St Luke's Hospice

St Luke's Hospice

St Luke's Walking Club - walks in 2024

The St Luke’s Walking Club members are supporters of St Luke’s Hospice (Harrow and Brent) who walk for fun, fitness and to fundraise for the Hospice.

The dates for Spring are shown below, and more details will be added as they become available. The scheme is (mostly) that on any weekday (Monday through to Friday) there will be one walk and alternately Saturday or Sunday another walk, that is two walks a week.

Click here for the next walk

The Annual Walk

The 2025 annual sponsored walk will be in the Peak District from 23rd to 26th May 2025. For details see the Annual Sponsored Walk 2025 and the presentation from the information evening as a PDF.

Last year's walk details can be seen the Annual Sponsored Walk 2024, some photos from the big walk, Annual Walk Photos and read a Blog Article about the walk.

January 2025

Wednesday 1 January
General Area:
Rickmansworth Aquadrome and Batchworth circular. Miles: about 4.5 easy.
Leader: Peter Polkinghorne
Nature of walk: as with last year, year we have changed the route to avoid the very muddy and flooded paths experienced in the last few years. As before we walk along Bury Lake towards Stockers Lake, but just before we get there we take a footpath to the left and a bridge over the canal and then past Stockers Farm through woods and fields to Hill End and back to the café via Juniper Hill, Batchworth Park Golf Course and Tesco. Here is a map of the walk.
Peter's report: Despite the grim weather forecast and wind warnings, 15 of us set off on the walk. Initially the rain held off, but was torrential by the time we reached the outskirts of Harefield. We did take a couple of short cuts to reduce the distance to around 4 miles. Despite the rain, there was not too much mud. We saw plenty of geese but hardly any other walkers or even cars. At the end we split into those who went home, the cafe or the White Bear. All in all, it was great to walk together again and blow away the cobwebs. Hope to see you on future walks,satrting at the end of January, twice a week.

Sunday 26 January
General Area:
Chalfont & Latimer, Botley, Ley Hill & Flaunden Miles: 10.5 moderate
Leader: John Harper
Nature of walk: We descend through the woods to meet the river Chess and climb up to Latimer House. From there we take Chess Valley Way to the edge of Chesham. We climb up through Chesham Waterside before heading on to Botley and a lunch stop at Ley Hill (possible pub stop) by the cricket ground. After lunch, it's on to Flaunden (another climb) before making our way to Latimer and returning to the station via the woods. In general, not a hilly walk, but there are a couple of good climbs. Will be muddy if the temperature warms up!!
John's report: The winter walks programme is up and running!! It was good to welcome Mark to his first walk with the group. Six of us set off from the station and made our way through the woods to Latimer House where we picked up the Chess Valley walk along the ridge before descending to the outskirts of Chesham. Here we turned off and headed towards Botley. Part way along this route, we stopped to observe a herd of 6 deer, who in turn stopped to observe a herd of 6 walkers! Unfortunately the man from the Met Office was telling the truth when he predicted rain from about noon. Lunch therefore was a standing affair under the overhang of the pavilion at Ley Hill followed by a restorative coffee in the Crown. Onward then to Flaunden where we had a quick stop in the church yard to admire the snowdrops. From there it was back to Latimer and a return to the station via the woods. Despite the damp conditions, spirits remained high through the walk - walkers are a resilient bunch!!


Tuesday 28 January
General Area:
Circular walk from Great Missenden. Miles: 4.5 easy
Leader: Sara Reeves
Nature of walk: A gentle walk to the south of Great Missenden away from HS2. There are a couple of inclines but we will enjoy woodland trails, field paths, views, a country village, parkland and mud so please bring sticks. Bring food for a snack/lunch stop at Great Missenden church after 4 miles.
Sara's report: Five hardy walkers ignored the weather predictions and were rewarded by only a medium soaking and even a glimpse of the sun at lunchtime. The beechwoods in this part of the Chilterns are magnificent and a handily placed tyre secured to a tree was a photo opportunity too good to miss. Thanks to the lovely landlady of The Full Moon at Little Kingshill who allowed us inside her establishment with our mud splattered gear. Consequently, restorative coffee number two of the 2025 walk training programme was enjoyed in the warm. The group split at Missenden Abbey with two returning for the 1.30pm train and fortunately the walker who had a pressing engagement for afternoon tea arrived in time. The remaining three hiked across the park to Great Missenden church where we sat outside to eat our lunch and enjoy the snowdrops. A quick visit inside the Church revealed a beautiful stained-glass memorial window celebrating the founding of The Hospital For Sick Children, Great Ormond Street in 1852 and featuring our very own St Luke the patron saint of doctors.


