Wow what a range of temperatures we had in June including the record breaking highs. I’m pleased to say as I’m writing this it’s feeling a lot more pleasant and more like the normal English summer when you know you need to take a fleece and pack your waterproofs too!

The heat made it a tough day on the Herts Hobble but there were lots of positive comments at the finish about the route, the marshals who ensured everyone stayed safe and hydrated and the refreshments and the water stops we had added in were much appreciated. It was great to see some taking on one of our challenge events for the first time and we hope that they and others will now be signing up for the Essex Walker on 25th October 2026 where there are 18 mile and 26 mile options. Entries open today (1st July) on SiEntries. It’s a new 'Figure of Eight' route  from Blackmore Village Hall with the 26 mile route having a first loop via Mill Green and Highwood and a second loop via Wyatts Green, Mountnessing and Fryerning. The 18 mile route follows the first loop of the 26 miler, with an extra 3 miles at the end. If anyone is available to help support the event on 25th October please let Tracy or I know at essexandherts@ldwa.org.uk – you’ll still get a chance to walk the route, with an Essex Walker marshals walk planned for Sunday 13th September.

A reminder to all though taking part in any LDWA challenge walks about the importance of checking emails and the web pages linked to the event before the day – there may be last minute instructions or changes needed as a result of weather conditions. Most importantly there will be links to the written Route description and a GPX file for those who have mapping software on their phones / devices, which will have been validated on the marshals’ event. Entrants need to bring these as the route is not marked out on the day. Anyone entering a challenge event for the first time may find these FAQ helpful.

Social Walks
It’s not all about challenge events though and we have the following social walks coming up in July:

Sat 4th Jul 2026 The Mildmay Line
Group Walk – 17.6ml. 9.30am Stratford Station, seat by lift R of Pret A Manger, opposite Stratford Station’s Westfield exit/entrance. ///hunter.belly.farm. (GR TQ384845). Peter who is leading the walk will give a small potted history as we go along and this, and a GPX file, is available now on our website. The file follows the route and includes descriptions, some history, plenty of trivia, to the many places of interest along the route, which you may like to read before the walk, or take with you. As the walk follows the Mildmay overground line and passes by or near all stations to Hampstead Heath, there are many options to shorten the walk. If your aim is to meet us along the line, please let Peter know before Saturday. No dogs please. C: Peter Tremain Tel: 07427 857003 E: Peter.tremain@live.co.uk

Stratford meet at half past nine
All set to follow The Mildmay line.
Through ‘The Village’, cross the old River Lea
And after the Wick, in Hackney we’ll be.

Also, Homerton, Hoxton, and Haggerston, the H is now used
Long since gentrified, and coffee infused.
At eleven, Sutton House, then the Prodigal Son;
St Augustine’s tower, 1200s begun.

Next could inspire you to aspire
To stand on the stage of the Hackney Empire
And provide inspiration to come again this way
When open and free, on London’s Open House Day.

Lunch at one, while The Emirates beckoned
In Highbury Fields, forever Arsenal were second.
Give them a cheer, have they done it at last?
Or with hands over eyes, walk quickly past.

And on, but this I’ve yet to explore!
So, at this point, I shall say no more.
Except, 18 miles to Hampstead Heath
For the train back to Stratford. What a relief!

PS
Moving on from the Arsenal Glow
Barnsbuy’s Squares, and Art Deco.
Arts and Crafts or Art Nouveau?
A ghost or two, and Hercule Poirot.

