24/07/26 - The London Spiral Summary

Around and around in circles for 5 years

So what's a man to do when he has walked the Capital Ring, the London Loop and the London Country Way? Each of these Long Distance Paths are circular, in ever more distant circles around the Capital. 

How about a Spiral walk that starts at Kings Cross and gets further and further out till you are dumped at Gravesend?

There are two sources available -  Inspiral London and The London Spiral Walk. As far as I can tell, they follow the same route. Inspiral London appears to be the originator, has the better mapping and has a mission statement, that is was only partly successful in achieving.

Inspiral London is a unique artist-led metropolitan trail, a collective on the ground mapping that creates a new walk trail winding in and out of London. This anti-clockwise spiral walk begins at Kings Cross, unwinding six times to finally end at Gravesend, only to begin again. The route crosses the River Thames at ten strategic locations, using bridges, foot tunnels, a cable car and ferries. At over 300-miles of pathway, the trail is divided into 36 segments all easily accessible by public transport, allowing the public – walkers, urban explorers, excursionists, citizens – to experience the city and its environs as one vast art space in which to re-imagine their city.

It's the art-space element that lost me - some of the associated blogs, did indeed identify public artworks - especially in the early stages. I am sure this was largely forgotten by the times we reached the commuter boroughs and the agricultural walks on the outer loop.

It is a fine piece of psycho-geography. Putting my journey in the hands of others, following a random and on-the-ground unmarked trail and not knowing what (if anything) I would find.

The Highlights

My appreciation and knowledge of London (especially its public transport!) has increased. All the areas you would want to explore—and some you probably wouldn't—are covered. The treasures are endless, and the stories on every street are myriad.

Of course, the pubs - 55 of them. I have been able to tick off Good Beer Guide Pubs in some of the more unloved areas of Greater London. And there have been some absolute classics, either revisited or discovered. As a big fan of the Deserter Podcast, it was almost a pilgrimage to visit the Shirker's Rest in New Cross. I exported Slabs crisps to Worcestershire. Shout outs to the Faltering Fullback (Arsenal), the Mayflower (Bermondsey), The Wanstead Tap, Cricketers (Richmond) and the Park Tavern (Eltham).

I am unsure whether I would have crossed the Thames by cable car if it wasn't for the route. Surreal, especially as I was completing an Adventure Lab Cache, airborne. I've lost track of the number of crossings but I think bridge, underpass, cable car and boat covers all the manners of the crossings.

The Lowlights

The later stages, especially the North and West, were an endless procession of housing estates. A decision point loomed at Hayes and Harlington (stage 20), where I said I would reach the river for the final crossing at Hampton and make a decision. Planning showed the remainder could be done easily with a couple of overnight stays. In true style, those four walks were poor, excellent, excellent, poor.

Arriving in Penge, a local asked me what I was doing. When I told him I had walked from Wimbledon he said "what the bloody hell have you done that for?" I was at a loss on how to reply.

The finale was disappointment. Then again, I knew the terrain of entering Gravesend from the London Country Way. There is no easy way of stating this. It's not pretty. It's not for walkers.

The Stages

Stage 01 - Kings Cross to Marylebone
Stage 02 - Marylebone to Hoxton
Stage 03 - Hoxton to Archway

Stage 04 - Archway to Kensington
Stage 05 - Kensington to Canada Water
Stage 06 - Canada Water to Turnpike Lane
Stage 07 - Turnpike Lane to Shepherd's Bush
Stage 08 - Shepherd's Bush to Clapham Common
Stage 09 - Clapham Common to Lewisham
Stage 10 - Lewisham to Wanstead
Stage 11 - Wanstead to Arnos Grove
Stage 12 - Arnos Grove to Wembley
Stage 13 - Wembley to Kew Gardens
Stage 14 - Key Gardens to Wimbledon
Stage 15 - Wimbledon to Penge
Stage 16 - Penge to Woolwich
Stage 17 - Woolwich to Roding Valley
Stage 18 - Roding Valley to Hadley Wood
Stage 19 - Hadley Wood to Carpender's Park
Stage 20 - Carpender's Park to Hayes
Stage 21 - Hayes to Hampton Court
Stage 22 - Hampton Court to Epsom
Stage 23 - Epsom to Kenley
Stage 24 - Kenley to Knockholt
Stage 25 - Knockholt to Farningham Road
Stage 26 - Farningham Road to Gravesend

