Tunbridge Wells circular walk, 10 miles

Saturday 27th April  : 

The eagle-eyed amongst you will spot that this walk is now advertised as approx 10miles, as I'm including a loop through a bluebell wood.

Join  me for this circular walk from Tunbridge Wells.  We’ll start by walking across the Common towards the villages of Rusthall and Langton Green, before dropping down to Groombridge. The pretty village green here will be our picnic spot, conveniently outside the Crown pub.

The afternoon takes us past Groombridge Place to follow the river Grom  and the Kent/Sussex border back towards Tunbridge Wells. This high weald landscape is studded with rock outcrops and we’ll be passing High Rocks and Toad Rock during the walk. There’s also the chance to spot a steam train on the Spa Valley Railway.

Please bring a picnic lunch, water and suitable clothing for whatever the weather is doing.

 Let me know if you’d like to be co-leader on this walk and I can send you the route for whichever App/map you choose, or give you the map on the day.

 The walk will start from Tunbridge Wells station at 10.35am.

The suggested train is the 9.38 from Charing Cross  (Waterloo East9.41, London Bridge 9.47)   arriving at Tunbridge Wells at 10.32.

Please meet outside the exit of Tunbridge Wells station that’s on the same side the train arrives from London, though I will check the other exit too.  I will meet you at TW station.   Return trains to London are half-hourly.

 Looking forward to walking with you.  Helen R 

Cycle ride: Essex countryside and pretty villages Elsenham to Audley End 25 miles

We cycle out of Elsenham through Henham and stop at the pretty village of Thaxted 'one of Britain's most attractive and well preserved small towns. Its superb medieval buildings and quaint streets, many of which still bear ancient descriptive names' https://www.visitessex.com/towns-and-villages/thaxted-p1343321 for lunch possibly at Parrishes https://www.facebook.com/Parrishes-Thaxted-2243867045837754/ if we can get in.

Then on through beautiful Essex countryside past a former WW2 aerodrome into the market town of Saffron Walden and then finish at Audley End station where take the train home.
The distance is 25 miles with gentle terrain and mostly  on roads but some short sections on non-tarmac with good base and we will be cycling at a relaxed pace.  Hybrid recommended rather than a bike with skinny slick tyres.

With the opening of the cycle-friendly Elizabeth Line this ride is easily accessible to people from different parts of London!  

8 people (including myself) only on this ride.

CLOG members have already been sent booking details for this ride but if any prospective members would like to come it may be possible if there are spare spaces remaining.

Tring to Berkampstead 9.6 miles

You might like to join me on an undemanding  Chilterns walk. You can get
the details from the Saturday Walkers' Club and co lead it if you want.

The first part is along the Grand Union Canal, then through ancient
woodland and commons, and finishing in Berkhamsted station where some
may wish to head home whilst others might want to go to the characterful
Rising Sun pub which serves real ale.

The lunch stop will be for an hour at the Bridgewater Arms at Little
Gaddesden.

Pace will be relaxed.

Take the 10.24 train from Euston which arrives at tring at 11.01.


Dan

London Country Estate walk Danson House

see description

This is the next in my series of London country estate walks. Danson House and Park was created in the eighteenth century by a wealthy director of the East India Company.

All the accoutrements of an estate are there: grand Palladian mansion, stable block, Capability Brown landscape including lake, woodland, ice house….

On the approach to it we will also pass William Morris’s Red House.

About 4 miles, 2 hour walk. We will finish at a pub.

Meet at 6.30 at Bexleyheath station ticket office side. A train leaving Charing Cross at 5.49 and London Bridge at 5.57 should get there in time.

Chepstow Hostel Trip

We have booked the entire Green Man Backpackers Hostel in the heart of Chepstow (30 places.) Details to follow. 

Trips Team 

Chepstow Hostel Trip

We have booked the entire Green Man Backpackers Hostel in the heart of Chepstow (30 places.) Details to follow. 

