Hello everyone

Welcome to the week.   And what a week it is - with lots for you to digest.   This week, we've got rabbity ramble, an extragalactic expedition (well almost) and a Weymouth wander for you to consider.

First
Starting with our feet firmly on the ground, this Sunday Christopher is offering you the chance to follow in Richard Adams' footsteps over Watership Down, in a hike from Overton and following the Wayfarers' Way.  So if you like the idea of exploring Hampshire's lapine lanes, take the train from Waterloo and get yourself to Overton station for 09.16 this Sunday

"OK - when do we get to the pub for lunch?"

Second
Looking right ahead to November, we are thinking about organising a themed mini-weekend away for LDWA London members.  At this stage we're just trying to gauge whether enough of you might be interested to make it worthwhile.

The theme for the weekend is highly appropriate for a walking club - it's astronomy.   So here's the plan:

• Saturday 19 November (am) train to Eastbourne
• Sat 19 (late am / pm) 15-20 mile walk to Herstmonceux
• Sat 19 (evening) "Comets and Curry" themed evening at the Royal Greenwich Observatory
• Sat 19 - Sun 20 (overnight) accommodation at the Bader International Study Centre (10 mins walk from the observatory)
• Sun 20 (am) breakfast in Herstmonceux castle (5 mins from the Bader Centre)
• Sun 20 (late am / pm) 15-20 mile walk back to Eastbourne (by a different route)
• Sun 20 (evening) train back to London

The Royal Greenwich Observatory at Herstmonceux

You can find more details of the curry and comets evening by clicking here
And you can find more about the Bader Centre by clicking here

This is a pretty rare opportunity as the open evenings at the observatory aren't held that often, and also we've only managed to negotiate accommodation at the nearby Bader Centre because my (Adam) son happens to be studying at the moment at Queen's university in Canada, which owns it.

The total cost will be about £120 which includes the return train fare, one night's B&B, curry evening meal at the Observatory, and a tour and talk about the "Taurid" meteor shower at the Observatory.  If it's a clear night (and that is a big "if") there may also be the opportunity to look through some of the telescopes as well.   NB a vegetarian option will also be available.

So if you think you would be interested, please could you let me (Adam) know by email to  london.walks@ldwa.org.uk or by reply to this email.   Please let me know by the end of next Monday, 1 February.   If you need more info, drop me a note and I'll do my best to help.
Please note, I'd need payment in full (except for the train) by the end of February, and the number of places will be limited.

Third
Gosh - after all that you could be forgiven for thinking that this would be the end of the email.   But think again, there's more.

Yes - hopefully you should all have seen Susanne's email last Saturday, asking for volunteers to help at this year's Dorset "100", being held on the weekend of Friday 27^th May to Monday 30^th May near Weymouth.   London LDWA has volunteered to help out, and as well as washing up(!), the weekend promises Walking and Wetherspoons opportunities as well.

You can read all the details by clicking here

If you want to help out, please download and fill in the enclosed application form/questionnaire ASAP:
160123_SW_Application_form_1.docx

and return it to:
susannewaldschmidt@live.co.uk

So now you can mop down your fevered brows and return to the weeks' work.   Just don't forget to: check out Christopher's walk; let me know about the November weekend; and email Susanne about the Dorset 100.

All the best

Adam

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Watership Down and the Test

Event Details:

Event Details Updated

Updated 25/1/16 with details of lunch and travel arrangements

 

Event Type

Group Walk

 

Region

Southern England

 

Local Group

London

 

Distance

17ml.

 

Start Time

09.16

 

Route

Meet Overton station (0815 from Waterloo Station).   Parking available at the Station for those coming by car.  We aim to be able to allow walkers to return on the 1658 from Overton back to Waterloo. There is another (slower) train at 1715 From the beautiful River Test with its history of flour milling, silk production and bank note printing via chalk and flint trackways, ancient woods and greenways to the wonders of the Watership Down escarpment.  Then east, along the Wayfarer’s Way, for lunch at Hannington.  Return through Deane and Ashe to Overton Station

 

General Notes

Medium pace. Lunch at the Vine, Hannington – snacks or Sunday lunch and other choices or bring packed lunch

 

Contact

Christopher Hedley Telephone number 07941 685449

 

Web Site

http://www.ldwa.org.uk/London

 

Start and Finish

SU517508

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