Forest Ramblers

Programme suspended
2020-07-23 11:23 - 16:50 (Europe/London) | Chessington South station, London, KT9 2JT, United Kingdom
Programme suspended until further notice due to coronavirus restrictions.

Chessington South circular.
Ramble 3377.
Meet: Chessington South station 11.23.
Distance: 7.6 miles .
Lunch: The Shy Horse, 423 Leatherhead Road, Chessington, Surrey KT9 2NQ (GR: TQ171612) at 13.00.
Travel: London Waterloo station SW trains 10.47, Vauxhall 10.51, Clapham Junction 10.56, Wimbledon 11.03, Return trains 16.38 or 17.08 (half hourly service), Waterloo 17.16 or 17.47. Within Freedom Pass boundary.
Contact: Laurie 07811 588 988 (on the day)
Near the World of Adventures – a country walk in Surrey. A pleasant walk with few hills that take in part of the Thames Down Link. Travel west from the station, crossing the A243, then south skirting the World of Adventures park, through Chessington Wood, over Rushett Lane then Rushett Farm and back a short way to the pub for lunch. The morning walk is 3 miles. After lunch walk up to Epsom Common and West Park Farm along the Thames Down Link to Horton Country Park, then head NW to Chessington South Station. No convenient dropout points , although those wishing a shorter walk can take a bus from near the pub at lunchtime back to the station.

Programme suspended
2020-07-09 11:45 - 16:45 (Europe/London) | Bourne End station, SL8 5QE
Programme suspended until further notice due to coronavirus restrictions.

Bourne End (Bucks) circular.
Ramble 3376.
Meet: Bourne End station 11.45.
Distance: 7.25 miles.
Lunch: The Jolly Farmer, Church Road, Cookham Dean SL6 9PD (GR SU851871) 1.45pm.
Travel: Thames Link London Paddington 10.56. Change at Maidenhead station for departure 11.37 to Bourne End. Return Bourne End 16.11, 17.29. 18.00, 18.35. Freedom Pass boundary West Drayton.
Contact: Gould 07985 687800.
Thames Valley Splendour. A lovely walk taking in gorgeous views of the Thames, through the old town of Cookham then a steady uphill climb with excellent views of the Thames valley to lunch at Cookham Dean. Morning walk 3.25 miles. Then we head through the famous Copas Turkey Farm then onwards to the boundary of the ancient Quarry Wood and then taking in some more beautiful views before dropping down through Winter Hill to Cock Marsh, passing some ancient Anglo Saxon burial mounds. Then back to Bourne End Station.

Programme suspended
2020-06-25 11:38 - 16:30 UTC | Hurst Green station, RH8 0JL
Programme suspended until further notice due to coronavirus restrictions.

Hurst Green Circular via Limpsfield.
Ramble 3376.
Meet: Hurst Green station, Surrey RH8 0JL 11.38.
Distance: 7.5 miles.
Lunch: Carpenter’s Arms, Tally Road, Limpsfield Chart, RH8 0TG (GR TQ424519) 12.45.
Travel: Southern Rail from London Victoria 10.50, Clapham Junction 10.57, East Croydon 11.10 or Thameslink from London Bridge 11.07.
Freedom Pass boundary Upper Warlingham.
Return trains 16.20, 16.50 (Victoria), 17.16 (London Bridge).
Contact: Linda 07879 335445 (mobile) or Tony 07823 557285 (mobile)
An attractive circular route close to the Kent border following a mixture of woodland common paths, quiet lanes and field paths, including parts of the Greensand Way and later joining a section of the Vanguard Way. We walk for about 2.5 miles before lunch crossing Limpsfield Common to the Carpenter’s Arms. There are a few descents and a couple of steep climbs through areas of woodland but only two stiles.

Programme suspended
2020-06-11 10:50 - 16:10 UTC | Redhill station, RH1 1RB, United Kingdom
Programme suspended until further notice due to coronavirus restrictions.