Trips Team 

Haunted Shorne Marshes, Lost Hoo peninsular and mysterious Thames coast

Saturday 4th May Cycle ride:  Haunted Shorne Marshes, Lost Hoo peninsular and mysterious Thames coast 25 miles

We cycle out of Gravesend picking up the old canal through the haunted Shorne Marshes where we visit the remains of Shornemead fort.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shornemead_Fort. and then onto the lovely village of Cliffe with its beautiful and 19th century charnel house (for bodies found washed up in the marshes) and ancient church and take in the views across the marshes to the Thames. 

We cycle on to the beautiful olde-worlde village of Upper Upnor where will have lunch and also have a peek at Upnor Castle which is actually a fort https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Upnor_Castle.

After lunch we cross the river Medway and the Russian submarine and cycle along the coast (Gillingham Beach, Horrid Hill, Riverside Country Park) withs views of more forts.   Another option for a cafe stop before we pick up the train at Rainham (Kent).
We will probably have an early lunch at Cliffe or there is a nice pub at Upnor.
Expect some wide skies, birds, castles, old churches, nice pubs, Russian submarine and windswept marshes, as well as forts and ruins - doing some binoculars if you happen to have them.

With the opening of the cycle-friendly Elizabeth Line this ride is easily accessible to people from different parts of London!  

Always bring plenty of water on cycle rides!   Remember everyone is responsible for their own safety and road traffic awareness. Although the days are getting longer now you should still make sure you have your lights with you.  We are definitely planning to get to the station well before dark but there is always a risk of the unexpected (bring a spare inner tube).  Hi viz clothing is particularly important and putting lights well before sunset may be advisable.  Bring gloves in case of cold hands.

8 people (including myself) only on this ride.
If the weather forecast changes unexpectedly to bad I may decide to postpone this ride to another date.

CLOG members have already been sent booking details for this ride but if any prospective members would like to come it may be possible.  Email me on ykrsdkgg@duck.com

If you would like to come on this ride, email me: ykrsdkgg@duck.com and 

Chepstow Hostel Trip

We have booked the entire Green Man Backpackers Hostel in the heart of Chepstow (30 places.) Details to follow. 

Trips Team 

Chepstow Hostel Trip

We have booked the entire Green Man Backpackers Hostel in the heart of Chepstow (30 places.) Details to follow. 

Trips Team 

Chepstow Hostel Trip

We have booked the entire Green Man Backpackers Hostel in the heart of Chepstow (30 places.) Details to follow. 

Trips Team 

Committee meeting

Royal Oak SE1

Monthly meeting.

All members are welcome to attend committee meetings.  Alternatively please contact the Secretary (secretary.clog@membermojo.co.uk) or the Chair (chair.clog@membermojo .co.uk) if there is any matter you would like to raise with the committee.

Bavaria Cycling Trip

This cycling trip combines a mixture of beautiful scenery and cultural experiences.  We start in the Bavarian capital of Munich with its historic sights, beautiful gardens, neo-gothic town hall (with its famous carillon).  Then we take to our bikes and discover some of the rest of Bavaria with a mixture of historic towns ,(Murnau, Garmish-Partenkirchen, Bad Tolz), the Tegernsee, wild valleys  and vistas of green alpine meadows.  
May is the best time to visit as the weather should be just right for cycling and the scenery should be amazing with all the spring alpine flowers.

See email for more detail and how to book

Bavaria Cycling Trip

This cycling trip combines a mixture of beautiful scenery and cultural experiences.  We start in the Bavarian capital of Munich with its historic sights, beautiful gardens, neo-gothic town hall (with its famous carillon).  Then we take to our bikes and discover some of the rest of Bavaria with a mixture of historic towns ,(Murnau, Garmish-Partenkirchen, Bad Tolz), the Tegernsee, wild valleys  and vistas of green alpine meadows.  
May is the best time to visit as the weather should be just right for cycling and the scenery should be amazing with all the spring alpine flowers.

