Escape London City Explorers - Walks, Socials, Trips

Walk length 3 miles/4.8 km approx. Linear.

An evening walk around Mayfair with a distinctly James Bond Feel. Discover some of the likely haunts of the fictional character and the names behind some of his villains. We will finish at Grosvenor Square which was the location of the US embassy for many years and has some interesting stories. The 20th January 2025 will be memorable as its the inauguration of the next US president, whether you dislike or like the one on offer!

The character Ian Fleming created with James Bond in his novels and subsequent films has many associations with the glamorous Mayfair area. As well as talking about James Bond we will discover some real Cold War Spy stories.

We will visit a pub at the end for some refreshments which may be a short walk up to Baker Street.

FREE Walk today.

Meeting

Meet outside Green Park Underground Station (North Exit on Piccadilly next to M&S Foods) and along Stratton Street from 18.15pm for the walk to start at 18.30pm

Please keep your 'RSVP' updated for this event as it would help me get accurate numbers, and determine who is turning up for the walk; my phone number is Colin 07709 305681.

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 shoes, warm and wet weather clothing and carry sufficient food and water. Please see our Terms and Conditions (https://www.meetup.com/Escape-London-City-Explorers/pages/23195445/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 16miles/25km approx. Circular.

A very scenic hike from High Wycombe to Marlow exploring the Rye, Horton Wood, a section of the Thames path..

We will have lunch at Higginson Park Marlow close to public toilets, coffee shops etc..

There is the option of taking the train back from Marlow to London should you wish to leave at the lunch stop approx 7miles/11km into the walk. You would need to get a single ticket from Marlow to London and this line also has a change at Maidenhead.

THIS IS A LONG HIKE WITH A MIXTURE OF UNDULATING LANDSCAPE WITH SOME FLAT SECTIONS CLOSE TO THE THAMES AND WILL BE TAKEN AT A STEADY PACE.

Lunch and Finish

Please bring a packed lunch and water for the walk. The walk should finish at 4.30pm and includes a pack lunch stop and optional pub stop at the end, however the time may be earlier or later than this depending on the weather and pace.

Meeting points please read..

Meet outside High Wycombe train station from for the walk to start at 10.10am (after the train from London arrives).

By car: Train Station charges on Saturday. Free parking close to Bassetsbury Lane (25mins walk from station) or adjacent roads. Please leave enough time to park and check for any relevant parking restrictions.

By train from London: The London Marylebone train at 9.37am gets to High Wycombe for 10.10am.

I would encourage you to seek out other members who can go as part of a group save on the train and meet from 9.15am to give you time to get tickets.

I would suggest you meet outside the WHSmith shop at Marylebone to give you time to get a group save/buy tickets you may have to queue (see photo below). See National Rail Enquiries (http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/)

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

Walk Cost: £7 cash on the day organizer fee. For paypal it is 'colin45@hotmail.co.uk' Please send as friends and family to avoid charges. For bank transfer message organizer.

Train from London approx £18 with group save or network railcard discount.

The organizer will not be taking the train but will meet you at High Wycombe.

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://www.meetup.com/Escape-London-City-Explorers/pages/23195445/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 14miles/22km approx. Circular.

A really picturesque circular hike from Saunderton across fields and woods to Booker returning past West Wycombe Hill. We will have a snack lunch stop at Booker and optional drinks at the end.

THIS IS A SUBSTANTIAL HIKE AND HILLY IN PLACES, PLEASE ENSURE YOU ARE HAPPY WITH THIS.

Meeting and Transport, please read...

Train from London: The 9.53am train from London Marylebone gets to Saunderton for 10.52am. I suggest you arrive at London Marylebone for 9.20am to give you time to get tickets and any group saves. Please note the organizer will meet you at Saunderton.

Meet outside Saunderton station for the hike to start after the train from London arrives at 10.52am (Saunderton station has no facilities). Car parking should be free.

Train is £18 return with a group save or by using a network railcard.
Walk Cost: £7 cash on the day organizer fee (For paypal it is 'colin45@hotmail.co.uk' Please send as friends and family to avoid charges. For bank transfer message organizer.

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 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://www.meetup.com/Escape-London-City-Explorers/pages/23195445/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 chance to explore the South Downs, Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight on a fun packed Easter hiking weekend.

Friday 18 April, 6pm guided walk around old town Portsmouth (details to come).

Saturday 19 April. A linear hike from Ryde to Sandown (13.5miles/22km) The hike follows the coastal path and Yar river trail along to Bembridge Down and finishing at Sandown (chance of swim if the weather is nice).

We will aim for the 10.15am Wight link ferry from Portsmouth Gun wharf ferry port (need to meet from 9.45 to get tickets and board ferry) that gets to Ryde for 10.37am. Ferry is £20 for a day return.

At Sandown there are regular trains back to Ryde, 20minutes (£3.10 single) the last ferry from Ryde to Portsmouth is 22.45pm.

Sunday 20 April. A circular hike (15miles/24km) from Rowlands Castle into Stanstead Forest and then to Bow Hill and the Kindley National Nature Reserve following sections of the Monarch’s Way across the South Downs.

We will aim to get the 9.21am train from Portsmouth Harbour that gets to Rowlands Castle for 9.55am Return tickets is approx. £5.20. Regular trains back from Rowlands Castle to Portsmouth after the hike.

Monday 21 April. (8miles/12km). A linear hike from Havant to South Hayling Island along the Hayling Billy Coastal Path.

Aim to get the train from Portsmouth Harbour to Havant at 10.31am from Portsmouth Harbour getting to Havant for 10.51am. Single ticket £5.60. At the end of the walk we can get the Hayling Island ferry from Langstone Harbour to Portsmouth adult single ticket £3.50. Are regular buses back into central Portsmouth close to landing stage.

HIKES FOR THIS WEEKEND MAY BE DEMANDING WITH UNDULATING ROUGH TERRAIN.

A watsapp group has been set up for the trip.

Hike Cost/Meetup/organizer: £39 (organizer hike fee) or 13 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 Portsmouth. 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 Portsmouth from London Waterloo station.
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 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://www.meetup.com/Escape-London-City-Explorers/pages/23195445/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.