Explore the Thames and see where it goes on this 7 mile summer's afternoon stroll with plenty to see along the way ...
Meeting Point: Hammersmith tube station (District & Piccadilly lines) - by main ticket hall barriers from 1.50 pm, moving off 2 pm sharp.
Frequent services on District & Piccadilly lines.
Getting Back: Aiming to finish at Richmond station by 6 pm - frequent rail services to Waterloo plus District line.
Route: Leaving Hammersmith Broadway, its a short stroll to the iconic Hammersmith Bridge and along the historic riverside malls of Hammersmith and Chiswick with many fine Georgian buildings and elegant mansions. Once past the island of Chiswick Eyot, St Nicholas' church marks the original riverside village of Chiswick as we divert away from the Thames to 18th C. Chiswick House with its Neo-Palladian architecture and formal gardens. A short stretch through the quiet avenues of Grove Park brings us back to the river at Strand-on-the-Green with its picturesque cottages up to Kew Bridge.
Unfortunately, the towpath on the south bank is still closed - so, we stay on the north bank, past the new waterside developments heading into Brentford. The former wharves of Old Brentford have now been transformed as we divert via the start of the Grand Union Canal, up to Brentford Bridge and then into Syon Park. This estate with Syon House provides a green expanse down to the river at Old Isleworth. More modern development with views over towards Isleworth Ait then give way back to the river at Richmond Lock, before crossing over.
Back on course, the final leg takes us through pretty back streets and across Richmond Green to the station.
Pace is relaxed and the going flat on pavement and gravel tracks. Forecast looks to be sunny but less oppressively hot ! Hopefully, there will be some cool river breezes ...
Never that far away from a bus or train if dropping out (2.5 miles to Chiswick station, 3.5 miles to Kew Bridge)
Cheers, Nick
Cycling across Kent to the Sea! Canterbury to Deal 25 miles
On Saturday 5th July we will be cycling across Kent from the Cathedral city of Canterbury to the beautiful olde-worlde seaside town of Deal via Fordwich (Britain's tiniest town) and historic Sandwich.
We will be stopping on the way for lunch probably in Preston (Kent) probably at the Half Moon and Stars pub https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61571318836321 plus there is also a cafe option in Preston and afternoon tea in historic Sandwich and there will also be time to explore the beautiful seaside town of Deal at the end.
See email sent on 1st July for more details
From Dorking (Main) station, the walk goes up through Denbies Vineyard to join the North Downs Way going west, with excellent views across to Box Hill. We then continue upwards to walk past Ranmore church and will have wide, open vistas to the South before entering a long stretch of woodland. After a rest stop at a viewpoint, we will continue through woods before dropping down into a valley to our lunch stop in Westcott. Here there is a small green with benches for a picnic lunch. There is a pub close by for a drink, but please bring a packed lunch as there will not be time to order food. After lunch we will walk southwards following part of the Greensand Way through an area of farmland before entering more woodland. We will pass through a park to return to Dorking, and then carry on to the station via the attractive open space of Cotmandene. For those who would like a drink at the end of the walk, there is a pub with an outside patio area just before we reach the station.
The total length of the walk will be about 10.5 miles, with around 6 miles before lunch and 4.5 miles after lunch, and will be at a moderate pace throughout. The terrain is generally level, but with some short but quite steep slopes in the morning.
There is a possible drop-out point at the lunch stop, with buses back to Dorking town centre, although they are infrequent so timings would need to be checked.
There are toilets at Dorking (Main) station and at the pub at lunchtime; otherwise, there is lots of woodland.
Travel: The suggested train is the 09.41 service from Victoria, calling at numerous stops, including Clapham Junction and Sutton, and arriving at Dorking (Main) station at 10.40am. Meet outside the exit from the station from where we will leave, after intros, at about 10.50am. There are three direct trains an hour back to Victoria, with the journey taking about an hour.
Looking forward to seeing some of you on this walk.
Paul
Meeting Point:- Osterley Park Tube Station
Time 18:15
Refreshments:- ,picnic, cafe, pubs nearby
For further information on this installation, please see below
Helios at Osterley Park & House
This summer, we’re offering you a unique opportunity to experience the sun like never before, as renowned artist Luke Jerram’s Helios comes to Osterley Park and House.
Helios is the latest, giant artwork from Luke Jerram. Named after the sun god in ancient Greek mythology, Helios succeeds Luke's previous large-scale installations, Museum of the Moon and Gaia.
The seven-metre spherical sculpture of the sun combines light, solar imagery and sounds recorded by NASA to bring the sun's intricate details to a new light.
Helios will be displayed outside in the grand portico of the neo-classical mansion. Visitors will be able to pass directly underneath Helios and gaze up at the sun from below.
Entry to the parkland to see Helios is free. Normal admission applies for the house and garden (National Trust members go free).
From Helen E
The museum has a relatively cheap, but basic cafe. There is an area to sit if you bring sandwiches, but I can't guarantee you will get a seat. It depends on how many visitors on the day (otherwise its sit on the grass).
Note this date is provisional - as the museum is run by volunteers I will need to check nearer the date that it is open.
You should get the (direct) 10:03 train from Paddington to Thatcham (walk will start 10:50). Anybody wanting to use their Freedom Pass and get free travel to Reading on the Elizabeth line you will need to recalculate to work out which Lizzie Line train to get to Reading which will allow you to make a connection to go on to Thatcham and arrive by 10:50.
You will need a return ticket to Newbury. Depending on timing I will look to make a pub stop in Newbury at the end of the walk.
We have reserved 22 hostel beds in YHA Whitby, a magnificent Grade I-listed mansion right next to the abbey ruins and with harbour views. The town centre is just a short walk away. The cost of £224 includes five nights’ accommodation in rooms shared with other CLOG members (all ensuite) and cooked breakfasts provided by the hostel.
For booking details, see the email sent to members on 16 May.
Meet outside Wimbledon Park tube station (District line) from where we will leave promptly at 11am.
Please bring a picnic lunch, enough to drink and sun protector lotion.
From Wimbledon Park tube station it’s a short walk to the entrance of Wimbledon Park. (There is a WC just inside the gate and plenty of refreshment and WC stops en route).
We walk across the park skirting the boating lake where there is a good view of No1 court in the distance. Exiting the park, we have a short walk-up hill through a quiet residential road to reach Wimbledon Common. We pass Wimbledon Windmill as we head downhill pass Queen’s Mere Pond towards Beverly Brook. From there we follow the brook over to Richmond Park via Robinhood Gate. Depending on the heat of the day we may take a deviation under the cover of trees and then lunch at the Isabella Plantation. We then continue across the park towards Pembroke Lodge and a special visit to King Henry’s mount. Exiting Richmond Gate, we walk across Petersham Meadows and along the Thames towards the end of the walk at Richmond and a well-deserved drink at the excellent White Swan.
Richmond is on the mainline with fast trains into Waterloo and is also on the District and Overground lines.
Here’s the link to section 6:
Looking forward to walking with you.
Steve M
Contact the Secretary for the address of the meeting.
Details to follow.
Sue Sinton Smith
This trip is only open to existing members.
Bookings opened 15th May 2025
Organiser: Ralph H.
This trip is only open to existing members.
Bookings opened 15th May 2025
Organiser: Ralph H.
This trip is only open to existing members.
Bookings opened 15th May 2025
Organiser: Ralph H.
This trip is only open to existing members.
Bookings opened 15th May 2025
Organiser: Ralph H.
This trip is only open to existing members.
Bookings opened 15th May 2025
Organiser: Ralph H.
This trip is only open to existing members.
Bookings opened 15th May 2025
Organiser: Ralph H.