See email for more detail and how to book

Cycle ride Oxted to Merstham

Meet at Oxted station near Wetherspoons 11 am; finish Merstham station around 4-5 pm. About 30 miles via Old Oxted and Godstone, some short off-road sections. More details on Clog email. Hazel

Bavaria Cycling Trip

This cycling trip combines a mixture of beautiful scenery and cultural experiences.  We start in the Bavarian capital of Munich with its historic sights, beautiful gardens, neo-gothic town hall (with its famous carillon).  Then we take to our bikes and discover some of the rest of Bavaria with a mixture of historic towns ,(Murnau, Garmish-Partenkirchen, Bad Tolz), the Tegernsee, wild valleys  and vistas of green alpine meadows.  
May is the best time to visit as the weather should be just right for cycling and the scenery should be amazing with all the spring alpine flowers.

See email for more detail and how to book

Bow History Walk

Bromley by Bow station

3 mile walk, Bow History

Bavaria Cycling Trip

This cycling trip combines a mixture of beautiful scenery and cultural experiences.  We start in the Bavarian capital of Munich with its historic sights, beautiful gardens, neo-gothic town hall (with its famous carillon).  Then we take to our bikes and discover some of the rest of Bavaria with a mixture of historic towns ,(Murnau, Garmish-Partenkirchen, Bad Tolz), the Tegernsee, wild valleys  and vistas of green alpine meadows.  
May is the best time to visit as the weather should be just right for cycling and the scenery should be amazing with all the spring alpine flowers.

See email for more detail and how to book

Bavaria Cycling Trip

This cycling trip combines a mixture of beautiful scenery and cultural experiences.  We start in the Bavarian capital of Munich with its historic sights, beautiful gardens, neo-gothic town hall (with its famous carillon).  Then we take to our bikes and discover some of the rest of Bavaria with a mixture of historic towns ,(Murnau, Garmish-Partenkirchen, Bad Tolz), the Tegernsee, wild valleys  and vistas of green alpine meadows.  
May is the best time to visit as the weather should be just right for cycling and the scenery should be amazing with all the spring alpine flowers.

See email for more detail and how to book

Bavaria Cycling Trip

This cycling trip combines a mixture of beautiful scenery and cultural experiences.  We start in the Bavarian capital of Munich with its historic sights, beautiful gardens, neo-gothic town hall (with its famous carillon).  Then we take to our bikes and discover some of the rest of Bavaria with a mixture of historic towns ,(Murnau, Garmish-Partenkirchen, Bad Tolz), the Tegernsee, wild valleys  and vistas of green alpine meadows.  
May is the best time to visit as the weather should be just right for cycling and the scenery should be amazing with all the spring alpine flowers.

See email for more detail and how to book

Bavaria Cycling Trip

This cycling trip combines a mixture of beautiful scenery and cultural experiences.  We start in the Bavarian capital of Munich with its historic sights, beautiful gardens, neo-gothic town hall (with its famous carillon).  Then we take to our bikes and discover some of the rest of Bavaria with a mixture of historic towns ,(Murnau, Garmish-Partenkirchen, Bad Tolz), the Tegernsee, wild valleys  and vistas of green alpine meadows.  
May is the best time to visit as the weather should be just right for cycling and the scenery should be amazing with all the spring alpine flowers.

See email for more detail and how to book

Trips Team

Trips Team meeting

Bavaria Cycling Trip

This cycling trip combines a mixture of beautiful scenery and cultural experiences.  We start in the Bavarian capital of Munich with its historic sights, beautiful gardens, neo-gothic town hall (with its famous carillon).  Then we take to our bikes and discover some of the rest of Bavaria with a mixture of historic towns ,(Murnau, Garmish-Partenkirchen, Bad Tolz), the Tegernsee, wild valleys  and vistas of green alpine meadows.  
May is the best time to visit as the weather should be just right for cycling and the scenery should be amazing with all the spring alpine flowers.

