Kings Langley Circular with the London Blind Ramblers

Saturday March 20th saw members of the Hampstead Ramblers joining up with the peripatetic and ever-cheerful London Blind Ramblers.

We were ably led by Michael Way, pictured centre, below.




Although conditions were showery at first, the rain cleared and everyone enjoyed a fine day.



Dexter the guide dog especially enjoyed a chance to run free and let his human be guided by us for a change!...



Michael writes…

“Thanks to all Hampstead group members who helped out on Saturday March 20th with our annual walk with the London Blind Ramblers' Group -- this year a circular from Kings Langley with a stop at Chipperfield. There were record numbers -- 21 of us in all, and it all went very well.

Best regards Michael Way”

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Pulborough Circular via Fittleworth

I attach some ofthe photographs I took. There were six of us including the leader Gill Henderson...



Forecast rain did not materialise and we even had some glimpses of the sun. Gill led us along a very attractive 11 mile route with good views, partly along the Serpent Trail over the heathland of the Western Weald where we stopped for an early picnic lunch. The highlight of the walk was drifts of wild yellow daffodils in full flower amongst recently-coppiced birch woodland...



but we also saw white wood anemonies...

and yellow primroses....



Spring has sprung at last."

Many thanks as always to Jane Rosoux for her report and photography.

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The Ghosts of Hampstead and Highgate

Jane Rosoux reports...

"I attach the photographs I took on Wednesday's 7 mile 'Ghosts of Hampstead and Highgate' walk. There were 10 of us at the start, several of whom were not regular walkers.



When we reached Hampstead Village many were much more fascinated by the old buildings and quaint streets than the locations of the 'ghosts'. Nevertheless, we eventually made it to the 'Spaniards Inn' where some of us had lunch whilst others had picnics or went on to the Kenwood House cafe. We continued with the planned route after lunch, although not everyone could muster the energy to go up to the Tumulus, and most made it to Highgate, albeit somewhat later than I had led them to expect!"








Many Thanks Jane.

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Capital Ring Section 1 - South Kenton to Highgate

On Wednesday the 10th of March Susan Holman started off on her planned series of walks around the Capital Ring, 75 miles of footpaths through parks,open spaces, canal sides and rivers.



Susan is in purple, centre rear of the photo.

The majority of this first leg is through parkland, although the Welsh Harp offers some watery variation.







Susan will be leading the next section on Wednesday 7th April 2010.

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Tring Circular around the Ashridge Estate.

Jane Rosoux writes.....

"I attach the photographs I took on Saturday's Hampstead Ramblers' walk from Tring mainly along the Ashridge Estate Boundary Trail.

Although the weather was cloudier and chillier than forecast it was quite pleasant - dry with some sunny spells. A party of 10 started out from Tring Station around 10.10 am...



...and, upon reaching the Ashridge Visitor Centre near the Bridgewater Monument, we set off anticlockwise along the Boundary Trail, which had been established in 1995 to celebrate the National Trust's Centenary.

The waymarking was generous....



The going underfoot was good and the route took us through attractive woodland, farmland and chalk downland with good views...



...The day concluded when 7 of us continued up to Gallows Hill and Ivinghoe Beacon



where the views were enhanced by the late afternoon sun and as we followed The Ridgeway Path back to Tring Station we had glimpses of a fine sunset through the trees...



We just made the 5.56 train back to London with 2 minutes to spare! All present were very pleased with the 18 mile Boundary Trail and would be happy to do it again, perhaps in late autumn when the leaves are turning."

Thank You Jane.

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