Redhill circular.
Ramble 3375.
Meet: Redhill Station (Surrey) 10.50.
Distance: 6 miles.
Lunch: Inn on the Pond, Nutfield Marsh Road, Redhill RH1 4EU (GR TQ 301517) 12.45.
Travel: Southern Rail London Victoria 10.09, Clapham Junction 10.15, East Croydon 10.26, Purley 10.33, Coulsdon South 10.38, Merstham 10.44. 6 return trains to London Victoria from Redhill between 16.11 and 17.00. Freedom Pass boundary Coulsdon South.
Contact: Richard S 07887 556311 and Linda S 07740 876891 on day only.
This is a fairly flat walk with no stiles. 3 miles in the morning and the same distance in the afternoon. There is a short section along a road. The route goes through Mercers Country Park and surrounding wetland nature reserves. In addition to various water birds we should see some dragonflies and damselflies. Binoculars may be useful.

Programme suspended
2020-05-28 11:06 - 16:45 (Europe/London) | Richmond station, London, TW9 2NA, United Kingdom
Programme suspended until further notice due to coronavirus restrictions.

Richmond to Twickenham linear.
Ramble 3373.
Meet: Richmond station 11.06.
Distance: 7.4 miles.
Lunch: The White Cross, Riverside, Richmond TW9 1TH (GR TQ177740) 13.15.
Travel: London Waterloo station (SW Railway) 10.50, Clapham Junction 10.58. Or London Overground or Underground District Line to Richmond station. Return trains from Twickenham station every few minutes. Within Freedom Pass boundary.
Contact: Malcolm 07990 572 191 on day.
The Great Trees of London (West). A picturesque and interesting walk taking in six of the Great Trees, plus Richmond, Richmond Park, both banks of the River Thames, and a famous riverside pub for lunch. Mostly flat and off road, but good surfaces.
Our route: Richmond station, back streets to Cambrian Gate and into Richmond Park (750yr old Royal Oak), Back to join Thames Path (the Riverside Plane, tallest in London). Pub by Thames path. Morning 3.5 miles. Then two more Great Trees, both replete with history and quirkiness, by Richmond Green. Cross river to join Thames Path northern bank to Marble Hill Park (outstanding Marble Hill Black Walnut). Short hop to York House Gardens (York House Cut Leaf Beech, magnificently overhanging the river). Final stop Eel Pie Island, famous for hosting rock superstars in the 1960s.

Programme suspended
2020-05-14 11:53 - 16:30 UTC | Cowden station, TN8 7DS
Programme suspended until further notice due to coronavirus restrictions.

Cowden Circular.
Ramble: 3372.

Meet: Cowden station (TN8 7BS) 11.53

Distance: 6 miles

Lunch: The Rock, Hoath Corner, Chiddingstone Heath, Edenbridge TN8 7BS (GR TQ497433) 14.00

Travel: London Bridge 11.07, East Croydon 11.21 (return 18.00 hourly service) Freedom Pass boundary Upper Warlingham

Contact: Rosemary 07486 081775 on day.
A real country walk on the Kent / Sussex borders with good views although a number of stiles, most of them after lunch. Slightly undulating at times and could be muddy. Poles would be useful if you use them. About 3 miles before lunch where there is no drop out unless ordering a taxi from the very quirky pub.

Programme suspended
2020-04-30 11:10 - 16:15 (Europe/London) | Godstone station, RH9 8EU, United Kingdom
Programme suspended until further notice due to coronavirus restrictions.

Godstone to Nutfield linear
Ramble 3371.
Meet: Godstone station 11.10.
Distance: 6 miles.
Lunch: The Whyte Harte, Bletchingley, RH1 4PB (GR TQ326507), 13.15.
Travel: Change at Redhill. St Pancras 10.05, East Croydon 10.37, Redhill 10.52 or Victoria 10.09. Return approx. 16.15 from Nutfield (every half hour). Freedom Pass boundary South Coulsdon. Buy return ticket to Godstone.
Contact: Brenda 07731 781 283 or Andy 07917 844 501 on day only.
A typical undulating countryside walk through fields and woods, for much of the way alongside the Greensand Way. Approx. 3.5 miles to lunch stop at Bletchingley, which is a possible drop out point. Most stiles have been replaced by kissing gates.