February 2025

Saturday 1 February
General Area:
An Elizabeth Line walk from Smithfield Market in the City to the East End, taking in two cathedrals and St Katherine’s Dock Miles: 5 moderate
Leader: Deborah Tyler
Nature of walk: repeating a previous walk of about 5 miles on paved surfaces crossing the Thames to the South Bank at Tate Modern and along to Tower Bridge and the quayside path to Tobacco Dock and ending at Whitechapel via Cable Street.

Deborah's report: How lovely to see so many supporters, some of whom had walked this route with Hugo last year. I wish I could have spoken properly to everyone but not easy to lead the way, and mingle with all the group! 24 people met at Farringdon station and managed to keep together, as we went through Smithfield Market and over the millennium bridge to the crowded Thamesside path south of the river. But after St Katherine’s Dock there was quite a contrast with no one about as we followed Hermitage Basin and Spirit Quay to Tobacco Dock, then left the waterside towards Shadwell and ended at Whitechapel station. Too big a group to stop anywhere together for coffee!


Friday 7 February
General Area:
Chalfont & Latimer to Watford (linear) Miles: 8.5 moderate
Leader: Sue Aldridge
Nature of walk: Walk along upper slopes of Chess Valley via Chenies to descend along valley and rise up to Church End Sarratt. Picnic by church with time for drinks/toilets in ‘The Cock Inn’ pub. Continue across field tracks, over M25, passing Micklefield Hall and Redheath. Cross golf course into Cassiobury Park (possibly tea/toilet stop) finishing at Watford Met Station.

Sue's report: The rather cold, wintry day forecasting showers didn’t deter numbers, as 9 eager walkers, suitably kitted out, came ready to face the chilly easterly wind. Most of us met on the earlier Metline train. We walked to Chenies, pausing for our 1st photo alongside the gardens of Chenies Manor, one of the finest Tudor mansions in the country. We had time for a brief snack on the green before continuing along the slopes of the Chess valley, soon to descend across the river on a low bridge. Good level tracks along the valley, then ascended fields to Church End Sarratt for our picnic stop. Most of us sheltered in the church porch for our sandwiches, then had a fairly long break for drinks and warmup in the pub to revitalise ourselves for the afternoon (Photo 2). Most of us continued along the route eastwards, crossing fields, heading towards Cassiobury Park, but two, prepared with map, took a shorter route to Chorleywood station. We spotted some deer in distant fields and saw quite a show of snowdrops. We experienced some passing light showers, with a little hail at times, but most paths were good underfoot, dodging most of the mud! Thanks to all who came on the walk, there was plenty of chatter and laughter making it a very enjoyable day together.


Sunday 9 February
General Area:
Chesham to Rickmansworth. Miles: 10 moderate
Leader: Tony Prothero
Nature of walk: the walk follows the route of the River Chess between Chesham and Rickmansworth. Bring your own provisions as there are no pubs without making a detour.

Tony's report: There was eight of us on Sunday's walk along the river Chess through the Chilterns, which was good considering Ersilia's memorial was held on the same day. We did think of her when walking along. Whilst the weather was overcast with grey skies we considered ourselves fortunate it didn't rain and surprisingly the ground was fairly dry. After lunch Marjore left to catch the train home from Chorleywood and the rest of us continued to Rickmansworth station.


Wednesday 12 February
General Area:
Hampstead Heath and Kenwood Miles: 5 moderate
Leader: Michael Romain
Travel: take the 10:09 southbound from Harrow on the Hill.
Nature of walk: through suburban roads to the heath including passing the Freud Museum. Walking through West Heath across East Heath and Kenwood and then across Parliament Hill to Hampstead Heath station where there are regular trains to West Hampstead overground where it is a short walk to Jubilee line. We will see the best parts of the Heath this is a special London walk. There are plenty of facilities, but I suggest you bring a packed lunch.

Michael's report: This picture was taken at the end of the walk as we were leaving Hampstead Heath. I'm sure that you will notice that there is a heron at the top of the tree. The weather was fine and I think everyone enjoyed the walk. Some had not been this way around Hampstead Heath. We entered Hampstead Church which is a quite magnificent Baroque building . We also passed the Roman Catholic Church that was where Charles de Gaulle worshipped when he was in exile in London during the war. One of the advantages of the walk is that we passed by two places providing coffee. We also passed three public conveniences that proved very popular. We made use of excellent transport links .We finished at Hampstead Heath station and some members of the group commented that this was the first time that they had been on the Mildmay line. I hope to do this walk again next year.