Walk Summary

Distance - 275 Miles

Geocaches - 124 and many Adventure Lab Caches 

Pubs - 55

24/07/26 - London Spiral - Stage 26 - Farningham Road to Gravesend

5 Years

That's exactly how long ago - to the day - it is since I set out from King's Cross on the London Spiral.

26 day walks later, having crossed the Thames by bridge, boat, underneath and cable car. I've reached the end of the track. Although some variations cross the water again to Tilbury. But there be monsters.

I've walked out of Gravesend on the London Countryway, and I was right to not expect too much. It's impossible to access or escape, with gyratory road systems and urban spread.

But I have to get there first - and that is no fun at all either.

It's all lanes to Grub Street, where I thought I would be grateful for the countryside to the admittedly pretty Southfleet. Alas, the countryside is a horror show. Head height crops and disappearing paths. It is possible to walk around the sweetcorn but a wade through thigh-high stinging nettles and thistles is impossible.

The only photo I have is an unopened pub in Southfleet.

There are no bad pubs in the country called ‘The Ship Inn.’

From a walking perspective, a fitting end to the London Spiral Walk. It's certainly not been one for the walking purist and there were times - especially in the latter stages of housing estates of unloved London boroughs, where I thought of knocking it on the head.

Instead, I have proved that I see things through to the bitter end. 

A planned two-centre celebration for the new Good Beer Guide Ticks in Gravesend.

The Three Pillars is easily missed. A cellar bar in a Masonic hall, accessed only by steep steps. Even with Google Maps, it's a tough find.

There's a pub down there

So you would think they would make it easy for the unsuspecting traveller who has made it this far. The first sign is "Cash Only". Of course, I have no cash. You can't lie to Bromley Tramps if you do.

Despite a friendly but complicated explanation of where the nearest cash point is, I saw nothing (apart from the air conditioning) to warrant drinking alone in an underground bunker.

My other new tick - reached without passing an ATM - is the Invicta Bar. 

Open-fronted micro bar

They take card here. Mainly because they charge £7.40 to celebrate the end of an odyssey like a Mexican.

Enjoyed once, but I'm off to 'Spoons

Of course, there will be a summary blog of the route. Once I have had time to review 26 walks over 5 years.

Walk Details

Distance -  9 miles

Start - Farningham Road

Finish - Gravesend

Areas Walked - Gravesend

Geocaches - 1

Pubs - 2

Previous Walks - Stage 1, Stage 2, Stage 3, Stage 4, Stage 5, Stage 6, Stage 7, Stage 8, Stage 9, Stage 10, Stage 11, Stage 12, Stage 13, Stage 14, Stage 15, Stage 16, Stage 17, Stage 18, Stage 19, Stage 20, Stage 21, Stage 22, Stage 23, Stage 24, Stage 25

23/07/26 - London Spiral Stage 25 - Knockholt to Farningham Road

Penultimate Pleasure

The final two days on the London Spiral act as a metaphor for the whole route. Today, it's lovely countryside walking on great paths. Tomorrow, the grim descent into Gravesend. The route has never been a 100% success but I am not a quitter.

The other good things about these final throes - single digit walking.

From Knockholt station, two pubs are instantly possible but even I feel the drink needs to be earned. The Bo Beep boasting an existence since 1500.

Open, but I haven’t walked enough miles to justify it.

Across fields, with views of the distant London skyscrapers and then a long passage through Lullingstone Park and the castle. Dodging golf balls.