Programme suspended
2020-04-23 11:00 - 16:30 (Europe/London) | Hanwell station, W7 3EB, United Kingdom
Programme suspended until further notice due to coronavirus restrictions.

Hanwell to Kew Bridge linear.
Ramble 3370.
Further details soon.

Programme suspended
2020-04-09 11:15 - 16:30 UTC | Hornchurch station, RM126LS
Programme suspended until further notice due to coronavirus restrictions.

Hornchurch (Essex) circular
Ramble 3369.
Meet: Hornchurch station, RM12 6LL at 11:15.
Distance: 6 miles.
Lunch: The Albion, Rainham Road RM13 8SS GR:(TQ521827) at 13.00 (3 miles).
Travel: Recommended quickest route via Upminster C2C train Fenchurch Street 10.41,
West Ham (Jubilee, District, Hammersmith & City, DLR) 10.50,
Barking (District, Hammersmith & City, London Overground) 10.55,
Arrive Upminster 11.03. Then District Line to Hornchurch (2 stops back).
Hornchurch is on the District Line.
Return: Frequent trains from Hornchurch and Upminster.
Within Freedom Pass zone.
Contact: Marjorie 07910 263293.
This is a walk on good paths through the Ingrebourne Valley Nature Reserve and
Hornchurch Country Park and incorporates the artefacts and relics of RAF Hornchurch.
There is an information centre managed by the Essex Wildlife Trust with café and toilets
on the route in both directions.

Programme suspended
2020-03-26 12:04 - 16:30 (Europe/London) | Gomshall station, Gomshall, Surrey, GU5 9LF, United Kingdom
Programme suspended until further notice due to coronavirus restrictions.

Gomshall (Surrey) circular
Ramble 3368.
Meet: Gomshall station 12.04.
Distance: 5.5 miles.
Lunch: The Abinger Hatch, Abinger Lane, Abinger Common, Dorking RH5 6HZ (GR TQ115459) 13.45.
Travel: London Waterloo station 11.00, change at Guildford 11.49 to Gomshall from Platform 8. Alternatively London Waterloo 10.45, Clapham Junction 10.52, Woking 11.12, change for Guildford train. Return 16.52, 17.06. Freedom Pass boundary Surbiton.
Contact: Rosemary 07486 081775 on day.
A delightful walk deep in the Surrey countryside, slightly undulating in the morning and with far reaching views after lunch. About 3 miles before lunch.

Marlow circular via Hurley
2020-03-12 11:57 - 16:45 (Europe/London) | Marlow station, Marlow, SL7 1AQ, United Kingdom
Ramble 3367.
Meet: Marlow station 11.57.
Distance: 7 miles.
Lunch: The Rising Sun, High Street, Hurley SL6 5LT (GR SU826834) 13.50.
Travel: Paddington station 10.56 (change at Maidenhead for Marlow train). Return trains 16.05, 17,17, 17.47, Marlow18.17, 18.47. Freedom Pass boundary West Drayton.
Contact: Gould 07985 687800 on day.
This is a Chilterns Thames Valley flat walk from the picturesque town of Marlow along the Thames to the historic village of Hurley, returning to Marlow by a different route to take in the pleasant views.

Brentwood to Harold Wood linear
2020-02-27 11:27 - 16:30 (Europe/London) | Brentwood station, Brentwood, Essex, CM14 4EW, United Kingdom
Ramble 3366.
Meet: Brentwood station, Essex 11.27.
Distance: 6.5 miles.
Lunch: Thatcher’s Arms, Great Warley, CM13 3HU (GR TQ583907) 13.15.
Travel: London Liverpool Street 10.50, Stratford, 10.57 (Shenfield line). Return trains from Harold Wood, on same line, every 10 mins. All within Freedom Pass boundary.
Contact: Linda 07879 335445 or Tony 07823 557285.
A good walk in the country. After leaving Brentwood we follow footpaths through wooded areas to visit Warley Place Nature Reserve, where there should be a good display of Spring flowers, and on to the lunchtime pub. Possible drop-out point at lunch taking a bus or taxi on 10 min journey back to Brentwood station. After lunch we cross over the M25 and continue through commons, fields and back lanes to Harold Wood.