Saturday 15 February
General Area:
Tring Circular Miles: 7.5 easy
Meeting time: 10:35 Meeting place: Tring station, front entrance
Leader: Janet Clow and Martin Atkins Leaders' phone: 07982 208846 (Janet) and 07941 542551(Martin).
Travel: Take the 10.06 train from Harrow and Wealdstone, arriving at Tring at 10.32. (Cashless station car park operated by Saba Parking UK.)
Warning: No Bakerloo Line or Lioness Line trains to Harrow and Wealdstone. Please use local buses to get to Harrow and Wealstone Station.
Nature of walk: We follow a short section of the Grand Union Canal, which is likely to be muddy, and then undulating field and woodland paths and tracks to Hastoe. The return route is via Tring Park. Please bring lunch; we aim to have an early lunch stop near Wigginton Village Shop and Café, where hot drinks are available.


Monday 17 February
General Area:
Circular Walk from Amersham Miles: 8 moderate
Meeting time: 10:15 Meeting place: Amersham Station
Leader: Sara Reeves Leader's phone: 07706 518 191
Travel: Depart Harrow on Hill 9.39 Chiltern train. Arrive Amersham 10.03 . Met line trains also available. We can meet any car drivers in Old Amersham car park (pay) at 10.30
Nature of walk: From the station we walk down to the old town along back streets, past the cricket club and up the valley to hike through the electric wood (Mop End). We then follow field paths and a lane to descend to Little Missenden where we will stop for a picnic (bring food) with possible pub visit for drinks/loos at the Red Lion. We return to Amersham along the South Bucks Way, past Shardeloes House with a final steep uphill stretch to Amersham Station. The walk will be muddy so please bring sticks.


Sunday 23 February
General Area:
An Elizabeth Line walk, Ealing Broadway to Hanwell Miles: 5.5 miles linear ( or 11 if you walk back!)
Meeting time: 10:30 Meeting place: Ealing Broadway station forecourt.
Leader: Sue Allett Leader's phone: 07855 282335
Travel: various options a)Piccadilly Llne to Ealing Common ,then District to Ealing Broadway or b) Elizabeth Line to Ealing Broadway or c)483 bus from Harrow or Alperton to Ealing Broadway.
Nature of walk: Ealing Broadway to Hanwell, via Pitshanger /Perivale/Brent River Parks - mainly paved/gravel surfaces. NB :this walk is from the book ‘Exploring the Elizabeth Line’ . Hanwell station is closed on the 23rd but we can use 483 bus back to Ealing Broadway (or all the way back to Harrow)


Thursday 27 February
General Area:
London Walk: Westminster to Putney Bridge Miles: 8 easy
Meeting time: 10:00 Meeting place: Westminster Tube station Exit 4 inside near ‘Cards Galore’ shop
Leader: Chris Hughes and Patsy Scanlan Leader's phone: Chris mob: 07821 806661 Patsy mob: 07906 805197
Travel: take the 9.13 am Met line train from Harrow on the Hill to Finchley Rd, change on to Jubilee Line to Westminster arrives 9.45 am
Nature of walk: This is a social walk starting at Westminster and following the Thames Path on the south side through to Putney Bridge. It is an interesting walk passing the newly renovated Battersea Power Station, many new developments, London Heliport, many bridges, restaurants, pubs and parks. There is an opportunity for a coffee stop and finishing with lunch at ‘The Rocket’ pub at Putney Bridge if you wish. Bring a packed lunch if you prefer, plenty of seating around this area.


March 2025

Saturday 1 March
General Area:
Saunderton via Bledlow Circular Miles: 11 moderate with 3 good hills
Meeting time: 10:00 Meeting place: Saunderton Station
Leader: Glenn Connolly Leader's phone: 07816847621
Travel: Take the direct Chiltern Line train from London Marylebone at 08.52 calling at (Wembley Stadium 09.01, Northolt Park 09.07, South Ruislip 09.12, West Ruislip 09.17) arriving at Saunderton 09.51. If driving, there is a Free Car Park at Saunderton Station. Slough Lane, HP14 4LJ
Nature of walk: A circular walk through the peaceful Chiltern Hills, taking in a few good hills and many fine views over the valley and plain. The walk follows the valley bottom before following the ridgeway then passing through a series of secluded valleys before reaching Radnage and then Bledlow Ridge and back along the valley to Saunderton. Please bring a packed lunch, possible pub stop in Bledlow.


