked with diversions over tunnels like the one in Islington. For events Map and compass awareness to mark the anniversary, go to canalrivertrust.org.uk/about-us/where-we-work/london-and-south-east/regents-200. Saturday 25 April North West Kent Group is holding another course for those wishing to improve their skills. Starts at 9.45 and costs £3 (lunch extra). To register. please contact Chris Baker on 01322 341722 or chrisw.baker@ ntlworld.com by 14 April. The Grasshopper on the Green, Westerham, Kent

National Mills Weekend Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 May Annual festival of milling in which more than 300 wind and water mills - some not normally open to the public - will welcome visitors this weekend. www.spab.org.uk

Meridian Water: A new railway station with this name has Croydon Airport: Opened 100 years ago in March 1920, opened in the borough of Enfield to serve a new housing this was the UK's only international airport before becoming Urban Tree Festival development still to be built. It is just south of Angel Road an RAF base in the World War II. Although closed in 1959. Saturday 16 - Sunday 24 May station which has closed. The Lea Valley Path and Pymmes some early airport buildings remain on Purley Way including Third annual celebration of urban and suburban trees in Brook Trail are nearby. A London Strollers group started a the world's oldest air traffic control tower which is open to London and beyond with walks, talks, etc. walk here on 11 January, probably the first Ramblers group the public on the first Sunday of each month. See https:// walk from the station. historiccroydonairport.org.uk. urbantreefestival.org