Nestled in the Darent Valley near Eynsford, Kent, Lullingstone Castle is one of England's oldest family estates, with the Hart Dyke family having owned it continuously since the late fifteenth century. Although described as a castle, the present building is principally a Tudor manor house, incorporating elements of an earlier medieval residence whose imposing gatehouse still survives.

There’s London, from the extremes of the Spiral Walk.

A first glimpse of Lullingstone Castle

and the gatehouse

I walked the Darent Way 9 years ago - so the route under Eynsford Viaduct should be familiar. It isn't. I only know that I have visited the picture postcard Lion pub when I try to rescan the Cask Marque QR code. During that 2017 visit, it was Doom Bar for £3.65. Today, it's Harvey's Sussex Best for £6.05. What does that say? Better choice of beer? Inflation has been running at an average of 6% over the last nine years.

And yet the King of the North says it's 2.8%. 

I'm off-track and ranting again.

Look at that for timing!

Next to the folly bridge and the River Darent

Time is against me with an hourly train from Farningham Road - the walking along the river, under the M20 is pretty and geocache laden. 

What lies beneath

I made it with one minute to spare, knowing I will be back tomorrow.

If I survive lawless Bromley.

Walk Details

Distance -  9 miles

Start - Knockholt

Finish - Farningham Road

Areas Walked - Lullingstone, Eynsford

Geocaches - 9

Pubs - 1

Previous Walks - Stage 1, Stage 2, Stage 3, Stage 4, Stage 5, Stage 6, Stage 7, Stage 8, Stage 9, Stage 10, Stage 11, Stage 12, Stage 13, Stage 14, Stage 15, Stage 16, Stage 17, Stage 18, Stage 19, Stage 20, Stage 21, Stage 22, Stage 23, Stage 24

02/06/26 - London Spiral Stage 24 - Kenley to Knockholt

Ups and Downs on the North Downs

The London Spiral had got into a complete rut of built-up housing estates with little green space.

That changes on Stage 24, where the North Downs are explored. History underfoot, as ancient villages and Roman Roads are found. Then there are the hills.... all gentle in their own right but over the 14 miles, 1,150ft of ascent has been completed.

This starts from the get go - out of Kenley Station and up a chalk hill to Riddlesdown and the London Loop.

I've been here before

One of the gentle valleys on the North Downs

It's all golf courses, woodland, horse fields and the odd little village like Fickleshole. Fine, cache laden walking with two "highlights".

The words Biggin Hill will stir memories in any child of the late sixties brought up on Commando and Sven Hassell books. I was quite excited to be walking around the northern perimeter of this key site of the Battle of Britain. Until I arrived there. Dense vegetation, an overgrown footpath and a high fence. I heard aeroplanes and at one point, I saw the tail of one as it revved up for take-off.

Milking Lane Cottages, just before Biggin Hill

Refreshment should have been found at the two-pub, one-café village of Downe. A place with strong associations with Charles Darwin.

Charles Darwin moved to Down House in the village of Downe in 1842, seeking space and quiet away from London after returning from the voyage of the Beagle. He lived there with his family for the rest of his life, spending more than 40 years working, observing nature, and developing his ideas on evolution. It was at Down House that he wrote On the Origin of Species (1859) and carried out many of his famous experiments in the house, garden, and surrounding North Downs countryside. Darwin remained there until his death in 1882, by which point the house had become both his home and his lifelong scientific base.

I arrived at 10:50am, too early for the pubs but I could have murdered a cup of coffee. The café had an opening time of 11am detailed on the door but remained firmly in darkness after my 20 minute exploration of the church.

Coffee tickers having as hard a time of it as pub tickers.

A Sundial dedicated to Darwin on Downe Church

The front door of the Queens Head Pub, Downe

More countryside to Pratt's Bottom and the nearby Knockholt Station to end the walk. 

Initially, I think the Bulls Head is closed. The door refuses to open and a look through the window shows a place seemingly devoid of life. I console myself with the thought I will have more time to battle Central London tube strikes, when a lady chases after me down the street to tell me they are indeed open. The door is stiff and I am not the first to fall foul of its required "twist and pull" operation.

