Special Walks

Forty Years On walks

It seems a little cruel in this midsummer newsletter to take readers back to February and the long harsh winter of 2009-10. But I should very much like to take this opportunity to thank all those who made the two tea parties for the Wednesday and Sunday walkers so pleasurable, I wondered if the number of guests would fit into my small terraced house. But I need not have worried about anything. In particular, I was much touched by the generosity of those who baked cakes and then ensured that all was set up and ready to go when we all returned to 25 Oaklands after the walks. Richard Evans

Walking the Seven Sisters on a summer’s day in April

This was a classic walk in perfect weather and we rejoiced to be alive. On a bright, sunny morning it was not too difficult to respond to an early call and assemble from 7.30 am onwards at various points to greet ‘our’ ever friendly and helpful coach driver Jason.

Thirty-two G&H ramblers were in buoyant mood as they left the coach at the Exceat Centre, Cuckmere Haven. A cool breeze and bright sunshine in a clear blue sky, kept spirits aloft as we went up and down the sleeping Seven Sisters until, on the final descent, Eastbourne lay spread out below us. Four more of the group left the coach at Eastdene and walked over to Birling Gap, our lunch spot, before also spreading out over the downland turf above shining white cliffs and a calm sea.

Once in Eastbourne, in our own time, we could saunter along the promenade and find places for tea. The municipal gardens along the front were trim and colourful and a further four members joined us after spending the day around the town. As we relaxed we felt grateful to all those who had played a part in organising this day: Judith Brignell, Brian Gray, Kate Colley, Heather Dillon and of course our leaders Peter Horlock and Helen Corbett. Finally, we all headed for the pier and climbed aboard the coach, forty contented and happy ramblers heading safely for home: thank you Jason for staying alert.  Rosemary Bryant

The Vale of Aylesbury in Buckinghamshire was an inspired choice too for the second of our spring coach walks as it was obvious that few if any of our members had rambled in that area before. It is a gentle rolling country. Our long walk began at the pretty hilltop village of Brill and the short walk started at the smaller, but still delightful village of Cuddington. All walks converged on the well-manicured Waddesdon Estate to reach the hugely popular gardens surrounding the great nineteenth century ‘chateau’ of Waddesdon Manor, home to the great collection of furniture, paintings and Sèvres china acquired by its builder, Ferdinand de Rothschild. The three members who chose sightseeing had plenty to fill their time. The tea shops were enjoyed in our usual fashion before departure. It was a long day but very rewarding one for those who left Haslemere at 7.30 am to arrive back 12 hours later. We are very grateful to the day’s leaders: Mike Pope and David Quick. Richard Evans

Will’s Littlehampton Supper Walk 19 May

It was a lovely sunny May evening when twenty-eight of us set off with Will Lindsay along the coast at Littlehampton.  Despite the stiff sea breeze we quickly warmed up and enjoyed an interesting walk westward to the mouth of the river Arun.  Walking inland along the river, we had “food for thought” in the shape of a variety of fish recipes set in plaques mounted on low stone pillars.  Then it was across the Swing Bridge to Clymping Sands and the golf course, where some of the golfers seemed somewhat perplexed with such a large group of ramblers passing by.  Our route back saw us returning via the same bridge and we had a chance to admire the great variety of boats moored in the marina, as well as checking out the modern wharf apartment blocks. 

With a stroll back along the sand, we returned for the much anticipated supper in the East Beach Café (a very eloquent description of which was given by Fran in the February newsletter).  At this point we were joined by a few more of Will’s non-rambling friends.  As the tide ebbed, so the breeze dropped and we departed the café after a more than sufficient supper to a beautiful calm late spring evening.  Many thanks, Will, for arranging such an enjoyable event. Cynthia Chard

Walk with the London Blind Ramblers. Sunday 23 May

It was a day for breaking records, soaring temperatures and a record breaking number of members from the London Blind Ramblers who travelled to Surrey for our annual get together. Eighteen LBRs alighted at Witley Station to be joined on Chiddingfold Green by twenty G & H ramblers for a circular walk to Dunsfold and back. We set off in brilliant sunshine with the Surrey countryside looking it’s best. A picnic lunch was  enjoyed in the welcome shade of ancient trees in Dunsfold churchyard, where we attracted the attention of the Vicar, who welcomed us warmly. On to the Sun Inn at Dunsfold for well earned refreshments, before setting off back to Chiddingfold via White Beech Farm savouring the pungent aroma of wild garlic through the woods. Jack and Nicky Salway once again hosted tea in their lovely garden. A mouth watering selection of cakes awaited the now rather warm travellers. Thank you to all who helped on the day, cake bakers, tea servers, transport providers, Jack and Nicky and especially those who guided our sight impaired friends along the way.  This one to one arrangement is essential to the success of the day. Jean Harker

The route starts at Fishbourne Church. We walk to west Itchenor have lunch, then get the ferry £1 each, and walk to Bosham,  where we get on a bus back to Fishbourne (don’t forget your bus pass - that is if the new government lets us keep them).  We will look around the Roman Palace at recent developments, ending up for tea at the Lime Cafe, group price £6.20. Hoping you will enjoy the trip. Betty Coxhill.

