Email Archive


NOTICES 1: New members A warm welcome to the following new primary member Catharine Sowerby.   2: Strava  For those members that use Strava to record or save their walks we have set up a Strava group specifically for the London LDWA group (there is also a national LDWA Strava group). Members…
NOTICES 1: New members A warm welcome to the following new Primary members  Rudolph Schwarz and Jeremy Ettinghausen, and the following Associate member Steven Le Tocq.   2: Challenge event The Essex & Herts group 'Essex Walker' challenge event is on Sunday 14th April from Galleywood Common. Peter…
NOTICES 1: New members A warm welcome to the following new Primary members Patrick Chamberlain and Becky Gardiner and the following Associate member K Johnston.   2: A message from our new Walks Secretary Greetings fellow walkers! Since the recent AGM I have been the LDWA London Walks Secretary. I…
Notices 1: AGM. Thanks to all those who attended the AGM last Wednesday and for their input into the meeting. The main outcome was the adoption of an updated constitution.  2: Founders Challenge. As announced at the AGM due to no one volunteering to take on the role of organiser this will not be…
NOTICES 1: New Members -  Welcome to the folloing new primary members James Auburn and Christine Diaz, and the following new Associate members John Loonam and Carole McGranachan. 2: AGM - I look forward to seeing those who are coming on Wednesday for this year's AGM, which year has the important…
NOTICES Welcome to the following new Primary members Russell Banks and Marc Seale and a new Associate member Alison Williams. Forthcoming Walk Barnes circular via Hampton Court & Kingston Sat 17th Feb 2024 Distance 19ml. Start Time 09:30 Route Meet at Barnes Station entrance (by coffee…
Sun 11th Feb 2024
LDWA LONDON GROUP ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2024 18:00 for 18:30 Wednesday 21st February 2024 at The Meeting Room, Crown Court Church, Russell St, London WC2B 5EZ (Please register with the Secretary if you wish to attend london@ldwa.org.uk) AGENDA Special Business (requires 75% vote of…
Mon 5th Feb 2024
NOTICES 1: New Members: Welcome to the following new Primary members Elise Bell and Angela Himus and new Associate members Martin Emlie, Dave Guiver, Natalie Rud and Melissa Russhard. 2: AGM.  It will be helpful if people intending to attend let us know in advance so we have an idea how many…
Notice of LDWA London Branch Annual General Meeting (AGM) 2024   The 2024 AGM will be on Wednesday 21st February 2024. The room will be available from 18.00 and we will start the meeting at 18.30.  The venue is at the Meeting Room, Crown Court Church, Russell St, London WC2B 5EZ.  Although the…
Not a lot to report this week, so it is straight on to our punningly-titled next walk... A Winter's Trail Sat 3rd Feb 2024 Distance 18ml. Start Time 09:30 Route Meet at East Croydon Station (concourse and ticket office) We follow the Wandle Trail to the mouth of the river at Wandsworth then…
Mon 22nd Jan 2024
NOTICES 1: New members: A warm welcome to the following new Primary members - Jamie Bowman, Henrietta Flood, Siobhan Frost, Lynne & Simon Maughan, Peter Neyens and Colin Ware & Orla McGrath, and the following new Associate members - Carolyn Dyer, Elizabeth Hindler, Sharon McHale, Sue Russell and…
Mon 15th Jan 2024
NOTICE New members: A warm, welcome to the following new Primary members Matt Freeman and Sarah Williams and the new Associate members Gemma Adams, Julia Keeley, Michael Lewis & Monika Holland, Lucy McMillan, Benedict O'Connell and Colin Whitelock. Forthcoming walk Hampshire Downs Circular …
Sun 7th Jan 2024
NOTICE New members: A warm welcome to the following new Primary members - Carlton D'Souza, Pascale Gayout, Dean Harper, Helen Secular and Karen Collender and Jon White, and the following Associate members Sean Allen, Stuart Burford, Alexander Gordon, Trish Monks, Linda Wallace and Grant, Laura,…
Here we are with London Group's first newsletter of 2024, a year in which I hope we get somebody to take over doing our weekly missive to our members! NOTICES 1. New members: A warm welcome to the following new Primary members - Hannah Bashir, Barry Gerhold & Claire Foley, Alec Knowles, Magnus Ross…
Mon 18th Dec 2023
Seasons greetings to you all. The decoration below was spotted outside Richmond station at the end of Saturday's walk, and seems a suitable way to open this week's newsletter! NOTICES 1: New member Welcome to our new Associate Member Hayley Sengebusch 2: AGM As announced by Minna last week, this…
Hi!  I do hope you will be able to come to the AGM on Wednesday 21st February.  Doors open at 18.00 and we will start the meeting at 18.30. It would help me a lot if you could let me know if you intend joining us.  (See email address below) Items for the agenda. This is your opportunity to suggest…
NOTICES 1: New Members: Welcome to the following associate members: Annie Beraquit, Graham Melrose and Rum Thomas 2: Capital Challenge Marshals Five weeks after it opened, this event is already nearly full, which is a trstament to its popularity. We therefore need people to act as marshals for the…
If you've started reading the new Strider you might have noticed that there is something of a focus on volunteering this time round. London LDWA couldn't function without people prepared to volunteer to assist the group, whether its serving on the committee, leading a social walk, marshalling at a…
Mon 27th Nov 2023
NOTICE New members: Welcome to the following new Associate members: Stephen Hammond and Janice Sheasby   Forthcoming Walk I 2 I Adventure: Icknield Way, Linear Sat 2nd Dec 2023 Distance 18ml. Start Time 08.49 Route Meet at Hitchin station. Train departs Kings Cross 8.16,…
Mon 20th Nov 2023
NOTICE 1: New members Welcome to the following new primary members: James Gordon, Silvia Delgado Ortiz and Jean Roberts. Nice to meet James on Saturday's walk 2: GPX files for social walks At the Local Groups weekend recently it was reiterated what a valuable resource the Walks Database can be for…
Mon 13th Nov 2023
NOTICES 1: New Members A warm welcome to our new Primary member Daniel Stokes and new Associate members Alison Chisnell, Jim Deen and Owen Sharp 2. Capital Challenge 2024 Entries for this are now open and placesd are filling up fast. Don't delay if you'd like to take part! For more information to…
Mon 6th Nov 2023
NOTICE New members Welcome to the following new associate members: Rino Hamelink, Shaun Harrigan and Stacy Hember.   Forthcoming walks Up and Down in London Town (Part 2, second offering) Tue 7th Nov 2023 Distance 8ml.   Start Time 10:45   Route Meet at Tottenham Court Road station (Exit 4…
Sun 29th Oct 2023
NOTICES 1) New members A warm welcome to the following new primary members Jack Cornish, Jo & Tim Hutchinson and Kieran Moroney and new associate members Nathsha Breen, Sue Lacey and Nicole Olenik 2) Vacant (and Soon to Be Vacant) Posts At the AGM next year the posts of Secretary and Walks…
Mon 23rd Oct 2023
NOTICES 1) New members A warm welcome to the following new primary members Tony Brown, Tony Edwards and Richard Murkin and the following new associate members David Boyce, Darryl Coulter and Mark Spitzer. 2) A week in Cornwall Sat 4th - Sat 11th Nov 2023 Join a London Group walking week this autumn…
Mon 16th Oct 2023
NOTICES 1) New members A warm welcome to the following new primary members Mia Baptiste, Tony Brown and William Frost and the following new associate members Julia Bawden and Phil Mackereth 2) Founders Challenge Good luck to all our members who are taking part in this year's event, and also to any…
Mon 9th Oct 2023
NOTICES 1) New Members A warm welcome to the following new Primary members: Oliver Perrow, Vanessa Cohen and Danielle Vides, and to the following new associate members: Tracy Maryan and Ben Kirby, Latif Kabadayi, Georgina Townsend and Lorna Finch. 2) Challenge Events There is still time to enter…
Just a reminder that if you are intending to come on either of the walks on Saturday please let the leader know if you are coming. At the moment Chris and gavin look like each having a rather lonely day! The 30-mile walk will depart from Guildford station GR SU991495) at 08.25 (train departs…
Founders Challenge Marshals Walks These will take place next Saturday and are for those marshalling on the Challenge on Saturday October 21. Two walks will run, one coveting the 19-mile route led by Chris Blackwell and one covering the 30-mile version led by Gavin Fuller. The 30-mile walk will…
NOTICES    1) Founders 2023 – REQUEST FOR MARSHALL'S - SATURDAY 21 October 2023 The Founders Challenge Walk is taking place on Saturday 21 October this year, entries for the event have been open since 1st June. We need volunteers for the HQ and the 3 checkpoints. In addition to our loyal,…
NOTICES  1) New Members: Welcome to  the following new Associate member: Joseph Leonard.  Associate members please do share any photos from the walks you do in your local area either on the London group Facebook page or direct to me for our Out and About section of the newsletter. 2) Founders 2023…
NOTICES  1) New Members: Welcome to  the following new Primary member:  Doug Williams. 2) Founders 2023 – REQUEST FOR MARSHALL'S - SATURDAY 21 October 2023 The Founders Challenge Walk is taking place on Saturday 21 October this year, entries for the event have been open since 1st June. We…
Thu 14th Sep 2023
The Blather will be published later today - problems with the printing press.  Here are the details of Saturdays walk which promises to be a very good one.  Hastings Circular Walk Saturday 16th September 2023 Walk Details: Event Details Updated   Earlier start time. Event Type…
NOTICES  1) New Members: Welcome to  the following new Primary member:  Richard Aylwin.  We also welcome the following Associate member: Karen Horton.  Associate members please do share any photos from the walks you do in your local area either on the London group Facebook page or direct to me for…
Sat 2nd Sep 2023
Apologies as I was putting together yesterdays edition I made an error of attributing the super achievement of completing the White Cliff Challenge in 6 hours 38 minutes, after running 35km the day before from Ramsgate to St Margaret's (including completing the  Pegwell Bay Parkrun where she gained…
NOTICES  1) New Members: Welcome to  the following new Associate members: Alexandra Hankey, Ruth Featherstone and Nicolas St John.   Associate members please do share any photos from the walks you do in your local area either on the London group Facebook page or direct to me for our Out and About…
NOTICES  1) New Members: Welcome to  the following new Primary Member: Owain Rhys Hughes.  We also welcome the following new Associate member: Shreyans Sanghrajka.  Associate members please do share any photos from the walks you do in your local area either on the London group Facebook page or…
NOTICES  1) New Members: Welcome to  the following new Primary Members: Jogita Leja and Neel Mistry.  We also welcome the following new Associate members: Anika Ali, Martin Claydon and  Anne Claydon.  Associate members please do share any photos from the walks you do in your local area either on…
NOTICES  1) New Members: Welcome to  the following new Associate member: Patrycja Mularonek.  Associate members please do share any photos from the walks you do in your local area either on the London group Facebook page or direct to me for our Out and About section of the newsletter. 2) Founders…
Fri 4th Aug 2023
Stop the bloomin' press again! Jerome Ripp has very kindly provided a pop-up walk for this Sunday, 6 Aug. As his last pop-up walk was called the A2A, clever souls may detect an emerging pattern. Details are as follows: B 2 B Adventure Pop-up Walk Sun 6th Aug 2023 Walk Details: Event…
Thu 3rd Aug 2023
We are sorry to say that the walk for Saturday 5 Aug, 'Hertfordshire Amble II', has been cancelled because the weather looks to be particularly poor all day. We'll try to reschedule it for later in the year. Sorry for any disappointment this may cause
NOTICES  1) New Members: Welcome to the following new Primary members:  Will Touquet and Elizabeth Kelly.  Welcome too to the following new Associate member: Tony Jewell .  Associate members please do share any photos from the walks you do in your local area either on the London group Facebook page…
Thu 27th Jul 2023
Jerome has kindly offered a pop-up walk for this Sunday. Details below   A 2 A Adventure Pop-up Walk Sun 30th Jul 2023 Walk Details: Event Type Group Walk Region Southern England Local Group London Distance 20ml. Start Time 09:06 Route Meet at Amberley station (7.32…
Wed 26th Jul 2023
Tower Bridge to Greenwich South of the River Thursday 27th July 2023 Event Details Updated Despite rail and tube strikes, this walk will go ahead. Tower bridge and Greenwich are reachable by DLR, overground and bus.   Event Type Group Walk   Region / Area Southern England / London   Local…
Unfortunately Barry Eade has has to postpone tomorrows' Hastings Circular Walk on safety grounds due to the forecast of winds gusting up to 48mph during the day. We are sorry for any disappointment this may cause. Barry hopes to reschedule to walk later in the year
NOTICES  1) New Members: Welcome to the following new Primary members:  Carol Maloney and Daniel Selman. Welcome too to the following new Associate member: Sara Down.  Associate members please do share any photos from the walks you do in your local area either on the London group Facebook page or…
NOTICES  1) New Members: Welcome to the following new Primary members:  Kieran Marriott, David Trueman, Kristian Davies and Jane Griffiths. Welcome too to the following new Associate members: Craig White, Steven James, Jeannette Brady, Emmanuelle Bentley-Sanders, Kirstie Mortimer, Nick Halford…
Annual Lakeland Trip 16-13 July 2023     Langdale ValleyPhoto: Gavin Fuller    For those of you fancying walking in the glorious lake district, Ron Williamson arranges an annual trip which is open to LDWA and non LDWA walkers.  The accommodation has  already been booked at Causeway Foot Bunkhouse…
NOTICES 1) Founders 2023 – REQUEST FOR MARSHALL'S - SATURDAY 21 October 2023 The Founders Challenge Walk is taking place on Saturday 21 October this year, entries for the event have been open since 1st June. We need volunteers for the HQ and the 3 checkpoints. In addition to our loyal,…
A Tuesday evening walk! Salmons Brook Trail (Part 2) Tuesday 27th June 2023   Event Type Group Walk   Region / Area Southern England / London   Local Group London   Distance 7ml.   Start Time 18:30   Route Meet at Oakwood Station Closely following Salmons Brook through parks and open…
NOTICES 1) New Members: Welcome to the following new Primary member:  Simon Goff. Welcome too to the following new Associate members: Joanna Daniel, Ben Miller and David Wood.  Associate members please do share any walks you do in your local area either on the London group Facebook page or direct…
A Summer Solstice Saunter Wednesday 21st June 2023 Event Type Group Walk   Region / Area Southern England / London   Local Group London   Distance 6ml.   Start Time 18:15   Route Meet at Baker Street station (Baker Street North entrance). Twist & turn through the grounds & gardens of…
NOTICES  1) New Members: Welcome to the following new Primary members:  Ronald Ellis. Charles Awdry, Bruce Dockeray and Gemma Perkiss.   Welcome too to the following new Associate members: David Cox, Andris Korse, Phillip Elston and Frans Vossenberg.  Associate members please do share any walks you…
https://ldwa.org.uk/lgt/downloads/London/EBB10.jpgNOTICES  1) Welcome to the special edition of the Blather where we focus on the recent EBB 100.  The event took place over the Bank Holiday weekend 27th-29th May 2023.  The route combined urban and rural walking: following an anticlockwise direction…
A fuller Blather will be issued on Monday.  In the meantime here are details of the next 2 group walks.   In Lucy's Footsteps Saturday 10th June 2023 Event Type Group Walk    Region / Area Southern England / London   Local Group London   Distance 11ml.   Start Time 10:00   Route Meet…
NOTICES 1) This is a shorter of version of the Blather focusing on next weeks walks and a general mop up of pre 100 social walks.    There will be a longer version of the Blather which focuses on last weekends 100 event.  If anyone has additional photos of London participants or Marshalls please…
Sun 28th May 2023
This years LDWA 100 is happening this weekend, early reports are saying that this year heat is proving an issue with some entrants.   Good luck to all London LDWA entrants.  Suzanne and her team of volunteers  are ready to support and have just begun their duties.     Looking just now many are 62…
NOTICES  1) New Members: Welcome too to the following new Associate member: Samantha Harris.  Associate members please do share any walks you do in your local area either on the London group Facebook page or direct to me for our Out and About section of the newsletter.  2) Elephant, Bear and Bull…
NOTICES  1) New Members Welcome to the following new Primary members:  Vincent, Simon, Elizabeth and Amelia Hills,  Antonia Clarke,  Leonie Sakey-Gourlay, Dale Gourlay, Maren Froemel and Nick White.  Welcome too to the following new Associate members: Michael Davison,  Matt Parker, Andy…
NOTICES  1) New Members Welcome to the following new Primary members:  Alex Warren, Lisa Nixon, George Foy, Frances Smyth, Andrew Carleton and  Theo Baines Welcome too to the following new Associate members: Gill Gluck, Oliver Higgins and Emma Reynolds.  Associate members please do share any walks…
NOTICES  1) New Members Welcome to the following new Primary members:  Darran Edwards.  Welcome too to the following new Associate members: Jean Robertson,  Emma Crayton and David Olney.  Associate members please do share any walks you do in your local area either on the London group Facebook page…
NOTICES  1) New Members Welcome to the following new Primary members: Alison Still and Nicola Stowers.  Welcome too to the following new Associate member: Stephen McGrail. Associate members please do share any walks you do in your local area either on the London group Facebook page or direct to me…
NOTICES  1) New Members Welcome to the following new Primary member: Trish Blomfield,   2) Elephant, Bear and Bull 100 Volunteers Required for this 100. A fun weekend with social walks, as well as supporting the LDWA flagship event. Another 8 marshalls are needed.  Further details are…
NOTICES  1) Capital Challenge There is no Saturday walk this weekend because of the Capital Challenge. Details of this event are here 2) New Members Welcome to the following new Primary members:  Derek Perry and Rachel Alabaster.  Welcome too to the following new Associate members: Liam Hall, Liz…
NOTICES  1) New Members Welcome to the following new Primary member: Diane Morgan.   Welcome too to the following new Associate members: Aga Storer, Adam Pode and Alex Tunnicliffe.  Associate members please do share any walks you do in your local area either on the London group Facebook page or…
NOTICES  1) The Capital Challenge - call for Marshals  The event cannot take place without the commitment of volunteers and marshals.    If you are able to help please let Marie know e mail:  mheracleous@yahoo.co.uk 2) New Members Welcome to the following new Primary members: Elaine Rizzo, Simon…
NOTICES  1) The Capital Challenge - call for Marshals  The event cannot take place without the commitment of volunteers and marshals.    If you are able to help please let Marie know e mail:  mheracleous@yahoo.co.uk 2) New Members Welcome to the following new  Associate member: Nicolas Bragger. …
NOTICES  1) The Capital Challenge - call for Marshals  The event cannot take place without the commitment of volunteers and marshals.    If you are able to help please let Marie know e mail:  mheracleous@yahoo.co.uk 2) New Members Welcome to the following new Primary member: Francesca Gowing. …
NOTICES  1) The Capital Challenge - call for Marshals  The event cannot take place without the commitment of volunteers and marshals.    If you are able to help please let Marie know e mail:  mheracleous@yahoo.co.uk 2) New Members Welcome to the following new Primary members:  Carl Hopkins and Rafe…
NOTICES  1) The Capital Challenge - call for Marshals  The event cannot take place without the commitment of volunteers and marshals.    If you are able to help please let Marie know e mail:  mheracleous@yahoo.co.uk 2) New Members Welcome to the following new Primary member: Malek Sharif.   Welcome…
At London LDWA we love Pop Mid Week walks:    Canals and Parks in Early Spring Thursday 2nd March 2023 Event Type Group Walk   Region / Area Southern England / London   Local Group London   Distance 11ml.   Start Time 10:45   Route Meet at St Pancras station by Sir John Betjeman statue…
NOTICES  1)  London Group AGM TOMORROW  The venue is the Meeting Room, Crown Court Church, Russell St, London WC2B 5EZ.  We look forward to seeing you there.  More details are HERE 2) The Capital Challenge - call for Marshals  The event cannot take place without the commitment of volunteers and…
  LONDON LDWA AGM  We do hope you will be able to come to the AGM on Wednesday 22nd February.  Doors open at 18.00 and we will start the meeting at 18.30. The venue is the Meeting Room, Crown Court Church, Russell St, London WC2B 5EZ It would help us a lot if you could let me know if you intend…
NOTICES 1)  London Group AGM 22nd February 2023 at 18.30  The venue is the Meeting Room, Crown Court Church, Russell St, London WC2B 5EZ.  We look forward to seeing you there.   2) The Capital Challenge - call for Marshals  The event cannot take place without the commitment of volunteers and…
Elephant, Bear and Bull 100 Central England LDWA   The Long Distance Walkers Association (LDWA) organise their 'flagship' 100 event each Spring Bank Holiday Weekend. This event is held in a different area each year and entails walking 100 miles in 48 hours. There will be about 500 people starting…
  LDWA LONDON GROUP ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2023 18:00 for 18:30 Wednesday 22nd February 2023 at The Meeting Room, Crown Court Church, Russell St, London WC2B 5EZ (Please register with the Secretary if you wish to attend london@ldwa.org.uk) AGENDA Minutes and Matters Arising from 2022 AGM (see…
LDWA LONDON GROUP ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2023 18:00 for 18:30 Wednesday 22nd February 2023 at The Meeting Room, Crown Court Church, Russell St, London WC2B 5EZ (Please register with the Secretary if you wish to attend london@ldwa.org.uk) AGENDA Minutes and Matters Arising from 2022 AGM (see…
Sun 12th Feb 2023
Hi!  I do hope you will be able to come to the AGM on Wednesday 22nd February.  Doors open at 18.00 and we will start the meeting at 18.30. It would help me a lot if you could let me know if you intend joining us.  Please send an email to me at london@ldwa.org.uk We'll be serving tea, coffee and…
LDWA LONDON GROUP ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2023 18:00 for 18:30 Wednesday 22nd February 2023 at The Meeting Room, Crown Court Church, Russell St, London WC2B 5EZ (Please register with the Secretary if you wish to attend london@ldwa.org.uk) AGENDA Minutes and Matters Arising from 2022 AGM (see…
NOTICES 1)  London Group AGM 22nd February 2023 at 18.30  The venue is the Meeting Room, Crown Court Church, Russell St, London WC2B 5EZ.  We look forward to seeing you there.   2) The Capital Challenge - call for Marshals  The event cannot take place without the commitment of volunteers and…
NOTICES 1)  London Group AGM 22nd February 2023 at 18.30  The venue is the Meeting Room, Crown Court Church, Russell St, London WC2B 5EZ.  We look forward to seeing you there.   2) The Capital Challenge - call for Marshals  The event cannot take place without the commitment of volunteers and…
Watford Junction Circular - Event details updated. Sunday 29th January 2023 Walk Details:   Event Type Group Walk   Region / Area Southern England / London   Local Group London   Distance 16.5ml.   Start Time 09:50   Route Meet Watford Junction Rail Station (09.25 London Midlands…
NOTICES 1)  London Group AGM 22nd February 2023 at 18.30  The venue is the Meeting Room, Crown Court Church, Russell St, London WC2B 5EZ.  We look forward to seeing you there.   2) The Capital Challenge - call for Marshals  is now full with a waiting list.  Many thanks for all your support.   The…
  Notice of LDWA London Group Annual General Meeting (AGM) 2023   The 2023 AGM will be held on Wednesday 22nd February 2023. The room will be available from 18.00 and we will start the meeting at 18.30.  The venue is at the Meeting Room, Crown Court Church, Russell St, London WC2B 5EZ.  Although…
NOTICES 1)  London Group AGM 22nd February 2023 at 18.30  The venue is the Meeting Room, Crown Court Church, Russell St, London WC2B 5EZ.  More information nearer the date please do contact existing committee members if you are interested in a particular post.  2)  Thursday Pop UP Walk - a reminder…
Fobbing Around Thursday 19th January 2023 Event Type Group Walk   Region / Area Southern England / Essex   Local Group London   Distance 16ml.   Start Time 09:50   Route Benfleet rail station (0900 from Fenchurch Street or 0936 from Southend Central; car drivers can park at…
Sea, Sun and Sand Thursday 12th January 2023 Event Type Group Walk   Region / Area Southern England / Southend   Local Group London   Distance 10ml.   Start Time 10:22   Route Leigh on Sea Station (9:34 train from Fenchurch St) A chance to top up your suntan, on our annual walk along…
NOTICES 1) The Capital Challenge Entries are open!!   SiEntries - The 7th Capital Challenge  here  Message from Marie: there are only 20 places left so we expect the event to be full very soon. .  2)  London Group AGM 22nd February 2023 at 18.30  The venue is the Meeting Room, Crown Court Church,…
Gavin has kindly offered a pop up tomorrow.  A newly opened section of the walk which is currently unexplored by the group.    England Coast Path: Woolwich to Greenhithe Sunday 8th January 2023 Event Type Group Walk   Region / Area Southern England / London   Local Group London   Distance…
NOTICES 1) The Capital Challenge Entries are open!!   SiEntries - The 7th Capital Challenge  here  Message from Marie: there are only 20 places left so we expect the event to be full early in the new year.  2)  London Group AGM 22nd February 2023 at 18.30  The venue is the Meeting Room, Crown Court…
NOTICES 1) The Capital Challenge Entries are open!!   SiEntries - The 7th Capital Challenge  here   2)  London Group AGM 22nd February 2023 at 18.30  The venue is the Meeting Room, Crown Court Church, Russell St, London WC2B 5EZ.  More information nearer the date but you will have received an email…
Due to engineering works the line from London Bridge is affected by engineering works on Saturday and the 08.31 is no longer running.The only train now from London is the 08.30 from Victoria (08.39 from Clapham Junction); I have it on good authority the walk includes a trig point visit so huge…
NOTICES 1) The Capital Challenge Entries are open!!   SiEntries - The 7th Capital Challenge  here 2) Last weeks Property of the Week was identified by a group member as the house she lived in as a child (apparently with large spiders too).  It's a small world.   3)  London Group AGM 22nd February…
Notice seeking nominations and motions for discussion at LDWA London Group AGM 22nd February 2023 at 18.30 Hi! Our Annual General Meeting is coming up. Write in your diaries now 18.00 Wednesday 22nd February 2023. The meeting will start at 18.30. Full and associate members are welcome but only…
NOTICES  1) New Members Welcome to the following new primary members: Shener Chelebi, Gillian Anderson and Tom Watkinson.  Welcome to the following new associate member: Alexandra Birchall.  Associate members please do share any walks you do in your local area either on the London group Facebook…
NOTICES  1) New Members Welcome to the following new primary members: Michael Harrison, and Paul and Hilary Woof .  Welcome to the following new associate members:  Hugh Turner and Shu Foster.  Associate members please do share any walks you do in your local area either on the London group Facebook…
NOTICES  1) New Members Welcome to the following new associate members: Lizzy Codd, Aodan Tynan and Laeona McGrath.  Associate members please do share any walks you do in your local area either on the London group Facebook page or direct to me for our Out and About section of the newsletter. 2) The…
NOTICES  1) New Members Welcome to the following new primary member:  Michal Stypik.  We also welcome the following associate member: Mark Peacock.  Associate members please do share any walks you do in your local area either on the London group Facebook page or direct to me for our Out and About…
NOTICES  1) New Members Welcome to the following new primary members:   Rachel Davies, Patrick Gilbert and Piers Bazley.  We also welcome the following associate members:  Richard Thomas, Caroline Moore, William Boughton, David Morris, Tracey Wedgbury, Julie Szajdzicka, Reg & Leo Weaver and Alyssa…
NOTICES  1) New Members Welcome to the following new primary member: Adrian de Froment.  We also welcome the following associate members:  Steve Yates, Thane Jensen, Suzy Fellows, Natalie Baird and Peter Zaballos.  Associate members please do share any walks you do in your local area either on the…
NOTICES  1) New Members Welcome to the following new primary members: Catherine Suttle and Louise Ayling.  We also welcome the following associate members:  Buck Khalsa, Tanuja Kataria, Alf Batchelor and Kerry Lodge.  Associate members please do share any walks you do in your local area either on…
NOTICES 1) New Members Welcome to the following new primary members: Graham Swain, Katherine Horton and John Ryan. We also welcome the following associate members:  Stephen Brooks, Celine Wilcock, William Mason, Thomas Mason, Rachel Mason, David Mason, Anne Bland, Sally Beare, Katrina Megget, Mark…