The first fully enjoyable leg of the London Spiral for some time is celebrated with a Harvey's Sussex Best.

Be careful not to make a Pratt of yourself at the Bulls Head

And no problems on the Northern Line from Charing Cross to Euston.

Walk Details

Distance -  14 miles

Start - Kenley

Finish - Knockholt

Areas Walked - North Downs, Biggin Hill

Geocaches - 17

Pubs - 1

Previous Walks - Stage 1, Stage 2, Stage 3, Stage 4, Stage 5, Stage 6, Stage 7, Stage 8, Stage 9, Stage 10, Stage 11, Stage 12, Stage 13, Stage 14, Stage 15, Stage 16, Stage 17, Stage 18, Stage 19, Stage 20, Stage 21, Stage 22, Stage 23

01/06/26 - London Spiral Stage 23 - Epsom to Kenley

More Surrey Housing Estates

The London Spiral is coming to its final knockings. I reckon that this, and one more 2-day trip, will see the odyssey completed.

Nothing for the walking purist on this stage. 9 miles and I have three photos. One of those documenting one of the Spiral's original intentions - to investigate public art.

The alley to the Barley Mow, Epsom

Nothing of any note until the quaint village of Woodmansterne. Everything needed for a mid walk break, including Harvey's Sussex Best at the Woodman. A bonus point for it being "Cask Monday" and the bank doesn't need to be broken. £3.25 - another Surrey bargain.

The village green

A bench for Mappiman in the sunshine

I could find nothing worth stopping for in Coulsdon - a scruffy looking town centre, where a climb is required to reach Kenley Station.

Tomorrow, I determine how the Surrey Hills get their name.

Walk Details

Distance -  9 miles

Start - Epsom

Finish - Kenley

Areas Walked - Banstead, Coulsdon

Geocaches - 5

Pubs - 1

Previous Walks - Stage 1, Stage 2, Stage 3, Stage 4, Stage 5, Stage 6, Stage 7, Stage 8, Stage 9, Stage 10, Stage 11, Stage 12, Stage 13, Stage 14, Stage 15, Stage 16, Stage 17, Stage 18, Stage 19, Stage 20, Stage 21, Stage 22

09/02/26 - London Spiral Stage 22 - Hampton Court to Epsom

Cheap Pints in Good Beer Guide Pubs Save the Day

Another pointless walk on the London Spiral. I think its lost its way on the outer fringes. Today's walk starts by leaving Hampton Court beauty behind to walk down a busy dual carriageway, to then walk through fairly endless housing estates. The little countryside available is Horton Country Park - which is a mudfest.

Here's an example of the nonsense;

From the original map

Look at this pointless loop. Why avoid the route straight down to take a diversion through horse fields, only to have to walk back along the A3? It gets worse, the southbound marked route to the circle of doom is actually a private road. The circle of doom a locked 8ft gate topped with barbed wire.

Like an idiot, I walked it. I am nothing if not a completer. Then I had to walk back to take the logical route.

Thames Ditton looked Olde Worlde and pretty. But everything was closed up

Hardly a World of Adventure

The plan was to hit the high spots of Epsom and then complete another couple of miles to Banstead Station. Avanti had different ideas for me. The 35-minute delay incoming throwing all my timings out. 

So a loop of Epsom, looking for 75% of the Good Beer Guide ticks is all that can save the day.

The Barley Mow - an equine themed Fullers Pub - is available through a narnia-style portal off a back alley.

Welcome

Rustic and housed in three knocked-together cottages, I have to remind myself this is no longer London and I am Surrey. ESB in fine form, as it so often is.

Happiness is an ESB on a Chesterfield 

Back Street Boozer, Surrey Style

The Rising Sun suggests that today is traditional pub name bingo and I am going for a full house. Another back street boozer - perhaps more food led than the Mow. It's easy to be shocked at beer prices in the South East but rarely in a good way. A well kept Anspach & Hobday Ordinary Bitter a bargain £3.60.... in a gastropub.