Annual General Meeting
2020-02-20 11:20 - 16:00 (Europe/London) | The Crown, Blackheath, London, SE3 0BS, United Kingdom
Ramble 3365.
AGM location: The Crown, 49 Tranquil Vale, Blackheath SE3 0BS (GR TQ395761).
Meet: Greenwich station 11.20 (Network Rail and DLR Booking Office).
Distance 1.5 miles.
Alternatively, go directly to the pub from Blackheath station, to arrive by 12.45.

Moorgate to Liverpool Street linear
2020-02-13 11:00 - 16:30 (Europe/London) | Moorgate station, London, EC2Y 9AG, United Kingdom
Ramble 3364.
Meet: Moorgate station, exit east Moorgate 11.00.
Distance: 5.5 miles.
Lunch: The Founder’s Arms, 52 Hopton Street, Bankside SE1 9JH (GR TQ318805) 13.15.
Travel: Underground and Network Rail. Within Freedom Pass boundary.
Contact: Richard MY 07930 338571 on day.
A City of London walk following a zig-zag route, encompassing the Roman remains on London Wall, Guildhall, the Bank of England, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and Cheapside, followed by a hop across the Thames for lunch. In the afternoon the walk proceeds through Borough Market and then back across the river to Fenchurch Street (Walkie-Talkie building) and then Spitalfields market and Liverpool Street station.

Merstham circular
2020-01-30 11:15 - 16:45 UTC | Merstham Station, RH1 3ED
Ramble 3363.
Meet Merstham station 11.15.
Distance: 6 miles.
Lunch: Inn on the Pond, Nutfield March Road, Redhill RH1 4EU (GR TQ301517) 12.45.
Travel: Victoria 10.39, Clapham Junction 10.46, East Croydon 10.57, Coulsdon South 11.08. Half-hourly service from Victoria station and other trains available requiring a change at East Croydon. Return trains to London Victoria 15 & 45 mins past the hour. Freedom Pass boundary Coulsdon South.
Contact: Richard S 07887 556311 or Linda S 07740 876891 on day.
The walk is relatively flat (apart from down a hill from the station), with few stiles, and takes in Mercer Country Park and three quarry pits now filled with water.

Victoria to Clapham South linear
2020-01-23 10:45 - 13:45 (Europe/London) | Victoria station, London, SW1W 9SJ
Ramble 3362.
Meet: Victoria station (by platforms 12/13) 10.45.
Distance: 7 miles.
Lunch: The Avalon, 16 Balham Hill, Clapham South, Balham SW12 9EB (GR TQ287740) 13.45.
Travel: Victoria station (London Underground and Network Rail) and Clapham South station (London Underground Northern Line) both within Freedom Pass boundary.
Contact: Andy 07917 844501 on day.
The walk is the sixth in the series from the “Do Not Alight Here” book, and explores the remains of railway stations that spread south from Victoria. It encompasses four of London’s deep level shelters. The walk ends at lunchtime at Clapham South at just before 14.00.

Vauxhall to Chalk Farm linear
2020-01-09 11:15 - 16:15 (Europe/London) | Vauxhall station, London, SW8 2LR
Ramble 3361.
Meet: Vauxhall Underground station (Exit 1 Vauxhall Bridge Road) 11.15.
Distance: 4.5 miles.
Lunch: Coach & Horses, Bruton Street, London W1J 6PT (GR TQ298807) 13.00.
Travel: London Underground Victoria Line and Network Rail. Within Freedom Pass boundary.
Contact: Christine 07789 567653, Peter 07528 716569 on day.
The Tyburn River Walk. The ramble follows the course of the Tyburn from its outfall at the Thames towards its rise, via Pimlico, Buckingham Palace, Green Park, Mayfair. Regent’s Park, finishing at Chalk Farm Underground station (Northern Line). Many undulations of the river’s route can be seen along the way.

