There is a limit of 20 people for this walk and booking is essential. Please go to www.nelr.org.uk to register on the website and book a place.
A leisurely walk with country and waterside views. We start by following the Old Shire Lane (mainly a track) through gently undulating countryside and passing along the edge of woodland and fields. We cross fields and the M25, then walk along lanes. After taking a path between lakes we reach our lunch stop - the Coy Carp at Harefield (after 5 miles). I have booked a table for 6. Please email me ASAP if you want a pub lunch, and by Friday 20 December at the very latest. After lunch we have a short climb, to follow the Colne Valley Trail. Then we drop down to the Grand Union Canal, eventually leaving the towpath to pass lakes and toilets before reaching Rickmansworth Station.
There are no mainline trains, due to HS2 work, but the Metropolitan Line is running. Trains to Amersham or Chesham stop at Chorleywood. The 09.04 train to Amersham from Baker Street is the latest possible train, though your leader may catch an earlier train. More trains run from Baker Street and there is less risk of being let down by last minute schedule changes. If there is a problem, catch the first train that comes along and change at Harrow-on-the-Hill if necessary.
Use a Freedom Pass or Oyster Zone 7 pass or contactless. Toilets at the start and finish stations are usually open.
It's possible to drop-out after lunch, by walking uphill for 10-15 minutes and catching a U9 bus to Uxbridge Tube Station. Mud and puddles are likely, so boots are essential and poles would be useful.
There is a limit of 20 people for this walk, so please book via the NELR website.