NOTICES  1) New Members Welcome to the following new primary members: Rosalind Anders, Ryan Allain.  We also welcome the following associate members:  Helen Thorpe, Simon Thompson.  Associate members please do share any walks you do in your local area either on the London group Facebook page or…
Wed 21st Sep 2022
NOTICE  1)  The Western Borough Tops  Saturday 24th September 2022  due to engineering works the walk will now start from Osterley underground station at 09.30 (latest train to get you there in time departs Piccadilly Circus 08.55).  Tops walks are great fun, especially when householders right next…
NOTICES  1)  New Members:  We welcome the following associate members:Thomas Rowland and Emily Dongray. Associate members please do share any walks you do in your local area either on the London group Facebook page or direct to me for our Out and About section of the newsletter. 2)  The Founders…
  NOTICES  1) New Members Welcome to the following new primary member: Graham Wright .  2) A date for your diary:  25th Founders Challenge Walk Saturday 1st October.  Entry limit of 200.   More details here: https://bit.ly/3dvCSJ6 3)) Founders Challenge Request: We are looking for 4 more marshals 1…
Thu 8th Sep 2022
NOTICES  1) Social Walk 17 September 2022. has not yet been cancelled, it is dependent on whether a rail strike is announced over the next few days.   As soon as we know we will let you know. Fingers crossed.  2) Bola's Hollingbourne  Circular Walk did in fact take place in Kent and not Sussex, as…
NOTICES  1) New Members Welcome to the following new primary member:  Jude Sinfield.  We also welcome the following associate members:  Luke Chetwood, Clare Newall and James Lane.  Associate members please do share any walks you do in your local area either on the London group Facebook page or…
Mon 29th Aug 2022
Apologies for some reason the full details of the walk on Thursday were not included in the Blather sent earlier,  Please find the information below.  50 London Alleys   Thursday 1st September 2022 Event Type Group Walk   Region / Area Southern England / London   Local Group London   …
NOTICES  1) New Members Welcome to the following new primary member:  Jeremy Whelan.  We also welcome the following associate member: Janet Brewer. .  Associate members please do share any walks you do in your local area either on the London group Facebook page or direct to me for our Out and About…
NOTICES 1)  New Members Welcome to the following new primary members:  Mark Bowden and Fiona Mccluney. 2) A date for your diary:  25th Founders Challenge Walk Saturday 1st October.  Entry limit of 200.   More details here: https://bit.ly/3dvCSJ6   Forthcoming Walks  (details are also on the…
https://ldwa.org.uk/lgt/downloads/London/OAA37.jpgNOTICES  1) A shortened version of the Blather this week and back to normal service next week.  I do hope you are having a pleasant summer, although at times it is too warm to walk.  2) New Members Welcome to the following new primary members: Allan…
There are some changes to Peter Aylmer's upcoming walks next week. Monday's start time has changed, and the rail strike affects the walks on both Wednesday and Thursday.  Peter writes: On Monday evening, we finish in Crystal Palace Park. This closes at 2030, so to avoid being locked in (or…
NOTICES  1)  New Members Welcome to the following new associate members: Wendy Smith, Sarah Leaney and Victoria Fakkel.  Associate members please do share any walks you do in your local area either on the London group Facebook page or direct to me for our Out and About section of the newsletter. …
NOTICES  1) I hope you are enjoying the hot weather, or at least surviving.  Perhaps it is just as well we do not have a 30 miler this Saturday.    2)  New Members Welcome to the following new primary member: Alistair Ayres  We also welcome the following associate member: Jeroen Serpieters. …
NOTICES  1)  New Members Welcome to the following new primary member: Philip West and Mohammed Salikur Rahman  We also welcome the following associate members:  Claire Symons and Jireh Chiu.   Associate members please do share any walks you do in your local area either on the London group Facebook…
NOTICES  1)  New Members Welcome to the following new primary member: Allan Tyrer We also welcome the following associate members: Alan and Joshus Acton   Associate members please do share any walks you do in your local area either on the London group Facebook page or direct to me for our Out and…
Forthcoming Walks  (details are also on the website)  here A pop up walk has been arranged for this Sunday.  Anniversary Epilogue: West from Richmond  Sunday 26th June 2022 Event Type Group Walk   Region / Area Southern England / London   Local Group London   Distance 25ml.   Start Time…
 NOTICES  1) Call for volunteers for the 25th Founders' event on 1st Oct 2022   this key event cannot happen without the fantastic volunteers that help each year.  Information for volunteers is available here https://bit.ly/3NvLjl5 there are lots of roles both in the different checkpoints and out…
NOTICES  1) Call for volunteers for the 25th Founders' event on 1st Oct 2022   this key event cannot happen without the fantastic volunteers that help each year.  Information for volunteers is available here https://bit.ly/3NvLjl5 there are lots of roles both in the different checkpoints and out on…
NOTICES  1) Call for volunteers for the 25th Founders' event on 1st Oct 2022   this key event cannot happen without the fantastic volunteers that help each year.  Information for volunteers is available here https://bit.ly/3NvLjl5 there are lots of roles both in the different checkpoints and out on…
NOTICES  1) Call for volunteers for the 25th Founders' event on 1st Oct 2022   this key event cannot happen without the fantastic volunteers that help each year.  Information for volunteers is available here https://bit.ly/3NvLjl5 there are lots of roles both in the different checkpoints and out on…
NOTICES  1) Call for volunteers for the 25th Founders' event on 1st Oct 2022   this key event cannot happen without the fantastic volunteers that help each year.  Information for volunteers is available here https://bit.ly/3NvLjl5 there are lots of roles both in the different checkpoints and out on…
NOTICES  1) Call for volunteers for the 25th Founders' event on 1st Oct 2022   this key event cannot happen without the fantastic volunteers that help each year.  Information for volunteers is available here https://bit.ly/3NvLjl5 there are lots of roles both in the different checkpoints and out on…
NOTICES  1) Call for volunteers for the 25th Founders' event on 1st Oct 2022   this key event cannot happen without the fantastic volunteers that help each year.  Information for volunteers is available here https://bit.ly/3NvLjl5 there are lots of roles both in the different checkpoints and out on…
NOTICES  1) Call for volunteers for the 25th Founders' event on 1st Oct 2022   this key event cannot happen without the fantastic volunteers that help each year.  Information for volunteers is available here https://bit.ly/3NvLjl5 there are lots of roles both in the different checkpoints and out on…
NOTICES 1) Call for volunteers for the 25th Founders' event on 1st Oct 2022   this key event cannot happen without the fantastic volunteers that help each year.  Information for volunteers is available here https://bit.ly/3NvLjl5 there are lots of roles both in the different checkpoints and out on…
NOTICES  1) Call for volunteers for the 25th Founders' event on 1st Oct 2022   this key event cannot happen without the fantastic volunteers that help each year.  Information for volunteers is available here https://bit.ly/3NvLjl5 there are lots of roles both in the different checkpoints and out on…
NOTICES 1) Call for volunteers for the 25th Founders' event on 1st Oct 2022   this key event cannot happen without the fantastic volunteers that help each year.  Information for volunteers is available here https://bit.ly/3NvLjl5 there are lots of roles both in the different checkpoints and out on…
NOTICES 1) Call for volunteers for the 25th Founders' event on 1st Oct 2022   this key event cannot happen without the fantastic volunteers that help each year.  Information for volunteers is available here https://bit.ly/3NvLjl5 there are lots of roles both in the different checkpoints and out on…
 The Capital Challenge Marshals Walk is intended for the 25 or so people who are scheduled to be marshals at the Capital Challenge on 2 April, as such it is not an open walk for members generally.  Sorry for any confusion Barry 
NOTICES  1) New Members.  Welcome to the following new associate members - Sam Kemp, Elsie & Benjamin Copley, John Preston and Anne Horsham.  Please do send photos of your local walks for our Out and About section of the newsletter;   We look forward to welcoming you on a social walk soon. …
NOTICES  1) New Members.  Welcome to the following new primary members  Lucia Cadei and Lewis Allett and the following new Associate Members Martin Jessop, Rowan, Maxwell and Isabella Wheatley and Ada Hubbel.  Associate members please do send me photos of walks in your local areas for the out and…
NOTICES  1)  New Members. Welcome to the following new associate members Poppy Norley and Elizabeth Hilton we look forward to meeting you on a social walk soon.  Associate members please do share any walks you do in your local area either on the London group Facebook page or direct to me for our…
NOTICES  1) New Members.  Welcome to the following new primary member Clara Kilgarriff, we look forward to meeting you on a social walk soon. 2) AGM Draft Minutes. Minna has kindly added the draft minutes to the website.  They can only be ratified as a true account by those present at next years…
NOTICES  1) New Members.  Welcome to the following new primary members,Joyce Glasser, Chantal Warner, Michael Tormey, Noriko Sugiyama and Robert Pelkey.  We also welcome the following associate members, Steve, Lauren and Dawn Hughes.  Associate members please do share any walks you do in your local…
NOTICES  1)  Final Call LDWA LONDON GROUP ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2022 18.00 February 16th at the University Women's Club 2 Audley Square, London W1K 1DB The AGM is nearly upon us and if you are still undecided on whether or not to attend, you might be encouraged by joining Ron's pre AGM walk…
NOTICES  1) LDWA LONDON GROUP ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2022 18.00 February 16th at the University Women's Club 2 Audley Square, London W1K 1DB.  Thank you for those members who have already let us know that they will be attending either in person or via zoom.  Please can those who have not let us…
Sun 6th Feb 2022
AGM 16th February, 18.00 for 18.30 at the University Womens' Club, 2 Audley Square,  London W1K 1DB Here is another report to look at along with those sent with the Agenda.   https://kinetika.co.uk/beach-of-dreams Ali Pretty, our chair, will present a report on this 500 mile coastal walk which…
NOTICES  1)  )  LDWA LONDON GROUP ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2022 18.00 February 16th at the University Women's Club 2 Audley Square, London W1K 1DB.  Thank you for those members who have already let us know that they will be attending either in person or via zoom.  Please can those who have not let us…
NOTICES  1)  Marshals Needed for the 6th Capital Challenge Saturday 2nd April 2022 Jean O'Reilly is looking for a few more marshals to help out at this year's Capital Challenge (https://www.sientries.co.uk/event.php?elid=Y&event_id=9132). We need about 6 marshals for the start and finish points and…
LDWA LONDON GROUP ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2022 18:00 for 18:30 Wednesday 16th February 2022 at the University Women's Club, 2 Audley Square, London W1K 1DB and via Zoom.  (Please register with the Secretary if you wish to attend, either in person or via Zoom london@ldwa.org.uk) AGENDA Minutes and…
Hi everyone!  We're just over three weeks away from our AGM and I attach the formal notice.  It is important that we have a reasonably accurate idea of who is going to attend in person.  If you want to do this please email me as soon as possible on  london@ldwa.org.uk If numbers are too low we…
NOTICES  1)  Marshals Needed for the 6th Capital Challenge Saturday 2nd April 2022 Jean O'Reilly is looking for a few more marshals to help out at this year's Capital Challenge (https://www.sientries.co.uk/event.php?elid=Y&event_id=9132). We need about 6 marshals for the start and finish points and…
Thank you for the eagle eyed members who pointed out I missed this Saturday's walk - sorry Lonica.    Forthcoming Walks   UPDATE  (details are also on the website)  here   Sun, Sea and Sand 2022    Thursday 13th Jan 2022 Event Type Group Walk   Region / Area Southern England / Essex   Local Group…
A row of Christmas-lit oaks outside Kenwood House, Hampstead Heath Photo: Jean O'Reilly  Just in case anyone is missing Christmas.  NOTICES  1) Capital Challenge 2022.  Entries are now open on SiEntries here: https://www.sientries.co.uk/event.php?elid=Y&event_id=9132  The date is Saturday 2 April,…
Perhaps not an average LDWA social walk.  NOTICES  1)  I hope you all had a very pleasant Christmas and Happy New Year Celebrations.   I for one received some much needed new walking kit which I am very pleased with.   If you did too, then please let me know and I will make an editors decision on…
NOTICES 1)  We have 3 new associate members to welcome this week: Jasmine Gideon,  Caroline Hargreaves and Chris Smith.  We look forward to meeting you on a social walk in the near future. 2) Your help is needed, the NEC is looking for volunteers to work with them. So if you would like to give a…
NOTICES  1)  We have 3 new associate members to welcome this week: Jasmine Gideon,  Caroline Hargreaves and Chris Smith.  We look forward to meeting you on a social walk in the near future. 2) Your help is needed, the NEC is looking for volunteers to work with them. So if you would like to give a…
Annual General Meeting Hi!  Our Annual General Meeting is coming up.  Write in your diaries now 18.00 16th February 2022. Full and associate members welcome but only full members get to vote (sorry). The venue is pretty exciting.  It's a beautiful building in Audley Square and we will be the guests…
NOTICES  1)  I am pleased to be able to welcome 2 new members this week.  We look forward to welcoming you on a social walk soon.   Simon St Carter  (Primary Member) and Fiona Samuels (Associate Member).     Forthcoming Walks   UPDATE  (details are also on the website)  here Wimbledon to the City …
NOTICES  1)  Unfortunately there have been ongoing issues with the LDWA website and one of the victims to this outage was last week's edition of the Blather which when sent disappeared into the ether never to be seen again.   Unfortunately, there is no resent option but I will use some of the…
Forthcoming Walks Event Type Group Walk   Region / Area Southern England / Kent   Local Group London   Distance 20ml.   Start Time TBC   Route   Meopham with Country parks, woodlands villages and views, exploring the area west of the Medway. The walk is based on previous walks that I…
Change is often described as positive and in this case it is!  From having no walks this weekend we now have 2, one on Saturday and this one on Sunday.   Forthcoming Walks   UPDATE Stoned among the Downs             Sun 28th Nov 2021 Event Type Group Walk   Region / Area Southern England /…
Forthcoming Walks   UPDATE   Circling the Chiltern Hundreds”                    Saturday 27th November  Event Type Group Walk   Region / Area Southern England / London   Local Group London   Distance: 20 miles Start Time: 09.30 TBC Route: Amersham/Chesham.  Ridges, woodlands and…
NOTICES  1)  I am pleased to welcome the following new members: Primary Member Ziggy Brennan  Associate Members Ilona, Philip, Emilia and Oliver Morgan  2)  A date for your diary, 2022 Capital Challenge: Saturday 2 April, thank you Jean for the following information: This is a  new route for 2022…
Welcome to this week's edition of the newsletter.  An interesting week for the editor, as I quite unexpectedly tested positive for COVID.  Without symptoms initially it was only picked up due to me be part of an ONS survey and being tested once a month.   Approaching the end of my isolation and…
 The clocks have gone back and days are getting noticeably shorter, please do bring headtorches on our walks.  A walk on both Saturday and Sunday this week.  Forthcoming Walks   From Wombles to Wolsey                                Sat 13th Nov 2021 Event Type Group Walk   Region / Area…
NOTICES  1)  Message from national LDWA, the deadline has just passed but they are very interested in hearing from anyone who can fulfil this important role. :   LDWA General Secretary Do you have a couple of hours a week to spare, are happy working with an enthusiastic team, are familiar with…
Thu 28th Oct 2021
Hockley to Southend                               Sat 30th Oct 2021 CANCELLED Unfortunately our leader for Saturday's walk Ron Williamson is no longer able to lead our social walk this Saturday and has regretfully been forced to cancel it. He is sorry for any disappointment caused
NOTICES  1)  A message from the Essex and Herts group.  They are running an "any time" challenge and their first real time challenge for 2 years.  Details below: Blackwater Anytime Challenge – entries open till 31st December 2021 A 26.5 Anytime Challenge event mainly on cross country public…
Notices  1) A large number of joiners this month.  Welcome to the following new members, we look forward to meeting on a social walk in the near future.:  Primary Members (from the London area):  Stephanie Kidby, Anita Bryan, John David, Tom Hutchinson and Carrie Gaston.   Associate Members (from…
NOTICES  General thanks for all those involved in the 25th Anniversary Celebrations this Saturday.  It was wonderful to meet up with so many friends, old and new who we had not seen for such a long time due to the COVID restrictions.   Special thanks to Colin Saunders for pulling it all together…
Additional Forthcoming Walk ~~~~~~~ HPHv1                                                          Sunday 10th Oct 2021 Event Type Group Walk   Region / Area Southern England / Kent   Local Group London   Distance 20.5ml.   Start Time 09:05   Route Sole Street Station 2000ft of ascent,…
Notices  1)  Message from Peter Aylmer:  his Cicerone article on the Beach of Dreams is available here 2) Welcome to new members to the London LDWA group with 3 new primary members this month:  Steve Mowat, Edward Hallam and Elspeth Cox. We also have  9 Associate members:   Elizabeth Fox, Iain…
NOTICES  1)  The evening walk tomorrow (more details below) meeting point is the central line ticket office at bank station. 2) Message from Chris Blackwell, the anytime Founders Challenge "window" ends next Sunday 3rd October and certificates will be issued next week after the closure date.  In…
Upcoming LDWA Group Walks  We have plenty of walks in the coming weeks, and in October we have walks occurring on both Saturdays and Sundays. (please do check the walks page on the London LDWA website for updates  https://bit.ly/3hvhgvx :    South Downs, Not Much of the Way Saturday 25th September …
Upcoming LDWA Group Walks  We have a number of additional walks this week (please do check the walks page on the London LDWA website for updates  https://bit.ly/3hvhgvx :  ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ NEW WALK - Change of Date   Escape from Barking  Thursday 16th September  …
Future Walks Update  Apologies, I was unaware of the following walk, therefore it was not included in the recent edition of the Blather.  It is this Saturday 11th September.    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ An alternative Essex Way part 4 Event Type Group Walk Region / Area Southern England / Essex Local…
London LDWA delayed 25th Anniversary Celebrations.  A further update from Colin Saunders:   LDWA London Group is organising a walk in the Hurtwood on Saturday 9th October to visit an oak tree that has been planted near Pitch Hill to commemorate members of the group who have passed away, such as Don…
London LDWA delayed 25th Anniversary Celebrations.  An update from Colin Saunders:   LDWA London Group is organising a walk in the Hurtwood on Saturday 9th October to visit an oak tree that has been planted near Pitch Hill to commemorate members of the group who have passed away, such as Don…
Welcome to the first addition of Barry's Blather the new iteration of the London LDWA weekly newsletter.  Many thanks to Julie Welch who has been editing the newsletter for the last few years and is a very difficult act to follow.    I have taken over the role as part of the co social secretary…
Sun 22nd Aug 2021
Date: Saturday 28th August   Title: “Tunnel vision, writers and the army”   Location: Circular walk in Surrey/Hampshire border country   Time: 9.00 start, 5.30 finish   Distance: c.22 miles at a moderate pace.   Route: Heathland commons, hills, valleys villages and several famous people…
Date: Saturday 21st August   Title: “A visit to Fiver, Hazel and the gang”   Location: NE Hampshire    Time: 8.45 start, 5.20 finish   Distance: c.22 miles at a moderate pace.   Route: Ancient trackways, a disused railway, a ridgeway path, a Beacon of hope and maybe lots of rabbits.…
  London LDWA's summer social, a lovely evening with walks led by Ali and Gavin   Above: Gavin's group arrive Below: A chance to meet up with friends, some of whom hadn't met since the start of the pandemicPHOTOS Minna Graeber         August walks   A mid week evening walk on Wednesday 18th…
Fri 13th Aug 2021
Afternoon,   Here some walks that are now available to join in August.   We have 2 walks running tomorrow (14th August)   London LDWA - An alternative Essex Way part 3   London LDWA - Tea with Jane and Gilbert   A mid week evening walk on Wednesday 18th August   London LDWA - Vauxhall to Edgware  …
  Gavin had three chaperones for his South West London Tops walk at the weekendPHOTO Gavin Fuller   The Windmill Walk Last week teams from Essex & Herts and London successfully completed Capital Challenge Mark 2, a.k.a. The Windmill Walk, which took us west and south on a most interesting and…
Date: Saturday 14th August   Title: “Tea with Jane and Gilbert”   Location: Hampshire   Time: 9.10 start, 5.15 finish   Distance: c.20 miles at a moderate pace.   Route: A circular walk, through hanging woods and a literary pilgrimage. With all the recent rain, come prepared for some…
Hi!  Just a reminder that our summer social takes place this Wednesday evening, 11th August.  The central event is a bring-your-own picnic in Regents Park.  We aim to get there at 19.30 and to meet by the Tritons and Dryads Fountain in the north of Queen Mary's Gardens.…
London LDWA had some great publicity in the latest Strider, with a very entertaining article by Gill Struthers about a joint London and Essex & Herts saunter over the original Capital Challenge route earlier this year. Tomorrow we have a rematch over the new route. Organiser Jean O'Reilly has…
A last minute edition to the walks programme. Registration is required. Date: Saturday 7th August   Location: East Sussex    Time: 9.20 Distance: c.20 miles Route: Wealden valleys and woods. Details: Bring food and drink, picnic stops only. Please text leader to register and for start details.  …
Fri 30th Jul 2021
Sadly we have had to cancel the walk that was scheduled for tomorrow. However we do have some walks taking place in early August to share.   Wednesday 4th August: https://ldwa.org.uk/London/E/25241/the-basildon-highline.html  Mid week walk, led by Ron   Saturday 7th…
Mon 26th Jul 2021
I don't know about you but when I set out yesterday for a little trot to Bromley and back to try out my sparklingly new trainers conditions were pleasantly mild and the sky, while overcast, looked as though  it was merely twiddling its thumbs before it showed us a bit more sun. When I was nearly…
Hi!  We are holding a little picnic get together for members of London LDWA on the evening of the 11th August in Regent's Park starting at 19:30 (northeast corner of the park close to the public toilets marked on Google).  Everyone is welcome.  Please bring some food and a drink with you.  It's…
    A lunchtime drink in the Black Friar with Abdul, Julian and Marie. Back in Fleet Street's heyday, this was the pub frequented by journalists from the Observer and the place where my job interview for the post of sports department secretary took place. It was nearly demolished in the Sixties,…
The Fleet Street History Walk Date Saturday 17th July Time 10.30 Distance 14 miles Start Meet at the entrance to Kensington High Street tube Route Kensington Gardens/. Hyde Park/Embankment/one half of Fleet Street/St Paul's Cathedral/London Bridge/ possible lunch stop in Borough Market (plenty of…
Welcome to this weeks edition.  I am Barry Arnold co Secretary of the London Group and  am standing it for Julie who is having a well deserved break.  I will leave it to her to do the special "It's coming home" edition but in my role as Jack Grealish super sub, I will do my best.   As yet we have…
  Above and below: Gavin's Midsummer on the Downs walk had to be shortened to a mere 31.9 miles after a trespasser on the line created problems getting to the start but a good day out (it included this famous view of the giant flasher) was had by all   PHOTOS Gavin Fuller       Some news. Next…
  Nice weather this time on Ron's Norfolk day tripPHOTO Gavin Fuller     Hylands Park (I'm the one who looks as though she's defending a free kick)PHOTO Gill Struthers   Isn't it great to have a bit of decent weather for a change? Ron's Norfolk day trip featured the sunny seaside at its best, and…
Thu 24th Jun 2021
There is no London LDWA walk this weekend but our fellow walkers in Kent are holding a walk that has spaces available. Details below: Sunday 27th June - Alliteration K Meet in the large layby on the A20 by The Hare & Hounds just west of Ashford. Potters Corner on maps. Note the earlier 8:30 start…
Tue 22nd Jun 2021
Date: Tuesday 29th June Distance: 12 miles Start: Bexleyheath Details: https://ldwa.org.uk/London/E/25092/a-summer-afternoon-in-bexleyheath.html  Walk Leader: Ron Williamson Register by email: ronwilliamsonuk@gmail.com   Date: Saturday 03rd July Distance: 34 miles Start: Berwick Station…
    Above and below: London Group's first ever walk from Holmwood station, a 20-mile round trip led by Gavin with, apparently, a fine selection of stilesPHOTOS Gavin Fuller         2021 Founder's Challenge  From July 3 onwards, you will be able to walk the Founders Challenge as an Anytime,…
      Upcoming London LDWA walks We have three London LDWA walks running in the next 10 days!   Please register with walk leaders in advance as we are limited on participant numbers due to the Covid restrictions. Details of the walks are below, with further information on our London LDWA Walks…
  Those were the days...     Thanks to everybody who responded to London Group committee's invitation to comment on improvements they'd like to see in our club. If you haven't yet got back to us but would like to, there's still time - you've got till Friday 11th June. Send your suggestions…
Dear member, your committee (London Branch of the LDWA) has a meeting coming up on 15th June.  It's been a long time since we met as members even in small groups.  We, your committee, would be grateful to hear what improvements you would like to see in our club.  These can either be improvements…
Fri 4th Jun 2021
Date: 17th June  Time: 18:30 Start: Stanmore Distance: 8 miles Details: https://ldwa.org.uk/London/E/24949/london-evening-walk-stanmore-to-hatch-end.html  Walk Leader: Godfrey O'Callaghan Please register in advance by text:  07712341677
  Don Newman starting out on his Hundred from Worthing on Saturday morningPHOTO Dave Williams   Ginny and Gill of Essex & Herts (pictured below) look in amazingly good nick considering they've just walked 100 miles in 31 hours. Huge congratulations to them and to everyone else who completed their…
Sun 30th May 2021
For June walks you are currently still required to register with walk leaders in advance as we are limited on participant numbers due to the Covid restrictions. Details of the walks are below, with further information on our London LDWA Walks Programme website.   Date: 05th June Distance:19 miles …
  An overflowing Thames: Rod took this on the recce for last Wednesday's Richmond CircularPHOTO Rod Smith   Things were a bit less damp by the time Rod's walk took place. A beautiful late spring evening was the backdrop for a 7-mile outing featuring a visit to the site of the Royal Palace,…
  Above and below: A good turnout for Ron Williamson's walk from Harold Wood to Ingatestone looping  through parks and countryside PHOTOS Gill Struthers         Reminder: Registrations have now opened for the Capital Challenge 2021 Anytime Event. Capital Challenge 2021 The event itself runs from…
A mid week evening walk addition    Date:19th May Location: Richmond Details: https://ldwa.org.uk/London/E/24838/a-richmond-circular.html  Register with walk leader Rod smith in advance on 07905125820
All details are on the London LDWA website   Date: Saturday 15th May Details: https://ldwa.org.uk/London/E/24524/an-alternative-essex-way-part-1.html  10 spaces left on the walk, please register with Ron Williamson in advance   Date: Tuesday 25th May…
Mon 10th May 2021
All details are on the London LDWA website   Date: Saturday 15th May Details: https://ldwa.org.uk/admin_clubs_new/events/show_event.php?event_id=24524  10 spaces left on the walk, please register with Ron Williamson in advance   Date: Tuesday 25th May…
It's been one of those weeks when nothing and everything has been happening, which is to say that there have been no missives from on high (i.e. the National Committee) to pique your interest and in the meantime everyone has been too busy to check in with responses and anecdotes because we've all…
