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LONDON STROLLERS WALKS PROGRAMME: APRIL TO JUNE 2021 Welcome to the Ramblers’ Strollers Group

NOTES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

IMPORTANT NOTE REGARDING COVID-19:

Following discussions with Ramblers’ Central Office, it has been confirmed that as organized ‘outdoor physical activity events’, Ramblers’ group walks are exempt from other restrictions on social gatherings. This means that group walks in London can go ahead with effect from 29 March 2021. This is subject to each walk meeting certain requirements, including maintenance of a register for Test and Trace purposes, and completion of risk assessments. There is no longer a formal upper limit on numbers for walks; however, since Walk Leaders are still expected to enforce social distancing, and given the difficulties of doing this with large numbers, we will continue to use a compulsory booking system to limit numbers for the time being.

Ramblers’ Central Office has published guidance for those wishing to join group walks. Please be sure to read this carefully before going on a walk. It is available on the main Ramblers’ website at www.ramblers.org.uk. The advice may be summarised as:

- face masks must be carried and used, for travel to and from a walk on public transport, and in case of an unexpected incident; - appropriate social distancing must be maintained at all times, especially at stiles or gates; - you should consider bringing your own supply of hand sanitiser, and - don’t share food, drink or equipment with others.

Some other important points are as follows:

1. BOOKING YOUR PLACE ON A WALK If you would like to join one of the walks listed below, please book a place by following the instructions given below. Please note that the booking arrangements may be different for different walks. Numbers on walks will be limited, so if you subsequently find that you are unable to attend, please contact the Walk Leader to cancel your booking so that someone else can take your place. Please do NOT turn up for a walk without a confirmed booking, as we will have to turn you away.

2. CONTACT INFORMATION A register will be taken before the walk sets off. The contact information you have given when making your booking will be used. This data will only be used to get in touch about the walk, or to share if requested with the government’s Test and Trace system. The register will be destroyed or deleted by the Walk Leader after 21 days.

OTHER NOTICES

1. Dogs: Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome on our walks unless stated otherwise. 2. Please note that, whilst walk leaders attempt to give an accurate finish time, the actual pace and length of the walk depends on several factors, including walker speeds on the day, café and toilet queues etc. The finish time should therefore be treated as an estimate only, and cannot be guaranteed. Walkers will wish to bear this in mind when booking other events close to the finish time. 3. London Strollers is keen to recruit new Walk Leaders. Many of you will have been out walking during lockdown. Why not take this opportunity to introduce your routes to others? Training and mentoring can be arranged if required.

WALKS APRIL TO JUNE 2021

Sunday 4 April 2021: THE DEPTFORD ROUND Start: 10.30 station (Zone 2, and ). Be amazed at how much you can walk away from traffic through delightful Deptford, including the riverside, the creek, magnificent St Paul's church and temporary art installations on Woodpecker Road and in Folkestone Gardens. This is a circular walk of about five miles which should finish around 13.30. !!! This walk is limited to 20 people who must pre-book at [email protected] or 07930 367984. Leader: Des de Moor

Thursday 8 April 2021: HOW THE OTHER HALF LIVE Start: 11.00 Queensway station (Zone 1, Central Line) Finish: Knightsbridge station (Zone 1, line) This 4.5 mile walk explores , the museums area, and the affluent area of Belgravia, including its embassies, and a number of charming squares and mewses. Toilets in Kensington Gardens. Short snack stop. !!! This walk is limited to 20 people who must book with the Walk Leader. Leader: Helen Abbott ([email protected]; 07930 367984)

Saturday 10 April 2021: 12: TO Start: 11.00 Highgate station (Zone 3, ). Meet at top of Priory Gardens exit. Finish: Stoke Newington station (Zone 2, London Overground and several bus routes). This section of the Capital Ring showcases several little-known green and blue spaces including the , and . Flat throughout, with a few steps at the beginning and end. A five-mile leisurely walk, with a lunch and toilet stop at Park café (or bring a packed lunch). Should finish by 15.30. NB: Dogs are not allowed in Woodberry Wetlands !!! This walk is limited to 20 people who must book in advance with the leader. Leader: Helen Abbott ([email protected], 07930 367984).

Tuesday 13 April 2021: AND HEATH Start: 10.45 East station (Zone 3, Northern line). Meet outside the main exit. Finish: Hampstead station (Zones 2/3, Northern line) A linear walk of about three and a half miles linking green spaces and woodlands. Should finish by around 13.30. !!! This walk is limited to 15 people who must pre-book at 07930 367984 or [email protected] Leader: Micky Kohn.