See email for more detail and how to book

Bavaria Cycling Trip

This cycling trip combines a mixture of beautiful scenery and cultural experiences.  We start in the Bavarian capital of Munich with its historic sights, beautiful gardens, neo-gothic town hall (with its famous carillon).  Then we take to our bikes and discover some of the rest of Bavaria with a mixture of historic towns ,(Murnau, Garmish-Partenkirchen, Bad Tolz), the Tegernsee, wild valleys  and vistas of green alpine meadows.  
May is the best time to visit as the weather should be just right for cycling and the scenery should be amazing with all the spring alpine flowers.

See email for more detail and how to book

Bavaria Cycling Trip

This cycling trip combines a mixture of beautiful scenery and cultural experiences.  We start in the Bavarian capital of Munich with its historic sights, beautiful gardens, neo-gothic town hall (with its famous carillon).  Then we take to our bikes and discover some of the rest of Bavaria with a mixture of historic towns ,(Murnau, Garmish-Partenkirchen, Bad Tolz), the Tegernsee, wild valleys  and vistas of green alpine meadows.  
May is the best time to visit as the weather should be just right for cycling and the scenery should be amazing with all the spring alpine flowers.

See email for more detail and how to book

Helsinki d-i-y City Break

A long weekend in Helsinki. D-I-Y means that you book your own travel and accommodation arrangements. Not a guided trip but opportunity to meet and spend time with Clog friends.   Can arrive before the weekend and leave later - dates up to you.

Contact details sent via Email network or contact trips team for direct contact info.

Camping Trip

NOW FULL To go on the waiting list, email suesintonsmith@hotmail.com 

This year's camping trip is from 14th to 17th June, staying at Fieldhead Campsite in Edale. We have booked space for 10 small to medium sized tents. You will need your own tent. The plan is for two days walking. 

Fieldhead is located in the centre of the picturesque village of Edale in the Peak District National Park, which has two welcoming pubs; The Old Nags Head and The Rambler Inn that both offer great food and drink. 

There are also two cafés; Penny Pot Café and Newfold Farm Cafe as well as a General Store. 

Being at the foot of Kinder Scout, and the start (or Southern end) of the Pennine Way, it is a popular location for hikers. There are a variety of routes to places such as; Jacob's Ladder, Grindsbrook Clough, Hollins Cross, Rushup Edge, Win Hill and Mam Tor to name a few all of which very close by.

Sue Sinton Smith 

Camping Trip

NOW FULL To go on the waiting list, email suesintonsmith@hotmail.com 

This year's camping trip is from 14th to 17th June, staying at Fieldhead Campsite in Edale. We have booked space for 10 small to medium sized tents. You will need your own tent. The plan is for two days walking. 

Fieldhead is located in the centre of the picturesque village of Edale in the Peak District National Park, which has two welcoming pubs; The Old Nags Head and The Rambler Inn that both offer great food and drink. 

There are also two cafés; Penny Pot Café and Newfold Farm Cafe as well as a General Store. 

Being at the foot of Kinder Scout, and the start (or Southern end) of the Pennine Way, it is a popular location for hikers. There are a variety of routes to places such as; Jacob's Ladder, Grindsbrook Clough, Hollins Cross, Rushup Edge, Win Hill and Mam Tor to name a few all of which very close by.

Sue Sinton Smith 

Camping Trip

NOW FULL To go on the waiting list, email suesintonsmith@hotmail.com 

This year's camping trip is from 14th to 17th June, staying at Fieldhead Campsite in Edale. We have booked space for 10 small to medium sized tents. You will need your own tent. The plan is for two days walking. 

Fieldhead is located in the centre of the picturesque village of Edale in the Peak District National Park, which has two welcoming pubs; The Old Nags Head and The Rambler Inn that both offer great food and drink. 