If you want to find out more about the secret life of our capital city, it's hard to beat one of Ron's Tarmac Walkers Club expeditions. Last week's started at Fenchurch Street station and took us on a winding journey south of the river, featuring on the way delights such as the Lunatik Chair at…
There is still time to book a space on a walk next week.    4th May: 3 spaces left on Ron's walk 8th May: 1 space left on Gavin's walk 9th May: 10 spaces left on Gavin's walk 11th May: 4 spaces left on Ron's walk All details are on the London LDWA website, you must register with the walk leader in…
Fri 30th Apr 2021
Gavin is now leading an additional walk for us on Sunday the 9th May!   A linear walk from Croydon to Coulsdon taking in various green spaces hopefully still displaying their springtime finery. Lots of distance options.…
Tue 27th Apr 2021
Date: May 4th Title: An Alternative Essex Way: Precursor 1 Details: https://ldwa.org.uk/London/E/24764/an-alternative-essex-way-precursor-1.html  Restricted to 14 walkers, please register in advance to get further details with Ron: ronwilliamsonuk@gmail.com   
Mon 26th Apr 2021
Title: Haslemere Circular Details: https://ldwa.org.uk/London/E/24533/haslemere-circular.html  Restricted to 12 walkers, please register in advance to get further details with Gavin: 07875 384778   Date: May 11th Title: An alternative Essex Way: Precursor 2…
Whoo-hoo, I've been for a walk with actual people in a part of London that wasn't Greenwich (although if truth be told we did finish up there). Ron Williamson's A-Z Walk Part 1 was a non-LDWA tour that began in Beckton, world-famous home of Beckton Sewage Treatment Works but also location of the…
Date: 27th April Title: Unfinished Business Part 1 Time: 10.30 Place: Fenchurch Street (circular via Vauxhall) Distance: 13 / 17 miles Route: Mainly south of the river, returning along the north bank for those who want a longer walk Walk Leader: Ron Williamson   Restricted to 14 walkers, prior…
How lovely at last to be able to report a real social walk with lots of people taking part, so many that Lonica had to turn it, the first London LDWA outing since lockdown was eased again, into two walks, the other one being led by Melissa. According to Lonica, they couldn't have wished for better…
  On Putney BridgeThis 1881 painting is by George Frederick Hughes (1859-1883)     This is the week we welcome back some sort of normality, if you count snow in April in freezing cold South London as normal. Anyway, some heart-warming news - far from everyone getting out of the walking habit…
Tue 6th Apr 2021
Date: 24 April 2021 Place: Windsor Great Park and Runnymede Distance: 16.6 miles and 1180 feet ascent Start: Egham Time: 10.00 (You must register in advance) Parking: Egham Station Car Park at TW20 9LB, OS Grid: TQ011710. Saturday Rate £3.50   Walk Route: Air Force Memorial, Windsor Great Park…
  Our friends from Essex and Herts were quick off the mark last week with their first 'rule of six' walk'PHOTO Gill Struthers       Our webmaster Gavin has been busy collating the group's social walks so far, either through the entries on the walks database or, prior to that, old Striders. As far…
Thu 1st Apr 2021
We are back! Our first London walk offering:   Date:  Saturday 17 April Title:  A Circular Walk Round the East London Parks and Marshes Location:    Bow/Stratford Time:     9.30am start  Distance:   16 miles - (can drop out at several places en route if you want a shorter walk) Route:    Victoria…
  The cover to Nature Lover's Companion(1949), published by Ladybird Books. The artist, Charles Tunnicliffe (1901-1979) was renowned for his paintings of British birds and other wildlife and also illustrated Henry Williamson's Tarka the Otter, as well as Brooke Bond tea cards during the 50s and…
Timeless views...   The North Downs as seen by Gavin and Barry on their Saturday 19-miler from ConeyhillPHOTO Gavin Fuller     The South Downs as seen in Chalk Paths (1935) by Eric Ravilious. This is the  path up from Berwick to the Long Man of Wilmington      It's a go!...Well, fingers crossed.…
  Spotted in Ladywell, South-East London - a cormorant. We're getting some interesting wildlife around this area at the moment - this morning we were treated to a fly-past of geese and ducks!    *   Volunteers wanted! Beach of Dreams ...is a collaborative 500-mile walk from Lowestoft to Tilbury,…
  St James Park, late FebruaryPHOTO Susanne Waldschmidt     Reactions to the Guardian article, A joyless trudge, written by a Canadian baffled by the British love for unfeasibly long walks and posted in last week's Jabber, turned out to be a bit Marmite. The last line - ' And so, once more around…
  Whatever next? Nigel Heys met these pigs in sheeps' clothing on the Surrey Hills     Spring has been sprung even if we haven't been, just yet, from the virtual jail in which we've been banged up for the last what-seems-like five hundred years. But it looks as if better times are on the way, and…
Hooray, some interesting news to brighten these moribund days of Lockdown 3. A 1-kilometre section of disused railway between Camden and King's Cross is to be transformed into the Camden Highline, a 'garden in the sky'. It's designed by the US studio James Corner Field Operations  who were…
link: Your weekly Matt. This one actually hangs in my hall,  and comes with the usual apology for the wonky angle   *   One of the few positives to come out of this pandemic is the 'walk and talk' meeting. The one I had last week was justifiable (I hope) because it was work-related. Anyway, my…
Please note the Zoom log in details for our social next Sunday. We cannot promise love with be found although we are fairly certain, that there will be good company and laughter. Gavin will once again be the Quiz master with an appropriately themed quiz. We look forward to seeing you there.   Time:…
The excellent Matt, raising a chuckle as always. Many thanks to Paul Lawrence for pinging it over   It's good to have to find something to laugh at in times like these. Last week's fashion section of The Times was a bit of a side-splitter too. Under a headline 'Fab fleece or posh puffer? How the…
Normally, we would aim to have an AGM of the London branch of the LDWA around this time of year.  The AGM is a great opportunity to get together, discuss plans and recruit members to the Committee as some of the existing officers' 3 year term comes to an end.  Running it as a zoom event would not…
Wed 3rd Feb 2021
Dear London LDWA, At a recent committee meeting we thought it would be a good idea to set up another social event to give us the opportunity to meet up and chat.    Therefore the first London LDWA Valentines Day virtual party will happen on the 14th February at 6.00.    We very much hope to see…
How it is right now...   Crystal Palace Park, JanuaryPHOTO Corinne Thompson   How it's going to be...    Raphael Park, Romford   Three cheers. Ron Williamson has whiled away the current spell of non-stop rain and bitter north-east winds by putting together a list of potential walks for when we're…
Mon 25th Jan 2021
A quick update about Peter Aylmer's wonderful new Stort Valley Way guide. Apologies, it's not on offer for £2! This was a  small-scale private offer rather than one for wider sale. As Peter explains, "I wish I could sell the guide for £2, but that's well below cost price. Even at the regular price…
There may be trouble ahead. but... :     ...let's face the music and walk, or at least indulge in some future planning. With that in mind, where better to start that this positive message from Capital Challenge organiser Jean O'Reilly?   Capital Challenge 2021   An update on the Capital…
  How it's meant to be - one of Shirley Hughes's charming illustrations in 'Out and About'   How it turned out - much wetting in MargarettingPHOTO Gill Struthers   Gill Struthers emailed some photos of an Essex & Herts 'bubble' walk that took place last Friday, featuring the area between…
  'These Joe Wicks exercises haven't half given me a sore back.' Lockdown Pre-Raphaelite style   Speaking as someone who did nothing yesterday except huddle indoors out of the cold, eating too much and reviving some of my Greatest Lockdown Hits such as De-cluttering My Sock Drawer (*** See…
  'Out and About', by Shirley Hughes   In spite of the fact that I haven't been a child for several decades, I've loved the stories and artwork of Shirley Hughes since my boys were old enough to be read to. Now ninety-seven years old, Hughes has twice won the Kate Greenaway Medal for the best…
      Well, we're about to say goodbye to 2020. It won't be much missed. Little did we know what lay ahead when we opened the curtains on the brave new dawn of January1st. It didn't occur to me that the Stansted Stagger, which I walked with Keith Warman and Julian Pursey on January 5th, would be…
      This isn't the Christmas we were planning for, but let's hope we can all manage something at least slightly positive. How has everyone been doing so far? Many thanks to Barry for organising last week's Christmas party, Ali for providing the Zoom links and Gavin for the quiz. 22 people rolled…
Don't forget it's the group's virtual Christmas get-together tomorrow evening, featuring lots of food and drink (depending on your kitchen) and the Xmas Quiz with Quizmaster Gavin.   Zoom details are:   Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82300377321?pwd=Tnc2Qm9UKzdnTk0wL1VwMlk1YlBSQT09  …
Mon 14th Dec 2020
Owing to the Tier 3 restrictions coming into force after tomorrow in London plus parts of Essex and Kent, all our walks will be cancelled until January
Hooray, we've been allowed to get out and about in a group again, though for how long it's uncertain. Apparently we'll be informed on Wednesday whether London is going to have extra restrictions placed on us in the run-up to Christmas. In the meantime, let's enjoy!   :     A mudfest followed by a…
Thu 10th Dec 2020
Gavin has one space left on his walk this Saturday, should anybody be interested in taking it up...   Date: 12 December Title: Croydon Meander Location: Croydon Time: Depart 09.20 Distance: 17.5 miles Walk Leader: Gavin Fuller (To register & get the start location contact Gavin on 07875 384778)   …
Mon 7th Dec 2020
Dear London LDWA group members, A date for your diary!  At the recent committee meeting it was thought that a Christmas Party would be a way of us all “meeting up”.     The date is Thursday 17th December from 6.30 pm onwards.   Opportunity to chat, eat and drink (sadly its bring your…
I'm amazed that no one on the National Committee has gone grey overnight. I'd be completely bonkers by now if I had to find my way through the labyrynthine rules about tiers and borders and where we can walk and with how many people, and interpret them coherently for the umpteenth time for the LDWA…
Sat 5th Dec 2020
Date: Wednesday 9th December   Title: "Back again!!”   Location: Kingston area   Time: 12.30   Distance: 10 miles   Route: parks and river   (optional WS or Xmas shopping at the end) Leader: Jerome Ripp (text 07470196890) Maximum group of 6  
Sat 5th Dec 2020
Date: 20th December Details: Horsley circular via Shere and Albury Distance: 18 miles Start: Horsley station Time: 9.30 Maximum of 6 walkers Contact: Andy Shoesmith via email (Andy.shoesmith07@gmail.com) or text to register  (07970 549688)  Please make sure you register in advance due to the…
Sat 5th Dec 2020
Date:  Saturday 19 December Title:  A Jolly Circular Walk Round the East London Parks and Marshes Location:  Bow/Stratford Time:     9.30am start   (MIle End underground station) Distance:   16 miles - (can drop out at several places enroute if you want a shorter walk) Route:    Victoria and…
Due to the limit of 6 participants allowed on a walk, Gavin will be leading this walk twice to give people the chance to attend:   Dates: 12 Dec and 19 Dec Title: Croydon Meander Location: Croydon Time: Dep 09.20 Distance: 17.5 miles Walk Leader: Gavin Fuller (To register for either date & get the…
Having trouble reading this email? View it in your browser. Hello The November virtual challenge, the Trig Point Challenge, worked really well and by popular demand we are running a final virtual challenge for 2020 - the Advent Calendar Challenge.  As it isn't a daily challenge in the strict…
Some news, hopefully good. We might be able to get in a brief spell of group walking before the portcullis comes down again. At LDWA London's recent committee meeting it was agreed that it would be a great idea if we could hold some walks during December and January (restrictions permitting, of…
This hasn't been so much what in Olde Fleet Street we used to call a slow news week as one virtually devoid of any movement at all, which is only to be expected pending the end of the current lockdown.  Still, Barry managed a nice afternoon walk along the Thames Path. We might even have whooshed…
Hooray for the great photo below, which at a time of year when paths are mud-clogged and skies are grey manages to find a scrap of blue and a nice bit of glowing lamplight. It's from Corinne and Barry's weekend 13-miler from Crystal Palace Park to Dulwich Park with a return along the Grain Chain…
Mon 9th Nov 2020
The link to the Bonnington Square video featured in Jabber should be Bonnington Square
Hats off to Godfrey & Co, who managed to fit in a last social walk before the portcullis came down (see the photo below).  Those of us who were looking forward to Ron's walk on the Thursday weren't so lucky as that was the day we all had to lock down again. Ron has sent us a list of the places we…
Serious stuff first. Here we go again, folks - all LDWA social walks in England are suspended for at least four weeks from 5th November to 2nd December. So who can we walk with? The rules state that exercising outdoors is only to be undertaken with people from your household, your support bubble or…
Sun 1st Nov 2020
In the light of the new government guidelines announced last night, all LDWA social walks are suspended from 05th November. Members will still be able to walk socially with one other person not from their household. We will give further information once the NEC have further details
Wed 28th Oct 2020
Date: Friday 30th October  Time: 09:50 Distance: c18 miles Location: Higham (Kent) to Rochester  Leader: Ian Fairweather: text to register & for further details 07774246920  Participants: Maximum 12
For me the best thing about being an author is typing The End on a manuscript and the worst is the realisation almost immediately afterwards that now I have to find another saleable idea for the next book. So I've started work on a thriller set in the last days of  Queen Victoria's reign. One of…
I hope everyone's managed to enjoy some good walking in spite of the increasingly uncertain weather, which with gyms still rather risky places to visit saw me enjoying a personal training session in a shelter in a soggy Greenwich Park on Thursday.  I'll just leave you with the image of me doing…
Sun 18th Oct 2020
Date:  Thursday 5th November Title: Burnham Beeches   Location: Buckinghamshire Time: 10:40 Distance: 16 miles Maximum 10 participants Contact: Godfrey O'Callaghan to register: gdocallaghan@gmail.com
Wed 14th Oct 2020
Date: Saturday 7th November Title: SW London Open Spaces and Top Location: Wimbledon  Distance: 18.5 miles Start time: 09.15 Leader: Gavin Fuller: Text 07875 384778 to register and for details Maximum 12 participants  Lunch in Richmond Park after 9 miles
Wed 14th Oct 2020
Date:  Thursday 5th November   Title: A return to the land South of the Thames   Location: London Central   Time:   10:30   Distance:  13-16 miles   Maximum 15 participants   Contact  Ron Williamson to register: ronwilliamsonuk@yahoo.co.uk
Wed 14th Oct 2020
Date:             Saturday October 31st Title;              To the battle island Location:        Mid Essex Start;              09:15 Distance:       19 miles approx Leader:           Ron Williamson for more details and to reserve a place contact ronwilliamsonuk@yahoo.co.uk Maximum no.  12 Special…
Tue 13th Oct 2020
Date: 24th October Title: Up and Down and Round About Distance: 19 miles Departs: 09.15  Location: Dorking Details: A linear walk over the downs and through woods and open spaces to Croydon Walk Leader: Gavin Fuller (Text 07875 384778 to register and for starting point)
Date        Wednesday October 21st    Title         The City churches ( last walked Jan2018)   Location   London City   Time        10:30   Distance  12-14 miles   Maximum 10 participants   Contact     Ron Williamson   ronwilliamsonuk@yahoo.co.uk to register
Mon 12th Oct 2020
Date:   Saturday 31st October   Title: Last Day of Daylight Saving Halloween Ramble  Location:  East of Epping Time: 9.30  Distance: 17 miles   Route: Linear with good tube connection between the start and end point and car park each end Notes:  Woods and fields.  Bring a packed lunch. Leader: …
Mon 12th Oct 2020
Date        Wednesday October 21st    Title         The City churches ( last walked Jan2018)   Location   London City   Time        10:30   Distance  12-14 miles   Maximum 10 participants   Contact     Ron Williamson   ronwlliamsonuk@yahoo.co.uk to register  
What better to look at in these gloomy days than photos of people having a nice time out walking at the weekend, so here's two. Melissa took the one below on a South Downs circular - that's Ali, our Chair, leading the line behind her.    South Downs Circular   Meanwhile, Gavin led a circular from…
Date: Saturday 10th October   Title: "Black Down and Petworth”   Location: Surrey/Sussex border   Time: 9.15   Distance: 20 miles   Route: Serpent trail    Leader: Jerome Ripp (text 07470196890) Maximum group of 6  
Wed 7th Oct 2020
Gavin has 3 spaces left for this fantastic-sounding walk so we're offering it to all London Group members, not just primary members   Date: Saturday 10 October Title: A Founders Walk Location: As we couldn't have the Founders Challenge as planned on this date, here's a circular from Dorking, taking…
Mon 5th Oct 2020
Date:             Saturday October 31st Title;              To the battle island Location:        Mid Essex Start;              09:15 Distance:       19 miles approx Leader:           Ron Williamson for more details and to reserve a place contact ronwilliamsonuk@yahoo.co.uk Maximum no.  12 Special…
To paraphrase Jane Austen, It is a truth universally acknowledged that the moment summer ends and the autumn winds and rain begin your central heating boiler will be condemned and a tile will fall off your roof in the exact spot where water will start cascading into a bedroom. In consequence, the…
Mon 5th Oct 2020
Date: Saturday 10 October Title: A Founders Walk Location: As we couldn't have the Founders Challenge as planned on this date, here's a circular from Dorking, taking in the plaque on Pitch Hill, Blatchford Down and Steers Field, instead Distance: 23 miles Start: 09.15 Walk Leader: Gavin Fuller…
Sat 3rd Oct 2020
Date: Thursday15th October   Title: Woods, waterways and lakes Location: Harrow and beyond Time: 10.30  Distance: 16 miles   Route: Linear Notes: Wetherspoon's at the finish Leader: Godfrey O'Callaghan (text to register) 07712341677 Maximum group of 6
Due to the bad weather today Jeromes' walk has been moved to tomorrow and there is 1 space left. Please text him to register and get further details.   Date: Sunday 4th October   Title: "Walking from Woking”   Location: Woking (circular walk)   Time: mid morning   Distance: 19 miles   Route:…
Tue 29th Sep 2020
Date: Saturday 3rd October   Title" West Sussex Downs (and ups!) Part 2”   Location: West of Brighton (circular walk)   Time: 9.00   Distance: 22 miles   Route: Hills and sea views with lunch in a castle   Leader: Jerome Ripp (text 07470196890)  Maximum group of 6     Thursday 01st October:…
I had planned to go on Ron's Leigh-on-Sea to Southend caper on Saturday but was deterred by the rocketing  of the R rate in London and the prospect of a train journey home that would almost certainly involve being crammed into the DLR with mask-resistant Saturday night revellers. Anyway, from the…
Fri 25th Sep 2020
Date: Saturday 3 October Title: South Downs, Not So Much of the Way Location: Linear from Eastbourne to Lewes over the downs Distance: 22 miles Start 09.45 Walk Leader: Gavin Fuller (Text 07875 384778 to register and for starting point) Maximum number on walk: 6   Please make sure that once…
Mon 21st Sep 2020
Date: Saturday 26th September   Title:" Sussex Downs (and ups!)”   Location: West Sussex (circular walk)   Time: 9.00  (Leave London 7.30) Distance: 20 miles   Route: Hills and sea views   Leader: Jerome Ripp (text 07470196890)    Maximum group of 6 and pre-registration required   There are…
Are we going to be able to carry on with our modest but successful walks programme over the next few weeks or is everything going to be shut down again? This morning's ministerial appearance on BBC Breakfast wasn't exactly reassuring. It seemed to be priming us for a repeat of spring, when life…
Thu 17th Sep 2020
Title: Woolwich Heritage & High Points Distance: 8 miles 200m ascent Date: Wednesday 23 September 2020 Start time: 16.30 Start and Finish Location: Woolwich Arsenal Station, exit of Network Rail station (DLR next door). TQ473788. SE18 6HX. There are seats on the square diagonally opposite by the…
Mon 14th Sep 2020
Location: Southend West Date: 26th September  Distance: 19 miles Start time: 09:15 Walk leader: Ron Williamson For details and to register : ronwilliamsonuk@yahoo.co.uk Maximum walkers: 20
Mon 14th Sep 2020
Date: 1st October Location: Southend East Distance: 14 miles Start time 10:40 Walk Leader: Ron Williamson  For details and registration: ronwilliamsonuk@yahoo.co.uk Maximum number of walkers 12
Mon 14th Sep 2020
Name: Alliteration H - Hartley, Harvel & Hawley  Date: 04th October Time: 09:00 Distance: 21.5 miles Location: Farmingham Road Station Walk Leader: Peter Jull (07450 792669) Registration required: walks.kent@ldwa.org.uk Participants: Up to 30 walkers   This is a joint walk with Kent. Please email…
Mon 14th Sep 2020
Date: Saturday 19th September   Title" Hills of the South rejoice”   Location: Lewes (circular walk)   Time: 9.00   Distance: 22 miles   Route: Hills and sea views   Leader: Jerome Ripp (text 07470196890)  Maximum group of 6  
Well, LDWA London did it - we celebrated our 25th Anniversary pandemic-style. Seven walks all went on at once, three out of town - led by Ron, Andy and Jerome - and four London-based ones, the townees converging in St James's Park where Gavin photographed each group of walkers as we arrived. Then…
Following yesterday's Government announcement about group sizes, the following has now been posted on the national LDWA website: The NEC are aware of the latest news from the Government restricting group sizes in England to no more than six people from next Monday, 14 September 2020. We are seeking…
Who wants to join us on our walks celebrating 25 years of London LDWA? We have some fabulous walks with many different options available in location, distances and start times. This I hope will mean we can get as many London LDWA people out as possible walking together to celebrate this fantastic…
Thanks to one of those weird but apt coincidences I share my birthday with Tottenham Hotspur. We both made our entry into the world on September 5th, though Spurs pre-date me somewhat as they were founded in 1882. However, after all the celebratory Malbec I drank on Saturday night I definitely felt…
Further details of London Group's 25th Anniversary walks on 12th September are now on our website
We have some fabulous walks to celebrate the 25th Anniversary with many different options available in location, distances and start times. This I hope will mean we can get as many London LDWA people out as possible walking together to celebrate this fantastic group and all of its volunteers over…
Castle & Vineyards Sunday 6th September There is one place left on this 21 mile walk in the North Downs above Maidstone. First come first served by 6pm on Friday. 7:25 from Cannon Street. Part rail replacement bus to Maidstone East for 9am start.  Register via walks.kent@ldwa.org.uk
Mon 31st Aug 2020
Date: Saturday 5th September   Title" The Godalming Gallop"   Location: Godalming (circular walk)   Time: 9.35   Distance: c.20 miles   Route: Hills, Greensands and an Arboretum   Leader: Jerome Ripp (text 07470196890) Maximum group of 6  
In case you missed it, the LDWA's National Committee has now achieved the go-ahead from Sport England and the LDWA insurance broker to allow attendances of up to 30 on social walks. This doesn't mean, of course, that we're bouncing back into a pre-Covid world. It's up to leaders to decide how many…
Fri 28th Aug 2020
Distance: 20 mile walk Location: Balcombe area  Time: 9.30am Date: 5th September Leader: Nigel Heys Tel: 07952 631719 (text to register and get start details)   This walk is limited to 6 people
Castles and Vineyards 6th September If you're interested in this walk on paths & hills north of Maidstone please register via walks.kent@ldwa.org.uk. Unless restrictions are eased in the meantime there will be more than one group and leader doing the same route from different starting points.…
Tue 25th Aug 2020
Date: Sunday 30th August Start: 09:30 Area: NE London - Epping Forest area Distance:  17 miles Contact:  Lonica Vanclay  07835 102864   or email lonica.vanclay@outlook.com to register
How on earth do people find the time and energy to be celebrities? With a new book out, I've had a week of (very fleeting) fame and it has completely exhausted me. On the plus side it's gratifying to appear on radio and TV and have your picture in the papers but on the minus end of things it means…
Sun 23rd Aug 2020
Date: Saturday 29th August   Title: “The Ockley Stagger” Location: Ockley south of Dorking (circular walk)   Time: 9.35   Distance: c.20 miles   Route: Estate Parks and Sussex Border Path   Leader: Jerome Ripp (text 07470196890) Maximum group of 6  
One walker has dropped out of tomorrow's Clandon walk so Jerome has a spare place. Please text him on the number below if you would like to take it up.   Date: Saturday 22nd August Title: The Clandon Stomp Location: Clandon near Guildford  (circular walk) Time: 9.15 Distance: 20 miles Route: Downs,…
Gavin now has two spare places on his Sat walk. Let him know if you're interested by texting him on 07875 384778    Walk Leader: Gavin Fuller Title: Around Ashdown Location: East Grinstead Date: Saturday August 22nd Start: 09:20 Route: A circular walk passing Weir Wood Reservoir before crossing…
Hats off as ever to LDWA Publicity Officer Julian White, who has come up with yet another smashing idea. If you didn't see his post on the LDWA Facebook,here's the gist. The LDWA is launching two national groups (these complement local groups, they don't replace them), one themed around history and…
Sun 16th Aug 2020
Date: Saturday 22nd August Title: The Clandon Stomp Location: Clandon near Guildford  (circular walk) Time: 9.15 Distance: 20 miles Route: Downs, woodlands and Greens Leader: Jerome Ripp Contact details: 07470 196890 (text to register)
Fri 14th Aug 2020
Walk Leader: Gavin Fuller Title: Around Ashdown Location: East Grinstead Date: Saturday August 22nd Start: 09:20 Route: A circular walk passing Weir Wood Reservoir before crossing Ashdown Forest ending up back in East Grinstead Mileage: c24 miles Contact: gavin_fuller@hotmail.com (email to register…
I have been lucky over the last few months, living with a husband, a son and a dog in a big house. I've had both the joy of company and the reassurance that my loved ones are all right, plus enough room to hide if I want a bit of personal space to work. What I've really missed, though, are friends.…
Sun 9th Aug 2020
Date: Saturday 15th August Title" The Dorking Loop" Location: Dorking (circular walk) Time: 9.20 Distance: 20 miles Route: Greensand Ridge and heathland Leader: Jerome Ripp Contact details: 07470 196890 (text to register)  
To begin with, a reminder. You might have come across the announcement that the Ramblers are now proposing to allow up to 30 people on their walks.  Given that the government is already backtracking on its plans for a further easing of lockdown, this idea seems likely to have the lifespan of a…
Gone to the dogs Location: Greenwich  Date: 12th August Time: 18:00 Distance: c7 miles Walk Leader: Pete Buffham Contact details: 07833 581011 (text to register and get start location) Bring water & snacks
Sun 2nd Aug 2020
Date: Saturday August 8 Location: Horsley Time: 9.20 Title: Woodlands, Downs and Sheep Distance:c20 miles Leader: Jerome Ripp (contact 07470196890)
Date Saturday August 1st Title: ""Downs and Greensands" Distance: c.20 miles Location: Chipstead/Banstead area Start: 9.15 Leader: Jerome Ripp Contact: 07470196890 (text to register & get start details)   Plus Godfrey still has spaces for his walk on Wednesday 29th July if anyone would like to join…
You will see from the panel below that following the advice of organiser Chris Blackwell London Group has made the tough decision not to stage the Founders Challenge this year. The prospect alone of entrants having to be equipped with masks and gloves, and not being allowed into checkpoints, would…
Date: 01st August Location: Guildford  Start Time: 09:15 Walk Leader: Nigel Heys Distance: c20 miles Contact details: 07952 631719 (text to register & get start location) 
Fri 24th Jul 2020
There are three places available on Godfrey's walk Walk Leader: Godfrey O'Callaghan Title: A Three Spoons Wander Location: Rickmansworth Date: Wednesday 29th July Start: Rickmansworth Station. Time 10.47 Distance: A relaxed 12 mile walk to include three Wetherspoons.…
Location: West Dulwich circular walk Date: Monday  27th July Time: 18:00hrs (should be finished by 21:00)  Distance: c8 miles  Notes: No refreshments on way. Moderate/ fast pace.  Leader: Ian Fairweather: 07774246920 (Text to secure a place & get start location)  Limited places – be quick!  