Tuesday 4 March

Sunday 9 March

Thursday 13 March - Deborah Tyler - Amersham circular via Shardeloes - 8 miles

Saturday 15 March - Hilary & Bob Matheson - Berkhampsted circular - 10 miles

Monday 17 March
General Area:
Amersham to Great Missenden Miles: 8.5 moderate
Meeting time: 10:30 Meeting place: Amersham Station front exit
Leader: Michael Romain Leader's phone: 07818 000 849
Travel: from Harrow on the Hill station catch the 9:55 Met line train to Amersham, arriving at 10:24.
Nature of walk: One of my favourite Chiltern walks. With great views.I highly recommend it. It has a great advantage of a lovely swing park to have your sandwiches in or alternatively you can go to the public house. This walk links two very special towns in the Chilterns . I have done this walk many times and never tire of it.


Saturday 22 March - Patsy Scanlan & Chris Hughes

Monday 24 March - Sue Allett - possible walk

Wednesday 26 March
General Area:
Chesham to Wendover. Miles: 8.5 moderate
Meeting time: 10:30 Meeting place: Chesham Station
Leader: Michael Romain Leader's phone: 07818000849
Travel: from Harrow on the Hill station catch the 9:41 Met line train to Chesham, arriving at 10:27.
Nature of walk: This is one of my favourite Chiltern walks.It is virtually a straight line between the towns. It is countryside throughout. Lunch is at Lee Green whether there is a very charming public house and also chairs on the Green for those who have bought their own lunch. on the descent into Wendover, we join the Ridgeway.


Saturday 29 March - Kay Waddilove and Margaret Huitson - Tring circular walk via Ivinghoe Beacon and the Ashridge Estate This is a circular walk from Tring Station that goes through woods, farmland and open country. There are panoramic views of the surrounding countryside from Ivinghoe Beacon, the highest point of the walk. A gentle uphill climb to the Beacon is followed by level walking through the beechwoods of the Ashridge Estate. The walk is approximately 9 miles - more details (including transport links) to follow.

April 2025

Friday 4 April - Glenn Connolly

Sunday 6 April
General Area:
Hampden Climber. Miles: 13 challenging.
Meeting time: 10:30 Meeting place: Princes Risborough Station.
Leader: Tony Prothero. Leader's phone: 07715 948235.
Travel: from Harrow on the Hill Station take the 09.05 Chiltern Line train to London Marylebone Station arriving at 09.19. Change onto the 09.42 Chiltern Line train destination Oxford arriving at Princes Risborough Station at 10.26. (times to be confirmed)
Nature of walk: A scenic walk over Whiteleaf Hill and along the Ridgeway to Coombe Hill and returning via Little Hampden and Great Hampden with a pub stop at Great Hampden.


Tuesday 8 April

Saturday 12 April - Hansa Jadva-Patel

Monday 14 April - Sara Reeves - Amersham Circular 2 - 12 miles

Sunday 20 April (Easter Sunday)

Thursday 24 April - Peter Polkinghorne - Amersham to Northwood Hills - 16 miles

Saturday 26 April

May 2025

Friday 2 May - Sue Aldrige - Circular from Tring to Ivinghoe Beacon return through Bluebell Beechwoods 12 - 13 miles.

Sunday 4 May

Wednesday 7 May

Saturday 10 May - Hansa Jadva-Patel

Tuesday 13 May

Saturday 17 May
General Area:
Christmas Common Circular Miles: 15 Moderate / Challenging with 1800 feet of ascent
Meeting time: 10:00 Meeting place: Hills Road car park, Watlington Hills OX49 5HS ( £3.00 parking fee )
Leader: Glenn Connolly Leader's phone: 07816847621
Travel: By Car: Take M40 to J5 and then A40 towards Oxford. Take first left sign posted for Christmas Common, drive approx 3 miles and then turn right into Hills Road. The Car Park is approx.400 yards on left. Nearest post code OX49 5HS.
Nature of walk: A beautiful walk through beechwoods and villages following the Oxfordshire Way from Christmas Common to Pishill and on to Stoner where we will a 1st stop overlooking Stonor House. We then continue to Turville and Fingest for a 2nd stop with a Pub before returning via Ibstone Common. Please bring a packed lunch.


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We hope our walk leaders will be ready. Please send the usual information to Peter (pjmpolkinghorne@gmail.com).

"The usual information" should include:
The general area and whether or not circular
How many miles, easy or moderate, etc
When and where to meet
Walk leader's name and phone number
Suggested travel
A few words about the route.
And be prepared to send a brief report and photo afterwards.(to pjmpolkinghorne@gmail.com)

General points

Last updated 13 February 2025

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