St Luke's Walking Club

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.

The Annual 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
Leader: Janet Clow and Martin Atkins.
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.
Martin's report: There were thirteen of us altogether, but the only element of bad luck encountered was the weather. A light rain accompanied us more or less throughout the walk. Undaunted, we followed a very muddy canal path for about two miles, before entering fields and ascending a reasonable slope into woodland. There we stopped to acknowledge Janet's birthday, thanks to Glenn, who thoughtfully supplied a banner. Quiet road walking then led us to a very welcome lunch break at the café at Wigginton. The very accommodating staff insisted that we came inside to eat our sandwiches and warm up, even though our purchases were limited to a few hot drinks and a bottle of gin! The afternoon session took us to the forested paths of Tring Park, before we descended via narrow gated footpaths to cross the bridge over the busy A41 and return to Tring station. Yes, there was mud, rain, cold conditions, but overall the walking was easy, and our group engaged with each other in a very upbeat, friendly manner. Thank you to everyone who came.

Monday 17 February
General Area: Circular Walk from Amersham Miles: 8 moderate
Leader: Sara Reeves
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.
Sara's report: A good start to the week with the appearance of the sun and the company of ten cheerful St Lukes walkers for a circular ramble from Amersham Station. From the backstreets of the town, we headed past the cricket pitch, up the valley and through Mop End, the electric wood. This interesting wood has a battle to fight being subject to a planning application for a privately developed 500-unit battery energy storage system, each battery being the size of a shipping container! From the woods we hiked over fields and around field edges as a footpath had been ploughed over and we were too polite to forge a route through the newly planted crop. By the time we arrived at Little Missenden our boots were caked in mud and felt like lead weights. We enjoyed a leisurely lunch in the churchyard and drinks and the use of loos at the friendly Red Lion pub. Well-fortified and warm we then proceeded to slip and slide our way back to Old Amersham, without too much damage, before the enjoyable walk back up the hill to the station.

Sunday 23 February
General Area: An Elizabeth Line walk, Ealing Broadway to Hanwell Miles: 5.5 miles linear ( or 11 if you walk back!)
Leader: Sue Allett
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)
Sue's report: 12 of us enjoyed a rain free, mostly mud free (and mostly sun free) walk through 3 of Ealing parks - nice cafe and toilet in Pitshanger Park (not to be confused with Pitzhanger Manor which is in Walpole Park!) . Lots of interest including the former St Mary’s Church which now has twice weekly free concerts, and Brunel’s viaduct. No time to visit the delights of Hanwell Zoo or the Millennium Maze! Nice to see Eileen from Fleet who used to live and work in Ealing 40 years ago.

Thursday 27 February
General Area: London Walk: Westminster to Putney Bridge Miles: 8 easy
Leader: Chris Hughes and Patsy Scanlan
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.
Chris and Patsy's report: We enjoyed a beautiful and interesting walk along the Thames Path today with a lovely crowd of 22 walkers, some old faces we hadn’t seen for a while plus one new walker and one friend. We were delighted to see Douglas, who joined us for part of the walk and should have met us for lunch, but our arrival at the pub was slightly later than planned. Many apologies to him and everyone for such a late lunch! We met at Westminster station and then crossed Westminster Bridge to walk along the south side of the river to Putney Bridge. There was a brief, guest appearance of Claire, Patsy and Garry’s daughter, to cheer us on our way. We set off past the National Covid Memorial Wall which stretches 500 metres alongside the Thames with 240,000 individually hand painted red hearts to represent each person who died from covid….see group photo. We then walked on and through the newly renovated Battersea Power Station, along the edge of Battersea Park and on to our very welcome coffee stop in Battersea. This was a very nice café who fortunately were able to accommodate the majority of our group and did us proud. We carried on, with many interesting buildings, views, London Heliport and newly developed areas to distract us all. We finally arrived at The Rocket Pub at Putney Bridge where some people parted company with us, others ate their packed lunches and the rest of us enjoyed lunch in the pub. The weather was glorious and the river at high tide looked spectacular and we hope that everyone enjoyed their day.