Tuesday 20 April 2021: BLUE, BLUE MY WORLD IS BLUE Start: 11.00 station (Zone 6, numerous trains from London , Charing Cross, ) Finish: Bostall Hill, for short bus ride to Erith or stations This leisurely 4-mile walk covers section 2 of the Green Chain Walk. Enjoy a panoramic view of the Thames estuary at Erith before heading up to London's hidden heathland, passing through the spectacular ancient woodland of Lesnes Abbey. Hopefully, the bluebells will be out. Tea stop and toilets at Lesnes Abbey café. Should finish by 15.30 !!! This walk is limited to 20 people who must book in advance with the leader. Leader: Helen Abbott ([email protected], 07930 367984).

Thursday 22 April 2021: IN GANDHI'S FOOTSTEPS Start: 11.00 Stratford High Street station (Zones 2/3. DLR). Not to be confused w the main (or Stratford International). Meet outside station on Stratford High Street. Finish: station (Zone 3, DLR). This walk is along part of the Green London Way and includes the , the Greenway (over Bazalgette's sewer) and through where we can eat lunch (toilets and cafe available if not still closed because of Covid-19). We continue later along Mitchells Walk to Beckton station where refreshments and toilets are available nearby. !!! This walk is limited to 20 people who must book in advance with the leader. Leader: Andy S (07948 379692; [email protected])

Sunday 25 April 2021: WESTMINSTER AND BLACKFRIARS Start: 11.00 Charing Cross station (Zone 1, Bakerloo and Northern Lines plus mainline trains). Meet by W H Smith on the concourse of the mainline station). A circular walk of just over four miles via St James's and Westminster, then along the banks of the Thames. We should finish back at Charing Cross by around 13.00. !!! This walk is limited to 20 people who must pre-book with the leader by email or by leaving a phone message. Leader: Mervion Kirwood, ([email protected]; 07398 258012).

Sunday 2 May 2021: GREEN LONDON WAY 14 - STOKE NEWINGTON TO Start: 10.30 Stoke Newington station (Zone 2, London Overground). Finish: Hackney Wick station (Zone 2, London Overground). This is a repeat of an earlier walk and intended for those who weren't able to book a place before. Descending into the from Springfield Park, this section of the 'alternative Capital Ring' explores and and the Filter Beds. A joint walk with Blackheath Ramblers of about five and a half miles, finishing around 13.45. !!! This walk is limited to 20 people who must pre-book at 07930 367984 or [email protected] Leader: Des de Moor

Thursday 6 May 2021: MARSHES CIRCULAR Start: 11.00 station (Zone 3, and trains from Liverpool Street). Meet outside tube station exit by bus stop A. A circular walk of about four miles featuring , and the . Tea and toilet break along the way. Should finish by about 13.30. !!! This walk is limited to 20 people who must book in advance with the leader. Leader: Moo Ling Boey ([email protected] or phone 07983 477200 - voicemail only).

Sunday 9 May 2021: NEITHER NEW NOR A RIVER Start: 11.00 Angel underground station (Zone 1, Northern line) Finish: Manor House underground station (Zones 2/3, ) A 5.5 mile walk following the ‘heritage’ section of the Path, starting at New River Head in and winding its way north through gardens and before reaching the tranquil New River Walk, a charming linear landscaped park along the river’s edge. Tea and toilet stop in , towards the end of the walk. Finishing about 15.00 !!! This walk is limited to 20 people who must book in advance with the leader. Leader: Helen Abbott ([email protected], 07930 367984).

Tuesday 11 May 2021: AND SURREY DOCKS Start: 10.45 station (Zone 1, Jubilee and Northern Lines, National Rail). Meet on the lower/Tooley Street level concourse of the mainline station by Pret a Manger, toilets nearby. Finish: station (Zone 2, and London Overground). A linear walk of about three and a half miles featuring the , and . Should finish by around 13.30. !!! This walk is limited to 15 people who must pre-book at [email protected], or 07930 367984. Leader: Micky Kohn

Thursday 13 May 2021: STRAWBERRY HILL FOREVER Start: 11.10 Strawberry Hill station (Zone 5, London Waterloo 10.33, Junction 10.43, Putney 10.49) Finish: Richmond station (Zone 4, Mainline, and London Overground). A 5-mile riverside walk in west London going downstream from Strawberry Hill to Richmond, on the opposite bank to and Richmond. Starting at Horace Walpole’s Gothic fantasy, Strawberry Hill, as well as exploring a number of other grand riverside mansions. Lunch stop, toilets, café and art gallery in . Should finish around 15.30 !!! This walk is limited to 20 people who must book in advance with the leader. Leader: Helen Abbott ([email protected], 07930 367984).