Wed 22nd Jul 2020
Date: 1st August Location: Guildford  Start Time: 09:15 Walk Leader: Nigel Heys Distance: c20 miles Contact details: 07952 631719 (text to register & get start location) 
August Strider has just landed on the doormat and I take my hat off to Graham Smith. There can't be many worse situations to cope with as an editor than when the two main staples of your magazine, social walks and events, have been wiped out and you find yourself with a lot of blank pages to fill.…
  Date Saturday 25th July Title : North Downs from Chessington Start 9.25  Distance c.20 miles Leader Jerome Ripp Contact 074701968 by text message
There is one place left on Ron's walk next Saturday   Walk Leader: Ron Williamson Title: Far from the maddening crowd Location: Southend on Sea (Thorpe Bay) Date: Saturday July 25th Start: 09:45 Route: The Eastern approaches to Brimstone Hill (at a slower than normal pace) Contact:…
Mon 13th Jul 2020
Walk Leader: Ron Williamson Title: Far from the maddening crowd Location: Southend on Sea (Thorpe Bay) Date: Saturday July 25th Start: 09:45 Route: The Eastern approaches to Brimstone Hill (at a slower than normal pace) Contact: Ronwilliamsonuk@yahoo.co.uk (please email Ron to register and get…
It has been what we old Fleet Street hacks call a slow news week and after racking my brains for an opening topic for Jabber I was rescued by a call from a journalist friend. Ysenda was writing an article for The Oldie magazine about family words and expressions, e.g. a special name for the loo.…
Walk Leader: Jerome Ripp Date: Saturday 18th July  Hub: South west London Meet: Effingham area  Time: 9.15  Mileage: 20 miles  Route: In the Surrey hills  Contact details: 07470196890 (please text to register and get start details)
Walk Leader: Jerome Ripp Location: SW London: Ashtead area Date: 11th July Start Time: 9.35  Route: A walk to the Downs and back  Distance: 19 miles    Contact details: 07470196890 (please text Jerome to register and get start details)
Tue 7th Jul 2020
An evening walk...   Walk Leader: Ian Fairweather Date: 13th July Time: 6pm Location: West Dulwich (Free parking in streets nearby) Mileage: Approx 8 miles Route: 'A brisk stomp around the greenery of south London'. Contact details: 07774246920 (Text to register and get exact start location
We're back! Hurrah, something to cheer about at last. London Group has restarted social walks.On Saturday July 4th, two took place in different areas and one was particularly special, as it was Jerome Ripp's 100th as a London walk leader. To celebrate the occasion, Ian Fairweather, our social…
Nige'ls walk has 2 spaces left for next Saturday:   Walk Leader: Nigel Heys Location: Egham area Date: 11th July  Start time: Approx 10:00 Distance: 18 miles Contact details:  07952 631719 (please text Nigel to register your place and get start details)  
A new walk for next Saturday:   Walk Leader: Jerome Ripp Location: SW London: Ashtead area Date: 11th July Start Time: 9.35  Route: A walk to the Downs and back  Distance: 19 miles    Contact details: 07470196890 (please text Jerome to register and get start details)  
Two places have become available on tomorrow's walk  - details below.   Walk Leader: Jerome Ripp Hub: Kingston area and more generally South West London Contact details: 07470196890 (text or call to register and get start location) Date: Saturday 4th July.  Start time 10.00  Distance 18 miles …
Wed 1st Jul 2020
Walk Leader: Andy Shoesmith Date: 18th July Start time: 9.30 Distance: 19 miles Location: Farnham area Route: Figure of 8 Contact details: andy.shoesmith07@gmail.com or text 07970 549688 (please register and get start details by email or text)
I thought the easing of lockdown measures would put me in an optimistic mood. Instead, over the last few days, I've been having the odd low spell because of the  uncertainty about what happens next. It's been rather like watching Spurs defend a 2-1 lead in the final moments of a game and thinking…
Walk Leader: Gavin Fuller Start Time: 10:00 Date: 04/07 Distance: 18 miles Start Location: Purley Route: Circular to the North Downs Contact details: 07875 384778 (please text to register and get start details)  As Jerome's walk is full, Gavin will also lead a walk on Saturday for any members who…
Sun 28th Jun 2020
Walk Leader: Nigel Heys Location: Egham area Date: 11th July  Distance: 18 miles Contact details:  07952 631719
Walk Leader: Jerome Ripp Hub: Kingston area and more generally South West London Contact details: 07470196890 (text or call to register and get start location) Date: Saturday 4th July.  Start time 10.00  Distance 18 miles  Start: Norbiton; (free weekend parking in nearby streets from the start) …
    Resuming social walks   The LDWA National Committee has announced that social walks are now permitted to resume under certain conditions, details of which are on the LDWA website at Guidance for LDWA Social Walks . These have been shared with the LDWA Insurer who has expressed confidence in…
This is the time of year when normally I hop on my favourite train, the Caledonian Sleeper, and head up to Scotland to stay with my two nephews and their families. They live within a couple of miles of each other in Aberdeen and it's always lovely to see them because they are the last link to my…
It's becoming more and more difficult to keep track of what month it is,let alone what day of the week. Having spent most of last year and the first part of this embroiled in meeting deadlines for two books I was writing simultaneously, while doing the groundwork for the next, I didn't have time…
Call me faint-hearted, but I am not very comfortable about walking on my own in lonely areas; I'm too aware of personal safety issues to feel relaxed about it.  This is one of the reasons why I have been missing our group walks, and why I enjoy walking in London so much - you are never far away…
Long walks are back, hooray. You are now allowed to go as far as you like for as long as you like, and over the past two weeks or so London Group members have chalked up some lovely-looking 20-milers on their own. In a way, that's the easy part. The National Executive Coronavirus committee has been…
Julie Cribb and Julian White of the LDWA's National Executive Committee are working hard to keep us all engaged during this barren month, starting with the LDWA Coronavirus Challenge. The object of this exercise has been to log on to a spreadsheet how far you walk (or run) during what was, until…
Fri 15th May 2020
Hi!  Julie is working on the coming Monday's Julie's Jabber.  Unfortunately, her internet is on the blink and it may be delayed by a day or two.  Do not despair!  It will arrive.  Keep well and enjoy being able to go out more than once a day, all the best, Minna Graeber
The unnatural conditions in which we're living include, for me, getting used to communicating via Zoom. No doubt I'll be an old hand at it by the time normality returns in 2099, but currently it's an unnerving experience. Last week I had to record a tribute to Ann Sayer on BBC Radio 4's obituary…
Thu 7th May 2020
Adam, sorry to bother - I know this is no longer your problem but I don't know how to hook it up with Madeleine - could you possibly let me know if you receive this? My juliewelch@btinternet.com account is playing up - sent myself 2 test messages from this, neither of which has come through. Don't…
Thu 7th May 2020
test
Future events Like all sporting bodies, the LDWA has cancelled all fixtures for the weeks ahead and we do not know when the prevailing restrictions will be relaxed to the extent that we can say for certain that events scheduled for later in the year will be able to take place. One of the items up…
Earlier this month, our own Adam Dawson (National Executive Committee Website & Internet Officer, Rtd.) told us about the new walks database and general zizzing-up of local group websites that has occupied the last eighteen months of his time. Well, it's just launched and I have to say the new-look…
What does the new email look like? Especially what is the photo at the top?
The very sad news of Ann Sayer's death has already brought many tributes to this iconic walker, John O'Groat's to Lands End record holder, first female Centurion, GB rowing international and (as P.G.Wodehouse might  have put it) thoroughly good egg. What I didn't know until Gail Elrick informed me…
I have spent most of my life feeling sorry for anyone who doesn't live in London but somewhat to my surprise find I have started envying, far more than I ever thought possible, those who live in the wilder, more remote parts of Britain. The reason is that they tend to have a varied selection of…
As anyone who has read the first two Jabbers will have realised, the current aim of this Newsletter is to spread cheer and frivolity amid the general gloom, so I'll begin with goats. Some of you may have seen the TV footage of them descending from on high upon Llandudno, brazenly munching their way…
Thanks to British Summer Time, we've lost an hour, which given the current circumstances may be no bad thing. I'm writing this as my front garden is attacked by bursts of hail.Though I never thought I'd say this I actually feel quite pleased. The last few days have featured sun, sun and more sun,…
It felt pretty weird at the weekend to be sitting indoors when the sun was shining, the birds were singing, and apart from a nippy breeze it was the perfect day for a long, sociable walk (as opposed to the one mile solo trot to a largely bare-shelved Tesco which I had the dubious pleasure of…
Tue 17th Mar 2020
Following a change in government advice in relation to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the National Executive Committee of the Long Distance Walkers Association has decided that all LDWA social and challenge walks will end with immediate effect.  The ban will be reviewed by the National…
Mon 16th Mar 2020
These may be challenging times, but London Group is carrying on with its programme of social walks and this Saturday our former chair Peter Aylmer will be leading the charge, with a walk that offers  the delights of the Hertfordshire countryside before cutting into Essex for a lunchtime stop in…
Fri 13th Mar 2020
Provided leaders are well and able, London Group  will continue to run the social programme of walks. Members should take responsible decisions about attending according to their own health and not attend if they have a persistent cough and/or temperature. Walk leaders will refuse to allow anyone…
Fri 13th Mar 2020
COVID-19 update (13 March 2020): London Group plans to hold the Capital Challenge unless government restrictions or safety guidelines cause us to cancel.  We are taking our lead on this from the LDWA National group.  This is their position statement from 5 March 2020:   The Long Distance Walkers…
Tue 10th Mar 2020
  Osterley Stroll Sat 14th Mar 2020   Walk Details: Event Type Group Walk   Region Southern England   Local Group London   Distance 17ml.   Start Time 09.30   Route   Meet: OSTERLEY Stat. ( Heathrow branch of Picadilly Line ) Finish: Hampton Court A 17ml. stroll taking in the…
Mon 9th Mar 2020
There's something of  watch-this-space about this week as the walk planned originally for the weekend has been cancelled due to the route being affected by recent weather conditions. Leader Dave Williams is putting together a Saturday alternative. Here's a sneak preview of what to expect...     In…
Thu 5th Mar 2020
Test to check whether Minna receives emails to the secretaries email address when bulk emails are sent. 
Mon 2nd Mar 2020
this is a testhttps://www.ldwa.org.uk/lgt/downloads/London/Walks_Secretary_report_Sep_2017.pdf
Mon 2nd Mar 2020
A fantastic couple of walks on offer this week. starting on Tuesday when it's your chance to be among the first to set foot on the first half of the new Capital Challenge route. Then, on Saturday, there's a fascinating, surprisingly green 13-mile walk along the Pymmes Brook Trail, led by Colin…
Please note that the details sent out yesterday 26th February for volunteeris for the forthcoming LDWA Hundred were incomplete. Missing details are:     Sunday 26th May                   Shift 1    10am to 6pm Sunday/Monday                    Shift 2    6pm to 2am Monday 27th May                 …
Your LDWA needs you for Y 100 Sir Fynwy Friday 23rd May to Monday 25th May   Volunteers needed for Headquarters As usual our volunteer weekend will involve a subtle blend of walking, waitressing, Wetherspoon's and Welsh.  London Group will be helping out at headquarters and there will also be time…
Mon 24th Feb 2020
Two notices to pique your interest. First off, if you're technology-minded and want to do your bit to whittle down the LDWA's printing bill and help our beleaguered planet at the same time, why not consider receiving your thrice-yearly Strider electronically? Secondly, we're always happy to…
Mon 17th Feb 2020
Ideas wanted! At last week's AGM it was noted that this September sees the 25th anniversary of the founding of the LDWA London group and we want to celebrate twith a party and walk. It was also noted that 2022 would be the 50th anniversary of the founding of the LDWA. So, members, please put your…
    If you're going on Lonica's Round About Richmond walk on Sunday and were planning to use the tube, please note that the District line is closed for Kew Gardens and Richmond stations. Lonica will be getting the 08:10 from Waterloo, changing at Clapham Junction for the 08:35 to Richmond,…
The 2020 AGM is this Wednesday 12th February at the King and Queen pub, Foley Street, London, W1W 6DL. The upstairs room will be available for us from 18:00 for a prompt start at 18:30.    
Mon 10th Feb 2020
Please find attached a revised agenda; update on 2020 Capital Challenge and designs for certificates; annual report on walks; and webmaster's report. https://www.ldwa.org.uk/lgt/downloads/London/London_AGM_Agenda_2020_LDWAL20-7.pdf…
Mon 10th Feb 2020
https://www.ldwa.org.uk/lgt/downloads/London/London_AGM_Agenda_2020_LDWAL20-7.pdf https://www.ldwa.org.uk/lgt/downloads/London/Capital_Challenge_2020_LDWAL20-11.pdf https://www.ldwa.org.uk/lgt/downloads/London/CC_2020_certificate_LDWAL20-14.pdf…
Mon 10th Feb 2020
I trust no one was swept away by Storm Ciara yesterday and remains sufficiently earthbound to enjoy this Sunday's walk, Round about Richmond, with its lovely riverside setting and return through the park. Happy walking!      Farnham to Brookwood,  Saturday 8th FebruaryPHOTO Gavin Fuller   ~~~~~~~ …
Mon 3rd Feb 2020
Before we turn to the subject of this weekend's walk, I'd just like to point you to our Facebook where Ian has posted some great photos of last Saturday's Dorking Circular, one of which is featured below. Many thanks to Jerome for stepping up as replacement leader.  Right, then. On to this…
Wed 29th Jan 2020
The Four Days Marches The Walk of The World 2020: 21-24 July 2020   A number of London LDWA members have expressed an interest in participating in this walking event which takes place each year in Nijmegen in the Netherlands. It has grown into the largest multi-day walking event in the world. More…
Mon 27th Jan 2020
Jerome Ripp has kindly agreed to lead our Saturday walk, which will now be a circular starting and finishing at Dorking main station. Details below:    Dorking Circular Sat 1st Feb 2020   Walk Details: Event Details Updated This will now be a circular walk starting at Dorking Main…
Experienced Grant Writer required As part of its funding strategy for future IT work, the National Executive Committee (NEC) is looking to apply to the National Lottery and other grant funding bodies.  The NEC is on the lookout for any members with experience of writing grant applications to work…
Mon 27th Jan 2020
Before we start, some essential info - unfortunately Peter Buchwald is unable, owing to injury, to lead the Dorking to Boxhill walk scheduled for this coming Saturday and it will not now go ahead UNLESS someone is able to step in. Short notice, we know, but if anyone out there can help out,  Peter…
Wed 22nd Jan 2020
Here are some documents for our London Group AGM on Wednesday 12th February. Agenda https://www.ldwa.org.uk/lgt/downloads/London/LDWAL20-7_London_AGM_Agenda_2020.pdf Motion to transfer some funds to LDWA National https://www.ldwa.org.uk/lgt/downloads/London/LDWAL20-8_Motion_for_AGM_2020.pdf Report…
Wed 22nd Jan 2020
https://www.ldwa.org.uk/lgt/downloads/London/LDWAL20-7_London_AGM_Agenda_2020.pdfhttps://www.ldwa.org.uk/lgt/downloads/London/LDWAL20-8_Motion_for_AGM_2020.pdf The agenda and motion for AGM on 12th February are attached. Further documents will follow
Mon 20th Jan 2020
First, a reminder to walk leaders from Marie: with the Strider deadline fast approaching, if you have the basic details for your reserved walks and haven't yet sent them to her can you let her have them by 25th January AT THE LATEST so she has a couple of days to do the final alterations.  There…
Mon 13th Jan 2020
It's the charms of West London to the delights of Twickenham this Saturday, taking in parts of the Thames Walk and some footpaths around Barnes. Be warned - there may be a bit of mud in places, and though a pub stop may occur you're advised to bring a packed lunch.  In other news, the fabulous…
Mon 6th Jan 2020
Is this some sort of record? asks leader Susanne Waldschmidt of the 2020 New Year's Hangover Buster. An impressive thirty-six walkers turned up at the Monument to enjoy a tour of Roman walls, pass 40 City churches, admire various works of art strewn along the way and manage not to get lost while…
Our weekend walk, Sunningdale to Staines, is on Saturday 4th January, as advertised in the walk details at the end of our Newsletter, not on Sunday, as I claimed at the top. Apologies for the idiocy to Kate, who is leading it - and if you need to get in touch she can be contacted on 07718 393945
Aaaaand... it's time for London Group's traditional Hangover Buster. On Wednesday, Day One of 2020, Susanne leads this easy-paced greeting to the New Year, designed as always to start you off on the right foot (and there's a quiz to jolt your festivity-fuddled brain back into action as well). The…
Hurrah, Jerome has come up with an excellent walk to round off the last Saturday of 2019. It's a circular with a start and finish at Wimbledon station but in between it sounds like there are some intriguing international ports of call.  All the details below. Meanwhile, London LDWA wishes everyone…
Our Saturday walk this week, led by Keith, starts in Bromley (where early birds can get breakfast it they want) and enjoys some twists and turns via a wood, a palace, a common and a park to Greenwich for a Christmas lunch - which you can walk off in the afternoon as you head for Tower Hill.  All…
The 2020 AGM will be on Wednesday 12th February 2020 at the King and Queen pub, Foley Street, London, W1W 6DL. The upstairs room will be available for us from 18:00 for a prompt start at 18:30. Proposed motions for the meeting need to be with the secretaries by Wednesday 15th January. A draft…
Mon 9th Dec 2019
A memorial tree has been planted on the route of London Group's long-standing event, the Founders Challenge, to honour both departed founder  members of the group and those who have given service.The tree has been planted between Pitch Hill and Peaslake, and the grid reference is 085430 (north-east…
For those planning to go on the Grange Hill walk this Saturday, Bola, its leader, can be contacted if necessary on: +44 7730 466422
Mon 2nd Dec 2019
Two excellent walks on offer this week, the first on Wednesday when Ron leads the second of his upmarket tarmac tours featuring all manner of sights and curios on the way round, including macabre details such as the properties originally owned by the slum landlord Peter Rachmann and the locations…
Mon 25th Nov 2019
Just a reminder that our hike this Saturday, Beane to Mimram, has been brought forward from its advertised date of December 7 in Strider. Leader Peter Aylmer mentions that 'we will be walking through an area  with some of the most helpful landowners around London - no, really! - and the walk…
Sat 23rd Nov 2019
Just a gentle reminder of the Walk Leaders and Marshalls  meal and social evening on Thursday 28th November 2019 at the Penderel's Oak pub, 283–288 High Holborn, London, WC1V 7HP from 18:30. If you would like to come and have not yet let us know yet then please email london@ldwa.org.uk so…
How nice to have a midweek walk to 'brighten' a long dark evening, with Ron leading one of his City tarmac trips on Tuesday, Then on Saturday London LDWA heads out of town and into scenic Kent with Pete's circular tour close to beautiful Bewl Water, starting and finishing in picturesque Wadsworth. …
Mon 11th Nov 2019
See the lovely photo (second of those below) that Gavin has provided as an example of what you will be treated to this Saturday when he leads an expedition into the wide-open spaces beyond Croydon. It promises a plethora of woods,some parks and various other intriguing sights. Happy (and hopefully…
As one of those people who have helped LDWA London Group by leading social walks or being a marshal on challenge events, we are very pleased to invite you to a meal and social evening on Thursday 28th November 2019. The venue is as before the Penderel's Oak pub, 283–288 High Holborn, London,…
As one of those people who have helped LDWA London Group by leading social walks or being a marshal on challenge events, we are very pleased to invite you to a meal and social evening on Thursday 28th November 2019. The venue is as before the Penderel's Oak pub, 283–288 High Holborn, London,…
Mon 4th Nov 2019
That king of the pop-ups, Ron Williamson, is leading a walk that is a bit shorter than the usual Saturday fare but is guaranteed to be just as sweet. It's a chance to explore the secret but enchanted countryside that lies beyond the Essex commuter belt and the hell of the M25. As an Essex girl by…
Mon 28th Oct 2019
What a difference a day makes. The bleak but beautiful photo below is from last Saturday's walk starting from Thorpe Bay when (in London at least) it drizzled non-stop. Twenty-four hours later we were walking in autumn sunlight. Let's hope for a fine day this Saturday when Ian is leading  a very…
Leader Ron Williamson is on a roll right now with a series of brilliant walks and this Saturday is proof that he doesn't just pound the pavements of our capital city. Catch the train to Thorpe Bay if you want to see a bit of the wilderness (his words, not mine) east of Southend. Happy exploring!   …
As London Group's Saturday hike has been cancelled due to the leader's illness, members might like the option of Essex & Herts's Sunday circular walk which starts and finishes at LIverpool Street station. The details: Sun 20th October What the Dickens? - A Walk of two cities Distance 17ml. Start…
Unfortunately, Peter Buchwald is unwell and will not be able to lead the advertised Haywards Heath to Three Bridges walk this Saturday. We will announce a pop-up walk as soon as possible provided someone can offer one. Meanwhile, we wish Peter all the best for a speedy recovery
Don't worry, I'm not going to make a habit of reviewing books in this weekly Newsletter, but here's one I can thoroughly recommend: In Praise of Walking, by Shane O'Mara. The author is a neuroscientist as well as a very enthusiastic walker, and the book contains riveting details about the…
First off, congratulations and many thanks to the organisers and all the marshals who made Saturday's Founders Challenge such a huge success. Just look at the rave reviews: 'Fabulous event. Thank you for a wonderful day.' ; 'Massive thanks to all the amazing volunteers out and about and everywhere…
Mon 30th Sep 2019
Planning to do the Founders Challenge this coming Saturday but not yet entered? Online entries closed on 29th September but you can still enter on the day. It's £17 for LDWA members and £25 for non-members. 
There's only one show in town this week -  our venerable event, the Founders Challenge, on Saturday with its new start and finish in Guildford and two re-shaped routes to choose from.      Gordon spotted these helpful marshals while recce-ing the Founders earlier this year. Will they still be…
The 23rd Founders Challenge is now less than two weeks away. Planning to do it but not got around to entering yet? If you want to save money by entering in advance to take advantage of the lower fee you have till 10 p.m. this coming Sunday, 29th September,  to do so. Route descriptions and GPX…
Mon 16th Sep 2019
I hope everyone has been enjoying their their walking in this lovely mid-September weather. I was sorry to have to miss the Founders Challenge Marshals - the new routes must have looked really good in the early autumn sun - but I had a prior engagement, i.e. the Shotley Peninsula 50, and am now…
A fond welcome back to The Tarmac Walks Club (copyright Ron Williamson) which convenes mid-morning on Thursday at Fenchurch Street station, ends at Waterloo, and includes, among other delights, a visit to the refurbished Liberty Bounds. Ron has prepared a spreadsheet listing all the fascinating…
  First off, here's an early alert concerning the Founders Marshals Walk on Saturday week (14th September): Gordon, who is organising the event, would like those planning to join the Marshals Walk to notify leaders Gavin and Isabel well in advance so a) they can wait for them, as with earlier than…
The glorious bank holiday weekend isn't over yet, but you can start looking forward now to next Saturday's walk, a linear (albeit only just) hike out from Seer Green with a finish in Beaconsfield. Scroll down for the full details. Meanwhile, looking further ahead, Marie is still in need of half a…
Lots on offer this week, starting on Thursday with an evening midweek in South-West London linking park and common. That's just a taster for the Bank Holiday weekend when you can pack in three days of walks if you fancy it - Sussex on Saturday, then Sunday and Monday devoted to finessing a new…
Mon 12th Aug 2019
Sorry, everyone, the Newsletter got a bit ahead of itself, publishing Putney and Parks Circular , scheduled for Thursday 22nd August, a week in advance.   
