Meeting Point: Kensal Green tube station at 1.15 pm, moving off 1.20 pm (served by Bakerloo and Lioness lines) - takes 20 mins on Bakerloo line from Oxford Circus, services run every 7/8 mins or so ... (Kensal Rise station is nearby for Mildmay line)

Getting Back: Aiming to finish at Knightsbridge tube station (Piccadilly line) by 4.45 pm (never far away from bus or tube for a shorter walk - 3 miles to both Bayswater and Queensway tube stations)

Route: Starting off with a stroll through the historic Kensal Green Cemetery (opened 1833 as London's first 'garden cemetery' and burial place of eminent Victorians including the Brunels with the HS2 tunnel directly beneath), we soon arrive at the Grand Union Canal. Following the towpath for a short stretch, this takes us through Kensal Town with its mix of old and new architecture, including the brutalist Trellick Tower. We then head along eclectic Golborne Road (known as 'Little Morocco' with a bit of Lisbon thrown in) and up quirky Portobello Road, famous for its antique shops and market (named after Porto Bello Farm, which once existed here in open countryside), and hopefully with some festive lights. This long winding street eventually brings us to Pembroke Square and the back streets and mews of Bayswater, before arriving at Kensington Gardens. A pleasant leafy meander through the park will then lead down to the impressive Albert Memorial and Royal Albert Hall. And finally, a continuous sequence of quiet back streets and alleyways via Prince's Gardens, Rutland Mews with its 'hole in the wall', Montpelier Square and Trevor Square to finish at the twinkling lights of Knightsbridge ...

Pace is relaxed on pavement with some grassy bits and leaves to kick about ... sunset soon after 4 pm.

Cheers, Nick

We will start by climbing up onto Riddledown (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Riddlesdown_Common) and then descending to pick up the LOOP. The LOOP will take us across Kenley Common (https://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/things-to-do/green-spaces/the-coulsdon-commons/kenley-common/visit-kenley-common) and skirt the perimeter of the aerodrome (https://www.kafg.org.uk/airfrafkenley.htm).

After passing through Old Coulsdon and crossing the common (https://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/things-to-do/green-spaces/the-coulsdon-commons/coulsdon-common/visit-coulsdon-common), we join the Downlands Circular Walk which takes to Chaldon Church (https://www.chaldonchurch.co.uk/) where we will break for lunch and take some time to explore the 1100-year old church and view its famous 13th century mural (https://www.chaldonchurch.co.uk/history/chaldon-mural/).

Resuming, we follow the Downlands Circular Walk until it meets the North Downs Way. After roughly a mile on the NDW we head northwards through the village of Chaldon, loop around Piles Wood and Dean Hill and then head for Caterham station via Queen’s Park.

Trains from Caterham back to London Bridge are at 25 and 55 minutes past the hour..

Total distance 10.5 miles; total climb 1300 ft. Walking pace will need to be 2.5 to 3 mph (sunset is at 16:04).

Bring a packed lunch and plenty of water. Weather forecast is overcast and light winds. Max. temperature 8 degrees.

Ralph

Contact the Secretary for the address of the meeting.

Feel free to bring along friends, neighbours, or work colleagues for a day out walking with CLOG. It would be great to have plenty of CLOG members along to make any new walkers welcome.

We're offering the option of two circular Autumn walks from Oxted station.

Please bring a picnic lunch, snacks, water and suitable clothing for whatever the weather is doing. Both walks will stop at a good spot for a picnic lunch (shelter not guaranteed though !) then will adjourn to a nearby pub for refreshments before continuing the walk.

We'll all set off together initially, but you will be able to choose one of two options:

1. An 8 mile walk following the Greensand Ridge with views to North and South during the walk. A picnic lunch on the green at Limpsfield Chart, with a stop at the Carpenters Arms for refreshments, before returning to Oxted station through a mixture of woodland and open ground.

2. A longer 11 mile walk, which will need to keep a good pace to beat the short daylight at this time of year. Both walks will set off along the Greensand Ridge with this walk continuing to the hamlet of Crockham Hill. The churchyard there, with its lovely view, will be our picnic stop with the Royal Oak nearby for refreshments afterwards. Our return takes us back up to the ridge with a mixture of woodland and open ground to return to Oxted.

For both walks, on returning to Oxted, the Oxted Inn is right next to the station, where everyone is welcome to stay for a drink and a chance to socialise.   Return trains are half-hourly, so you can plan your return train from the warmth of the pub. 

Meeting point: The suggested train is the 9.21 from Victoria Mainline station, calling at Clapham Junctionat 9.28 , East Croydon at 9.39, and arriving at Oxted at 10.00.

Please meet at the exit of Oxted Station - the exit on the opposite side to where the train arrives from London ( Don't worry, the leaders will check both exits!)  The walk will start at 10.10am after introductions.

Looking forward to walking with you.

Helen R 

Tony

Start 11am Hackney Wick Station. Finish Woolwich Riverside. 9.5 miles

Sue Sinton Smith 

This trip is fully booked, with a waiting list.