For the 6th Explorer Walk, I am returning to the site of the first such walk on 5 December 1999, Friday Street.  Members can take turns in plotting and leading sections of the route which must pass a randomly selected location.  See current programme for details.  Peter Horlock

Guildford Walkfest

Guildford Borough Council has organised a Walkfest Programme from Saturday 17 July to Sunday 1 August.  There will be up to four walks a day, ranging from three-quarters of a mile discovering the history of Guildford through its buildings, to the other extreme of an 18 mile night walk.  Walks are to be led by various groups, including Guildford Ramblers, Friends of the Earth, Age Concern, Surrey County Walkers, and Mid-Surrey Ramblers etc.  Full details will be on the website http://www.guildfordramblers.org.uk/Walkfest programme 2010.doc .  Joan Wrenn

Breakfast Walk

Wednesday 28 July at 7.15 am. The breakfast walk is a little later in the programme this year but hopefully we will have our usual good weather. Breakfast will be at the Wheatsheaf Inn in Grayswood and the cost will be £9 for a full English Breakfast.  The pub will need an idea of numbers in advance so can you please speak to/phone/email me by 21 July  to book a place. Parking on Grayswood Green for the morning should not be a problem as the school will have broken up for the holidays.  Edwina Good

Coach walks 2010

There will be three one-day trips in August:

Mon 9 Aug       Western Chilterns, Turville, Hambledon to Henley on Thames

Tue 10 Aug       Malmesbury, Wiltshire.

Wed 11 Aug     Lulworth Cove, Dorset.

The trip on Wed 11 Aug to Lulworth Cove in Dorset is now full. If you have booked or would like to be added to the waiting list, please read the information below and contact me on heatherdillon123@btinternet.com or 01483 531122.

The coach will not pick-up and drop-off in Guildford except on Mon 9 Aug. If you have already stated that you would like to be picked up at Guildford Spectrum on Tue 10 Aug and/or Wed 11 Aug, you should notify Judith of your alternative location (see tear-off slip for contact details).

Mon 9 Aug - Henley on Thames

Long walk – 10 miles - from Stonor Park visiting the hidden village of Turville, (better known as Dibley from the TV series starring Dawn French, you may recognise it from other productions too), short stop at a local Winery and Brewery (samples may be available!), through the picturesque village of Hambledon and along the river into Henley where there will be time for tea.

Short walk – 6 miles, mainly flat, easy terrain from Medmenham, through Hambledon and along the river into Henley where there will be time to look around and have tea.

Non-walkers will spend the day in the town of Henley on Thames with its many tea shops, pubs, art galleries and local shops. There is a historic church, town hall and market square. In addition you can take a boat trip on the River Thames, visit the award winning River and Rowing Museum, or simply take a short stroll along the river. 

Tue 10 Aug – Malmesbury

“Queen of the Hilltop Towns”.  England’s oldest borough is set high on a hill, encircled by two rivers and the town’s skyline is dominated by the beautiful and imposing Abbey.  The town has many tea shops, pubs, local shops, quaint houses, river bridges and water meadows.   ‘A Walkers Guide to Malmesbury’ provides a detailed walk through this delightful ancient town whose history is recorded back to the seventh century.   In addition a visit  to Abbey House Gardens, next to the Abbey,  five acres with over 2,000 roses, 10,000 different plants, river walk, waterfall, monastic fishponds and herb gardens.

Non-walkers will spend the day in Malmsbury with a visit by coach to ‘Brian’s surprise’.

Long and short walks – 9 to 10 miles and 5 to 6 miles respectively.   Through the Vale of Daunstey following the rivers Brinkworth Brook and River Avon into Malmesbury, passing through the villages of Brinkworth and Little Somerford.

Short walkers will spend the afternoon in Malmesbury and long walkers will arrive mid afternoon with time for tea. 

Wed 11 Aug – Lulworth Cove, Dorset

You should note that, due to the distance and the type of roads, this trip will involve more time on the coach than our normal coach trips. It is likely to be quite a long day.

Heather Dillon