We have an embarrassment of riches this week, with Gail and John's midweek tour of Putney parks on Thursday, a Saturday hike around the Sussex Weald led by Nigel and, on Sunday, the opportunity to test out part of the second of the two new routes for London Group's flagship event, the Capital…
According to Ken,the leader, this week's hike on Saturday will take walkers to some of the not-so-well-known parts of East Surrey, including the Riddlesdown Ridge from the North End to the South End. It was a popular picnic spot for 19th century Londoners but in more recent times has been shunned…
It's a return to the Chilterns for our Saturday walk this week, with NIgel leading a (longish) circular based on Chorleywood. Scroll down for full details. In other news, the new Founders Challenge route was successfully tested last week, with the guinea pigs managing not to wilt in the fierce heat…
As well as a steamy stroll with Dave on Thursday evening, there's the chance to keep Gordon company in midweek as he walks out both the new routes for the Founders Challenge. Then on Saturday Lynn will be leading a 19-mile figure-of-8 packed with goodies that includes the Chiltern hills, the…
After the plethora of walks on offer last week, London LDWA goes quiet until Saturday when Peter leads another instalment of his Literary Trail series. Meanwhile, back in Twickenham...   The Twickenham Sausage, Wednesday 10th JulyJohn and Gail's walk took in some interesting sights. Come on, I'm…
An alliterative programme this week, with the opportunity to experience the charms of Chelsea on Wednesday and breathe the champagne air of the Chichester Hills on Saturday. Scroll down and you will see the rather forbidding-looking character that leader Gavin met on his recce for the latter.…
Let's hope this spell of excellent weather lasts because we have two brilliant walks on offer this week. First up, on Wednesday, is an evening walk around six of London's parks, and having walked the Capital Challenge route yesterday I can confirm that the roses in Regents Park are indeed in full…
The start time of Stage 1 of St. Paul's Cathedral to St Albans, on Wednesday 19th June has been changed from 14.00. Those taking part should meet at 12.00 at St. Paul's for a 12.30 start
An interestingly mixed selection this week, with  a short jaunt from HIghgate to Clerkenwell (and Wetherspoon's) on Tuesday evening, the customary Saturday hike (this time it's the Chilterns), and - sandwiched between the two, on Wednesday through to Friday - St.Paul's to St. Albans, or entre deux…
The date of Peter Aylmer's walk, Destination New River, was wrongly given out in Strider and on our website. It's on Tuesday 18th June, not Monday 17th June. Details have now been amended on the website and will be given out again in next week's Newsletter
Two good 'uns this week, starting on Tuesday with an awayday featuring Cromer and the lovely surroundings of North Norfolk. I was going to suggest bringing your bucket and spade but bearing in mind the current weather an unbrella might be a better idea. Then on Saturday you don't have to travel so…
Please note that the Founders Challenge will take place on Saturday 5th October, not 6th October as erroneously stated in this week's Newsletter
Let''s enjoy this great weather while it's there with the two lovely walks on offer this week. On Wednesday meet at HIgh Street Kensington at 1.30 for a chunk of the Capital Challenge route with an optional theatrical finish in HIghgate and on Saturday there's the chance to experience Essex's…
First off, many congratulations to London Group members who finished the Hadrian 100 and commiserations to those who couldn't complete what was an exceptionally tough event with an enormous number of retirements.  And now, from one 100 to another... LDWA London Chair Ali Pretty has several strings…
Updated details in bold   North Downs Way.     23, 18.5 or 14ml. Route If you are not helping with or walking the 100 you may like to join Lonica in her weekend walk, planned so she can complete the North Downs Way Saturday 25 May. Wye to Dover (23 miles). Leave Wye at 9.41. Either 7.55 train from…
In case you missed last week's STOP PRESS email, Ron's popular morning-and-afternoon combo Hills of the North undergoes a repeat tomorrow (Tuesday). Warning: may contain Wetherspoons. And at the weekend, those of you not helping out on (or walking - good luck!) the Hadrian Hundred are welcome to…
Two walks in one - morning AND afternoon Midweek day time   Pop Up  Tuesday May 21st Morning - A tourist's stroll across the city  Distance 4 miles Start:  Fenchurch St station (main entrance) 10:30 Finish:  Kings Cross station An opportunity to spend some time at several of London's free…
As a 17.30 finish can't be guaranteed, walk leader Rod Smith suggests buying an off-peak day return, valid for the high-speed if they wish.   Updated walks notes are as follows: Buy an off-peak day return ticket to Dover – with Railcard - from Charing Cross (catch the 07:40), £18.15, or from…
The Premier League may be over for this season but London Group's midweek evening programme is kicking off on Thursday when Peter leads a riverside walk from Richmond to Putney. Then on Saturday Rod is offering the chance to get out of town (and avoid those Cup Final crowds) with a linear walk from…
This week 'North London is ours', as rival Spurs and Arsenal fans take turn in informing each other. This particular bit of the capital is the part between Finchley and Stanmore where Ron will be leading us on Saturday. All the details below.   It's amazing who you can meet out walkingGordon…
Before we get down to business as usual, many congratulations to Val Dawson, Adam's other half, for completing the London Marathon while raising funds for Great Ormond Street Hospital. Meanwhile, route planning and testing for this year's new-look Founders Challenge is steaming ahead, with drafts…
Peter Aylmer's mobile number (for on the day calls) is 07884 235784
:   Farewell New River is a follow-up to Peter's New River walk last year. We start by heading into the very wonderful Broxbourne Woods, Hertfordshire's only National Nature Reserve, once traversed by the Roman Ermine Street.     Broxbourne Woods Lunch is in the county town of Hertford - plenty…
Please note that event details for the North Downs Way walk on Saturday 20th April have been updated and it will start at 9.06 from Borough Green & Wrotham station. North Downs Way Sat 20th Apr 2019   Event Details: EVENT DETAILS UPDATED   Event Type Group Walk   Region Southern…
We're promised warm weather later on in the week so all the better to make yourself a picnic lunch on Saturday and head to Dunton Green where the North Downs Way awaits. Scroll down for all the details. : Capital Challenge 2019 results, photos, and report are now available…
Well done London LDWA. The Capital Challenge was a huge success once again and how good it was to hear entrants' enthusiastic comments about not just the route but the route description itself. London Group was delighted to welcome Phoebe Smith, the new LDWA President, who took part with a posse…
This week sees us rolling up our sleeves and clearing the decks for one of the best challenge events in the LDWA calendar. Our Capital Challenge is only three years old but already it has created such a buzz that walkers - and runners - from all parts of the country want to give it a go. Those of…
We're spoilt for choice this week, with Pete's Tuesday expedition along the Gipping Valley River Path and a full fixture list at the weekend On Saturday Lonica leads a circular hike based on Billingshurst that includes the tempting-sounding prospect of lunch at the RSPB cafe at Pulborough Brooks,…
Please note that Sunday's walk, Timeball & Telegraph Trail Part 4, will start when the train due at Teynham at 09.39 has arrived
If you're taking part in Ron's pop-up walk 'Golders Green to Stratford' on Tuesday 19th March or indeed the Capital Challenge on 6th April, here's a heads-up from the Marshals Walk. The route is famously mud-free, but a small section just after Checkpoint 3 and alongside the New River was very…
Update on ticket prices for Pete Colley's pop-up walk from Stowmarket to Ipswich on Tuesday, March 26th: If you book in advance with a Senior Railcard, fares are £8.60 out and £6.60 back respectively
An extra reminder from Capital Challenge organiser, Jean, (particularly for any non-marshal chancers who decide to walk with us!!) for this Saturday's Marshals Walk. We meet and start at St John's Church, Waterloo. Hard to miss - it's opposite Waterloo station, on the roundabout by the IMAX cinema.…
Mon 4th Mar 2019
  The London LDWA would like to publish its weekly newsletter and walk reports on its website because the website can be accessed by individuals who are not members. This may involve occasionally publishing photographs of members while participating in London LDWA social walks. We understand that…
Double the fun this week, with Ron stepping up (see what I did there) on Friday to lead a non-challenge-event-pace walk covering the first half of London Group's very own Capital Challenge route. Then on Sunday it's time to re-unite with our friends from Kent Group for Peter's Timeball and…
Mon 25th Feb 2019
Earlier today I checked whether the Penderel's Oak pub was still there and whether we were still in their diary for Wednesday. It is and we are. However the manager asked if I knew that there would be music playing in the Cellar bar where we had our reserved area. Weatherspoons/music !!! That was…
With snowdrops ubiquitous and crocuses burgeoning, It looks suspiciously like spring, at least for the next few days, so  fingers crossed that the weather stays clement for London LDWA's first hike of March. This Saturday has a highbrow tone with the South West Sussex Literary Trail. All the…
Wed 20th Feb 2019
This is to remind you all that the Thank You Meal is now just a week away. It's on Wednesday 27th February in the cellar bar of the Penderel's Oak pub 283-288 High Holborn, WC1V 7HP. It's a Weatherspoons. When entering the pub turn left down the stairs. Part of the cellar bar will be reserved for…
This is to remind you all that the Thank You Meal is now just over a week away. It is on Wednesday 27th February in the cellar bar of the Penderel's Oak pub 283-288 High Holborn, WC1V 7HP. It's a Weatherspons. When entering the pub turn left down the stairs. Part of the cellar bar will be reserved…
After a very enjoyable AGM last Wednesday, London LDWA is pleased to announce its new Chair, Ali Pretty, with Gavin Fuller taking over as Webmaster. Many thanks to outgoing incumbents Peter Aylmer and Keith Lane. Meanwhile, at least two London Group members went off-piste last weekend to take part…
Apologies for missing a digit from Jerome Ripp's contact number. It's Jerome Ripp 07470 196890
Spring in the Chilterns CIRCULAR Sat 16th Feb Event Details: Event Type Group Walk   Region Southern England   Local Group London   Distance 19ml.   Start Time 09.00   Route Meet Chalfont and Latimer station which is in the Freedom Pass area. Take the 8.27 from Marylebone).19…
https://www.ldwa.org.uk/lgt/downloads/London/LDWAL19-8_London_LDWA_Walks_Sec_report.pdf   A link to the Walk Secretary's report is attached for discussion at the AGM on Wednesday
Our weekend walk this week is on Sunday, and it's the second part of Peter Jull's Timeball and Telegraph Trail, starting at Dartford where it left off two weeks ago. All the details below.   Coming up! London LDWA AGM Our AGM is at 18:00 on Wednesday 13th February; upstairs in the King and…
Wed 6th Feb 2019
https://www.ldwa.org.uk/lgt/downloads/London/2018_AGM_minutes_LDWAL18-17_PDF.pdf https://www.ldwa.org.uk/lgt/downloads/London/LDWAL19-4_London_AGM_Agenda_13th_Feb_2019.pdf https://www.ldwa.org.uk/lgt/downloads/London/LDWAL19-5__Secretary_Treasurer_Report_AGM_19.pdf…
Wed 6th Feb 2019
Testing whether it can cope with a lot of links  https://www.ldwa.org.uk/lgt/downloads/London/LDWAL19-4_London_AGM_Agenda_13th_Feb_2019.pdf https://www.ldwa.org.uk/lgt/downloads/London/LDWAL19-5__Secretaries__amp__Treasurers_Report_AGM_2019.pdf…
https://www.ldwa.org.uk/lgt/downloads/London/LDWAL19-5__Secretaries__amp__Treasurers_Report_AGM_2019.pdf
This just in - some late changes for Jerome's walk, Winter Chiltern Hills,  on Saturday. Train is 8.42 from Marylebone and start is 9.24 at Great Missenden. The walk will start directly from platform 2 of the station so any car drivers need to meet there. Finish at 16.32
The title of our walk this Saturday is self-explanatory, composed as it is of the words 'winter' 'Chiltern' and 'hills', so wrap up well, as the TV weather people say, and prepare for a bit of ascent. All the details below. The volunteer force for the Hadrian 100 is already 12 strong but Susanne,…
Our long walk this weekend is Stage One of Peter's Timeball and Telegraph Trail. Meet at the Greenwich Observatory at 9.00 on Sunday for the first 17 miles of this fascinating five-part route which also offers the chance to meet up with our friends from Kent Group. All the details below.   It's a…
We can't promise you warm weather but this week's offerings should keep the circulation going. First up, on Tuesday, and as previewed last week, is one of Ron's mystery tours, this one mainly south of the Thames. Our Saturday hike, led by Nigel, heads even further south, for a circular based on…
Two walks to tell you about this week. One, our weekend walk, is on Saturday, with Ian leading a circular based in Horsham. The second is a pop-up scheduled for the following Tuesday and features one of Ron's mystery tours, this one south of the river. All the details below.   Last call for walk…
AGM 2019: committee nominations and motions. Our Annual General Meeting will be held on Wednesday 13th February in the King and Queen pub, 1 Foley Street, London W1W 6DL. You are invited to be there from 18:00 for a meeting starting at 18:30. Please send any nominations to join the committee to…
A few of our committee members left town yesterday to take part in Essex & Herts LDWA's traditional curtain-opener to the New Year, the Stansted Stagger. A good time was had by all, including your Newsletter Editor, who nevetheless would like to add the following tip: It's never a good idea to…
An Epiphany Trail Sun 6th Jan 2019   Event Details: Event Type Group Walk   Region Southern England   Local Group London   Distance 18ml.   Start Time 9:00   Route Wimbledon station - meet at the main exit near the ticket machine (8.40 from Waterloo or District line or Croydon…
So it's goodbye to 2018 and greetings to 2019. This week London LDWA offers you the chance to walk off all holiday excesses. Susanne's Hangover Buster tomorrow, Tuesday, is a gentle prelude to the New Year, and on Saturday Ron has lined up some invigorating North Sea breezes to blast away any…
No walks scheduled this week - it's time to batten down the hatches, rush out to Tesco Express for the last remaining packet of Paxo in London, put the sprouts on to boil and look forward to Susanne's Hangover Buster on New Year's Day. More on that next week. Meanwhile, if you scroll down you'll…
Before we get on to this week's positive feast of walks (well, just the two but both terrifically tempting), the big news comes to us via Dave. According to the Guardian, a National Wetherspoons Museum will be opening in Wolverhampton this coming year to coincide with the pub chain's 40th…
No need to spend the evening cleaning the mud off your boots and throwing everything else into the washing machine after this week's walk. It's another chance to pound the pavements on Saturday, when Suzanne is linking rivers, canals, parks and stations in a Wetherspoons-free - and, hopefully,…
If you're planning to go on Saturday's scheduled walk, Meon and Butser, please note that the start time at Petersfield station is 9.00, not 9.28. Departure time from Waterloo station is still 8.00
Having pounded the pavements of our capital city this weekend just gone, we switch to the wilds of Hampshire for our hike this Saturday, with Nigel leading a circular walk taking in Butser Hill and the Meon Valley. All the details below.     All good things must come to an end!  A big thank you…
Thank you meal and social evening You are invited to a meal and social evening for those people who have helped LDWA London Group by leading social walks or being marshals on challenge events.  It will be on Wednesday 27th February 2019, and be in the cellar bar of the Penderel's Oak pub,…
Thank you meal and social evening You are invited to a meal and social evening for those people who have helped LDWA London Group by leading social walks or being marshals on challenge events.  It will be on Wednesday 27th February 2019, and be in the cellar bar of the Penderel's Oak pub,…
In these dim and dark weeks approaching Christmas there's nothing like a lovely long walk to lift the spirits and on Sunday you can garner some pre-festive cheer with Dave's Extended Wetherspoons Odyssey, featuring Walthamstow Marshes and a riverside trek to Putney. All the details below.    …
London LDWA heads for Essex this Saturday, with our Chair, Peter, leading a circular based on Roydon and taking in the Ways Harcamlow and Hertfordshire and the River Stort towpath. All the details below. Here's a puff for our Twitter account too. @LondonLDWA now has 118 followers but more are…
Two good 'uns scheduled this week to brighten up the dim and dark days of approaching winter. On Tuesday, Ron the pop-up king has come up with a daytime excursion along the green corridors of the Rivers Rom and Ingrebourne, and on Saturday everything apart from the leader begins with H (Aitch?) as…
Thu 8th Nov 2018
What do you need from LDWA London? Do you get what you want, could it be better, and if so how?    Earlier this year, LDWA London members asked your committee to set up a survey which could help us answer those questions. Here it is - we're sending this link…
What do you need from LDWA London? Do you get what you want, could it be better, and if so how?    Earlier this year, LDWA London members asked your committee to set up a survey which could help us answer those questions. Here it is - we're sending this link…
What do you need from LDWA London? Do you get what you want, could it be better, and if so how?    Earlier this year, LDWA London members asked your committee to set up a survey which could help us answer those questions. Here it is - we're sending this link…
What do you need from LDWA London? Do you get what you want, could it be better, and if so how?    Earlier this year, LDWA London members asked your committee to set up a survey which could help us answer those questions. Here it is - we're sending this link…
Calling all walk leaders - and would-be walk leaders, too. Does anyone have a midweek walk they would like to share? So far, we have none lined up for November, so if you can offer a pop-up please do get in touch with Marie, our walks secretary.   This week's long walk is on Saturday and is a…
Saturday Having given Surrey and Essex a pretty extensive checking out over the last few weeks, London LDWA's expeditionary force will be turning its attention to the big city on Wednesday, with another of Rob's trails of the unexpected. This one focuses on the alleys and lanes around Fenchurch…
This week we bring you a double dose of God's own county (I speak as an Essex Girl), with Ron as our esteemed leader on both jaunts. The first, on Wednesday, links North Fambridge, Maldon and Althorne, and promises sea walls and a dismantled railway amongst other delights. Saturday brings the…
After the weather gods delivered a perfect day on the Surrey hills for the Founders Challenge, it's back to that county again for this week's walk. when on Saturday Lonica leads a circular West of Guildford. Full details below. Meanwhile, here are a couple of behind-the-scenes photos from last…
There's a promise of decent weather this week and thanks to Ron's inventive mind we have a pop-up walk on Thursday that's definitely not to be missed. An Alternative Essex Way is the name and 'be prepared for the unexpected' is the warning. And on Saturday, of course, it's London LDWA's own…
Walk of the week is Jerome's Eastern Chiltern Fringes on Saturday, and what could be nicer than an autumnal adventure in this lovely part of the countryside? All the details are below - just scroll down. And just to give you a sneak preview of what's to come the following weekend, below is a photo…
Escape from Romford 2018 Fri 28th Sep 2018   Event Details: Pop-up walk . Event Type Group Walk   Region Southern England   Local Group London   Distance 16ml.   Route/general notes A repeat of last year's walk but with an additional 5 mile loop to be explored on the day so come…
Not the usual programme this week as everyone is gearing up for the upcoming Founders Challenge, which means it's time for the Marshals Walk. This is primarily for people who are going to be helping out on the day of the main event, but it's also open to anyone who hasn't tried a challenge event…
Is there any London LDWA member who hasn't yet cottoned on to the fact that this group has - how shall we put it? - something of a Wetherspoon's habit? Well, look at the name of Neil's Wednesday evening walk and you'll get the picture. Enough said. Moving on to the weekend, many of you will…
What a treat - this coming weekend features not one but two walks. On Saturday Ron promises 'The whole spectrum of London life as we cross the capital' - 24 miles of the Great Wen starting in Penge and finishing at Ally Pally. Then on Sunday there's the chance to celebrate the 30th anniversary of…
Just the one walk on offer this week, but it's a good 'un - the third leg of Jerome's London to Brighton Odyssey, taking in the Weald to the edge of the South Downs. Scroll down for all the details. Meanwhile, now we've entered the final one-third of 2018, it's time to plan your autumn walking. Why…
Disclaimer: any errors in this Newsletter should be blamed on the fact that on Saturday its editor set off at 4.00 a.m. from a lorry park in Chipping Ongar to walk 45 miles through rural Essex (as you do), and in consequence is a bit dozy at the time of writing. By the way, if you haven't had a go…
You wait weeks for a pop-up walk and then two come along at once. Everyone should be fit and rearing to go by Friday, when Ron will be leading what sounds like an expedition into the unknown from Marks Tey station. He advises bringing survival gear, at any rate. Then, on Saturday, assuming everyone…
Here's hoping those days of blistering heat are now behind us so we can enjoy what's lined up for us this week without having to stop every hour to gulp down litres of water. First up, on Wednesday evening, is a linear tour across Richmond Park and Wimbledon Common, and on Saturday we have a…
After the next couple of days the weather promises to be a little less scorchio than it has been recently, but it will still be warm enough to enjoy two more lovely summer walks to the full. Our midweek offering is Wednesday's fascinating-sounding trip around Bushy Park and on Saturday we have the…
Not that one believes absolutely everything one reads in the papers, but the Sunday Times assures us the weather forecast for the South-East indicates it's going to be warm and dry by Wednesday - good news for everyone joining Aysen's midweek walk. Its name is derived from a Sir Walter Raleigh…
The ice cream vans and purveyors of bottled water continue to do great business as this glorious weather extends into another week. For which we have two more lovely walks on offer, starting on Thursday with Dave's Ultimate Weatherspoon's Tour. Remember - it's curry night! Then, on Saturday,…
Two lovely walks on offer this week. On Wednesday, Aysen leads an exploration of the leafier parts of South London, perfect for a balmy summer evening. Saturday sees a return to The Spurs Way, featuring the Lee Valley Walk and a special guest as co-leader. You don't have to be a Spurs fan to enjoy…
Well, who'd have thunk it? England are through to the World Cup semi-final! This is, of course, the cause not only of much national rejoicing but also the postponement of our Wednesday evening walk, since it clashes with TV's showing of the game against Croatia. But there's still Part 2 of Jerome's…
Don't put the sunscreen away yet - this glorious heatwave is scheduled to last all week, and we've got just the walks for you to make the most of it. On Wednesday evening, Jerome leads a historical mystery tour south of the river, starting at Raynes Park and finishing one stop down the line at New…
This week features two counties guaranteed to be at their best at this time of year. The king of the pop-up walk, Ron Williamson, has come through again with a 15-miler on Wednesday designed to show you the delights of the Essex countryside between Harold Wood and Billericay. On Saturday Dave S.'s…
It's the week of the summer solstice, and this week's walks are just the thing to help you celebrate it in style. On Thursday Gail and John will be leading a fabulous sounding expedition that starts and finishes at Putney Bridge station, chases the route of the Boat Race and manages to pack in all…
It's a relatively quiet programme this week with Friday/Saturday's night walk regrettably cancelled owing to the leader's injury, but Wednesday promises us a lovely excursion from Beckenham via the Pool and Ravensbourne rivers to the Cutty Sark. And if anyone's got a pop-up in mind for later in the…
Who wants to stay indoors in this lovely weather? This week's walks, both led by Lonica, will be enough to tempt even the most dedicated couch potato outside. On Wednesday evening, Greenwich Park and Blackheath feature as will, I'm sure, the inevitable visit afterwards for some to one of London…
The floors have been swept and mopped, chairs wiped and stacked, and the last sausage roll consumed - Wittersham Village Hall, London LDWA's checkpoint on the Cinque Ports 100, was left as sparklingly clean as we found it before the horde of walkers, runners and supporters swept through on a…
The sun is out, the sky is blue and what a great few weeks of walking lie ahead. Why not celebrate the summer solstice with a long and lovely walk along the Thames Path on London LDWA's newest event, the Midsummer Challenge, on Saturday, June 23rd? Advance booking is essential on this one, so if…
A new development? As Rockin' Robin would put it, 'All the little birdies on Jaybird Street, Love to hear the robin go tweet, tweet, tweet.' London LDWA now has a Twitter account. We are London Long Distance Walkers and our 'handle' is @LondonLDWA, We will be tweeting news of upcoming walks and…
The month of May is almost always a time when you can see England's green spaces and countryside at its best, and this week's walks provide a perfect opportunity. First up is Ron's midweek daytime on Wednesday, when he will be leading us  through the blossom-decked parks and demesnes between…
Roll up, roll up, walk leaders! There are still plenty of midweek evening dates in the Autumn/Winter calendar waiting to be filled so if you have a special short-ish walk you'd like to share, drop Marie a text on 07787 532793 or email her at mheracleous@yahoo.co.uk And now for this week's tempting…
Well, the weather's turned out nice again so what better on Wednesday than Pete's South London odyssey from one hill (Forest) to another (Denmark) as the sun goes down? Then on Saturday there are all the delights of the Surrey Hills area to look forward to, featuring the River Wey navigation and…
'What is that big yellow thing in the sky?' we may well be asking this week as the grim and dreary weather of the first half of the month gives way to proper spring (we hope). On Wednesday evening Ian leads a fascinating-sounding tour of some of South London's blue plaques and film locations and on…
Now that all the certificates have been handed out and all the cake crumbs have been swept off the tables at the View Tube café, it's time to reveal that a great day out was had by all on the 2018 Capital Challenge. It was good to see so many smiling faces and hear the positive feedback as…
  The marshals' walks have been walked, the cakes are about to be baked, and London LDWA is raring to go. Yes, it's the big event, the 2018 Capital Challenge, coming up this Saturday, and if it's the first time you've trodden this route then you've got a treat coming - it's marvellous.   The…
The clocks have gone back and it's officially spring - apparently. Well, at least it's stopped snowing, for now, and whatever this week's weather fronts have in store, two great walks will tempt you outdoors. Wednesday features Peter's pre-prandial yomp from Streatham Common via the Capital Ring…
Dear all, Some of us may be opening our street doors today with one question foremost on our lips - 'Is winter over yet?' Well, whether or not the baby beast from the East has moved on, we have two great walks to defrost the toes and herald in British Summer Time (yes, really). On Thursday evening…
Please note that the Capital Challenge Marshals' Walk takes place on Sunday, not Saturday
Dear all,   First things first. Many thanks to Adam, my predecessor, for keeping us informed and entertained via this Newsletter for the last three and a half years. He will be a hard act to follow, but (rolls up sleeves, puts on tin hat) here we go. This week features a veritable and varied…
Dear all, First things first. Many thanks to Adam, my predecessor, for keeping us informed and entertained via this Newsletter for the last three and a half years. He will be a hard act to follow, but (rolls up sleeves, puts on tin hat) here we go. This week features a veritable and varied…
Dear all As you read this and contemplate the sludgy tramp to work, spring probably feels a very long way off.  But cheer up - it's less than three weeks till British Summer Time - and to fill the intervening gap we have got a couple of great walks programmed in, designed this week especially to…
Thu 1st Mar 2018
https://www.ldwa.org.uk/lgt/downloads/London/2018_AGM_agenda_LDWAL18-10.pdf https://www.ldwa.org.uk/lgt/downloads/London/LDWA_Treasurers_Report_LDWAL18-16.pdf https://www.ldwa.org.uk/lgt/downloads/London/LDWA_2017_Accounts__signed__LDWAL18-13.pdf…
Dear all Well as temperatures take a nosedive, and snow once again threatens to clothe our green and pleasant land, it does indeed feel that perhaps Christmas isn't that far away after all. But no - before we head off to deck the halls with boughs of holly, we have a rather more immediate - but…
Dear all The countdown to the London LDWA AGM is well underway and with only seventeen days to go until the big day itself, on 8 March, the tension is almost unbearable.   So, while we have this all-important event in mind, let's seize the moment and have a quick newsflash!  AGM Thursday 8th…
Mon 12th Feb 2018
AGM_2018_agenda_LDWAL18-10.pdf AGM_2018_Challenge_Events_Report_LDWAL18-11.pdf The AGM agenda and a report on challenge events are attached to this message. Other reports will be sent over the next couple of weeks. Nominations for appointments to the LDWA London Group committee need to be sent to…
Good morning everyone! Well it doesn't seem two minutes since Christmas and now it's almost Valentine's day already.   Where would we be without this steady flow of gift-buying opportunities?   And soon we will have Easter eggs to look forward to as well! But on a more prosaic note, once again we…
Dear all  Ahead of next month's AGM, we are looking for a willing volunteer to act as independent examiner for last year's accounts.   Read on! A golden opportunityYes- this really could be you!   You do not need to be a qualified accountant, just be willing to give up a couple of hours of your…
Tue 6th Feb 2018
Notice for LDWA LONDON AGM Dear Members, An email on 2nd January gave the date of the AGM. This reminder gives the location and the date by when motions need to be with the secretaries.     Please make every effort to attend the AGM which will be held at :- VENUE: The King & Queen pub              …
Hello everyone! Fabulous February is upon us already.   So the evenings are feeling lighter and longer, and our spirits are beginning to clamber out of the gloomy midwinter slough, nicely illuminated by last week's super blue moon.   (And for once the clouds parted and it was actually visible from…
Hello everybody! It's almost February and the snowdrops are out.   It's beginning to feel as if spring could be just around the corner (cue that Arctic blast..)   I was just thinking that it's some time since we had one of our much-loved Special Notices so I'm delighted to be able to rectify that…
Hello everyone, once again   First of all, I'd just like to say "well done" to anyone from London Group who completed the Surrey "Winter Tanners" challenge walk yesterday.   It was an especially tough day - not only was the weather poor (it snowed then rained pretty much all day), but the ground…
Dear All How are the new year resolutions going?   I do hope those pledges to drink less, exercise more and eat healthily are holding up well!   But if they aren't, then London LDWA can definitely assist with the second, although our affinity for Wetherspoons might not be exactly helpful for the…
Hello again! We're well into 2018 now, and it's already beginning to feel like normal.   And although the nights are long and the weather is inclement, it won't be long before the snowdrops start making themselves known and our walks will be adorned with the first early signs of spring. But let's…
Dear Members,  Kindly save the 8th March 2018 for our LDWA London AGM. Details of venue and time to follow. If there are any issues that you would like to raise or motions you would like to put forward please let the secretaries know. Email - london@ldwa.org.uk Happy New Year and all the best for…
Happy New Year, everyone! I hope that Susanne satisfactorily busted your hangovers yesterday and now you are ready to hit the ground running (well walking a long way at any rate) in 2018! I think we can all look back on a very successful year for LDWA London in 2017.We: ran 88 well-attended social…
Happy Boxing Day!   I do hope that Santa brought you everything you could possibly have wished for, and especially some nice comfy new hiking boots, all ready for the 2018 season (it does sound weird saying "2018" doesn't it?   A bit like science fiction). If you're contemplating today through the…