March 2025

Saturday 1 March
General Area: Saunderton via Bledlow Circular Miles: 11 moderate with 3 good hills
Leader: Glenn Connolly
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.
Glenn's report: The sun shone on Saunderton and 14 smiling walkers gathered keen to take on the hills ahead of them. We were delighted to welcome 4 new walkers to the group and to this year's Annual Walk. We set off heading towards Bledlow via Lodge Hill. After a brief stop at the picnic tables by The Lions of Bledlow we continued up Chinnor Hill where lunch was taken gazing over the town of Chinnor. The views today were wonderful. In fact, I can't remember this walk looking as splendid as it did today. When ready we made our way towards Radnage, passing the vineyard and gathering again at St. Mary's, a 12th/13th century church which is always worth popping in to see the etchings on the walls. With the last main hill of the day ahead of us and the lure of a pub stop at The Boot, off we set. Now, with a train timetable in the back of our minds we took on the final couple of miles up through the horse fields and arriving on the platform back in Saunderton with enough time to have a boot cleaning session before the train pulled in. You know me, I just can't send you home with dirty boots. Today we had sun, we had smiles, we had hills after hills, we had mud, we had each other and we had a great day. Thank you all for your company, your efforts and your patience. Its an absolute pleasure to walk with you and look forward to the next time.

Sunday 9 March
General Area: Pinner Park and Hatch End Miles: 4.5 moderate
Meeting time: 14:00 (note afternoon) Meeting place: Pinner Station
Leader: Peter Polkinghorne Leader's phone: 07793378483
Travel: From Harrow on the Hill station catch 13:47 to Watford arriving at 13:52.
Nature of walk: This walk by Joanne Verden, goes from Pinner via Pinner Park to Hatch End, and then back to Pinner via Moss Lane. Should be mostly mud free walking.
Peter's report: 10 of us plus 1 dog, set off from Pinner Sttaion on a wonderfully sunny and warm afternoon. We passed Pinner Parish Church with the pyramidal grave and Pinner House, before heading up Wakehams Hill, passing Fives Court, the former home of Ambrose Heal, the director of Heal's furniture store. Then we went down hill and across Pinner Park. Passing Letchford Houe, an unexpected 17th century house surrounded by former council houses, we came to Hatch End. There we paused by the charming station for the second photo, before headimg back across a corner of Pinner Park to Moss Lane. There we passed more historic houses, including William Heath-Robinson's former home to Paines Lane and back to Pinner.

Thursday 13 March
General Area: Amersham circular via Shardeloes Miles: 8 moderate
Meeting time: 10:30 Meeting place: Amersham station front exit
Leader: Deborah Tyler
Nature of walk: Down through Parsonage Wood to Amersham Old Town then following part of the annual Shardeloes 10k cross country run [which Hugo ran in 1 hour 9 minutes on 22 September] to Mop End and looping back to Lower Park; possibility of lunch in Old Town then back up the hill to the station.
Deborah's report: I was on the Chiltern Line train when messages pinged on my phone from various potential walkers stranded by problems on the Met Line. I thought I’d be walking alone but amazingly 7 intrepid travellers made it to Amersham and we set off only a little late to walk down to Old Amersham then along the valley to the track uphill to Mop End. Only one small patch of mud to avoid. The weather forecast had led us to expect cold and rain but we had 2 breaks sitting on logs in sunshine before hail came out of nowhere and hurried us along. Three of us stopped at the Kings Arms and Michael kindly guided the others back uphill to Amersham station.

Saturday 15 March
General Area: Berkhampsted circular Miles: 10 moderate
Meeting time: 10:15 Meeting place: Berkhamsted station, main entrance.
Leader: Hilary & Bob Matheson
Nature of walk: We set off for one hour along the canal, half an hour up a country lane, across fields and water meadows, then up past Gaddesden Place to a pub at Bridens Camp for our lunch stop. We return to the station by way of downs and ups and three villages. Please be prepared for short steepish hills and guaranteed mud!
Hilary and Bob's report: A lovely, varied and virtually mud-free walk with some excellent views. At 13 miles (instead of the 10 advertised) it turned out to be an even better training walk! By 1.45 we were more than ready for lunch . The Crown & Sceptre pub made us very welcome and we had our sandwiches in the garden in the sunshine. No sightings of deer but up in a field by Gaddesden Place we encountered some very distinctive sheep: some chunky cuddly ones with hairy legs and a couple with the most improbable horns! (photo attached).Thank you to all 15 - many old friends and some new - who came along and made it an enjoyable walk.

