Tring to Berkhamsted, Chilterns walk 11 miles.

Walk 1 : starting from Tring and finishing at Berkhamsted on Tuesday 27^th October, meeting at 11 am.

11 miles.

This  day walk will take us up onto the Ridgeway as far as Ivinghoe Beacon with its fine views. Then we walk through the beautiful beechwoods of the NT Ashridge estate, stopping at the Brownlow café for takeaway refreshments and finding a nearby spot for our picnic lunch. There are also toilets there  (though be prepared for “green” stops today).   We continue through Ashridge Park towards Berkhamsted where the walk ends. I aim to get to the station by 4.30pm as, sadly, it’ll be getting dark by then.

Each walk will be limited to 6 people and will follow social distancing guidelines.  Places must be booked in advance by following the correct link and completing the jotform in the members' email.

Swim at the Oasis Pool on Wednesday 28 Oct at 11am.

As groups of 6 can still meet up and socialise outdoors we are continuing with social swimming at the Oasis pool in central London.    The Oasis has 2 beautiful large pools in the heart of London, one indoor, one outdoor, both heated so enjoyable whatever the weather. In cold weather you can sometimes see the steam rising from the outdoor pool.  We tend to book the outdoor pool.   The address is 32 Endell Street Covent Garden WC2H 9AG. Nearest tube stations are Holborn, Covent Garden and Tottenham Court Rd.  https://www.better.org.uk/leisure-centre/london/camden/oasis-sports-centre/23cf21ed-08ad-421c-91cb-a8e94fad623c

The cost of the swims is just over £6 or cheaper for Better pay and play members and Camden residents. Free for over 60s pay and play members before midday and £2.30 for over 55 Pay and play members. If you are 60 or over and not a Camden resident it may be worth thinking about buying an annual membership for £35.30 if you plan to use the pools more than 6 times in a year which gives you free swims Mon-Fri before midday and £2.30 at other times.    We may not be able to go to one of the many eateries in the area for lunch like we usually do although we might be lucky enough to find somewhere that has seating outside.  
Due to coronavirus restrictions, you have to book swims at particular times (but you can then swim for 1 hour or even longer if the pool isn't booked up) and choose in advance which pool you want (rather than being able to just swap between pools) although we tend to book the outside pool. There are up to 4 slots available at 11.00 although if that is full you can book slots 10 minutes later or earlier either side of 11.00 so we will still have the majority of the time together.   To book on please see email sent to members on 23/10/20.  

Isle of Harty walk - walk subject to change

The number of places on this walk is subject to Government guidance and may be reduced at short notice. Currently it is full but there is a waiting list (with nobody on it yet) and people do drop out so places may become available. Email me if interested.

Distance: 10 miles. If you have not walked this sort of distance before then it would make more sense to do a shorter walk first.

Drop-out points: none.

Terrain: flat. Good paths all the way. Part is a quiet cycle track and part is along a sea wall and dykes. No loos and not many bushes!

Description: a figure-of-8 walk exploring the Isle of Harty which is an attractive but remote part of the Isle of Sheppey. Features the old church at Harty (open for visitors), Shellness hamlet and the resort of Leysdown-on-Sea. Views of Whitstable, Herne Bay and old forts in the Thames Estuary. We also walk through the middle of a nudist beach. Also a chance of seeing pigs, llamas and rheas. Bring binoculars if you have them as we walk through an RSPB reserve with a bird hide.

Refreshments: bring a packed lunch and plenty of water. Lots of benches in Harty churchyard for lunch, some with a view over the Swale towards Faversham. Faint chance of a takeaway drink from the Ferry House Inn at Harty if not busy plus an ice cream at the end. Stall selling country jam and eggs (bring cash).

How to book: details have been emailed to all members.

Bob

Cycle ride Coulsdon South to Dorking

Sat 31 Oct - Cycle ride from Coulsdon South over Farthing Down, through Gatton Park, over Reigate Hill (toilets and refreshment kiosk), Colley Hill and Box Hill (toilets and refreshments). Then down Zig Zag Road and along to Dorking station. Fabulous views from the top of the North Downs if weather is clear. 6 max in group, following Covid-safe regulations. Joining instructions on Clog email. Hazel. 

Chilterns walk : Berkhamsted to Tring, 11 miles

Walk 2: repeat walk but in reverse starting at Berkhamsted and finishing at Tring on Sunday 1^st November.

This  day walk will take us up to Ashridge Park, through beautiful beechwoods as far as Ivinghoe Beacon with its fine views. On the way we’ll find a good spot for our picnic lunch and stop at the Brownlow café or a pub in nearby Aldbury for takeaway refreshments. There are toilets there, though be prepared for “green” stops.   We return along the Ridgeway towards Tring where the walk ends. 

Each walk will be limited to 6 people and will follow social distancing guidelines.

Places must be booked in advance by following the correct link and completing the jotform on members' email.

Cycle ride Epsom Downs to Reigate, Sun 1st Nov

Autumnal ride over the North Downs starting at Epsom Downs station (zone 6), skirting Epsom racecourse and following National Cycle Network route 22 to Box Hill. Possible pub stop at the 16th century 'Running Horses' in Mickleham, then up Zig Zag Road (a surprisingly gentle climb with average gradient 4 per cent) to the cafe and viewpoint. Then along the top of the downs to Reigate Hill viewpoint (cafe and toilets), finishing at Reigate station. Numbers limited to 6 max, following Covid-safe regulations. Please bring enough provisions to last the day, in case we have trouble finding refreshments. Joining instructions on Clog email. Hazel.

Film and Book club.

We will be discussing the selected film or book via Zoom at 9pm

If you would like to join the film and book club Whats App group let me know - see email.

Cycle ride: St Albans to Chesthunt 25 miles.

Cycle ride: St Albans to Chesthunt 25 miles. 

Cycle ride: St Albans to Chesthunt 25 miles. Cycle routes, towpaths and disused railway lines. 

Great Expectations walk

Bookings will open when it is confirmed whether the walk can have 15 or 6 people.

Distance: 11 miles. If you have not walked this sort of distance before then it would make more sense to do a shorter walk first.

Drop-out points: none.

Terrain: flat. Wear boots as may be a bit wet and muddy underfoot. This area is very exposed and can get very cold, wet or windy. Be prepared!

Description: this is a circular walk based on a book called “On the Marshes” by Carol Donaldson. The marshes are not obviously beautiful. They have a rough edge; a world full of derelict industry which nature has reclaimed, broken barges and wide bays of mud. Although they are a protected wetland they are threatened by the proposed Lower Thames Crossing motorways and bridges. This walk is more-or-less a repeat of one Katharine did in August and one Dan did in September. It explores the north side of the Hoo Peninsula looking across the River Thames towards the container port and the Estuary.

Refreshments: bring a packed lunch and plenty of water. 

Transport: details to follow

Cycle ride Gravesend to Rochester

Sat 7 Nov - cycle ride from Gravesend to Rochester, passing Cooling castle (medieval castle now owned by musician Jools Holland). We will visit Upnor castle (Elizabethan fort guarding the river Medway), and Rochester castle (built by Gundulf, Bishop of Rochester in the 1100s). We follow National Cycle route 1 to Upnor  (refreshment stop), then make our way to Rochester, have a look at the castle and cathedral and have a coffee. Distance about 15-20 miles. 6 max in group, following Covid-safe regulations. Joining instructions via Clog email. Hazel.