Dear all   Well - just a week to go and the excitement is almost unbearable.   But you will be glad to know that LDWA London has a great walk laid on this week - as always - to help you while away the hours till Santa plops down the chimney.   But first - a quick (and final!) plea.   The 2018…
Dear all   As the odds on a white Christmas fall as fast as the temperature, and as a national emergency is declared while three millimeters of snow blankets Surrey, now's the just the time to start planning your weekly warming leg-stretcher with London LDWA.   And this week, despite the chill, we…
Hello everyone Well the icy blast over the last few days certainly reminds us that it's December already.   And if the Daily Express is to be believed, our old friend the sinking polar vortex means that we're headed for the coldest winter in decades.   So - that should guarantee it will be T-shirts…
Hello everyone Hope you've had a good weekend.Before we get into the walks programme, here are a couple of admin notices first:   1. Book launch event Don't forget that Peter and Colin's "Book Launch" event is being held this Wednesday.   The details are below and you can also refer back to last…
Dear all   Today's Update is a bit of a blockbuster.   So adopt a perplexed-but-busy expression, prepare to alt-tab hastily in case your boss unexpectedly appears over your shoulder, and brace yourself as LDWA London's very own Oumuamua beams its way into your inbox from interstellar space. So…
Mon 13th Nov 2017
Hello everyone Twice in one morning.   What a thrilling start to the week! First of all - thanks to everyone who has already contributed to the caption competition.   Some amazing responses so far - keep them coming in!   Here was the first suggestion I got: "I knew that old banger couldn't bash…
Dear all Suffering in the Novembral gloom?   Feeling SAD?   Well here's something to banish the blues.   Yes - we haven't had a caption competition for ages so I thought it was about time we had one.   So get your minds into creative gear and read all about it below.   Oh, and yes!  we have a…
Hello everyone! Well now the Halloween hauntings and bonfire bangs are out of the way, we can look forward to an uninterrupted 48 shopping days until Christmas.   Yes, a joyful prospect indeed, but just in case the excitements of Oxford Street in November don't inspire you, London LDWA has plenty…
Dear all Well, I hope you all enjoyed your lie-in yesterday morning.   I like to think of the switch from BST to GMT as giving us one 24th of a Bank Holiday, which I suppose is some small compensation for the darker evenings which are upon us now. But, right on cue, Ron has once again been weaving…
Tue 24th Oct 2017
Dear LDWA London Primary and Associate members   As you know, our current Walks Secretary and Weekly Update Editor, Adam Dawson, will be stepping down at next year's AGM, after almost four years in the role. I'm delighted to announce the excellent news that Julie Welch has agreed to take on the…
Hello everyone and welcome to another windy week!   But even if the weather is proving a bit less than ideal at the moment, at least we've got the Orionids to lift our spirits.   Oh yes - and the LDWA London walks programme, too... And speaking of which, this week we've got a proper day beside the…
Hello everyone once again! Now that we're well into October, the Autumn colours are beginning to show themselves properly.   So if you're stuck in the city all week, now's the time to start planning an escape at the weekend, to catch a glimpse of how the colours are developing, and to see what's…
Dear all We've got a great walking week lined up for you, but first... ...I probably don't need to remind you that on Saturday this week, LDWA London presents its annual "Founders'" Challenge event. But if you HAD forgotten it's not quite too late - entries close at 20.00 tonight, (Mon 9…
Hello everyone! So it's October already!   The season of mists and mellow fruitfulness is almost upon us - but before we bid farewell to the last vestiges of summer, there's one more important event to fit into our walking calendars. Yes - it's less than a fortnight to our annual "Founders'"…
Hello everyone Monday comes around so fast, doesn't it?   Well, hopefully we've got a settled, storm-free, week to look forward to with lots of great walking thrown in too. We're back in our normal walks programme sequence now, as the last of the "Silk River" walks finished on Sunday.   By all…
Hello everyone Welcome to another Monday. As usual there's lots going on at the moment - here's a summary of this week's activities! The "Silk River" programme is in full flow (if you'll pardon the pun).   There's a walk every day this week, so do make sure you join in.   You can find all the…
Hello everyone Well although we like to moan about the weather as we walk, at least here we are usually fortunuate enough not to have to deal with the likes of Harvey, Irma, Katia and Jose.   So although we don't exactly seem to be enjoying an Indian Summer (although see below..) at the moment,…
Hello everyone! We thought yesterday's email probably wasn't quite long enough, so have decided to send you even more information to digest this week! But this additional update only applies if you are going to be joining the 27 mile Founders' Marshals walk next Saturday, 9 September.   If you are,…
Mon 4th Sep 2017
This is a reminder about the LDWA London Group social evening tomorrow 5th September. Venue: Crosse Keys, 9 Gracechurch Street, EC3V 0DR. The “Top Room and Balcony” is booked from 18:00. To order food and drink you will need to present to the bar staff a copy of the bar tab bill which…
Hello everyone Here's a spolier alert - there are no fewer than FOUR LDWA London walks this week, so this email is a bit of a blockbuster!   That being the case, you might want to get a coffee and find a quiet spot out of the boss's gaze for a few minutes, and settle down for a good read.   Now…
Hello again! Sadly, we have no major astronomical or horological phenomena on offer this week, but, of course, we do have a great pair of walks on the programme for you to enjoy.   All the details are below!   Our first walk comes on Wednesday, when Keith is boldly heading out to the wilds of…
Sun 27th Aug 2017
Club clothing for LDWA London members, with the club badge on it, is now available for purchase. The clothing will help promote the club and make us more identifiable on social walks and at other events.   Clothing can be ordered by club members directly from the supplier Peco. Items can be viewed…
Fri 25th Aug 2017
IMG_1625.JPGIMG_0614.jpgLDWA LONDON CLUB CLOTHING Club clothing for LDWA London members, with the club badge on it, is now available for purchase. The clothing will help promote the club and make us more identifiable on social walks and at other events.   Clothing can be ordered by club members…
Well, welcome to Monday! And what a momentous Monday it is.   With Big Ben switching off (probably) at lunchtime today, and a partial solar eclipse (albeit a rather unspectacular one) this evening to emphasise the sense of occasion, it truly promises to be a week to remember. So although LDWA…
Hello everyone Well, another fine (!) week beckons, and we've got a couple of mind-expanding and leg-stretching walks laid on for your enjoyment.   All the details are below, but first let's have a brief commercial break:   Midweek evening walk leaders for the Spring 2018 programme Believe it…
Fri 11th Aug 2017
Dear Hike Leaders and Marshals, In appreciation for voluntarily giving your time and effort to lead walks and/or be marshals in LDWA London challenge events you are kindly invited to attend a club social evening. Without you our club could not function. A meal and a drink will be paid for from…
Dear all If you're thinking of joining Neil's walk on the South Downs on Saturday, the best train to meet the rendezvous at 10.00 am will be the 08.47 from Victoria, which arrives at 09.47.  Meet at Lewes station at 10am. Adam  
Hello everyone! You can always tell when the school holidays have started - the heavens open, the temperature plummets and the sun disappears.   But even in the gloomiest of conditions, the landscape continues to entice.   Here's the view from Parliament Hill on Charles' walk last Wedneday - and…
Hello everyone! Yes, - hard to believe but it's true.   It's Monday again.  Always incredible that it can come round so fast, but not to worry, we have, as ever, an excellent programme of walks laid on for you this week. But before we get too carried away, let's have one of those Important Notices…
Dear all Well as we celebrate the England women's victory in the cricket world cup, we move into the new week in good spirits.   And even if you've not managed to get away on holiday yet, we've got a couple of great walks this week to tempt you out and about and make the most of our beautiful local…
Hello everyone! Well, now that Wimbledon is behind us, we can look forward to the new football season (which always seems to come around depressingly quickly) and falling strawberry prices to ease our transition into the high summer holiday season. But even more than that, London LDWA, as ever with…
Wed 12th Jul 2017
For the Founders Challenge on 14th October this year we still need someone or a small group of people to take responsibility for the catering. Although this is no longer LDWA London's only Challenge Event it is the one where we have a reputation for catering to defend! However, reputation…
Tue 11th Jul 2017
Don Bolton's Funeral   Don Bolton passed away on the 5th July 2017. He was a long standing, much loved and respected member.   Those from the LDWA who knew him are invited to attend the funeral and the lunch afterwards.   The funeral arrangements are as follows:   Date : Friday 21st July Time :…
Hello everyone! Hope you are all doing well and making the most of the summery weather we've been enjoying lately.   London's collective Vitamin D levels must be reaching an all-time high! Well let's hope that the good weather continues a bit longer - but even if it doesn't we've got no fewer than…
Dear all Hello again! Summer's in full swing now, so why not make the most of it with London LDWA?   We've got a couple of exciting - and distinctly aquatic-sounding - walks lined up to encourage you to get out and about this week. But first - why not cast your minds slightly further ahead to…
Dear all Well what a week that was!  Record-breaking temperatures and record breaking boats paying Essex a visit.  How can we top that? Actually - there are two more walks on offer this week, which are guaranteed to both exercise the limbs and stimulate the mind   Our first excursion, on Wednesday…
Wed 21st Jun 2017
Dear all hopefully someone who is attending this evenings "London Park Walks" will pick this up! please note  that owing to train problems, tonight's leader (Alan) will be 15 mins late in arriving at Regents Park station this evening    So please just hold on for him to arrive! thanks Adam 07767…
Hello again, everyone! It's hard to believe that its midsummer already - and we've got lots on this week to celebrate the solstice, albeit in a non-Druidic way.   Yes we've got a midweek evening walk on the solstice itself this Wednesday, and then no fewer than two "pop up" walks (i.e. not in…
Hello everyone Well what a fabulous week London LDWA has got lined up for you - with lots more to look forward to beyond as well.   And not a hint of coalition or chaos in our programme either! But before we can get into the details, I can proudly reveal our manifesto of three Important Notices…
Dear all We've got a couple of lovely walks to get us out and about this week.   Details follow later in the email. Keith Lane's winning entry from our 2016 photo competitionThe strength, resilience and beauty of our capital city captured in one photograph   So, what's on this week? First of all,…
Hello everyone And a special welcome back to the land of the living for any LDWA London members who may have recently completed the North Yorks Moors "100".   A magnificent achievement indeed.   You can view the full results of this flagship LDWA event here:…
Dear all As a result of last minute operational issues, it has become necessary to change the arrangements for this Saturday's walk. As a result, we will now no longer be going from Petts Wood to Purley, but instead the walk will explore parts of the Green Chain Walk from CRYSTAL PALACE TO ERITH.…
Hello everyone! Another week, another walk (or two, as it happens).   And a Bank Holiday to look forward to as well! Well what a week it's going to be! - And the box below explains why: It's the annual LDWA "100" next weekend! It is fast approaching the time when our heroic London Group…
Sun 21st May 2017
Dear London Group members       As many of you will know, Don Bolton is a very long-standing member of the LDWA who has been heavily involved in the London Group for many years, contributing in several roles. He had a stroke just before Christmas, finally leaving hospital at the end of April, and…
Please note - at one point in yesterday's email I had a bit of a brain storm and indicated that Rob's walk from Boston Manor station was on Thursday.   Of course, it isn't - the walk actually happened yesterday, Tuesday, so please don't turn up at Boston Manor on Thursday as there will be nobody…
Hello everyone! Welcome to another week.   You'll be relieved to know that we have no Announcements this week, so let's get straight into this week's walk details.   Yet again (as politicians love to say these days), we have two amazing hikes on offer for you. Starting first with our midweek…
Hello everyone!   Welcome to that brief window of joy, after the ground has dried out sufficiently to make countryside walking a delight, and before we've started fretting about droughts and hosepipe bans. So let's leap through the window (metaphorically of course, in case you're reading this in an…
Hello everyone Happy Bank Holiday! Well although meteorologists and calendarians may disagree, according to the definitive LDWA annual walks programme, 1 May officially marks the start of the summer season.   So we can confidently (if recklessly) adandon our waterproofs and thermals and don our…
Hello everyone! Here we go again - another week ahead of us, but lots to look forward to from London LDWA.   And with the prolonged dry spell, the ground underfoot is becoming mud-free and the walking is excellent. So we've got a fabulous couple of walks laid on this week, to help lure you out into…
Hello everyone and happy Easter! Well, true to form it's been colder than Christmas, but at least it didn't rain (famous last words...) Now, if you're suffering from a chocolatey excess, we've got the perfect antidote for you this week.   Yes, no fewer than two leg-stretching linear walks to help…
Hello everyone, and welcome to the week! But a nice short week to look forward to: in fact of the next 8 days, 50% of them are non-working!   And what a scorcher of a weekend it's been too.   Let's hope it's a harbinger of good weather and fine walking to come over the summer. A reminder of the…
Hello all, and happy Monday! Well even though the excitements of the Capital Challenge are behind us, why not catch up on the final results, which you can access by clicking here? This week we're going to have a change from the programme advertised in "Strider". ***Unfortunately, our "Farms Forests…
Hello everyone Yes it seems barely possible that it could be Monday already.   But this week is an extra special one for London LDWA, as on Saturday it brings us our first ever Capital Challenge hike.     This is a brand new challenge hike for London LDWA, and those with a keen memory might recall…
Dear All Well it may not be the season of mists and mellow fruitfulness, but our chums at Network Rail certainly seem to be taking full advantage of the equinoctal daylight to implement a healthy programme of engineering works on our railways at the moment. This enthusiasm for track repairs…
Hello everyone! Well as the weather calms down after the weekend's blustery interlude, this week we've got the third instalment of our tripartite exploration of the London Loop long distance path for you to look forward to. There are more details of this further down the email, but, as seems to be…
Hello everyone! Welcome to the week and what a fabulous week we've got lined up for you at London LDWA!   But before you jump out of your seat with excitement, let's keep our feet firmly on the ground for a few moments, and go through some of those hugely popular Important Notices: Here are…
Hello everyone! Well, if you're a meeting enthusiast, this week we're offering you a galaxy of opportunities for you to put your bureaucratic skills to good use. Because, not only is it the London LDWA AGM this week, we've also got the National LDWA AGM coming up at the weekend, too. There's a…
Hello everyone We've got a lot on this week, so I'd better get straight down to business.   Yes, there are no fewer than THREE walks heading out over the next few days, so let's start at the beginning:   1. Basildon highlife (Wed 1 Mar)This one of our increasingly-popular midweek daytime walks, for…
 Hello All Susanne Waldschmidt has asked me to put out another call for volunteers to help support this event. This should be a fun and interesting occasion set in a lovely part of the country. So, come on, if you are not actually taking part in the walk, get in touch with Susanne and offer your…
Sat 25th Feb 2017
Hello All Reminder to please let me know if you will be attending the AGM and, especially, if you plan to come to the meal afterwards. Both will be at Pizza Express, 99 High Holborn and we need to let them know how many people will be coming, The AGM starts at 18.30 and we expect the meal to start…
Hello everyone! So another week begins, and the walking opportunities are blossoming like spring flowers.   Gosh that was a bit poetic, wasn't it? But before I get too carried away, first of all here is another of those Important Announcements: Capital Challenge Hike - Marshals Well - Saturday…
Dear all As I glanced out of the window this morning I noticed a strange yellow object in the sky and realised that the sun was actually shining!   Yes, maybe the grey skies, drizzle and permeating cold have been despatched to the memories of winter, and perhaps spring might slowly start to emerge…
Sun 12th Feb 2017
Hello All Final details about the AGM. 1. Venue Change We have had to change the venue as the Perserverance will not be available on the 9 March. We will now use Pizza Express, 99 High Holborn, WC1V 6LF. We will be downstairs. Start time will still be 18.30. 2. Agenda I attach the proposed agenda:…
Dear all I'm sure that eagle-eyed readers will have already spotted the deliberate mistake in this weeks' update email.  Yes - the start time for the St Albans walk on Sunday should be 09.23 at St Albans Abbey station, and NOT 10:30 as incorrectly stated in the introductory text to my email (the…
Dear all I'm pleased to report that, once again, we have an excellent programme of walks for you this week.   In fact, by way of ringing the changes slightly, we are bringing you both a midweek "daytime" walk (if you've managed to escape the office), and a weekend daytime walk (if you haven't).  …
Dear all Just because it's February it doesn't mean that LDWA London isn't as active as ever!   So this week, like last, we've got no fewer than two walks coming up for you to enjoy - both midweek evening and weekend daytime.   Read on...   First in our agenda this week is a down-river hike on…
Hello everyone!   Well what an interesting week it's been.   But although the political landscape seems to be in a state of flux at the moment, you can be certain that the real landscape out there remains alluring and unchanged.   And of course LDWA London will be reliably out there, making the…
Wed 18th Jan 2017
Hello All Reminder that the AGM will be on the evening of Thursday 9th March. Full details to follow. This email is to flag up 2 issues for your early attention. 1. Membership of the Committee. The comittee currently has 6 members: Chair - Peter Aylmer Secretary - Douglas Robinson Treasurer - Rod…
Dear all: Oops!  The date of Douglas' Kingston to Richmond walk is Wed 18 January, NOT Wed 17 as stated in the title of my recent email. Sorry about the brief time-warp Adam  
Hello everyone! First - thanks to everyone who voted in the 2016 photo competition.   There was a very good turnout and I'm pleased to advise that the winner was Keith Lane with his photo "The sky welcoming us to the City and the end-of-walk Wetherspoons".   The runner up was Godfrey O'Callaghan…
Hello All It is that time of year again when thoughts turn to the annual 100 mile walk. This year it is in North Yorkshire and London Group has offered to help run one of the check-points.  Once again, Susanne Walschmidt has agreed to lead the London team and she has asked me to send out the…
Hello everyone! I hope the return to work after the break wasn't too painful.   The worst of it is though that this week, the boss will also be back from holidays, so the gentle reintroduction to the office that you enjoyed last week last week will be shattered with a plethora of exciting…
Hello All You all (24 in total) said that you would like to come to this event. This email is to confirm that a room has been booked at the Knights Templar from 18.30 onwards. It is at the back of the balcony up the stairs and on the left. I should say that it might be a bit cosy as it is a small…
Dear All Happy 2017.   Hope you're having a good start to the year.   At least the sun is shining today, after yesterday's rather damp squib (sorry, Susanne...) Well - here's a quick test of your London knowledge... Who knows where London's Grand Canyon is?   Well - the answer will be revealed…
Hello everyone and welcome to 2017! Let's hope it's a great year for all of us.    But there is still some unfinished business from 2016.   Yes - it's the LDWA London photo competition! We got a good set of entries and now it's time to choose your favourites.   There will be a magnificent prize…
Hello everyone! Welcome to the last weekly update of 2016.   Well it's certainly been a bit of a roller coaster of a year, so whether you are happy or sad to see the end of it, LDWA London can offer you plenty to look forward to in 2017. But before we get too carried away with the prospect of…
Dear all   Well as the year lurches to a close, and with only six shopping days left to Christmas, it's surely time to bring a little light relief to the wintry gloom by contemplating this week's walk - in fact it's our last walk of 2016, and we're going out in style.   Yes, on Saturday, Neil will…
Hello everyone Well, as 2016 runs out of steam, and the working week seems to be a lengthening tunnel with the Christmas break still glimmering just beyond reach at the end of it, what better time to start planning in a few winter walks to finish off the year. So even if the rest of the world may…
Dear all   Well what a bumper edition we'ge got in store today!   So much of interest this week, in fact, that it's almost impossible to know where to start.   So let's begin with a couple of (well three) parish notices...   LDWA London's Parish noticeboard! 1) "Christmas" party This year,…
Thu 1st Dec 2016
Hello All Rather than have a Christmas dinner this winter, we are proposing having an evening social on Wednesday 11 January. It will be at the Knights Templar (Weatherspoons pub) on Chancery Lane, WC2 1DT. There is no special Christmas menu, just good value Weatherspoons drink and food and, of…
Hello once again! Well the good thing about this time of year is that it's only 23 days left to.. (no - not Christmas but..) the shortest day! So in only three brief weeks, the days will start drawing out and we can look forward once again to the bright, sun-drenched (well drenched in something,…
Dear all Well Angus certainly seems determined to wreak as much havoc as possible to our walks, programme, doesn't he? Yes, the latest victim is the final stage of next Saturday's walk.   Dave, the walk leader, has recently recce'd the route and has concluded that the last section, to Frant, has…
Happy Monday everyone! Welcome to the week.   No more astronomical phenomena to behold this week, I'm afraid, after Monday's supermoon (somewhat-less-than-spectactular, it has to be said), and the weekend's highly successful, if storm-blown, group "curry and comets" weekend away. There is a report…
Hello everyone! Welcome to Monday - but what a Monday it is, as a once-in-a-lifetime Supermoon fills our skies this evening!   That is, if 100% cloud cover doesn't obscure the view.   Anyway, make sure you drag yourselves away from Coronation Street and catch those perigee vibes (as we trendy types…
Hello everyone Sorry to bother you twice in one week - but what the heck, it's Friday, the sun is shining (at the moment) and I'm sure you can spare a couple of minutes to read this urgent note about our forthcoming events over the next couple of weekends..   Hopefully this email won't meet the…
Hello everyone! Well OK I know that not everyone agrees that Romford is actually in Essex but where's the alliterative ring in "a North London and Essex Extravaganza"?   Anyway -  more of all that in a moment. But first, a quick Parish Notice... Walks leaders for Summer 2017! Unbelievably, it's…
Hello everyone! Well after last week's epic Update, I thought I'd go for something a little shorter this time.   But that doesn't mean there are fewer interesting activities this week - far from it! London LDWA has, as ever, got a great couple of walks for you to enjoy, as the clocks go back and…
Hello everyone and welcome to the last week of October! As usual there is a lot going on in London LDWA at the moment, including a great walk on Saturday which will help us squeeze the very most out of that last hour of British Summer Time.   This week there is absolutely masses (a technical term)…
Hello everyone! This week's walking programme has a distinctly Eastern feel to it.   OK well perhaps Stepney and Southend don't quite have the same glamour appeal as Delhi and Shanghai, but you get the general idea.   So kicking off this week's oriental outings, on Wednesday, Gordon will be taking…
Hello All Surrey group have asked if we can tell you that already more than a third of the 450 places for the Winter Tanners have been taken. So, if you are thinking of entering this event, then don't wait too long or you might be too late. If you have not done the event before, then I would…
Tue 11th Oct 2016
Hello All Don't say that we don't give you plenty of notice! So a note for your diary or calendar. The AGM will be on the evening of Thursday 9 March 2017. Hope to see you there. Further details to follow. Regards Douglas Robinson Secretary
Tue 11th Oct 2016
Hello All You had previously expressed interest in attending a first aid course - hope that you have not forgotten! Sorry it has taken so long to take this forward but you will be pleased to know that the committee has now decided to run another course. Keith Lane has agreed to take the lead and…
Hello everyone!   Lots going on this week including news of a special celebratory Pop Up walk!   But first - just to report back that the "Founders'" event last Saturday was a tremendous success.   We had 183 registered entrants - which was something of a record for recent years.   The results of…
Dear all This week sees slight departure from the norm.   Firstly because our midweek walks (but not our weeekend walks!) become a bit more sporadic until next Spring - there isn't one this week, but fear not we have a healthy programme of occasional midweek excursions running right through the…
Wed 28th Sep 2016
Hello All To let you know that we renewed our group membership with the YHA for another year, till October 2017. So, if anyone, is thinking of planning a walk/weekend away for the group, which might require overnight accommodation, then remember that we have this membership which allows us to use…
Hello everyone   No you're not getting double vision!   Just to avoid any confusion - and especially for the benefit of any Kent members who receive this - please note that Peter's forthcoming "Questions from Kent" walk will be run TWICE. Once primarily for London group and once primarily for Kent…
Dear all Well I have to admit today's headline is stretching a point, slightly, but it did at least catch your attention. And it is, fortunately, true, because both of our walks this week are heading out East (actually it's more south-east but let's not get hung up on the details) to enjoy the…
Hello All London Family Members You will have all seen the email of 18 September from Steph Carter (membership secretary) about these changes. You may have some questions about this and a Frequently Asked Questions document has been produced to help answer these. It can be found on the LDWA website…
OOOPS - I pressed "Send" a bit hastily with my earlier email - apologies for clogging up your inboxes!   Dear All Well autumn certainly seemed to announce its arrival with a spectacular fanfare last Thursday night but let's hope we haven't quite seen the last of the Indian Summer yet.   And…
Hello everyone This week we've got an excellent midweek outing for you, and an update on the forthcoming "Founders'" challenge hike - which includes an invitation and an appeal! So read on..   1. Dulwich and the Uppers (Wed 14) Our first event this week comes on Wednesday evening, when Ian will…
Hello again! Well with a decent-sounding forecast, perhaps we will be enjoying a bit of an Indian Summer after all this September?   It's probably a bit too soon to start counting our chickens weather-wise, but at any rate it should be sufficient encouragement to get the boots on and soak up a few…
Dear all   Well, slightly sadly, this week brings us into the start of the official LDWA "Autumn" walking season.   But as those memories of summer slowly start to fade, there's lots to look forward to.   In particular, the annual LDWA London "Founders" challenge event is beginning to loom larger…
Dear all In the recent "weekly update" the wrong contact number for Wednesday's walk was used. The correct number should be 020 8979 7512 Adam
Hello everybody Well what an Olympian fortnight it's been.   Hats off to Team GB for such a sterling performance!   And I was personally extremely cheered up by Nick Skelton's performance in the showjumping as I realise that perhaps in four years that gold letterbox just down the street could be…
Well hello!   I hope you've been able to snatch at least a few days away from the office so you can get out and enjoy the summer weather.   But if you haven't - fear not!   London LDWA is in fine fettle and we've got another pair of tantalising walks to tempt you out into the fresh air.   But first…
Hello again!   Summer is in full swing now, and we have, as usual, got a couple of great walks in store to help make the most of it.   But before we get into the details of this week's busy programme - a Special Notice... Walk leaders for Spring 2017 (1 January to 30 April) Although it seems…
Dear all   Well, as usual, we've got lots going on in London LDWA this week.   And at a time when we cast our minds back to 2012 and to the heady days of the London Olympics, and as we also start to anticipate Rio in 2016, then what could be more appropriate than our first walk of the week?   Yes,…
Hello everyone! Well now that the summer holidays are fully upon us, if you're not heading off to sunnier climes for the next few weeks, what better time could there be than now to become tourists in our own backyards? And this week, we've got two particularly interesting walks in store, which…
Dear all This week we've got Chessington and the Chilterns to cheer us! Yes, we've got two charming changes of scene laid on for you this week, cheerfully led by those charismatic chaps Jerome and Peter. So pour yourself a glass of chilled chablis and read on..   First of all, on Wednesday, Jerome…
Dear all Eagle- eyed readers will have spotted that I accidentally changed the start time for Lonica's "London Squares" walk tonight. It should be 6:30pm at Embankment tube (not 6:00pm as I incorrectly stated). Apologies.   Please do enjoy the walk. Adam  
Hello everyone! We've got two great walks this week, both led by Lonica, which are guaranteed to lift the spirits as we head into high summer. But first, a couple of admin notices..   1. Volunteers to lead LDWA walks in Spring 2017 Yes I know it sounds improbable but I (Adam D) am already on…
Hello everyone! Coming up this Autumn, LDWA London will be organising the 20th “Founders” challenge hike. The purpose of this email is to alert you to this fabulous up-coming date for your diary and specifically to invite you to:   1)    Enter the challenge event as a participant 2)   …
Hello everybody! Well with a headline like that, I'm sure you're itching to learn more.   What's all this about Heathing and Wilting? Actually, the only way really to find out will be check out the walks programme, which this week features two excursions of exceptional interest.   But before we get…
Hello everyone! Well, love it or loathe it, we're living in a slightly different world now but the good thing is that the countryside is still as beautiful as ever, and the LDWA is a pillar of stability amidst the turmoil!   So what have we got in store this week?   Actually, there are two great…
Hello everybody! Well if you're enjoying the heady mix of football and politics that's filling our airwaves and screens as much as I am at the moment, you're probably thinking of emigating to the moon.   But if that's not a realistic proposition - and let's face it unless you're Tim Peake, it…
Hello and welcome to the week! Don't let the weather deter you from getting out and about!   It's the rain that makes this such a green and pleasant land, and right now the countryside is looking magnificent.   All you need to get the most out of it is a bit of goretex and a positive mental…
Dear all There's lots of exciting stuff in this week's update, even though I say so myself.   So pop out to Starbucks for your morning latte, sneak off somehere that your boss can't find (or where you can pretend to be reading the CEO's latest missive explaining why it really would be a good idea…
