1: AGM. Thanks to all those who attended the AGM last Wednesday and for their input into the meeting. The main outcome was the adoption of an updated constitution.
2: Founders Challenge. As announced at the AGM due to no one volunteering to take on the role of organiser this will not be taking place in 2024. If there is anyone interested in taking on the responsibility of bringing it back in 2025 we'd be delighted to hear from them.
Forthcoming Walks
“ELEL 2” Linear from Maidenhead to Amersham
Sat 2nd Mar 2024
Distance
20ml.
Start Time
09.00 (Elizabeth Line 08.17 or 08.38 GWR from Paddington)
Route
Meet at Maidenhead station. From the platform go down the steps to the subway, turn left and go through the barrier. Meet at the main entrance.
Elizabeth Line Ends Loop (ELEL) will be a long distance path and this will be stage 2 of the northern semicircle connecting Reading and Shenfield which will be walked over 6 stages. Crossing Chiltern hills and valleys with lunch in the Beaconsfield area where there is a drop-out option. Aim to finish at Amersham for the 17.22 Metropolitan line to Baker Street or the 17.11 Chiltern Railway to Marylebone.
General Notes
Average pace of 2.7 miles per hour. Bring a torch, food & drink, picnic stops only, woodland facilities. Very helpful but not essential to send your name and membership number in advance in case there are last minute changes to arrangements. Text or WhatsApp walk leader
We will be walking the Shipwrights Way over the three days of the first May Bank holiday.
This 50 mile path is so called because it follows the route an oak might have taken from Alice Holt forest to a shipyard in Portsmouth. It takes in some lovely Hampshire scenery and there are sculptures along the route to mark it. As it is also a very accessible cycle path, some liberties have been taken to include nicer footpaths and avoid too much road walking. The final day includes a ferry ride and an optional extension taking in the highlights of Portsmouth. It is possible to stay overnight at the end of each day or commute.
Day 1 – Saturday 4th May – Bentley to Petersfield c 20 miles led by Kate Copeland (with dropout points at 14and 18 miles)
Day 2 – Sunday 5th May – Petersfield to Havant c16 miles led by Gavin Fuller (with dropout point at 11 miles)
Day 3 – Monday 6th May – Havant to Portsmouth c11 miles led by Gavin Fuller with an optional extra 6 miles to Cosham via the England Coast Path and Hilsea Lines
Last week's walk
The recent wet weather made Saturday's walk considerably more taxing than Gavin found it when doing the recce.
Nevertheless the group survived the rigours of a walk out to the North Downs again showing it is possible to get over 2,000 feet/620 metres of ascent on a 19-mile walk staring and finishing from Travelcard Zone 6!
Not exactly running up that hill Photo: Gavin Fuller
The obligatory group photo, atop the North Downs Photo: Gavin Fuller
And now it is down a hill Photo: Barry Eade
Thank goodness I've reached the top of these steps Photo: Steve Wills
At least the view at the end made it worthwhile - London skyline from 15 miles away on Farthing Down Photo: Gavin Fuller
Out and About
Our webmaster Deborah is up in Scotland, and was treated to this view over Loch Level from Alltshellach