Sat 18th Jul 2026 Northern Adventure Part 4” Stevenage to Biggleswade
Group Walk - 18ml. 8.50am Start time: 8.50 at Stevenage station main entrance on Lytton Way, East side of station. From London the suggested train is the 8.16 from St. Pancras, 8.23 Finsbury Park arriving Stevenage 8.45. Car parking at Stevenage station or other options at Biggleswade station or Arlesey station and take the train at 8.30 from Biggleswade, 8.35 at Arlesey to arrive at Stevenage 8.47. Distance: 18 miles finish at Biggleswade station which is 3 stations north of Stevenage on the same train line. Expect to finish c.4.30. The route uses the Hertfordshire Way, Letchworth Garden City Hicca Way, Kingfisher way, Bedfordshire green wheel. Mostly good firm tracks. Picnic stops only. Moderate Pace. The route started last year at St. Pauls Cathedral and this is the fourth in a pilgrimage set of walks with the aim of reaching Peterborough Cathedral. Dogs following the regulations are welcome. If intending to come, please notify the walk leader in advance if possible, but even on the morning of the walk it is fine. This is a joint walk for BBN and Essex and Herts. C: Jerome Ripp Tel: 07470196890 E: rippjerome@gmail.com

Sat 25th Jul 2026 Chelmsford Centenary Circle
Group Walk - 20ml. 9.15am Meet at Beaulieu Park Railway Station Foyer. CM3 3QW . ///pans.enable.gums. All day parking £5 per car. Essex & Herts members arriving by car may claim reimbursement from Gill during the walk. A circular route following the original municipal boundary of Chelmsford via the former Tudor Palace of Beaulieu, Broomfield and Writtle villages, Hylands Park Estate, Galleywood Common and former racecourse, Great Baddow and Sandon villages and finally a stretch of the Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation Canal. Joint walk with the London group. Our walk today starts from the first new railway station to open on the Great Eastern Main Line in over a century. If arriving by train please note that toilets are located before you exit the gate line. Otherwise no public toilets at start unless we negotiate entry to use the station facilities. The Chelmsford Centenary Circle was opened in 1988 to commemorate the centenary of Chelmsford being declared a Borough under the Municipal Corporations Act of 1888. This declaration was met with much celebration as the Town Crier rang in the announcement outside Chelmsford Shire Hall. We will find the route today much changed from the countryside of 1888 and also from 1988 when we first walked this path - yet it still retains its charm and relevance in terms of urban development and countryside preservation. Gill and Jerome will point out places of interest along the way. There will be an opportunity to grab a morning coffee and use the facilities at the Cheerful Chai cafeteria at Angel Meadows, Broomfield; further toilet opportunities are at Writtle if required and then we will stop for lunch near the stables at Hylands House where a cafeteria, and toilet facilities are available. An afternoon break can be taken at Sandon ( no shops or facilities) before we follow the waterway back to the station. Anyone needing a comfort stop near the end can pop into Starbucks en route! C: Gill Struthers & Jerome Ripp Tel: Gill Struthers: 07591 971797 Jerome Ripp: 07470 196890 E: gillastruthers@hotmail.com

Reminders
All walkers whether on challenge events or social walkers should be aware that photographs may be taken and may be published in Strider, on an LDWA website, Facebook or other social media. If you don’t want to appear in any such photos please make this known at the start and remove yourself from being in pictures before they’re taken. Please also remember the Countryside Code and be respectful of local residents and landowners whose property and land you may be walking through, ensuring that gates are closed behind you and established footpaths are used when walking near private property and livestock.  

2026 Neckwear Competition
Don’t forget our cosy neckwear competition where prizes are available. Categories this year are:

• Best E&H cosy neckwear photo taken within the county of Essex
• Best E&H cosy neckwear photo taken within the county of Hertfordshire
• Most intrepid sporting activity undertaken whilst wearing your E&H cosy neckwear

There are already some great examples on our website. To enter the competition you need to send your photo/s to Lizzie, our Walks Secretary at essexandherts.walks@ldwa.org.uk stating your full name, category entered and when and where the photo was taken. Entries close on 1st December 2026.

Diary Date
In closing I just wanted to flag a date for your diary – Thursday 10th December 2026. We’ve reserved 40 places at the White Hart Inn, Margaretting Tye for a Christmas lunch at 1pm and there will be a walk in the morning to enable you to work up a suitable appetite. We’ll look for names in the Autumn. 

Tracy and I hope to see you out on a walk soon.

Sue

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