Christmas pub walk
2019-12-19 11:00 - 19:00 (Europe/London) | The Shipwrights Arms, 88 Tooley Street, London, SE1 2TF, United Kingdom
Meet: The Shipwrights Arms, 88 Tooley Street SE1 2TF
Distance: 4 miles.
Travel: At London Bridge station, take the Tooley Street exit and turn right. The Shipwrights Arms is a 5 minute walk from the station.
Lunch: The Salt Quay, 163 Rotherhithe Street SE16 5QU 13.30.
Contact: Malcolm 07990 572191 on day.
This seasonal pub walk broadly follows the popular route chosen for two earlier walks, but with a new lunchtime pub and additional pubs to be chosen from the list below. Those joining us at lunch are advised to take the London Overground line to Rotherhithe, and then enjoy a 5-minute stroll to lunch.
In chronological order, the full pubs list is: The Shipwrights Arms; The Draft House; The Angel; The Ship; The Salt Quay; The Blacksmith’s Arms; The Ship and Whale (Thursday Steak Night); The Surrey Dock (Wetherspoons Curry Night), before finishing at Surrey Quays station. We aim to visit most but not all! There are several drop-out points along the way.

Theydon Bois circular
2019-12-12 11:15 - 16:00 UTC | Theydon Bois LU station, CM16 7EU, United Kingdom
Ramble 3360.
Meet: Theydon Bois station 11.15.
Distance: 6 miles.
Lunch: Forest Gate Inn, Bell Common, Epping CM16 4DZ (GR TL451012) 12.30.
Travel: Central Line (Epping Branch). Approximate tube times to Theydon Bois from Oxford St 45 mins, from Liverpool Street 35 mins, from Stratford 25 mins. Within Freedom Pass boundary.
Contact: Marjorie 07910 263293 on day.
The walk follows the Epping Forest Oak Trail. The morning walk of 2 miles is across fields rising steadily to Bell Common and the lunch stop. After lunch we follow an undulating good path through Epping Forest back to Theydon Bois, passing the deer sanctuary. There is a drop-out point at Epping (lunch) and in the afternoon the route can be shortened by 2 miles on an easy path back to Theydon Bois station.

Epping Forest Circular
2019-11-28 11:00 - 16:30 (Europe/London) | Chingford station, E4 6AL
Ramble 3359.
Meet : Chingford Rail station E4 6AL at 11:02.
Distance: 6 miles.
Lunch : Kings Oak Hotel, High Beach, Loughton IG10 4AE (GR TQ411981) 12.45.
Travel : Liverpool Street station (London Overground) 10:33, Walthamstow Central 10:48.
Within Freedom Pass boundary.
Contact : (on the day) David M. 07929 075 722

Elephant & Castle to Vauxhall Linear
2019-11-14 11:00 - 16:00 UTC | Elephant & Castle station, SE1 6LW
Ramble 3358
Meet : Elephant & Castle Station SE1 6LW (Shopping Centre upstairs at entrance/exit – Cafe and Toilets area) at 11:00.
Distance : 6 miles.
Lunch : The White Bear, 138 Kennington Park Road, SE11 4DJ (GR TQ314781) at 13:00.
Travel : Elephant & Castle is on the Bakerloo and Northern underground lines.
Contact on the day Cathy P. 07717 220 013

Rotherhithe to New Cross Linear
2019-10-31 11:00 - 16:30 UTC | Rotherhithe station, SE10 4LD
Ramble 3357
Meet : Rotherhithe Station at 11:00. Distance : 3.5 miles.
Lunch : Moby Dick, Greenland Dock, Surrey Quays SE16 7PL (GR TQ3627920 at 13:15.
Travel : Overground, West Croydon to Islington Branch (every 15mins)
Within Freedom Pass boundary.
Contact (on the day) Brenda 07731 781 283 or Andy 07917 844 501.

Tattenham Corner Circular
2019-10-24 11:42 - 16:30 UTC | Tattenham Corner station, KT18 5QD
Ramble 3356.
Meet : Tattenham Corner Station KT18 5QD at 11:42. Distance : 5.5 miles.
Lunch : The Blue Ball, Deans Lane, Walton-on-the Hill, Surrey KT12 7UE (GR TQ228554) at 13:15.
Travel : London Bridge 10:47, East Croydon 11:01.
Within Freedom Pass boundary.
Contact (on the day) Rosemary 07486 081775.

