I keep finding new green walks in London we really need to explore. Will you join us for a walk along another of London lesser known rivers? This time we will venture along the Hogsmill River in South West London. The Hogsmill was once known for its water mills, reputed to have produced gunpowder for the Napoleonic and American Civil Wars.

The pre-Raphaelite artists loved this area, and we will pass the spot where Sir John Everett Millais spent 5 months, capturing the river for his painting of Ophelia which now hangs in Tate The model might have posed in a bath, but the landscape was the Hogsmill near Ewell. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/art/art-news/7863332/Mystery-of-location-of-Millais-Ophelia-solved.html

We will end our walk in Kingston (or should it be “Kings’ stone”?) by the Coronation Stone which was believed to have been used for the coronations of up to seven Saxon Kings. The stone stands next to the Clattern Bridge, which is believed to be one of the oldest road bridges in Britain.

Will you join us on this walk?

How to get there:

We will meet at 9.15 by the FCB cafe next to Denmark Hill station, where we aim to get the 9.22 overground to Clapham Junction. From there, we aim to take the 9.48 train to Guildford (platform 11), which should arrive in Ewell West at 10.09.

If this is easier for you, you can also meet us at Ewell West or at Clapham Junction. Please make sure you text me on 078 078 3456 4 to tell me you plan to do that, so we don’t get all worried that you are not at Denmark Hill! 🙂

Both Ewell West and Kingston are within the Oyster and 60+ Freedom card zone, so there is no need to buy tickets in advance.

Terrain and length of the route:

The route is reasonably flat but on on varied terrain. The paths along the Hogsmill can be muddy, waterproof shoes with good profile are highly recommended. Our walk will be about 7 miles/ 11 kilometres.

Toilets, food/drinks & what to bring:

There are toilets in the station at Ewell West and in Kingston.
I suggest we bring a pick-nick and enjoy our lunch outside, but if the weather isn’t very attractive for eating outside, there are some places we can stop along the way.

Don’t forget to bring something to drink.

This walk will happen in any weather, unless it is unsafe, so bring your waterproofs and (preferably waterproof) shoes with a good grippy profile. I am optimistic about the weather and have a reputation to uphold, so don’t forget to bring a sunhat/cap and sunscreen!

Who can join?

Anyone who can comfortably walk 7 miles/11 km.
Feel free to bring a friend or family member, with or without poles. Nordic Walkers or not, that doesn’t matter, as long as they are Fit (enough) and Happy! 😊
Are you a Nordic walker but don’t have your own poles? Would you like to borrow some from me? Text me on 078 078 3456 4 and I will bring you some.

Cost:

£10
If you are one of our regular Fit and Happy Outdoors walkers I can recommend buying a ten-session card for £89. This card can be used on Explorer walks as well as our other Nordic Walking fitness walks.
(We also lead regular Nordic Walking fitness classes. These happen every weekday in Burgess Park/ Brockwell Park/ Sydenham Hill and Dulwich Park.)
If you are genuinely poverty stricken- £5
(Train tickets and food or drinks at café not included)

Need poles?

Don’t have your own poles? Would you like to borrow some from me? Text me the MORNING OF THE WALK on 078 078 3456 4 and I will bring you some. (please, please do not ask me days before, as I will forget and that will make us both unhappy!)

Thinking about buying your own?
Check our shop for a great range of poles. Too much choice? You might like to read this useful guide first. Feel free to give us a ring, we are happy to advise you on the best poles for your lifestyle, needs and wishes.

How to join this walk

New to Fit and Happy Outdoors? Please fill in the registration and health questionaire, which you can find here and email them to walks@fitandhappyoutdoors.com at least 24 hours before the session, mentioning in the header which walk you want to join. That will give us enough time to get back to you and discuss your needs and experience.

Please sign up for our Meetup Group to easily RSVP and find out when the next walks are.

Not on Meetup (yet)? You can also use this contact form: