Chiltern Explorers - Hikes, Walking Weekends, Socials

Walk length 5miles/8km approx. Circular.

A chance to explore some of the history of Oxford on a short guided walk. The city of Oxford is known worldwide as the home of the University of Oxford, the oldest university in the English-speaking world, the buildings are historic and stunning covering a variety of architectural styles.

£4 cash payable on the day guided walk & meetup costs. You can do paypal ([email protected]) please use friends and family with paypal to avoid charges. Bank transfer if you prefer, please contact the organizer.

Meet at London Marylebone outside the WHSmith from 12.10pm to give you time to get tickets or group saves (see photo below) to get the 12.37pm train from London Marylebone that gets to Oxford for 14.02pm. The organizer will take the train enroute so will meet you at Oxford.
Meet outside Oxford train station for the walk to start at 14.05pm after the train from London arrives.

The walk should finish before 3.30pm after which we can go for drinks and food. You could arrive earlier than the walk if you want to do shopping or visit any museums.

Train cost should be approx £24.00 with a groupsave or network card discount.

Car to Oxford: Suggested you use one of the park and rides (https://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/cms/public-site/park-and-ride) close to Oxford city centre. All have regular buses into the centre (please leave enough time to park and check for restrictions).

Please note the organizer will be taking the train from High Wycombe and meet you outside Oxford Rail Station so you will need to arrange your own train tickets in London.

Please make a note of the organizers numbers - Colin 07709305681

Walking Safety: Walking is a great way to keep fit and generally very safe; however it does contain an element of risk. Before going on any of these walks you need to be reasonably fit and be prepared to be responsible for your own safety. You should wear appropriate clothing such as proper walking shoes, warm and wet weather clothing and carry sufficient food and water. Please see our Terms and Conditions (https://4142298.xyz/Chiltern-Explorers/pages/Terms_and_Conditions/)

COULD EVERYONE PLEASE AVOID COMMENTS BELOW THAT ARE NOT SPECIFIC TO THE EVENT AS THIS GENERATES SPAM, JUST CHANGE YOUR RSVP IF YOU CAN'T GO. YOU CAN MESSAGE ME. MANY THANKS.

Walk length 21miles/34 km approx. Circular.

A really picturesque circular walk from Saunderton Station up to Watlington Hill across a variety of landscapes from scenic views to wooded tracks, with a number of hill climbs.

Some of this walk is on the Ridgeway National Trail, a path that follows tracks going back to prehistoric times and was used by travelers and herdsman.

Lunch and Finish: Please bring a snack lunch and water for the hike (rustic, no facilities). The hike should finish before 4.30pm, however the time may be slightly earlier or later than this depending on the weather and pace.

We should be back before sunset but please bring a torch just in case and be prepared to walk at a steady pace.

There is a nice pub very close to the station at the end which we can use for drinks or food or if you need to wait for the train.

THIS HIKE IS A HARD LONG HIKE WITH A NUMBER OF SUBSTANTIAL HILLS, PLEASE DO NOT SIGN UP IF YOU WANT AN EASY SHORT HIKE.
If the weather is not suitable for a long hike close to the day I may change the hike for a shorter version.

Meeting

Train from London. The 7.53am from London Marylebone gets to Saunderton for 8.52am. You are advised to meet from 7.30am to give you time to get tickets or groupsaves.

If coming from London I suggest meeting close to the WHSmiths at London Marylebone for any group saves (see photo below)
The organizer is not coming by train for this hike but will meet you at Saunderton.

Please make a note of the organizers numbers - Colin 07709305681.

Train cost £18.50 return approx with a groupsave or network railcard.
Meet outside Saunderton Rail Station for the hike to start promptly at 9am after the train from London arrives. SAUNDERTON STATION HAS NO FACILITIES.

£7 (cash on the day, can do paypal, [email protected]) guided walk & meetup costs.

Car: Car parking at Saunderton Rail Station is free (please check for any restrictions and leave enough time to park). This is a circular walk and finishes back at Saunderton Rail Station.

Walking Safety: Walking is a great way to keep fit and generally very safe; however it does contain an element of risk. Before going on any of these walks you need to be reasonably fit and be prepared to be responsible for your own safety. You should wear appropriate clothing such as proper walking boots, warm and wet weather clothing and carry sufficient food and water. Please see our Terms and Conditions (https://4142298.xyz/Chiltern-Explorers/pages/Terms_and_Conditions/)

COULD EVERYONE PLEASE AVOID COMMENTS BELOW THAT ARE NOT SPECIFIC TO THE EVENT AS THIS GENERATES SPAM, JUST CHANGE YOUR RSVP IF YOU CAN'T GO. YOU CAN MESSAGE ME. MANY THANKS.

Walk length 11miles/18km approx. Circular.

A chance to explore some Cotswold countryside close to the edge of Oxford with a number of features including the views of Blenheim Palace from Blenheim Park and a chance to enjoy the pretty town of Woodstock for a lunch break and its Festive Fayre.

Blenheim Palace was designed in an English Baroque Style and was the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill.

Lunch and Finish

Please bring a packed snack lunch and water for the walk or you could get a some food at Woodstock (lunch break is short, 40 mins so please keep food options simple).

This is a medium hike with undulating terrain.

Transport & meeting

Meet outside Hanborough Train Station for walk to start after the train from London arrives at 10.53am.

The 9.50am from London Paddington gets to Hanborough for 10.53am. If you want to meet for groupsaves suggest meeting close to the WHSmith at Paddington (see photo below) at 9.20am to give yourself time to get tickets.

Return train fare is £28 super saver return with a network railcard or about the same price with a groupsave of 3 or more (must travel back together with groupsave).

The organizer is coming by train from High Wycombe and not London so will meet the group at Hanborough.

£7 cash payable on the day guided walk & meetup costs. You can do paypal ([email protected]) please use friends and family with paypal to avoid charges. Bank transfer if you prefer, please contact the organizer.

Car

Parking: Hanborough, station car park may charge but local side roads may be free, please check for restrictions and leave enough time to park.
We may use a pub close to Hanborough Station at the end, there are regular trains back to London Paddington.

Please make a note of the organizers numbers - Colin 07709305681.

Walking Safety

Walking is a great way to keep fit and generally very safe; however it does contain an element of risk. Before going on any of these walks you need to be reasonably fit and be prepared to be responsible for your own safety. You should wear appropriate clothing such as proper walking boots, warm and wet weather clothing and carry sufficient food and water. Please see our Terms and Conditions (https://4142298.xyz/Chiltern-Explorers/pages/Terms_and_Conditions/)

COULD EVERYONE PLEASE AVOID COMMENTS BELOW THAT ARE NOT SPECIFIC TO THE EVENT AS THIS GENERATES SPAM, JUST CHANGE YOUR RSVP IF YOU CAN'T GO. YOU CAN MESSAGE ME. MANY THANKS.

Walk length 10miles/16km approx. Circular.

A scenic walk exploring Wendover Woods, an area of woodland on the north edge of the Chiltern Hills area of outstanding natural beauty. Returning to Wendover following the Wendover Arm of the Grand Union Canal.

Lunch & Finish

Please bring a packed lunch and water for the walk. We will stop for 30mins at the visitor centre in Wendover woods were there is a cafe and toilets. The walk should finish before 4.00pm however the time may be slightly earlier or later than this depending on the weather and pace.

Cost

Train from London Marylebone to Wendover with a third off with a group save or network railcard should be about £16

Walk Cost: £7 cash on the day organizer fee. For paypal it is '[email protected]' Please send as friends and family to avoid charges. For bank transfer message organizer.

Transport and Meeting

Meet at Wendover station for the walk to start at 10.46.am (after the train arrives from London).

Train from London: The 9.57am train from London Marylebone gets to Wendover for 10.46am.

To take advantage of group save tickets suggest meeting close to the WHSmiths in London Marylebone at 9.30am to give you time to get tickets, you may have to queue (see photo below).

The organizer will not be getting the train, but will meet you at Wendover.

Car: The station car park at Wendover charges, but some of the side streets are free on a Sunday (please check for restrictions and leave enough time to park).

There is parking and a public WC near the Library, High Street, Wendover a short walk from the station.

Please make a note of the organizers number - Colin 07709305681

Walking Safety: Walking is a great way to keep fit and generally very safe; however it does contain an element of risk. Before going on any of these walks you need to be reasonably fit and be prepared to be responsible for your own safety. You must wear appropriate clothing such as proper walking boots, warm and wet weather clothing and carry sufficient food and water. Please see our Terms and Conditions (https://4142298.xyz/Chiltern-Explorers/pages/Terms_and_Conditions/)

COULD EVERYONE PLEASE AVOID COMMENTS BELOW THAT ARE NOT SPECIFIC TO THE EVENT AS THIS GENERATES SPAM, JUST CHANGE YOUR RSVP IF YOU CAN'T GO. YOU CAN MESSAGE THE ORGANIZER, MANY THANKS.

A chance to catch up with fellow walkers & hikers from London Explorers, Escape London City Explorers & Chiltern Explorers. This event is also hosted by AAA Hiking & Outdoor Adventures.

We will meet at the Penderel Oak a very classy pub named after Richard Penderel who at the end of the Civil War in 1652 helped King Charles II to escape from Cromwell's troops by hiding the royal fugitive in an oak tree on his country estate.

An area in the basement is booked for the group but we can spread out more or upstairs should we need to. The pub is very reasonably priced and does do food.

Please can as many of you arrive as close to 6ish as you can so we can keep the reserved area (the raised are in the basement. The Penderel Oak is close to Chancery Lane and Holborn undergrounds and very convenient.

Please keep your 'RSVP' updated for this event as it would help us get accurate numbers and please only RSVP with one group so we don't get duplicate RSVPs; this is a free event.

My phone number is Colin 07709 305681

Walk length 11miles/18km approx. Circular.

A chance to explore Ashford Hangers National Nature Reserve and Shoulder of Mutton Hill close to the small historic Hampshire market town of Petersfield.

That evening there is a Christmas Festival we can explore after the hike finishes with mulled wine and live music in The Square.

THE HIKE IS MEDIUM IN LENGTH BUT DOES HAVE UNDULATING LANDSCAPE AND SOME HILL CLIMBS.

Cost

Walk Cost: £7 cash on the day organizer fee (the host is a qualified London guide). For paypal it is '[email protected]' Please send as friends and family to avoid charges. For bank transfer message organizer.

Meet outside Petersfield Rail Station for the hike to start at 10.33am after the train from London arrives.

Train from London: Meet outside the main WHSmith on the main concourse at Waterloo Station at 8.45am close to the Pret and ticket information desk to give us time to get tickets (see photo below). The train service from Waterloo at 9.30am gets to Petersfield for 10.33am.

Discounts with group save or a rail network card (should be about £25 return with a third off group save or national railcard discount).

Car: Parking at Petersfield station is £4.40 for the day at weekends. Side roads may be free but please check for restrictions.

The walk should finish before 4.00pm including a snack rustic lunch stop and optional pub stop and Xmas festival at the end, however the time may be earlier or later than this depending on the weather and pace (this is a complete day out and you are advised not to arrange plans for the evening).

Please make a note of the organizers numbers - Colin 07709305681.

Walking Safety

Walking is a great way to keep fit and generally very safe; however it does contain an element of risk. Before going on any of these walks you need to be reasonably fit and be prepared to be responsible for your own safety. You must wear appropriate clothing such as proper walking boots, warm and wet weather clothing and carry sufficient food and water. Please see our Terms and Conditions (https://4142298.xyz/Chiltern-Explorers/pages/Terms_and_Conditions/)

COULD EVERYONE PLEASE AVOID COMMENTS BELOW THAT ARE NOT SPECIFIC TO THE EVENT AS THIS GENERATES SPAM, JUST CHANGE YOUR RSVP IF YOU CAN'T GO. YOU CAN MESSAGE THE ORGANIZER, MANY THANKS.

Walk length 13 miles/20km approx. Circular.

An interesting country hike following a circular route from Boxmoor towards Chipperfield Common with a final section along a small section of the Grand Union Canal.

The walk follows passes the small village of Chipperfield with an ancient Common containing eight Spanish sweet chestnut trees estimated to date back to the 1600s. The trees were supposedly planted 'for the delight of Isabel of Castile'. Isabel of Castile (1355 – 1392) was the first Duchess of York and the wife of Edmund Langley who lived at the Royal Palace of Kings Langley.

Another section of the walk follows a very short stretch of the Grand Union Canal an impressive civil engineering legacy of the Victorian era that stretches 137 miles from London to Birmingham and is Britain's longest canal.

This hike is undulating with flatter sections on the grand union canal but also fairly long.

Lunch and Finish

Please bring a snack lunch and water for the walk. The hike should finish about 4.30pm and include a 30min lunch stop and pub stop at the end, however the time may be earlier or later than this depending on the weather and pace. We will have some optional end of hike drinks at a riverside pub close to the station.

Walk Cost: £7 cash on the day organizer fee (the host is a qualified London guide). For paypal it is '[email protected]' Please send as friends and family to avoid charges. For bank transfer message organizer.

Train from £19 return (may be reduced by a third with a network railcard or groupsave).

Meeting:

Meet for the hike to start at 10.25am (after the train from London arrives ) outside Hemel Hempstead Train Station (the organizer is not coming by train).

Train:

The 9.56am from London Euston gets to Hemel Hempstead for 10.23am See National Rail Enquiries www.nationalrail.co.uk

I would encourage you to seek out other members who can go as part of a group save on the train and meet from 9.20am to give you time to get tickets/group saves. The organizer will not be taking the train for this hike but driving to destination station.

Meet close the ticket kiosk at Euston (see photo below).

Please make a note of the organizers numbers - Colin 07709305681

Car: The Station Car Park at Hemel Hempstead is £4.80 weekends. Free roadside parking may be available in Boxmoor a short walk away (please check for restrictions and leave enough time to park).

Walking Safety: Walking is a great way to keep fit and generally very safe; however it does contain an element of risk. Before going on any of these walks you need to be reasonably fit and be prepared to be responsible for your own safety. You must wear appropriate clothing such as proper walking boots, warm and wet weather clothing and carry sufficient food and water. Please see our Terms and Conditions (https://4142298.xyz/Chiltern-Explorers/pages/Terms_and_Conditions/)

COULD EVERYONE PLEASE AVOID COMMENTS BELOW THAT ARE NOT SPECIFIC TO THE EVENT AS THIS GENERATES SPAM, JUST CHANGE YOUR RSVP IF YOU CAN'T GO. YOU CAN MESSAGE ME. MANY THANKS.

Walk length 11miles/18km approx. Circular.

A chance to explore the beautiful City of Winchester and some of the surrounding countryside including views from St Catherine's Hill.

St Catherine's Hill contains the remains of an old Iron Age hill fort and was the site of a 12th century chapel.

The hike also traverses parts of Twyford Down, Shawford Down and some river sections of the River Itchen.

We can get some drinks at the end of the hike in Winchester and hopefully get a chance to explore the Winchester Cathedral Xmas Market.

THIS HIKE IS MEDIUM IN LENGTH BUT DOES CONTAIN SOME HILL CLIMBS AS WELL AS FLATTER RIVER SECTIONS.

Meeting: Meet outside Winchester Rail Station for the walk to start at 10.35am (after the train from London arrives). This is a circular walk and finishes back at Winchester.

Lunch and Finish: The hike should finish before 4.00pm (finish time may be earlier or later depending on the weather and pace) and include a short pack lunch at the village of Shawford. There is a pub in the village The Bridge Inn however be aware we will not be stopping very long for lunch.

The Xmas market is close to the Cathedral. When you are tired of shopping or want some warmth you can meet the group at the very classy 'The Old Gaolhouse, 11a Jewry Street' for drink and food and it should be reasonably priced.

Transport

Car: Winchester Station Car Park is £3.50 on Saturday. Free street parking may be available on the outskirts of the town but please be aware parking is likely to be busy with Xmas shoppers and the markets.
Train from London: The 9.35am train from London Waterloo gets to Winchester for 10.32am.

Train from London: Meet outside the main WHSmith on the main concourse at Waterloo Station from 8.45am close to the Pret and ticket information desk to give you time to get tickets/group saves (see photo below). The organizer is coming by train.

Please be prompt trains can be busy and we need time to get tickets/group saves.

Cost

Walk Cost: £7 cash on the day organizer fee. For paypal it is '[email protected]' Please send as friends and family to avoid charges. For bank transfer message organizer.

Train £30 approx with a network railcard discount or groupsave. Cheaper discounts may also be available online in advance.

Please make a note of the organizers numbers - Colin 07709305681.

Walking Safety
Walking is a great way to keep fit & generally very safe; however it does contain an element of risk. Before going on any of these walks you need to be reasonably fit & be prepared to be responsible for your own safety. You should wear appropriate clothing & shoes with sufficient grip suitable for hiking. Warm & wet weather clothing and carry sufficient food & water. Please see our Terms & Conditions (https://4142298.xyz/Chiltern-Explorers/pages/Terms_and_Conditions/)

COULD EVERYONE PLEASE AVOID COMMENTS BELOW THAT ARE NOT SPECIFIC TO THE EVENT AS THIS GENERATES SPAM, JUST CHANGE YOUR RSVP IF YOU CAN'T GO. YOU CAN MESSAGE ME. MANY THANKS.

Walk length 12miles/19km approx. Circular.

A delightful Chiltern Walk exploring the countryside east of Marlow and the Thames towards Bourne End.

Some of the features on this walk include the village of Little Marlow, Flackwell Heath and the riverside of the Thames.

Bloom Wood along the walk has an abundance of fauna, some medieval earthwork remains have also found.