Monday 17 March
General Area: Amersham to Great Missenden Miles: 8.5 moderate
Leader: Michael Romain
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.
Michael's report: 13 of us set out from Amersham Station. 12 are booked on the main walk. The weather was fine and it was not too wet underfoot. It never ceases to amaze me how few people are out enjoying the wonderful Chiltern countryside. For me the highlight of the walk was a leisurely lunch at Little Kingshill. here we had a choice of the village hall where coffee was available or a public house or a simple park bench. I have simple pleasures. I do owe the group an apology. I very lazily decided to cross the busy road just before Amersham Cricket Club I should have taken the tunnel under the road. I will not make that mistake again.

Saturday 22 March
General Area: 4 villages circular walk starting from Amersham Miles: 9 moderate
Meeting time: 10:00 Meeting place: Amersham Station
Leader: Chris Hughes and Patsy Scanlan Leader's phone: Chris mob: 07821 806661 Patsy mob: 07906 805197
Travel: take the 9.25 am Met line train from Harrow on the Hill to Amersham arriving at 9.54 am. If driving you can park in Amersham Old Town Car Park, where we would meet you about 10.15 after walking from the station.
Nature of walk: This walk starts at Amersham station and takes in the four villages of Coleshill, Winchmore Hill, Penn Street and Little Missenden. A walk through delightful villages, woods and farmland. Bring a packed lunch, but opportunity to buy drinks at Red Lion Pub in Little Missenden where we will have our lunch break.

Monday 24 March
General Area: Monday 24 March Miles: 6 (or 4 if joining at Sudbury Hill) easy
Meeting time: 10:00 (10:45 at Sudbury Hill tube station) Meeting place: at steps Harrow on the Hill station (Lowlands Road exit - not bus station)
Leader: Sue Allett Leader's phone: 07855 282335
Travel: Easy, start from Harrow on the Hill station (or Sudbury Hill tube station)
Nature of walk: This walk follows some of the Capital Ring and then along canal to Greenford Quay. May visit the site of the beaver enclosure depending on time. Various options for return journey - 395 bus to Harrow, or H17 from Sudbury Hill.

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
General Area: Tring – The Ridgeway and Ashridge Estate (adapted) Miles: 8.5 moderate, with uphill sections
Meeting time: 10:40 Meeting place: Tring Station (main entrance by ticket machine and postbox)
Leader: Kay Waddilove and Margaret Huitson Leader's phone: Kay 07518 365746; Margaret 07762 310509
Travel: From Harrow & Wealdstone Station take the 10.06 a.m. West Midlands train to Tring, arriving at 10.32 a.m. There is also a pay car park at Tring Station (payment by machine/phone/app).
Nature of walk: This is a circular walk that goes through open country, farmland and ancient woodlands. There are panoramic views of the surrounding countryside from Ivinghoe Beacon, the highest point of the walk. A steady uphill climb along the prehistoric trackway of the Ridgeway to the Beacon is followed by level walking through the beechwoods of the Ashridge Estate. We will have a banana stop at Ivinghoe Beacon to enjoy the views (and recover from the climb). Please bring a picnic for our latish lunch stop in Aldbury where there are seats on the green or in the churchyard and there will be an opportunity to get a drink and use the toilets at either Poppies Café or the Greyhound Inn. We then return via farmland paths to the station, where the West Midlands line trains run half-hourly to Watford, Harrow and London.

