It was a walk of great promise: brisk New Year weather, and a big turnout: 25 people assembled at Loughton Station, the most ever. There were Roadies, familiar faces, and new Ramblers altogether (one only five months old). And yet (in the slightly adjusted words of TS Eliot’s Epiphany poem Journey of the Magi) “It … Continue reading Into the Forest: New Year 2020
Autumn 2019: We did it Medway!
Like life itself, this was a walk in two parts: to the pub and back. Or rather, down the picturesque river bank before lunch, back over gently rolling farmland to the station afterwards. In quite lovely walking weather, warm sunshine, big moving clouds, and no rain at all despite the otherwise squally end to September … Continue reading Autumn 2019: We did it Medway!
Spring 2019: Bulls, blossoms and bluebells
Despite the lack of sunshine, and the lack of our walk organiser Peter (who was fighting off germs), the Ockie Road Ramblers turned out in good number to catch the train from London Bridge, with more joining us on route to Staplehurst. There we started our hunt for bluebells and it wasn't long before we met … Continue reading Spring 2019: Bulls, blossoms and bluebells
No place like Dome: New Year 2019
This New Year Ramble 2019 was chilly and curious, and --curiously enough-- much enjoyed by all. These post festive walks often attract a goodly crowd, and 19 of us assembled bang on time at King George V station, one stop past London City Airport on the DLR. The station is named (of course) after the … Continue reading No place like Dome: New Year 2019
Autumn 2018: Up to the Downs
The last weekend in September often vouchsafes wonderful walking weather, but this Ramble was tremendous: sun, big skies, and breath-taking views over Sussex and towards the sea. Two feeder groups successfully conjoined at East Croydon; the curiously triangular station at Lewes was reached on time. Then a small select group of Ramblers embarked on the … Continue reading Autumn 2018: Up to the Downs
Spring 2018: Tiptoe through the Bluebells
The tumultuous headlong rush into spring was stilled by the chill on the day appointed for this Ramble. But nothing chilled the enthusiasm of the 14 walkers (and two dogs) who assembled at the seductively named Whyteleafe station at Saturday morning. Mostly recidivist Ramblers, with one very welcome new face. And spring was all around … Continue reading Spring 2018: Tiptoe through the Bluebells
ORRA Ramble New Year 2018: Up the River
A chilly start to the year for the 13 or so Ramblers (and two dogs) who managed to negotiate the complexities of the Saturday train (plus bus) timetable to rendezvous at Broxbourne Station at the appointed hour, for the seven or eight mile hike to Ware. “Where?” Oh, well.. The ice underfoot melted and the … Continue reading ORRA Ramble New Year 2018: Up the River
September 2017: Into the Weald
There is a first time for everything, and this venture into East Sussex/Kent country started from a station hitherto unplumbed by the Ramblers: Cannon Street. To build the station, the railway company pulled down the Hall of the Worshipful Company of Plumbers, commemorated by this handsome statue erected on the occasion of their 400th anniversary … Continue reading September 2017: Into the Weald
April 2017 Ramble – Strong Views
April was pretty cruel, this year, especially in the wintry two weeks after Easter which slowed to a halt the belting progress of the trees which had exploded with green earlier in the month. But Hey Dinga Ding Ding! The 14 ORRA Ramblers and two dogs who set off to Haslemere on the last Saturday … Continue reading April 2017 Ramble – Strong Views
January 2017 Ramble – Old Father Thames (again)
A river walk is a good way to start the year. It's hard to get lost, though some years we have managed it. This time we didn't. This was the 34th walk in the ORRA series. They began in January 2006 with a walk deep in Essex mud, though nobody can quite remember where. This … Continue reading January 2017 Ramble – Old Father Thames (again)
Ockendon Road N1 