Fri 3rd Jun 2016
Congratulations to all those from London who successfully completed the Dorset 100 last weekend. Nineteen hardy souls started the walk and fourteen completed it. At the risk of embarassing them, they were Richard Allison, Marie Doke, Gail Elrick, John Elrick, Ken Fancett, John Gorman, Donna…
Hello everyone Not content with running one trip to the Lakes this summer, as well as Godfrey's trip in June, we're now able to offer you the chance of a second bite at the cherry,with a further "pop up" trip in July. This later trip is being organised by Ron Williamson for a small group of walkers…
Hello everyone! Well, as one eventful week finishes, so another one begins. Last week we brought you three highly successful London LDWA Group walks AND many of you also participated in the LDWA's annual "100" mile challenge event in Dorset.   This week's update actually comes to you "live" from…
Hello everyone! My word - what a busy week we've got coming up!   The sap is definitely rising and spring is so vigorous now that you can almost hear the grass grow.   But first - a quick reminder that next weekend, starting on Saturday 28 May, is the annual LDWA "100 mile" challenge hike.  …
Hello everyone! Yet another Monday reaches us and it's time to anticipate the delights in store from London LDWA this week.   OK so "watery" is stretching it a bit - but both walks on offer this week do offer stretches of the Thames Path along their routes.   The first walk this week is a circular…
Hello everyone! Well just when we thought it could never happen - the sun has come out!   What better excuse could you need to get your shorts on and dazzle your friends with your lardy legs on an LDWA excursion? Well this week brings no less than two opportunities to do just that.   First of all,…
If you are not involved in the Dorset 100, then you can ignore this email. However, if you are walking or supporting it, then you might like to know that Susanne Waldschmidt is arranging a meal on the Friday evening - 19:30 onwards Walkers and Volunteers (plus other odds and sods) Welcome   After…
Hello again! I noticed that now we're into May, we are officially in the LDWA "Summer" walking season.   Well - it's not exactly been a spectacular start to the season, weather-wise, so far - but here's hoping that things are set to improve.. Sounds all too likely..   Well anyway - as usual we've…
Hello everyone! Mondays seem to come around so fast, don't they? Well now that we're well into the spring season, we've got two excellent walks lined up for you this week.   First of all, on Wednesday evening, Alan is taking us on a visit to Beverley Brook.   And no, Beverley isn't a B-list soap…
Hello everyone! Yes, it's Monday again but no need for the beginning of week blues!   We've got a couple of great walks - and a plug for the late Summer - to brighten the start to your week.   Coming up first, on Tuesday, Ron is leading a midweek, mid-day "pop up" walk (i.e. it doesn't appear in…
Hello everyone! Welcome to Monday, again.Well, to cheer you through the week, we've got lots of short-term (and longer term, too) excitements for you to get into your diaries.   First of all, on Tuesday (yes, that's TOMORROW) evening, Susan is leading a central London excursion, taking in some of…
Hello All   Thanks to those of you who responded to my previous email of 23 January (reproduced below) and have volunteered to help at the Dorset 100 this year. Susanne is very grateful but would be delighted if she could have even more help.  I should also say that all those of us from London who…
Happy Monday, everyone!   Well now that we're well into spring and the last equinoctal storm has been despatched before we reached the end of the alphabet, we're starting to get back into our two-walks-a-week rhythm.   So this week we've got two great walks lined up - of which more details below -…
Hello everyone! Well now that the clocks have gone forward and we've shaken off the sleep-deprivation that the loss of an hour in bed on Sunday morning causes, we've got lighter evenings and longer walking days to look forward to.   That is, of course, if it ever stops raining.   This week's…
Mon 21st Mar 2016
Hello All As you know, we hold the Founders Challenge walk each October. This year is the 20th anniversary and we want to make a special effort to raise awareness of it and encourage more people to enter. Gordon Parker has produced the attached flier 20th_Founders_Flyer_2.docx If you are planning…
Hello All We have successfully run 2 first aid courses in the last few years and are considering running another one later this year for members who have not been on one of the previous courses. It would be open to any London member but with priority being given to members who lead walks or act as…
Hello everyone and welcome to the first working day of spring! There's lots going on with LDWA London this week, so go and get a cup of tea, pretend you're studying essential business emails, and read on...   1. A new "Trip Away" to the Lake District. LDWA London is delighted to announce that in…
Hello everybody Welcome to Monday!   It's only a week till the vernal equinox now, and already the evenings are getting noticeably lighter. So what more reason could you need for getting out and about with the London LDWA this week?   And to add further to the temptation, on Saturday, Peter, in his…
Hello everyone Well now that we're into the meteorological majesty of March, we've actually got two walks coming up this week to make the most of the fresh air that this windy month affords.   So get your boots out, gird your loins, and get ready to roam!   (By the way, does anyone know what…
Dear all So as we enjoy our leap day and look forward to March, this week we're going back to Hertfordshire again to check out those bits of Bishop's Stortford that Dave missed last weekend. Filling in the gaps (with a route that is completely different, actually, from last weekend's), on Sunday.…
Dear all Well - stand by for a Brace of Bishops! Yes, over the next couple of weeks, we're giving beautiful Bishop's Stortford a thorough airing.   This week, Dave is leading a linear walk to Epping, and then next week, Lonica will be taking a circular walk in the same locale but with a completely…
Dear all Hello and welcome to the week! I always seem to be saying this, but this week there really is a quite a lot going on with London LDWA. First of all - this is your final reminder for the forthcoming London LDWA AGM.   It's this Thursday, 18 February, at 18:30 in the Perseverance pub, Lamb's…
Dear all Before I get into the details of this week's walk, just a quick reminder that we're rapidly approaching London LDWA's Annual General Meeting - coming up at 18:30 a week on Thursday (18 February) in The Perserverance pub, 63 Lamb's Conduit Street.It's your chance to have your say about how…
Mon 1st Feb 2016
Dear Select Group Catherine Fox, our chair has asked me to pass on the following invitation to a meal and drink to thank you for all your help in 2015. Without people like you willing to lead walks and/or provide support at the Founders and in other ways, the group would soon cease to exist.…
Mon 1st Feb 2016
Hello All Quick reminder that the London Group AGM will be held on Thursday 18 February at The Perserverance, 63 Lamb's Conduit Street, WC1N 3NB. It will start at 18.30. This will be followed by a meal at Pizza Express in Holborn. You are all welcome to attend both events. If you are planning to…
Hello everybody As the week unfolds and yet another alphabetic storm sweeps from the Atlantic, London LDWA serves up the prospect of a miraculous (and, given the amount of rain we've had recenty, very relevant) weekend walk to help entice us through the next few days.   Weekend away in November But…
Dear All Sorry if you already have received a copy of this email which was originally sent on the 23rd. However, we had a problem with the bulk emailing system last weekend and I gather that more than 150 emails were not delivered. So I am resending it. Douglas Susanne Waldschmidt is organising…
Hello everyone   Welcome to the week.   And what a week it is - with lots for you to digest.   This week, we've got rabbity ramble, an extragalactic expedition (well almost) and a Weymouth wander for you to consider.   FirstStarting with our feet firmly on the ground, this Sunday Christopher is…
Dear All Susanne Waldschmidt is organising London's support for the 100 this year and has asked me to pass on this call for volunteers to help.                                      It will be held on the weekend of Friday 27th May to Monday 30th May and  volunteers are needed for Headquarters.   As…
Tue 19th Jan 2016
Hello All I forgot to include Catherine Fox's email address in my last email in case you should want to contact us. It is  catherinefox1234@hotmail.com Regards Douglas Robinson Secretary
Tue 19th Jan 2016
Dear All   This is to notify you that the London Group AGM will be held on Thursday 18 February at The Perserverance, 63 Lamb's Conduit Street, WC1N 3NB. It will start at 18.30. You are all welcome to attend.   I attach: 1. proposed agenda for this meeting 160218_DRAFT_AGM_AGENDA.doc 2. minutes of…
Hello everyone Well as the days get longer, so the cold gets stronger, as they say, and that certainly seems to be the case at the moment. In last weekend's walk, we even came across some snow lying in Russell Square.   The first I think I've seen on an LDWA London outing for a couple of years..…
Hello everyone Welcome to Monday and to a whole week of work stretching out in front of you. But in case that doesn't sufficiently galvanise you, we have another mind expandingly educational outing on offer next Sunday.   Yes, in a bid to help London LDWA become the walking equivalent of Radio 4,…
Hello everyone So it's down to earth with a bump, as Christmas passes and the 2016 rain streams down.   All we have to sustain our spirits, it seems, are the Easter eggs which have arrived already in our local branch of W H Smith. But there is more than this to brighten our horizons!   First of all…
Dear all I think I must have Barnes on the brain, because of course the starting point for Laurence;s walk on Sunday 3 Jan should of course be Blackheath rail station.   Barnes is the starting point for Susanne's walk on Friday. All the details are correct on the website. Apologies for any…
Hello everyone   I hope you've had a happy, successful and relaxing Christmas break.  If you were lucky enough to receive new boots, go-pros or socks that are guarateed not to give you blisters (but do) from Santa, and are itching to try them out, then read on.. LDWA London has got a great series…
Tue 22nd Dec 2015
Hello I see you have recently (well in the last 2 months) joined the LDWA, so I thought I would take this opportunity to introduce you to the London Group. We are a friendly, expanding group and we do our best to make new members welcome. We organise social walks: typically 18 miles in winter and…
Hello everyone! Well, what a year it's been!   We've been on 53 weekend walks, 31 midweek walks, two weekends away, and organised a challenge hike.   During 2015, a total of 1164 people came on our social walks. And, rather magnificently, Keith capped off the year last Saturday with one our…
Hello everyone It was great to see so many of you at the LDWA London Christmas dinner last night. Sincere thanks to Catherine for organising it. The photo competition seemed to provoke lots of discussion but nobody managed to name all 13 members appearing on the mid-1990s group photo.   The closest…
Hello everybody! Well with the thermometer in the mid-teens, it hardly feels very wintry.   But what the weather lacks in Christmas spirit, LDWA London can more than make up for with an action-packed programme through the festive season.   First of all, of course, it's our Christmas dinner, this…
Hello everyone Only 18 walking days left until Christmas. I can hardly believe it. And hopefully we're going to enjoy a few days of peace and quiet on the weather front, too, as Desmond runs out of steam and while Eva is still getting organised somewhere in the North Atlantic. Where on earth did…
Dear all Well, as we celebrate the 100th anniversary of Einstein's famous equations, we've got lots for you to think about this week. First of all, a couple of reminders. If you haven't signed up for the LDWA Christmas Dinner on Thursday 17 December yet, and would like be there (how could you miss…
Mon 23rd Nov 2015
Hello everyone   This week's Update holds lots of interest (well at least I hope it does) in the form two triples.   Yes really.   The first is a triple-choice for our forthcoming walks programme, and the second is a triple Wetherspoons-extravaganza.   Starting first with the trilemma.. Dick has…
Dear all: Now that Abigail has been safely despatched to Iceland, let's hope we are in for a slightly less stormy period of weather.   Though on current performance, that might be a bit of a forlorn hope. Anyway, we are made of tough stuff in London LDWA, so no matter what the weather throws at us,…
Hello All This email is to bring you all up to date on what we in London are proposing to do to help with the running of the next 3 hundreds. As you will probably know, running the annual 100 mile walk involves a lot of work and can only happen if the organising group gets help from other groups…
Hello everyone In the whirlwind world that is London LDWA, there is lots going on and plenty of things for you to think about this week.   So if you're teetering excitedly on the edges of your seats, read on!   The website We've given the LDWA London website (https://www.ldwa.org.uk/London) a bit…
Dear All Advance notice that this year's AGM will be held on the evening of Thursday 18 February. Further details will follow later. However, thiis email is also to prompt you to start thinking about whether you, or indeed someone else, would be interested in serving on the committee. Each year all…
Hello All It is that time of year again and you are all cordially invited to our Christrmas dinner. It will be held on Thursday 17th December and again we will be going to  the Knights Templar in Chancery Lane. http://www.jdwetherspoon.co.uk/home/pubs/the-knights-templar-chancery-lane Meet at 7.30…
Hello everyone   Summer 2016 walks programme. I know it always seems hard to believe, but I'm starting to think about the Summer 2016 (i.e. 1 May to 31 August) walks programme already.   I know there are always mixed views about whether it's helpful to start thinking so far ahead, but we are rather…
Hello All I am forwarding this notice from DEFRA who are looking for people to join the boards of various bodies such as national parks. This has come via our NEC who got it only very late in the day even though I assume that the adverts originally went out weeks ago. I have hesitated before…
Hello everyone In an attempt to make next Sunday's "Roach and Crouch Estuarine Exploration" walk the most-corrected in LDWA history, a number of eagle-eyed aficionados of the National Rail timetable have pointed out that the 08.44 train to Rochford next Sunday actually gets in at 10:00, rather than…
Sorry Folks The Yorkshire air is clearly affecting my typography Steven's walk starts at Rochford, not Rochester.  The correct details are in the walk details, not the narrative above it. Apologies!  …
Mon 26th Oct 2015
Hello everyone! I know the tension has been unbearable, but at last I'm delighted to be able to announce the winner of this year's London LDWA "unhelpful signs" competition.   Actually, the voting was remarkably evenly spread amongst the 40 entries, but there was one photo that just nudged ahead of…
Hello everyone Your votes have been coming in thick-and-fast but if you haven't voted yet, you've got until noon on Monday 26 October to pick your favourite "unhelpful" sign in the LDWA London photo contest. Just visit the competition website by clicking here Then pick the number of your selected…
Dear all The world-famous LDWA "unhelpful signs" competition finished at midnight last night, so now it's time to cast your vote for the winner. It's very easy - just follow these three steps: Visit the competition website where all 40 entries are posted, by clicking here Look through the gallery…
Mon 19th Oct 2015
Hello everyone! Welcome to Monday.   The Autumn is now well and truly upon us.   The good thing about Mondays is that it's a nice long time until the end of next weekend.   Anyway. while you're thinking about that, LDWA London as ever has plenty of interesting things going on to lift your horizons…
Hello everyone Before getting into the details of this week's walks (and yes this week it's walks in the plural, as we have two for you to enjoy), I just wanted to mention a couple of other matters First of all, a date for your diaries.   The 20th annual LDWA London "Founders'" challenge hike will…
Hello everyone Sorry to fill your inbox with more "stuff" but at least if you're getting this at work, it isn't from your boss demanding urgent action before you leave on Friday afternoon...   I just wanted to remind you all to send in your entries for the LDWA photo competition. But before I do…
Hello everyone!   Well this week, sadly, we don't have any eclipses to enjoy, but instead we can all look back on an excellent "Founders'" challenge hike last Saturday.   The results are online now, and you can access them by clicking here.There is also short report and some photos, which you can…
Hello everyone Like the look of this?:  On the route of the "Founders'" challenge last weekend.   All this can be yours..   Been looking out of the window this afternoon at the glorious sunshine and wishing you were out in it?  Well you can be!! Saturday 3 October is the 19th "Founders'" challenge…
Mon 28th Sep 2015
Hello everyone Well, after all these months of preparation, LDWA London's 19th Founders' Challenge hike is finally upon us.   We hit the Surrey Hills this Saturday (3 October). And of course if this isn't your cup of tea, we're offiering an absolutely excellent shorter alternative on Thursday…
Tue 22nd Sep 2015
Hello I see you have recently (well in the last 2 months) joined the LDWA, so I thought I would take this opportunity to introduce you to the London Group. We are a friendly, expanding group and we do our best to make new members welcome. We organise social walks: typically 18 miles in winter and…
Tue 22nd Sep 2015
I attach a brief note from the NEC meeting held on 15 July. This is for your infomration but, if you have any questions or comments, feel free to get in touch. Douglas Robinson Secretary 150715_NEC_note_July_15_1.docx
Hello everyone Well it's a bit of a blockbuster week for London LDWA this week. Not only do we have a fantastic set of walks for you to enjoy, but also this week sees the launch of our much- vaunted competition.   Turning first to our walks. On Wednesday, Jerome is leading us on a "Park…
Dear all It hardly seems possible that we are well into September already.   But LDWA London has plenty going on this week to help us all make the best of the last few weeks of Summer.   Read on..     Top of the list - Founders.   I'm sure you're all well aware that our annual challenge hike is…
Hello everyone Well what a line up we have for you this week - three walks and a beer festival! What more could you possibly ask for!   So, starting this week's extraordinary events, on TUESDAY (yes if you are reading this on Monday that's TOMORROW and if you're reading it on Tuesday, that's…
Hello everyone! Well I'm not going to start this week's email by making any more confident predictions about rail strikes. Otherwise I will probably end up being offered a job at ACAS. Anyway, this week we've got some great walks lined up for you.   First up, on Wednesday, you've got an opportunity…
Dear all Feeling bemused about leaving from Paddington for Saturday's walk??   Fear not!   It seems as if I may have been a bit premature in declaring the end of transport strikes in my email last Monday. I hadn't spotted that First Great Western are also proposing to strike over the weekend.   I…
Dear all   The first thing I need to let you know is what is happening to Keith's walk this Wednesday. As at the time of writing (5pm on Monday 24 August), it has just been announced that this week's tube strikes have been suspended (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-34045753) Therefore…
Hello everyone! Please read to the end of this email as we need your help!   I'm sure that you are all aware that LDWA London is organising the annual challenge hike - the "Founders'" - on Saturday 3 October.   Indeed you will probably have been able to think of little else over the summer. You…
Hello everyone   Sorry to bombard you with emails this week, but there are two matters I wanted to mention:   First - as long-suffering Londoners, you will no doubt be aware that a series of Tube strikes are currently planned for next week.  If they go ahead, in view of the likely widespread…
Hello everyone   This week, in a bit of a departure from the norm, we are offering not one, not two, but three walks for your enjoyment - one of which is a full-day midweek excursion, for anyone lucky enough not to be at work this week.   First on the list, this Tuesday, Charles is leading a…
Thu 13th Aug 2015
Hello I see you have recently (well in the last 4 months) joined the LDWA, so I thought I would take this opportunity to introduce you to the London Group. We are a friendly, expanding group and we do our best to make new members welcome. We organise social walks: typically 18 miles in winter and…
Mon 10th Aug 2015
London calling!   Hello again, everyone.   I hope you're all enjoying the summer and managing to get a bit of a break from the hurly burly of work.   But even more, I hope you still have some space in your calendars to fit in a quick leg-stretch with the LDWA. This week, we've got a couple of…
Fri 7th Aug 2015
Dear All As promised in my email of  3 August, here are further details about Kathy's funeral. Nigel has asked that: 1. Family flowers only - thank you2. Donations in lieu of flowers should you wish. Cheques payable to MACMILLAN CANCER SUPPORT. There will be wooden box at the church to receive any…
Mon 3rd Aug 2015
Dear All As some of you will already know, one of our long standing members, Kathy Loraso, died recently. As well as being an active and supportive member for many years, Kathy was a lovely lady and will be sorely missed. Kathy's partner, Nigel Schofield, has asked me to pass on the following…
Dear all   Don't you wish it could be summer every day?   Well, of course, with London LDWA it can be!   OK maybe that's a bit of an exaggeration but this week we've got two great outings to help you make the most of the weather.   First up, on on Tuesday, Dave is leading a stroll along the Grand…
Mon 27th Jul 2015
Dear London walkers   So now the school holidays are fully upon us, the heavens have duly opened and returned the countryside to its proper verdant state.   Well, that's the positive way of looking at it! But despite the rain, it's probably about time to try and escape the madding crowd.    As…
Wed 22nd Jul 2015
Dear All Sorry that you have not heard anything from me for a while and are probably wondering what is going on. I have been away in Scotland and Canada. So this email is to say: 1. thank you for attending the course on the 20th. I am really impressed and delighted that all 11 of you went. I would…
Hello everyone   Well if the novelty of gazing at the ice moutains of Pluto has begun to wear off, we've got some distinctly high-brow outings in store to provide an equally thrilling feast for your eyes this week.   Yes, you're invited to come and join LDWAs own resident 'art expert'(!) Susanne…
Sat 18th Jul 2015
Hello All I attach a letter which the Ramblers have sent to the LDWA asking for our help in assessing the state of Rights of Way across the country. LDWA nationally think that this is very worthwhile initiative and want to support it. I agree and will personally volunteer to take a grid square to…
Dear all Because of the proposed 24 hour tube strike from the evening on Wednesday 5 August, we have decided to bring the date of the Osterley and Grand Union Canal walk, which was originally planned for Thursday 6 August, forward to Tuesday 4 August.   All the other details of the walk remain…
Dear London hikers   I hope you had a good weekend and that the week is shaping up well for you.   It looks like "business as usual" has been resumed in the weather department, though hopefully that doesn't mean that the British summer is over for another year :-(   While I've got your attention,…
; Hello everyone!  This is a slightly out-of-the-normal-pattern-of-emails call for help! We need our members to come forward to help maintain our position as one of the premier groups in the LDWA.   In particular, we'd be really grateful if you could help out on two things – our October…
Dear all   Doubtless this email will find you in a state of anxious tension - worrying either about the fate of the Euro, or about whether the New Horizons space probe is going to wake up before it zooms past Pluto next week with its eyes inconveniently shut.   Anyway, even if you're not worrying,…
Hello everyone   Well, at last it feels like summer!   So in tradiational British fashion, we better stop moaning about the non-stop cold and wet, and instead fret about the possibilities fo heatstroke and sunburn. Anyway, in LDWA London we are made of sterner stuff and never miss an opportunity to…
Hello everyone   Now that the summer is well and truly with us, our walks programme is getting into fiull swing.   So this week we've got two particularly tasty offerings to tempt you out into the countryside.   First, on Wednesday, Peter is leading a 7-miler round Wanstead Flats.   So if you would…
; The 19th Founders Challenge event organised by the LDWA London Group will be held on Saturday 3rd October.  Volunteers are needed!   This e-mail is being sent to all LDWA London members on behalf of the Founders' Challenge hike organiser at founderschallenge@ldwa.org.uk   Adam Pode has…
Dear all   This week we've got a particularly fascinating couple of walks coming up.   I can guarantee a genuinely unforgettable and mind-expanding experience for all participants.   So first up, on THURSDAY (note not Wednesday this week), Paula is leading a tree-spotting exploration of Richmond…
Hello everyone   Well what a scorcher!   I hope you all managed to get out and about and enjoy some fresh air and sunshine this weekend.   Long may it last! Before getting into the details of this week's walks, I just wanted to let you know that this years's LDWA London annual "Founders'" challenge…
Dear all Please note that owing to rail engineering works on the line from Fenchurch St, there is a bus replacement service part of the way to the start of this Sunday's walk.   In view of the slightly longer journey time, the start of the walk will be delayed to 09.20, to allow anyone taking the…
Mon 1st Jun 2015
Dear all   Now that summer is nearly upon us, we've got a couple of interesting walks laid on to make the best of the long days and (hopefully) better weather.   First up, on Wednesday evening, Andy is leading a brisk-paced exploration of the Wandle river - one of the tributaries of the Thames.  …
Thu 28th May 2015
Congratulations to the London members who completed the Red Rose Hundred in Lancashire last weekend. Eleven succesfully walked the hundred miles in less than 48 hours. At the risk of embarassing them, they are Melissa Butcher, Mark Danby, John Elrick, Giles Glover, John Gorman, Sarah Jackson, Simon…
Hello London Members We have had an unusual request which is copied below. This is nothing to do with the LDWA but, as far as we can tell, it is a real organisation making films. As you can see they are looking for people to push a pencil for 35 miles to see if it will last that long. Just the job…
Dear all   Well with both the Red Rose 100 to walk and the Eurovision Song Contest to watch, it's certainly been an endurance-testing bank holiday weekend.   My congratulations to everyone who had the stamina to complete either but double congratulations to anyone who managed both.   Anyway, now…
Wed 20th May 2015
Hello All Sorry to nag BUT many of you have still not replied to my emails of 27 April and 7 May. Indeed, only 12 of the 23 have replied. So could I ask the 11 who have not replied, to please let me know whether you will or will not want to attend the course on the 20 June. I really do need to…
Hello everyone Yes it's that time of the week again and I can bring you lots of spine-tingling excitement from London LDWA. Now that we're into the spring and summer season, we're running two events a week, most weeks until the end of September.  So there can be absolutely no excuse for anyone not…
Dear all Barely a day goes by without something exciting being on the agenda for the London LDWA.   This week we've got deer and azaeas, wild garlic and Ascension. Yes really.   If you'd like to learn more about this unlikely combination, then read on..   On Wednesday, Roderick is leading his…
Thu 7th May 2015
Hello All Thanks to those of you who have replied to my email of 27 April. Can I ask those who have not replied yet to do so soon as I need to know who is able to come and who is not.  Regards Douglas Robinson
Hello everyone I'm writing this from France and as it's my 30th wedding anniversary today I better make this quick or else my wife has advised me that it may also be my last. Anyway in the space of a few short minutes, I need to let you know about three important events coming up with London LDWA.…
Hello everyone This weekend we're offering a bit of urban expolration, by way of a slight change to our more usual programme of hikes through the wilds(!) of the Home Counties. So this Sunday, Catherine will be leading a trip through some of London's green spaces, starting with Highgate Wood, but…
Mon 27th Apr 2015
Hello All Thank you for your patience but you will be pleased to know that this is now arranged. The training session will be on the afternoon of Saturday 20 June at the YMCA in Wimbledon. It will start at 14.00 and last for 3 hours. I realise that this will almost certainly not be ideal or…
Hello everyone   It's that time of the week again and today I can bring news of not just one, but two, LDWA London outings to tempt your boots out of the cupboard under the stairs.   First up is Marita's Crystal Palace exploration this Wednesday evening.   If, like me, you have never actiually been…
Dear all   Now that spring has sprung, why not head for the great outdoors and enjoy some spring sunshine next Sunday, with Jerome's hilly hike through the South Downs?   The walk is a circular excursion from Petersfield.   If you're interested, be at Petersfield station at 09:39, or take the 08:30…
Sun 12th Apr 2015
Hello All Thank you for your expression of interest in this course. A quick email to let you know what is happening as you won't have heard anything from me for a while - I have been away. We have 23 interested people some of whom have helpfully made suggestions of possible venues that we might use…
Hello everyone Well just as you've got your boots off after last week's action packed schedule, it's time to get them on again in time for this Saturday's Godalming Circular walk, being led this time by Jenny. This promises to be a really interesting excursion through the Surrey countryside, and an…
Dear all   Please note that Southeastern trains are doing some major engineering work this weekend.   This means that the train times for this Sunday's "Tulip Fever" walk have changed. The new train will depart slightly earlier, at 07:52 from Victoria on Sunday, and arrive earlier, at 08:42, at…
Dear all We've got a busy week coming up, with some really interesting walks to tempt you away from the Easter eggs and chocolate indulgence.   First up, Adam (the other Adam, not me!) is leading a brace of walks this week.   On Wednesday the fascinating "Another Blitz walk" will be visiting some…
Sun 29th Mar 2015
Hello I see you have recently (well in the last 3 months) joined the LDWA, so I thought I would take this opportunity to introduce you to the London Group. We are a friendly, expanding group and we do our best to make new members welcome. We organise social walks: typically 18 miles in winter and…
Hello You are cordially invited to a social evening on Tuesday 12 May. Rather like old fashioned cinema shows, this will be a double bill. First up, and the "B" movie, will be - "Everything that you wanted to know about Challenge Walks but were afraid to ask". This will not star Ronald Reagen but…
Sat 28th Mar 2015
We are proposing running an introductory course on first aid for our members. This would help members be better prepared in the event of an accident or emergency on a walk. The course will probably be half a day and held on a Saturday or Sunday morning. Venue to be decided yet but it will probably…
Dear all As usual, there seems to be a lot going on this week – though sadly no astronomical phenomena by way of extra excitement. (I guess the clouds might have lifted briefly to allow some of you to get a glimpse of the eclipse on Friday – but try as I might the cloud was just too…
Dear all I expect you're all excited about the forthcoming solar eclipse this Friday morning and given that the next one isn't until 2026, it will definitely be worth sticking your head out of the office window at around 9:30 to check it out (or at least to see whether it's still raining..) As if…
Hello everone Well now the excitement of the caption competition has declined from its Eurovision Song Contest-like fever pitch, it's time to return to business as usual for London LDWA. There's quite a lot on this week, too.   First of all This Wednesday, 11 March,  Douglas is leading a riverside…
Mon 9th Mar 2015
Well I imagine your'e all on the edges of your seats biting your nails in keen anticipation...   Well wait no longer!   The results of last week's caption compeition are in! As a reminder, I've reproduced the picture, and some of the best entries, below:    The annual 100 mile walk The route…
Hello is anybody there?