April 2025

Friday 4 April
General Area: Thames Bridges. (A bridge too far). Miles: 7.5 easy/moderate due to a few stair steps
Meeting time: 10:00 Meeting place: Sloane Square Station
Leader: Glenn Connolly and Claire Scanlan Leader's phone: Glenn 07816847621
Travel: TBA
Nature of walk: A lovely walk from starting at Sloane Square heading to Chelsea Bridge and along the River Thames crossing the multiple bridges as we go taking in all the wonders London has to offer ending at Tower Bridge. Bring a lunch or there are multiple places along the way to grab something I'm sure. A very relaxed walk ahead of taking on the brilliant Hampden Climber on Sunday. Join us for a bridge too far.

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
General Area: Stanmore/Harrow Weald Miles: 5 easy and circular
Meeting time: 11:00 Meeting place: Stanmore Underground Station
Leader: Val Pinder Leader's phone: 07375 970 220
Travel: from Harrow on the Hill take 10:31 to Wemley Park and change to Jubilee Line to Stanmore, arriving at 10:54.
Nature of walk: We take 140 bus to top of Stanmore Hill, then through part of Bentley Priory Park where we will see the deer and feed them if you bring fruit. On through the parkland and various cut throughs to Harrow Weald wood where we have our picnic lunch. Thru the wood near Grimsdyke and out onto common road to enter the back of Bentley priory parkland. Down through Stanmore Common and Old Stanmore and thru woods back to the station.

Saturday 12 April
General Area: Three Burys and Three Mills St Albans walk Miles: 11.5 moderate
Meeting time: 10:05 Meeting place: St Albans Abbey Station
Leader: Hansa Jadva-Patel Leader's phone: 07752 249341 on the day only
Travel: Depart Harrow Wealdstone station at 09.21am arriving at Watford Junction at 09.29am. Change for the St Albans Abbey train, depart Watford Junction at 09.45am arriving at St. Albans Abbey at 10.02am. Parking on side roads near the station may be possible (10 minutes’ walk away).
Nature of walk: The walk starts from St Albans Abbey station and follows the River Ver trail through the Verulamium Park and continues along the Hertfordshire Way, through Gorhambury, then to Shafford Mill and Redbournbury Water Mill, an 18th century functional mill. We will stop here for our morning break and you can treat yourselves to their own range of artisan loaves and cakes, made from the locally grown grains. We then continue our walk to Childwickbury before re-joining the Hertfordshire way to return back to St Albans. Please bring a picnic lunch.

May 2025

Friday 2 May
General Area: Ivinghoe Beacon and Ashridge Bluebell Beechwoods Circular Miles: 12-13 moderate
Meeting time: 10:30 Meeting place: Tring Station (on right side of footbridge near carpark)
Leader: Sue Aldridge Leader's phone: 07713 025494 on the day only
Travel: Depart Harrow & Wealdstone 9.51 Watford Junc. 10.00 Arrive Tring 10.21 (will be checked again nearer the time)
Nature of walk: From Tring Station follow ‘The Ridgeway’ to Ivinghoe Beacon. Then along the Gallows Hill ridge with views ahead to Dunstable Downs. Then walk through some of the best beechwoods on the Ashridge Estate, finally descending to the canal to follow the towpath back to Tring Station. Picnic lunch on slopes of Ivinghoe Hills with splendid views. A later tea stop will be taken at the NT Visitor centre café with toilets. From the visitor centre the walk can be slightly shortened to 9-10 miles if a walker wishes to descend independently via Albury village, with a more direct half hour easy walk to Tring Station. (Directions provided). The main group follows the wooded escarpment through the last bluebell wood, to descend from Norcott Hill to the canal for the return to the station. (Map Explorer 181)

Wednesday 7 May
General Area: Watford Metropolitan line station to Chalfont and Latimer Miles: 8.5 moderate
Meeting time: 10:30 Meeting place: Watford Metropolitan Line Station
Leader: Michael Romain Leader's phone: 07818 000 849
Travel: from Harrow on the Hill station take the Met Line Watford train, departing 10:02 and arriving at Watford 10:22.
Nature of walk: This walk crosses Cassiobury Park and the canal before a gentle climb on to The Chilterns. The lunchtime stop is ideal with either your own packed lunch in the churchyard at Sarratt or a visit to the public house. We cross Chenies and then through woods to Chalfont and Latimer Met line. This is a very pleasant Chiltern walk, which is not too far away. It will be an ideal training session for the main walk. It is one of my favourite walks.

