Latest weekly update Monday 18th December


 
 

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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!

Easter eggs in grass

NOTICES

1: New member

Welcome to our new Associate Member Hayley Sengebusch

2: AGM

As announced by Minna last week, this will be on Wednesday February 21 2024 at 18.30. I'm pleased to say that volunteers have come forward for the roles of Secretary and Walks Secretary, but the other posts which are currently vacant still await somebody to fill them.

3: First local Challenge Events of 2024

If Susanne's New Year's Day isn't challenging or muddy enough for you I can recommend the Surrey Inns Kanter, organised by our neighbours in Surrey. Navigate your way around either a 12- or 20-mile circuit. Having done the last few it's become my favouruite way to start my year's walking (sorry Susanne!) If you're interested you can find out more at https://ldwa.org.uk/Surrey/W/9206/surrey-inns-kanter-2024.html.

 

Forthcoming Walks

In the next two weeks we have several walks laid on...

Winter Solstice Walk

Thu 21st Dec 2023

Distance
13ml.
Start Time
10:30
Route
Wimbledon Station (main concourse & ticket office)

Route: Wimbledon Common, Richmond Park, Kingston, River Thames, Ham Common, Richmond Park to Richmond Hill, & Richmond

General Notes
Christmas lunch at The King Tun, Kingston, Wetherspoons. The focal point of the walk is sunset on the official shortest day of the year which we will experience at the iconic viewing point, Richmond Hill & in The Roebuck PH. for drinks. Walk ends at Richmond Station
Contact
Keith Lane Tel: 07843 020525
Start
Finish
 

"Walking North from Gatwick” Linear

Sat 23rd Dec 2023

Distance
18ml.
Start Time
08.49 (8.16 from Victoria, 8.23 Clapham Junction 8.34 East Croydon)
Route
Meet at Gatwick Airport station. From the train platform at Gatwick, go up the escalator through the barriers & find the large group of self-service ticket machines close to signs saying Platforms 1 and 2. (Please inform leader if coming by aeroplane!)

A footpath starts at the station (yes! Really it does) & soon into woodland far from the madding crowd. Across commons & parks to Reigate where there is a shorter walk option. Up & over the Downs with more commons to conclude. Mostly good firm tracks & only a few muddy places unless there is a long period of very heavy rain. Finish at Belmont for local buses and trains

General Notes
Average pace of 2.5 miles per hour. Buy returns to Gatwick. Bring a torch, food & drink, picnic stops only, woodland facilities. Very helpful but not essential to send your name & membership number in advance in case there are last minute changes to arrangements. Text or WhatsApp walk leader
Contact
Jerome Ripp Tel: 07470196890
Start
Finish
 

Walking Out the Year

Sat 30th Dec 2023

Distance
18ml.
Start Time
08.48
Route
Meet at Brent Cross West, the new station on Thameslink (not Brent Cross underground station). Take the 08.33 from St.Pancras International. Allow 10 minutes at St Pancras if changing from underground to mainline)

A brief tour of the development around Brent Cross town, a short section of Capital Ring, a large section of the Dollis Valley Greenwalk, then London Loop and exploration of Potters Bar if time and knees allow. We are never far from bus routes, tube and train lines so possible to leave or join at many places such as Mill Hill east, Woodside Park, High Barnet. Finish at Potters Bar aiming for the 16.14 train. Many good firm tracks, some squidgy muddy sections

General Notes
Average pace of 2.5 miles per hour. Bring a torch, food & drink, picnic stops only, woodland facilities. Very helpful but not essential to send your name & membership number in advance in case there are last minute changes to arrangements. Text or WhatsApp walk leader
Contact
Jerome Ripp Tel: 07470196890
Start
Finish
 

New Year Hangover Buster: Camden from Toe to Top

Mon 1st Jan 2024

Distance
11ml.
Start Time
11:00
Route
Meet at Tottenham Court Road Underground (Charing Cross Road Exit 4 Top of Escalators)

Start the New Year on this varied and informative walk. Many famous people have chosen Camden as their home, at least those that can afford it. With its big parks and some of the most attractive corners of London it is not hard to see why. This walk will explore the lesser known parts of this very diverse borough. Finish at Parliament Hill/Archway Underground

General Notes
This will be a gentle introduction to the walking New Year. Note late start and shorter distance. Easy pace. Of course there will a quiz to stretch your minds as well as your legs. Lunch TBA. Assistance dogs only please. All genders, ethnicities, social backgrounds, foot sizes etc welcome. As many cafes, pubs, shops may be closed do bring a sandwich
Contact
Susanne Waldschmidt
Start
Finish

 

This Week's Walks

Ron's final evening walk of the year took in the City at Night

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I don't think I need to say what this is

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Pretty obvious what is is a photo of as well
Photos: Pete Colley

 

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Enjoying the illuminations in Exchange Square

 

Saturday saw a sunrise-to sunset walk along the Thames, crossing every bridge with a footbridge en route.

We managed to cross 21 in total and congratulations to the group which managed to get in over 23 miles in 

daylight at this time of year.

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I'm sure you can work out which bridge this was taken from

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En-force-ing Christmas Cheer in Barnes

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Happy there's only one more bridge to go as we pass Syon House

 

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The final bridge at Richmond Lock
Photos: Gavin Fuller

 

London LDWA - www.ldwa.org.uk/London