Sunday 16 May 2021: A SHEEPFOLD CLEARING Start: 11.00 station (Zone 4, Piccadilly line) A five-mile circular walk leading from the expanses of to the towpath of the and on through part of the Brent River Park to . Historical interest at Osterley Park House and Brunel’s Three Bridges, as well as ’s famous Flight of Locks. Toilet at station. Tea stop towards the end. Should finish by 15.30 !!! This walk is limited to 20 people who must book in advance with the leader. Leader: Helen Abbott ([email protected], 07930 367984).

Tuesday 18 May 2021: CAPITAL RING 13: STOKE NEWINGTON TO HACKNEY WICK Start: 11.00 Stoke Newington station (Zone 2, London Overground). Finish: Hackney Wick (Zone 2, London Overground). This short section (4 miles) of the Capital Ring is dominated by the Lee Navigation waterway. The walk traces the expansion of Stoke Newington over the last 150 years before going into Springfield Park before following the as it winds its way towards the Thames. !!! This walk is limited to 20 people who must book in advance with the leader. Leader: Helen Abbott ([email protected], 07930 367984).

Thursday 20 May 2021: WHEN ROMANS TOOK THE FERRY TO THE THAMES Start: 11.00 station (Zone 1, Northern Line and National Rail). A lot of building work is taking place at the station so take Exit 4 in the direction of St Luke's using ramp. Do not use the stairs heading towards Eye Hospital. Meet near Wagamama. Finish: (Zone 1, Circle and District Lines, National Rail). This walk of about 3 miles follows the Shoreditch branch of the , one of London's lost rivers now hidden underground. We will faithfully follow its course to the Thames near Cannon Street station. At low tide the exit sluice can be seen from the Thames shore though this does involve clambering over some rough ground so is entirely at your own risk. It can also be seen at a distance from the riverside embankment. We should complete the walk by about 13.00 and there are plenty of local cafes. !!! This walk is limited to 20 people who must book in advance with the leader. Leader: Andy S ([email protected]; 07948 379692).

Sunday 23 May 2021: WANDERING AROUND BLACKHEATH Start: 11.05 Blackheath station (Zone 3). Victoria 10.34, Rye 10.47, 10.56, arrives 10.58 or Charing Cross 10.42, Waterloo East 10.45, London Bridge 10.51 arrives 11.03. A circular walk of about four miles around Blackheath, passing St Margaret's Church, the Pagoda House, Queen Caroline's bath and the Paragon. We should be back at Blackheath station by around 13.00. !!! This walk is limited to 20 people who must pre-book with the leader by email or by leaving a phone message. Leader: Mervion Kirwood ([email protected]; 07398 258012).

Saturday 29 May 2021: DOWNS AND THE Start: 13.25 Belmont station (Zone 5, Victoria 12.30, 12.39, West 13.04, Sutton 13.19). Finish: station (Zone 5, for trains to Victoria and ). A walk of about six miles featuring countryside, parklands and some open spaces. Should finish by about 16.45. !!! This walk is limited to 15 people who must pre-book with the leader. Leader: Les Douglas (020 8809 2338; [email protected]).

Sunday 30 May 2021: ROYAL PARKS CIRCULAR Start: 11.00 St James's Park station (Zone 1, Circle and District Lines). A circular walk of about six miles visiting St James's, Park, , Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens. Refreshment stop at the Palace Cafe in Kensington Gardens. Should finish by about 14.00. !!! This walk is limited to 15 people who must book in advance with the leader. Leader: Kathy (07835 309587).

OFFERS TO LEAD WALKS FOR OUR JULY TO SEPTEMBER PROGRAMME WOULD BE VERY WELCOME. If you are willing to lead a walk for us (new leaders are very welcome) then do please send details to Les Douglas, Group Walks Coordinator [email protected] by 5 June.