Saturday 10 May
General Area: words Miles: 13 challenging
Meeting time: 10:00 Meeting place: Lane End Village car park
Leader: Hansa Jadva-Patel Leader's phone: 07752 249341
Travel: By car: take the M40 to Jct 4 and at the roundabout, take the Aylesbury exit (A4010), turn left at Cressex Rd and right onto Clay Lane (B482) to Lane End. Car park is on the right, after the pedestrian crossing. Grid ref SU807918; postcode HP14 3ER. Please park at rear end of car park. Free parking with toilets.
Nature of walk: A pleasant circular walk via Moor Farm, Moor Wood and Shillingridge Wood, stopping at Bovingdon Green / Marlow Common for a picnic lunch. Afternoon walk continues via Bottom Wood, Moor Common and Frieth (possible snack stop). The walk includes good scenic views, some steep ascents, a good mix of woodland, open fields, some stiles. Please bring a packed lunch and snacks.

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.

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

If the weather is seriously bad, the leader may decide to cancel. Contact him/her by phone. Some leaders may only use their mobiles on the day. If he/she is unable to lead the walk due to illness, etc., we will try to make alternative arrangements, but this may not be feasible. So it is generally advisable to contact the leader the previous day. Given reasonable notice, alternative arrangements will be posted here.
The spring training walks are arranged primarily for the benefit of those who are intending to support St Luke's Hospice by taking part in the next sponsored walk. Other walkers are very welcome on payment of a £3 donation to Hospice funds, which will be collected by the walk leader.
The leader will aim to set a pace appropriate to the day's intended mileage and hours of daylight. If you want to go off ahead and find the route yourself that will be up to you.
Particularly at weekends when the numbers walking can be quite large, we will try to arrange for a "sweeper" who knows the route, as well as a leader, so that people at the back of the group don't feel abandoned.
If you find that you cannot maintain the necessary pace, the leader may suggest that you drop out at some point where you can pick up transport. Please cooperate.
Most, but not all, of these walks are circular, returning to the start point.
Please aim to arrive on time - the leaders will only wait for 5 minutes after the scheduled start.
Do check whether train services will be affected by maintenance work. We planned this programme aiming to use services that were not shown as being disrupted in the Transport for London 6-month look ahead, but things can change. Any significant effects will be shown in this website when, and if, we become aware of them.
On London Midland (e.g. Harrow and Wealdstone to Tring) and Chiltern (e.g. Harrow-on-the-Hill to Amersham, Wendover or High Wycombe) train services, GroupSave fares are usually available. This offers 3 or 4 tickets for people travelling together, both ways, for the price of 2.
If you can offer, or would like to have, car transport, please contact the leader in good time before the day.
Car drivers, please note that Chiltern Railways car parks are for train passengers only.
Preferably bring your own lunch, or you may be able to get a quick lunch at a pub or cafe. On the training walks, don't keep other walkers waiting by ordering something that has to be prepared specially.
Walking boots are recommended for all the walks. Mud, nettles, brambles, snow, wind and rain all add to the enjoyment if you're prepared!
Remember the Pub Code : Leave muddy boots outside; or put plastic bags over them. Buy a drink if you go to use the loo. Don’t eat own food on the premises or in the garden (unless cleared with the pub first). Don’t leave litter.
Ticks are very ready to jump from vegetation onto any exposed skin on a human or a dog, whenever the temperature is above freezing. It's vital to remove them completely as soon as possible, to avoid the serious condition of Lyme disease. Brushing off or pulling with tweezers can leave the creature's head in place. A gadget known as "Tick Twister", used properly, is an effective way of removing it completely. They are £3 or £4 from pharmacies or Amazon.

St Luke's Hospice

St Luke's Walking Club - walks in 2024