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Welcome to LDWA Thames Valley's Monthly Newsletter
Forthcoming Social Walks
Sun 6th Sep 2026 c18ml. 09:00. (SU516565) Kingsclere: White Hill c.p. B3501 Circular route thru' the North Hampshire Downs including Watership Down.
Sun 20th Sep 2026 31.3ml. 08:00 Note Earlier Start:. (SU823861) Medmenham: Triangle between Hollowhill and Pullingshill Woods.
Sun 20th Sep 2026 25ml. 09:00. (SU823861) Medmenham: Triangle between Hollowhill and Pullingshill Woods.
Sun 20th Sep 2026 15.6ml. 09:00. (SU823861) Medmenham: Triangle between Hollowhill and Pullingshill Woods.
Sun 27th Sep 2026 c21ml. 09:00. (SU865991) Prestwood: Nature Reserve car park, Hampden Road C2800ft Ascent.
Full Programme of Social Walks (there might be short notices walks added later)
Walk Leading Opportunities
There are opportunities to lead a Social walk on:-
Contact Andrew Beck (Walks Coordinator) at tv.walks@ldwa.org.uk if you would like to lead a Social Walk.
The Thames Valley Area can be seen here with a map of known walk start points.
If you have not lead a Social Walk contact the Walks Coordinator and assistance in planning and leading can be provided.
Other News
Thames Path Diversion between Culham and Clifton Hampden due to works on a new crossing.
Challenge Walk Reports
Sussex Stride 22nd and 23rd August 2026 - Alison
Having completed a couple of longer challenge events last year - BBN's Pick & Mix (28 miles) and the Sussex Group's Sussex Loops (31 miles), Shahina and I thought - we should do a 50!
So we entered the Sussex Stride, thinking that is months away, so plenty of time for training. Of course we had not reckoned on this summer's heat - we did manage three long walks of 31, 34 and 36 miles - one being in temperatures of 34C.
We'd been told yes the Sussex Stride is hilly, but nothing drastic, mostly gentle long climbs. As the day got closer I was, I admit, somewhat nervous of what lay in store. On Saturday 22nd August we drove to Plumpton College near Lewes, where we encountered a number of other Thames Valley members, and drank coffee and ate biscuits while waiting for the 10am start. The route passed through the magnificent scenery of the South Downs National Park, and attractive villages, plus four of the Seven Sisters. With seven checkpoints along the route we were welcomed by volunteers who provided lots of food and drink. Once dusk came we teamed up with two solo walkers to walk through the night - at one point we encountered a field of sleeping cows, some of whom were on the path, who thankfully ignored us. The night section with almost ten miles between checkpoints was particularly hard and seemed never ending, but once we reached it we had a mere 11 miles to go. At this point we lost one of our companions, who retired. The three of us carried on and as we left the final checkpoint dawn was breaking and on top of The Downs we witnessed a beautiful sunrise - this last section of 4.7 miles seemed to go on forever, but finally the College came into sight and we had done it!
 
Congratulations to all the other Thames Valley members who completed it as well.
In summary - Perfect weather, 52.7 miles, 7,000 feet of ascent, one blister, tired legs and huge elation at finishing it. Would I do it again - am up for more challenges but probably not any that involve night walking, but never say never.
Social Walk Reports
None
Local Challenge Walks
Sat 26th September 2026 Forest Marathon - 27, 20ml.
Sun 27th September 2026 Wye Not Wander - 27, 20 or 15ml.
Sun 4th October 2026 Marlow Donkey - 50, 40, 25Km.
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