Good morning everyone I've had an outstanding response to the caption competition launched last Monday.   But if you'd like to add your entry to the ever-growing list, and put your name in the hat for the £15 of "ViewRanger" vouchers that's on offer to the winner, then you've just got until 6pm on…
Hello everyone   Well it was nice to see quite of few of you at last week's AGM and there's quite a lot going on this week to think about as well.   First of all, this Sunday Andy's organising a hike along the riverbank from Wimbledon which would be good in its own right even without the intriguing…
Mon 2nd Mar 2015
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Mon 2nd Mar 2015
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Hello London Members I want to remind you that, very unusually if not uniquely, there will actually be an election for the next Chair of the LDWA when John Sparshatt stands down in March. There are 2 candidates - Gail Elrick and Tim Glenn - and I want to encourage you to use your vote if possible.…
Dear all In case you were worried about being at a loose end this week, then worry no longer as LDWA London can well and truly fill the gaps for you. We've got three events coming up this week.   If you'd like to learn more, then read on...   First we've got our much-trailed AGM, tomorrow (Tuesday…
Hello All Sorry to bother you with yet another email for the AGM on Tuesday but I think that it is important that you are aware of what is being proposed for the future of the newsletter. Ali Pretty has edited this for the last 3 years but will be standing down now and no-one has offered to take on…
Dear All I atatch the annual accounts which will be presented to the AGM next week. ldwa_london_acs_2014_1.pdf LDWA_tsr_rpt_year_2014.docx ldwa_london_bs_31dec2014_1_1.pdf   If you have any questions or queries then either please raise them at the AGM or send me an email. Regards   Douglas Robinson…
Hello everyone! I can hardly believe we're well into February already.   This means that the good news is that the evenings are getting noticeably lighter, which is making it less of a rush to finish our weekend walks before nightfall. So if you'd like to take advantage of the slightly longer…
Dear London hikers   Well I reckon that romantic candle-lit dinners for two are a bit over-rated and and the only real way to celebrate Valentine's Day is with a 20 mile yomp around the Sussex border. So if you think the same, why not cram the candles and dinner into your rucksack and head over to…
Dear fellow walkers OK so that's Monday despatched, so it's time to start making plans for the weekend.   After Peter's interesting geneaological exploration of Kent last weekend, this Saturday it really is Jerome's turn - he's taking a linear winter walk through the South Downs. Note that the…
Sun 1st Feb 2015
You might be interested to know that we have Group membership of the YHA. This could be of use to you if you are thinking of organising, for example, a weekend away for group members and staying in a youth hostel is an option. The group card would get you benefits such as a reduced overnight rate.…
Thu 29th Jan 2015
A reminder that the AGM will be held on the evening of Tuesday 24 February. I attach an agenda 150224_Feb_15_London_LDWA_AGM_Agenda.doc You are all welcome to attend both the AGM and meal afterwards in Pizza Express in Holborn. 1. Please let me know if you wish to attend either or both - I need to…
Dear all Before everyone jumps out of their skins in alarm, I just noticed that I got my names mixed up for Sunday's walk. It's Peter's walk, rather than Jerome's - not quite sure how that happened, but apologies for any confusion.   I think my brain must have fast-forwarded to the weekend already!…
Happy Monday, everyone   This week we've got a walk with a difference laid on. On Sunday (1st of Feb), Jerome will be leading a circular North Downs walk, visiting some less well-known villages in the Downs along the way.   But to add a bit of extra interest, his walk will take in a number of…
Good evening everyone I hope it's promising to be a good week. If you're already starting to gaze out of the window and daydream about what you could be doing instead of sitting in the office, then, despite the cold weather, London LDWA has two treats in store this week which are guaranteed to warm…
Thu 15th Jan 2015
Dear London Members You are invited to attend the AGM which will be held on Tuesday 24 February starting at 18.30. It will be held in the upstairs room at the Queens Larder pub, 1 Queen Square Holborn, WC1N 3AR. Please let me know if you plan to attend or wish to send your apologies. If there are…
Hello everyone Congratulations on having survived the first few days back at work after the break.To give yourselves something a bit more cheerful to contemplate than the next 346 shopping days to Christmas, we've got quite a lot of events lined up for you to think about in the near future.  First…
This email is  from Adam Dawson and is going to Douglas Robinson, Paul Lawrence and (hopefully) Simon Leck   I have attached a few files to this email using Simon's instructions. Perhaps you could reply to this email (it will come through to me at adldwa@btinternet.com) and let me know what you…
Hello Committee I am trying to see if I can attach a document to a bulk email so I am testing it out on you. The minutes of last year's AGM should be attached. 140225_Minutes_of_LDWA_London_Group_AGM_Final.doc Please let me know if you receive it. Regards Douglas  
Hello everyone This Saturday, 10 January, it's my turn to lead a walk and this time it's a particularly interesting trek around the North Chilterns.   I walked the route last weekend and yes I really did spot pheasants, wildebeest and a fox along the way. So if you'd like to join me on what I am…
Happy New Year! Advance warning that the AGM of the London Group will be held on Tuesday 24 February. Formal notification and further details will be sent later but I thought that you might like to note this date and mark in your diary. Hope to see you there.   Douglas Robinson Secretary  
Hello everyone Lots on offer from London LDWA this week!   If you're already beginning to wonder how you will banish the New Year morning-after-the-night-before blues, then London LDWA has the perfect answer with an interesting central London walk on New Year's Day afternoon. This year, to tempt…
Sun 28th Dec 2014
Hello I see you have recently joined the LDWA, so I thought I would take this opportunity to introduce you to the London Group. We are a friendly, expanding group and we do our best to make new members welcome. We organise weekend social walks: typically 18 miles in winter and 23 miles in summer.…
Wed 24th Dec 2014
Dear all This is positively the last communication from me before Christmas! Anyway - if you're not already busy thinking about Paul Lawrence's longer spring and summer trips away (details here), then don't forget London LDWA has a couple of end-of-year treats for you to enjoy in the slightly…
Hello everyone Already beginning to anticipate the need to burn off a few Christmas calories with some fresh air and exercise? Well, here are a couple of ideas to think about. This spring and summer, one of our LDWA London Committee members, Paul Lawrence, is planning two longer excursions, well…
Well here's your last chance to burn off a few calories before Christmas! This Saturday's outing features a walk along the Thames Path, taking in interesting sights along the more easterly reaches of the river. Details are below but please note that owing to Railtrack maintenance work this weekend,…
Dear all: I very much regret that we have had to cancel this weekend's walk (which was to have been Haslemere to Liphook this Sunday, 14 December). Sadly, the walk leader sustained an injury last weekend whilst our recce-ing the route and despite physiotherapy this week, will not be fit to lead by…
This week, despite it being mid-December, we have not one but two walks in store. So banish the midwinter blues either with a city walk tomorrow (Wednesday) evening, or a country hike on Sunday.   The details are below, but please note that because of an injutry, Sunday's walk details will be…
Dear all: After last Sunday's exploration of the Chilterns and the Thames path, we've got another great event coming up this weekend.   The details are all below - click on the links to learn more The weather forecast is looking quite good at the moment, so there's no excuse for not pulling on the…
Hello everyone, well this week it's my turn to lead a walk and to prove that I don't just sit in an office sending out emails! This time, it's an 18 mile Sunday circular walk from Beaconsfield station - the details are on the website, which you can access by clicking on the links below. Don't…
Hello everyone Last week's e-mail "heads up" on the week's forthcoming activities seemed to gain a generally favourable response (well at least no squelas of pain!) so here's a summary of what's happening for your hiking enjoyment in the Group this week:   Sat 22nd Nov 2014   One Stop on the…
For those planning to join in with the circular surprise from Richmond next Wednesday, it will be no surprise to know that you will need a torch. 6.30 prompt at Richmond station. See you all there. Paula
Dear all: We thought our members might find it handy to get a weekly e-mail highlighting the great events that the London group has got coming up in the next week. So - here goes with the first one!   Hopefully, you'll find it useful. This week we've got two great events in store - they are…
Beaconsfield - Thames - Marlow Full details of the walk on Sun 30 November are now avaiable on the website at http://www.ldwa.org.uk/London/E/13359/beaconsfield-thames-marlow-circuit.html Leader Adam Dawson; 17 miles; meet Beaconsfield station 09:28
For those planning to join the walk a week on Sunday, details are as per the website but please note: There are engineering works on the rail line but as these are south of the start point at Robertsbridge station, they shouldn't affect anyone coming from London There is a pub lunch available but…
Thu 30th Oct 2014
Hello I see you have recently joined the LDWA, so I thought I would take this opportunity to introduce you to the London Group. We are a friendly, expanding group and we do our best to make new members welcome. We organise social walks: typically 18 miles in winter and 23 miles in summer. Usually…
Sat 18th Oct 2014
London LDWA Christmas Meal    Time to break with tradition and go for something different so this year the group Christmas meal will be before Christmas.     It will be at 7.00pm Wednesday 17th December 2014 at The Knights Templar, a Wetherspoons pub, at 95 Chancery Lane (the Fleet Street end of…
Dear long distance walkers! I'm writing to introduce myself as the new Walks Secretary for the London LDWA group. I've just taken over from Margaret Romanski, who has done a fantastic job in running the post for the last few years.   Thanks to her efforts, everything is in great shape and it should…
Reminder that there is another evening walk this Wednesday. It will go from Kingston to Richmond. Meet Kingston station at 18.30. Bring a torch as it may be a bit dark by the riverside. Leader: Douglas Robinson, mobile 07729 035 728
It is just two weeks before the founders and we still need volunteers to make this as great a success as previously. In particular we are looking for:-   1) car park attendants before the Challenge. This could be done by somebody walking they just need to be at Peaslake by 6.45-7am.   2)…
  18th Founders' Challenge is taking place at Peaslake on Sunday 19th October 2014. If you have not already done so please register asap at https://www.sientries.co.uk/event.php?elid=Y&event_id=1529 Full details can be found at http://www.ldwa.org.uk/London/W/3179/2014.html   The walk is not…
London LDWA member Adam Dawson will be giving an illustrated talk about his recent 1,500 mile backpacking hike through the length of the UK, climbing the Three Peaks on the way. Come along to find out how he ditched paper maps, learned (almost) to love slugs and camped in some of the most…
Mon 15th Sep 2014
Hello I see you have recently joined the LDWA, so I thought I would take this opportunity to introduce you to the London Group. We are a friendly, expanding group and we do our best to make new members welcome. We organise social walks: typically 18 miles in winter and 23 miles in summer. Usually…
  Wed 10th                    Sept Cutty Sark to the Golden Hinde Centuries of Maritime History 7mls. Start 18.30 Meet by the figurehead of the Cutty Sark (TQ383779) Walk will be along both the N&S banks past the ancient pubs in Wapping.  Through St Katherine's Dock to the S bank,  passing the HMS…
Here is a reminder of  tomorrow's and Sunday's walks:-   Wed 3rd Sept - Thames walk  6mls. Start 18.30 Cannon St Station. Meet by ticket office. Walk along the Thames, end at Greenwich Ldr Peter Buchwald   Sun 7th Sept - Founders Marshals Walk 26mls. Start 9.06 Dorking Station. Depart London…
Hi everyone, I still have gaps in the spring program for one or two evening walks in April.2015. Walks on Tues/ Wed or Thurs. Sunset times range 19.30 - 20.21. One walk mid month or possibly two walks - one at the beginning and one nearer the end. Please let me know if you would be willing to lead…
The London LDWA group was formed in 1994 when 8 local LDWA members met in  the Charing Cross Hotel. There was a Evening Pub Meet/ Tour of Wapping on August  17th followed by the groups first full day walk on August 20th from Kelvedon to  Chappel and Wakes Colne. Both of these walks were led by the…
A reminder of this weekend's walk. A Scandal, a Fat Duck, the Olympics, a Castle and a School Sat 16th Aug 2014 Event Details: Event Type: Group Walk Region: Southern England Local Group: London Distance: 25ml. Start Time: 09.10 Route: Start Maidenhead stn (SL6 1EW). Dep 08.27 train…
Please note that the event planned tomorrow  to view the Tour de France race  at Canary Wharf before the evening walk has been cancelled . Sorry for any inconvenience.   The Uxbridget Circular walk will go ahead as advertised
  Uxbridge circular Thu 24th Jul 2014 Event Details: Event Details Updated: Travel disruption. There is no tube service running to Uxbridge on 24th July. Tube as far as West Ruislip  on central line or Ruislip on Metropolitan line.. Then bus service.  See below for more details and connection…
Please note that the proposed evening walk on Wednesday 16th has been cancelled and has replaced by one on the following evening. Thanks to Rob Myers for stepping in at short notice. The details are as follows.  Thu Jul 17                East End Parks7 ml 18.15 Bethnal Green tube stn (Northern…
High Wycombe Circular Sun 29th Jun 2014 Event Details: Event Details Updated: There is no pub lunch available due to changes at the pub so please bring sandwiches Event Type: Group Walk Region: Southern England Local Group: London Distance: 25ml. Start Time: 09.20 Route: 08.30…
Fri 27th Jun 2014
Colin Saunders has asked for the following message to be sent to all London members. If you do not know Colin, he has been a stalwart of the London LDWA for many years and is the author of other books, including the guide book to the Capital Ring. "My new book Rambling Away From 'The Smoke' has…
As I've had a number of enquiries re this walk and info has been amended recently I thought it worth circulating an email with final details. Margaret South Downs Surprise-  Moulsecoomb to Seaford Sat 14th Jun 2014 Event Details: London Group Walk Distance: c 25ml. Start Time: 09.15 Route:…
  There are still gaps in the program for some evening walks in August and September and  I am looking for people willing to fill the remaining slots.  There are three slots still  free:- Tues 12th - Thurs 14th Aug Tues 2nd - Thurs 4th Sept and Tues 16th - Thurs 18th Sept.    Traditionally walks…
Fri 18th Apr 2014
Please see this request from a Sally Childes. She tells me that she is carrying out an independent research project as part of her postgraduate studies in heritage interpretation. She is focussing on National Trails and long distance walkers. She has no link with any organisations responsible for…
Please note change in departure station on Sat 19th. Time unchanged. Train leaves from London Victoria   East Grinstead  to  Oxted. Sat 19th Apr 2014 Event Details: Event Details Updated: Train departs from London Victoria not London Bridge at 8.23 Event Type: Group Walk Region: Southern…
BBN have opened up this walk to members from other neighbouring groups, including London. If you are interested in taking part, then please contact Nigel Schofield, the organiser. Places would seem to be limited so you should act quickly if you would like to take part.   GREENSAND RIDGE WALK 20…
Your LDWA needs you for Valleys 100   Weekend Away Friday 23st  May to Monday 27th May 2014  Volunteers needed for Checkpoint 14 (Come and join the happy band of  13  so far. )    Our London Group checkpoint this year is 90 miles along the route in Llanellen Village Hall…
  Please note that the dates of walks for the next two week-ends have changed and are not as per Strider . The correct dates  have been  on the website for some time. Details below. Please note note picnic lunch on 30 Mar as it is Mothers Day. Pub stop for drinks only. Amberley Circular please note…
The Kent LDWA are organizing the Wealdon Waters event on 26 and 27th July.  The 100km event is for the 40th anniversary of Kent group.    They have asked for London group volunteers to assist at the start and finish.   The HQ will be at Hawkenbury pavilion, a new building still under construction,…
Hi everyone,   A final reminder that the London AGM is this Tuesday 25th Feb at  6.30pm. It will be held at the upstairs room of the Queens Larder pub, 1 Queen Square Holborn.  WC1N 3AR.   Afterwards there will be a meal at Ciao Bella Italian restaurant, 86-90 Lamb's Conduit St, Bloomsbury, London…
Saturdays walk from East Croydon is likely to end at Woldingham as Oxted staion is closed. It is not clear if it will reopen by the week-end. Woldingham is one stop before Oxted. Other details as per the website.   Margaret  
The published walk is not possible due to flooding. Luckily Peter is able to offer an alternative route. Details below and on the website.     WALK CHANGE East Croydon to Oxted Sat 15th Feb 2014 Event Details: Event Details Updated: This walk has changed due to flooding. Not as published in…
Tour of Houses of Parliament   Douglas Robinson has arranged for a tour of Parliament for up to 20 members. This will be at 16.30 on Friday 16 May. The tour lasts about 75 minutes. It is free. If you are interested in joining this, please get in touch with Douglas at…
We still have not found anyone willing to take on the role of walks secretary. I have summarised what's involved again below. If anyone is interested please let a member of the committee know ASAP.  If anyone would like to have a go but is a bit unsure, I would be happy to  offer a job share…
Dear London LDWA Members Happy 2014! This email is a reminder that the group's AGM is set for  Tuesday 25th February for 6.30pm. It will be held at the upstairs room of the Queens Larder pub, 1 Queen Square Holborn.  WC1N 3AR. If you have any matters you wish to put forward for discussion please…
Kingston to Uxbridge Sun 19th Jan 2014 Event Details: Event Details Updated: Train times changed due to engineering works Event Type: Group Walk Region: Southern England Local Group: London Distance: 21ml. Start Time: 09.10 Route: Kingston stn. Dep Waterloo 8.14. Change at…
We are having our Annual Festive Season get together on Wednesday 29thJanuary at 7pm at Loch Fyne in Leadenhall Market, 77 Gracechurch Street.  EC3V 0AS. Cost is £12/ £14.50 for 2 or  3 courses inc service. Drinks extra. Menu is below. If you would like to attend please let me Lonica know and…
Dear London LDWA Members Happy 2014! This email is to let you know we are having our Annual Festive Season get together on Wednesday 29th January at 7pm at Loch Fyne in Leadenhall Market, 77 Gracechurch Street.  EC3V 0AS The menu deal is as attached – 2 or 3 courses plus a side dish.  Adding…
   Appeal for leaders I am looking for leaders for the following slots Sat Mar 1. This week-end is now vacant. Anyone willing to lead a walk on Sat 1 Mar or even Sun 2nd Mar please let me know. The original walk is still on the site with a note that it may change. A Challenge revisited from…
New Year's Day Walk Twickenham to Trafalgar Square - Wed 1st Jan 2014 Event Details: Event Details Updated: A late addition not in Strider. Event Type: Group Walk Region: Southern England Local Group: London Distance: 15ml. Start Time: 10.05 Route: Strt Twickenham station. Dep…
Walk changed!! - Now Slade Green to London Bridge Sat 14th Dec 2013 Event Details: Event Details Updated: Event changed completely. This is not the walk published in Strider. Event Type: Group Walk Region: Southern England Local Group: London Distance: 21ml. Start Time: 09.16 …
We have  four  committee posts coming vacant next February that will need to be filled at the AGM.   These are :- Chair, Secretary, Treasurer and Walks Secretary.   This is an unprecedented number at one time and it is important that we fill them all -  They are all necessary for the functioning of…
Your LDWA needs you for Valleys 100  Weekend Away Friday 23rd May to Monday 27th May 2014 Volunteers needed for Checkpoint 14   Our London Group checkpoint this year is 90 miles along the route in Llanellen Village Hall http://www.ldwa.org.uk/2014Hundred/W/2469/cp14-llanellen.html  and only 3 miles…
Wed  20 Nov - A Blitz Walk takes place this Wednesday  - originally 13 Nov   Sat 30 Nov - Rock on. As parenthood now beckons for Steve and Landy, this will be the last walk that he leads for the London Group in the foreseeable future. Also, the change in status in life means the chances for him and…
  Please note the change of starting location for the walk on 16th November. It is now departing from Enfield Town.   Group Walk - 20ml. 09.18 Enfield Town stn. Dep 08.45 Liverpool St. 2-4 return trains per hr. Lunch at the Farmers Boy, Brickendon, Herts. Leader Lonica Vanclay
A  reminder that the BBN 30th Anniversary quiz walk takes place this Sunday.   The walk is 8 miles in the morning starting at 10 a.m. from Newton Longton Village Hall.   There is a rep from the Berkshire, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Air Ambulance arriving at 1330.  The lecture will last about…
Mon 7th Oct 2013
I am very sorry to let you all know of the recent death of Jim Palmer. Jim was a former walks secretary some 10 years ago and I am sure our longstanding members will remember him well. Jim had been ill for some time.   The funeral will be this Tuesday morning at 9.30 from Jim's house  in Cookham…
A reminder that the London LDWA Curry Evening is on Wednesday 9th Oct.   Venue : Muhib Restaurant, 73 Brick La. Meet at Hamilton Hall Pub, Liverpool St from 6.30pm, Restaurant 7.30.   Deal is £12 for two courses plus one drink ( £14 prawn)   http://www.muhibindiancuisine.com/   We have a good crowd…
Apologies to those who have  already  received  the email last week but for some reason it did not reach all members   THE WALK ON 22nd SEPT CLANDON TO GUILDFORD IS CANCELLED. It had been replaced by a joint walk with SWC on Sat 21st although I appreciate it is now very late for anyone who did not…
Fri 20th Sep 2013
A number of people missed the details at the end of the last email so here they are again.   SOCIAL EVENT Wednesday 9 Oct  - Curry Night at Muhib Restaurant, 73 Brick La. http://muhibindiancuisine.com/   £12 fix price  deal  2 courses plus one drink. ( £14 prawn)  Meet at Hamilton Hall pub,…
WALKS UPDATE  The walk 22nd Sept Clandon to Guildford is cancelled and is replaced by a joint walk with Surrey Walking Club on:-  Saturday 21st Sept. Petersfields Southern Face. 20 mls Strt Petersfield stn 9.00. Dep Waterloo 8.00.Return trains three an hour Route description: The morning heads up…
Mon 9th Sep 2013
Founders Challenge 20th Oct 2013 This is a last call requesting a few more of our London Group members to volunteer to help marshal this wonderful event. We are expecting 200 people to enter & really want to show them that the London Group can put on a good show. There are still spaces at HQ in…
Is anyone willing to lead a walk on 22nd September?   Don is unable to lead his walk from Clanden on that day and there is currently a gap in the program.   The advertised route is Clanden to Guildford but under the circumstances it may not be practical to stick to this.    So if you are willing to…
Sun 18th Aug 2013
It is with much  sadness that I letting you know of the death last week of Lou Shepherd. Lou had been ill for some time and had not walked with the group recently but was an active member a few years ago. I am sure many of you will remember her as I do with great fondness.   Her family have asked…
17 Aug. Farnham to Brookwood. For those of you who saw the warning message on the site this week I am very pleased to confirm that this walk is going ahead as published. Margaret   24- 26 Capital Ring Weekend Social Event. LDWA Members  Next weekend's walk will be tough and for those hardy souls…
Please note the start time is 9.02 from Chelmsford stn . Depart London Liverpool st. 8.30.  There will be a bus ride to the start of the walk (at Gallywood Common) approx 15 mins and back again. Those not fortunate enough to have a freedom pass or bus pass should add a plus-bus to their  train…
Please note there is a late timetable change for the London Victoria connection for tomorrow's walk. Now 8.11 from Victoria. Change at East Croydon. 8.55 departure from East Croydon to Hassocks. The 8.41 direct train option from London Bridge direct to Hassocks is unchanged and is as advertised.…
Hello London Members,   I am looking for a leader to help fill the program by leading a walk on 24th November? A gap has arisen  in the program  on that date. Sunday preferred that week-end if possible,   Please let me know if you can fill this slot. The Strider deadline is end of May but I only…
 
Hello everyone Apologies if you receive this twice.   For some reason my original email wasn't distributed properly this lunchtime   Summer 2016 walks programme. I know it always seems hard to believe, but I'm starting to think about the Summer 2016 (i.e. 1 May to 31 August) walks programme…
Dear all We've got . To find out more There's also some more info about the event, at . the bottom if this email. Title...Detail...........   Now - let's turn to our social walks programme Finally - a quick plea from our sponsors... We have been getting feedback that these weekly emails don't…
A Scandal, a Fat Duck, the Olympics, a Castle and a School Sat 16th Aug 2014 Event Details: Event Type: Group Walk Region: Southern England Local Group: London Distance: 25ml. Start Time: 09.10 Route: Start Maidenhead stn. Dep 08.27 train from London Paddington arrives Maidenhead…
 
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Attached are HTML codes to embed photos as images not links, and to embed coloured text (switch to HTML view to copy into any new email) Adam Dawson 11 Dec 2016   Here's a nice table, too: LDWA London Table Title Text can go in here about forthcoming activities, etc.  Using tables is a good way…
 
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Attached are HTML codes to embed photos as images not links, and to embed coloured text (switch to HTML view to copy into any new email) Adam Dawson 11 Dec 2016   Here's a nice table, too: LDWA London Table Title Text can go in here about forthcoming activities, etc.  Using tables is a good way…