Please bring a snack and water for the walk. The walk will finish at about 4.00pm, however the time may be slightly earlier or later than this depending on the weather and pace. We will have lunch at Higginson Park that has WC facilities and is close to coffee shops/high street and park benches for lunch.

At the end of the walk we can have optional drinks close to the train station at Bourne end at the very quirky riverside pub of the 'Bounty.'
The hike is largely flat but does have some climbs such as up to Bloom Wood.

Meeting & Transport

Meet outside Bourne End Station for the walk to start at 10.15am, just after the train from London.

Train from London: 9.17am from London Paddington gets to Maidenhead for 9.56am, change for train to Bourne End (10.03 gets to Bourne End for 10.15) See National Rail Enquiries. (http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/)
I would suggest you meet from 8.50am next to the WHSmith shop at Paddington to give you time to get group saves/buy tickets (see photo below). The organizer will not be taking the train from London but will meet you at Bourne End Train Station.

The Elizabeth line goes to Maidenhead so you could leave from another station along this line before the change at Maidenhead for Bourne End.
Car: Station Car Park at Bourne End. Council car park at Wakeman Road charges £1 (5mins walk), (Wakeman Road SL8 5SX). There may also be some free street parking. Please leave enough time to park and check restrictions.

Please make a note of the organizers numbers - Colin 07709305681.

Walk Cost: £7 cash on the day organizer fee. For paypal it is '[email protected]' Please send as friends and family to avoid charges. For bank transfer message organizer.

Train price should be £15 or less with a groupsave or national railcard discount.

Walking Safety: Walking is a great way to keep fit and generally very safe; however it does contain an element of risk. Before going on any of these walks you need to be reasonably fit and be prepared to be responsible for your own safety. You should wear appropriate clothing such as proper walking boots, warm and wet weather clothing and carry sufficient food and water. Please see our Terms and Conditions. (https://4142298.xyz/Chiltern-Explorers/pages/Terms_and_Conditions/)

COULD EVERYONE PLEASE AVOID COMMENTS BELOW THAT ARE NOT SPECIFIC TO THE EVENT AS THIS GENERATES SPAM, JUST CHANGE YOUR RSVP IF YOU CAN'T GO. YOU CAN MESSAGE ME. MANY THANKS.

A fun packed Rochester weekend to dismiss the January blues, an evening guided walk, two country hikes and the chance to explore Rochester for some fun evenings out..

Rochester lies on the lowest bridging point of the River Medway in Kent and has considerable history surrounding its Castle and historic streets. Charles Dickens owned Gads Hill Place at nearby Highman and Rochester was an inspiration for some of his novels.

Itinerary..

Friday 31st January. Meet at 6pm for a short guided city walk.
Saturday 1st February meet at 10.30am for a 12miles/19km hike exploring the North Downs Way, Ranscombe Farm County Park, Cobham Park and Jeskyns Community Woodland from Cuxton Train station.

Sunday 2nd February meet at 10.30am at Rainham rail station for a linear 8 mile/12km hike into Rochester following the Saxon Shore Way and Riverside Country Park.

More details on hikes and meeting points will be posted closer to the date.

THESE HIKES ARE UNDULATING BUT MEDIUM IN LENGTH.

Hike Cost/Meetup/organizer: £25 (organizer hike fee) or 12.50 if you just want to do each hike as a day hike. As this is a weekend away trip we need payment in advance, please contact the organizer by meetup message for details.

Transport and accommodation needs to be booked yourselves. Please do this ASAP for accommodation in particular. Many booking sites offer free cancellation and prices often go up nearer the date..

Parking could be expensive in Rochester. If you don't mind walking there are free residential roadside parking in some areas on the edge of town. (please check for any restrictions).

Trains go to Rochester from London Bridge as well as other London stations using Thameslink.

A watsapp group will be set up for this trip. Please contact the organizer if you want to be added...

Please make a note of the organizers numbers - Colin 07709305681.

Walking Safety: Walking is a great way to keep fit and generally very safe; however it does contain an element of risk. Before going on any of these walks you need to be reasonably fit and be prepared to be responsible for your own safety. You should wear appropriate clothing such as proper walking boots, warm and wet weather clothing and carry sufficient food and water. Please see our Terms and Conditions (https://4142298.xyz/Chiltern-Explorers/pages/Terms_and_Conditions/)

COULD EVERYONE PLEASE AVOID COMMENTS BELOW THAT ARE NOT SPECIFIC TO THE EVENT AS THIS GENERATES SPAM, JUST CHANGE YOUR RSVP IF YOU CAN'T GO. YOU CAN MESSAGE ME. MANY THANKS.