Sunday 6 June 2021: GREEN LONDON WAY 15: VICTORIA PARK AND THE UNION CANAL Start: 10.30 Hackney Wick station (Zone 2, London Overground). This is a repeat of an earlier walk and intended for those who weren't able to book a place before. The latest stage of this trail around Inner London follows a long loop in and around the 'People's Park', the magnificent Victoria Park. It also features three waterways, including the full length of the , and a mysterious giant boulder. This is a circular walk of about four and a half miles, finishing around 13.30, arranged jointly with Blackheath Ramblers. !!! This walk is limited to 20 people who must pre-book at [email protected] or 07930 367984. Leader: Des de Moor

Tuesday 8 June 2021: I OVERLOOKED AN ORCHID (WHILE SEARCHING FOR A ROSE) Start: 11.00 (TfL Overground Zone 9: valid on Liverpool Street 10.15, Stoke Newington 10.28) This 5-mile circular walk will explore the Lea Valley Park (avoiding muddy fields!), in search of one or more of the wild orchid species that can often be seen at this time of year. We will explore three different sites where I have found these in previous years. There will be a stop for a picnic lunch at Fishers Green. Toilets at Cheshunt station and Fishers Green, but few other facilities. Should finish by 15.30 !!! This walk is limited to 20 people who must book in advance with the leader. Leader: Helen Abbott ([email protected], 07930 367984).

Thursday 10 June 2021: AND Start: 10.45 station (Zone 3, Northern Line). Meet outside the main exit. Finish: station (Zone 1, lots of lines). A linear walk of about five miles featuring parks and open spaces, finishing around 14.00. !!! This walk is limited to 15 people who must pre-book at [email protected], or 07930 367984. Leader: Micky Kohn

Saturday 12 June 2021: ELMSTEAD WOODS AND Start: 13.30 station (Zone 4, Charing Cross 13.04, Waterloo East 13.07, London Bridge 13.13). Finish: North station (Zone 4, trains to Grove Park for connections to Charing Cross). This walk of about six miles combines a section of the Green Chain Walk with some open spaces and footpaths. Should finish by about 16.45. !!! This walk is limited to 15 people who must pre-book with the leader. Leader: Les Douglas (020 8809 2338; [email protected]).

Thursday 17 June 2021: CAPITAL RING 14: HACKNEY WICK TO BECKTON DISTRICT PARK Start: 11.00 Hackney Wick station (Zone 2, London Overground) Finish: Royal Albert station (Zone 3, DLR) A five-mile walk passing the Olympic Park, passing the Abbey Mills Pumping Station, and ending in Beckton District Park. Lunch stop towards the end. Toilets en route, COVID permitting. Should be finished by 15.00 !!! This walk is limited to 20 people who must book in advance with the leader. Leader: Helen Abbott ([email protected], 07930 367984).

Sunday 20 June 2021: CLAPHAM AND COMMONS Start: 11.00 station (Zone 2, Northern Line). A walk of around four and a half miles around Clapham and Wandsworth, exploring the commons. We should finish back at Clapham Common station about 13.15. Easy-going on good paths with views of Wandsworth Prison and the Royal Patriotic Asylum. !!! This walk is limited to 20 people who must pre-book with the leader by email or by leaving a phone message. Leader: Mervion Kirwood ([email protected]; 07398 258012).

PLEASE BE AWARE THAT TRAIN TIMES BEYOND THIS POINT WERE UNCONFIRMED WHEN THE PROGRAMME WAS COMPILED. Please check before travelling that times shown are still correct.

Saturday 26 June 2021: PYMMES BROOK Start: 13.30 station (Zone 4, Piccadilly Line) Finish: station (Zone 5, Piccadilly Line). A walk of about six miles mostly through parks, gardens and open spaces following the . Should finish by about 16.45. !!! This walk is limited to 15 people who must pre-book with the leader. Leader: Les Douglas (020 8809 2338; [email protected]).

Sunday 27 June 2021: REASONS TO BE CHEERFUL Start: 11.15 Norbiton station (Zone 5, National Rail 10.48 London Waterloo, 10.57 Clapham Junction, 11.04 Wimbledon – PLEASE CHECK TRAIN TIMES) Finish: Richmond station (Zone 4, District line, National Rail) A 5.5 walk through taking in the Isabella Plantation Pen Ponds, and Ian Dury’s memorial bench, with a refreshment and loo stop at Pembroke Lodge. !!! This walk is limited to 20 people who must book in advance with the leader. Leader: Helen Abbott ([email protected], 07930 367984).