Burnham-on-Crouch Circular
2019-10-10 11:21 - 17:00 UTC | Burnham-on-Crouch station, CM20 8BQ
Ramble # 3355
Meet : Burnham-on-Crouch Station (CM0 8BQ) at 11:21.
Distance 6 miles.
Lunch : The White Harte, Burnham-on-Crouch, CM20 8AS (GR TQ949959) at 12:15.
Travel ; Liverpool Street 10:13 change at Wickford 10:56 to arrive at Burnham at 11:21
Return journey Dep. BoC at 17:00 to arrive Liverpool Street 18:10.
Contact (on the day) Pierre 07739 142 508

The Wandle Trail : East Croydon to Morden Linear
2019-09-26 11:15 - 17:00 UTC | East Croydon station, CR0 1LF
Ramble 3354.
Meet : East Croydon Station at 11:15. Distance : 6 miles.
Lunch : The Greyhound Hotel, High Street, Carshalton SM5 3PE (GR TQ 279645) at 13:00.
Travel : Victoria 10:55, Clapham Jcn 11:01 OR London Bridge 11:00.
Return from Morden Tube or Phipps Bridge Tram Stop.
Within Freedom Pass boundary. Several dropout points.
Contact on day : Christine 07789 567 653 or Peter C. 07528 716 569.
We follow the River Wandle via Wandle Park, Waddon Ponds, Beddington Park,
Watermeads and Ravensbury Park to Morden Hall Park (NT cafe)

Sole Street Circular
2019-09-12 11:31 - 16:30 UTC | Sole Street Station, DA13 0XY
Ramble 3353.
Meet : Sole Street Station at 11:31. Distance : 7 miles
Lunch : The Ship Inn, The Street, Cobham DA12 3BN (GR TQ673684) at 13:00.
Travel : Victoria Station 10:42 (NB Hourly service NOT calling at Clapham Jcn)
Freedom Pass boundary : Swanley
Contact (on the day) : Christine 07789 567 653 or Peter 07528 716 569

Chingford Circular
2019-08-29 11:15 - 16:30 UTC | Chingford station, E4 6AL
Ramble 3352
Meet : Chingford Station E4 6AL at 11:15. Distance : 8 miles.
Lunch : Kings Oak, High Beach, IG10 4AE (GR TQ411981) at 13:45
Travel : Liverpool Street 10:48
Within Freedom Pass boundary.
Contact on day : Marjorie 07910 263 293

St Margaret`s (Herts) Circular
2019-08-22 11:21 - 16:30 UTC | St Margarets station (Herts), Station Road Stanstead Abbots Hertfordshire, SG12 8DS
Ramble 3351.
Meet : St Margaret`s Station SG12 8DS at 11:21. Distance : 7.5 miles.
Lunch : Chequers Inn, Wareside, Herts SG12 7QY (GR TL394156) at 13:30.
Travel : Liverpool Street 10:42, Hackney Downs 10:48, Tottenham Hale 10:55.
Return trains at 17 and 47 minutes past the hour.
Freedom Pass boundary : Enfield Lock.
Contact on the day : Tony 07823 557 285 or Linda 07879 335 445

Wimbledon (Common) Circular
2019-08-08 11:15 - 16:30 UTC | Wimbledon station, SW19 7NL
Ramble 3350. Meet : Wimbledon Station SW19 7NL at 11:15. Distance : 7 miles.
Lunch : Green Man , Wildcroft Road, Putney Heath, SW15 3NG (GR TQ235742) at 13:00.
Travel : Waterloo 10:54, Clapham Jcn 11:02 (or District Line)
Within Freedom Pass boundary
Contact (on the day) Ann C. 07948 500 518

Henley-on-Thames Circular
2019-07-25 11:50 - 16:30 UTC | Henley-on-Thames station, RG9 1AY
Ramble 3349. Meet : Henley-on-Thames Station RG9 1AY at 11:50. Distance : 7 miles.
Lunch : Stag & Huntsman, Hambleden RG9 6RP (GR SU784866) at 13:30.
Travel : Paddington 10:42 (change at Twyford 11:34) Return trains 16:23, 17:05, 17:38.
Freedom Pass boundary : West Drayton.
Contact on the day : Gould 07985 687 800