There are also two cafés; Penny Pot Café and Newfold Farm Cafe as well as a General Store. 

Being at the foot of Kinder Scout, and the start (or Southern end) of the Pennine Way, it is a popular location for hikers. There are a variety of routes to places such as; Jacob's Ladder, Grindsbrook Clough, Hollins Cross, Rushup Edge, Win Hill and Mam Tor to name a few all of which very close by.

Sue Sinton Smith 

Camping Trip

NOW FULL To go on the waiting list, email suesintonsmith@hotmail.com 

This year's camping trip is from 14th to 17th June, staying at Fieldhead Campsite in Edale. We have booked space for 10 small to medium sized tents. You will need your own tent. The plan is for two days walking. 

Fieldhead is located in the centre of the picturesque village of Edale in the Peak District National Park, which has two welcoming pubs; The Old Nags Head and The Rambler Inn that both offer great food and drink. 

There are also two cafés; Penny Pot Café and Newfold Farm Cafe as well as a General Store. 

Being at the foot of Kinder Scout, and the start (or Southern end) of the Pennine Way, it is a popular location for hikers. There are a variety of routes to places such as; Jacob's Ladder, Grindsbrook Clough, Hollins Cross, Rushup Edge, Win Hill and Mam Tor to name a few all of which very close by.

Sue Sinton Smith 

mystery Miracle walk 10 miles

witness walking on water and the parting of the seas.. an event of biblical proportions option to visit the promised land. more details nearer the time

Cycle ride: 5 forts, 1 cycle ferry, 2 castles and several pretty villages 30 miles

5 forts (Tilbury, Coalhouse, New Tavern, Shornemead and Upnor), 2 castles (Cooling and Upnor) plus a ferry ride across the Thames and visits to some pretty villages.

We start at East Tilbury station and head towards our first fort, Coalhouse Fort http://coalhousefortpark.org.uk where we may stop for coffee, then we pedal by the river past a WW2 radar tower and other WW2 defences until we get to Tilbury Fort http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/tilbury-fort/.  We will probably only look at the outside of Tilbury Fort and then we hop on a little ferry with our bikes to cross the Thames to Gravesend.  https://www.thurrock.gov.uk/ferry-services/tilbury-to-gravesend-ferry-service

We cycle out of Gravesend past New Tavern fort in Fort Gardens, along the river and then into the Shorne marshes where we visit the remains of Shornemead fort.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shornemead_Fort

Lunch is planned for the Six Bells pub at Cliffe, then we cycle past Cooling Castle and then south to the beautiful village of Upnor where we may stop for coffee and have a peak at Upnor Castle (which is actually a fort).

From Upnor it is a short ride to Strood where the ride finishes.

 Meeting up

 Be on the train that leaves Stratford at 10:24 getting into East Tilbury at 11:01

http://trains.im/schedule/F44619/2017/09/30/

Cost single:  £5.70 with discount card or £5.90 super off peak return with discount card (more if you don't have a discount card).

Other costs:

The ferry seems to cost £3 return if we are off peak (which I assume Saturday is but it isn't clear from the website) or £4 anytime single.

https://www.thurrock.gov.uk/ferry-services/tilbury-to-gravesend-ferry-service

Getting back from Strood.

Either get the Highspeed train from Strood to Stratford International but that costs £13:00 with discount card 

or

Get a single from Strood to Gravesend £3.35 with discount card, catch the ferry back to Tilbury and catch the train from Tilbury Town to Stratford (covered by the ticket you bought in the morning if you get a return which is almost the same price as a single.

If you use the latter, the total travel costs should be:  £5.90 (return Stratford to Tilbury East) if you have a discount card +£3 for off-peak return on ferry (assuming they count Saturday as off-peak)+£3.35.

If you use the HS train to get back, the total travel costs should be £5.70+£3+£13