Pleasant Surprise

No new town visit would be complete without the 'Spoons. The Assembly Rooms on the way back to the impossible-to-find railway station.

Sir Timbo - Saving Architecture, Saving Pubs

£2.85 a pint and a difficult choice between a Wimbledon Brewery Helles Dark Lager or a Three Acre Ruby Porter. It's not just the price you cannot knock - this is top level micro-pub-run-by-an-enthusiast levels of choice.

Let's hope Alicante Airport is a blueprint for the future.

Walk Details

Distance -  10 Miles

Start - Hampton Court Station

Finish - Epsom

Areas Walked - Thames Ditton, Chessington

Geocaches - 1

Pubs - 3

Previous Walks - Stage 1, Stage 2, Stage 3, Stage 4, Stage 5, Stage 6, Stage 7, Stage 8, Stage 9, Stage 10, Stage 11, Stage 12, Stage 13, Stage 14, Stage 15, Stage 16, Stage 17, Stage 18, Stage 19, Stage 20, Stage 21

13/10/25 - London Spiral Stage 21 - Hayes to Hampton Court

That's Very Nearly an Armful

After a fairly dismal Stage 20, the London Spiral needs to convince me on this stage that it is worth continuing with. 

The map suggests it has its moments. A long stretch following the London Loop through Cranford Park. At least it's countryside and off residential streets. That comes later, although there is much to admire in the architecture, as I move into the Hamptons.

Although it's wild, remote walking along the River Crane, it's not particularly pleasant. — littered to the point of fly-tipping, with burnt-out motorcycles and paths that don’t favour the rambler, especially when crossing the Bath Road. And then there is this.

Does Stig of the Dump live in London?

St Dunstan's Church in Cranford is distinctive to look at. A half-rebuilt in brick tower, plonked on top of the original flint structure, stands out. It's "doors locked", which is unsurprising. A less architecturally gifted tramp is asleep in the churchyard. 

Building regeneration, 1710 style

Investigations need to be completed outside - where Birmingham's finest comedic son is laid to rest.

Just 44

In terms of interest, that's it for the walk until reaching Hampton. Two Good Beer Guide Pubs, one already ticked.

The Jolly Coopers is new to me - and despite a sign painter with an odd sense of humour, providing an authentic, pubby experience.

Only just worked out what he is trying to achieve.

From the moment I spot the Watney's Red Barrel lamp in the window, I can tell this is going to be old school. Grade II listed, with the same owners since 1986. A central bar, plentiful nick-nacks, most sports related.

Monday Lunchtime

The sense of continuity and timelessness is enhanced by the conversation that I couldn't help but overhear. A recent, well attended funeral of a 61 year old. All other punters reminding each other of who he was by mentioning which school year he'd been in. The year above the landlord, the same year as others. And a player, according to the mother of a daughter in his year.

The beer - Taking Courage seemed wholly in keeping with the day.

Undeniably Handsome 

My final crossing of the River Thames on this particular LDP is meant to be the Hampton Ferry. October is the last month it runs until next Spring, but only during morning and evening commuting hours.

It road walking on the North shore, past the Garrick Temple to the Bridge at Hampton Court.

Garrick Temple

Hampton Court Palace

Directly opposite the palace is the Mute Swan. A Bruning and Price Freehouse, which if I am honest with you, I don't quite understand how that works. Regardless - its a beautiful building, with a car park full of private plated Range Rovers, their owners lunching.

But that said, the beer range is very good - five cask ales, well kept and for this part of the world, a not outrageously priced. 

£5.70, as you are asking

Across the bridge for transport back to the Smoke. Should I continue? South London is always surprising, so I'll at least have a look at where it wants to take me.

Walk Information

Distance -  11 Miles

Start - Hayes and Harlington Station

Finish - Hampton Court Station

Areas Walked - Heathrow, Cranford, The Hamptons

Geocaches - 8

Pubs - 2

Previous Walks - Stage 1, Stage 2, Stage 3, Stage 4, Stage 5, Stage 6, Stage 7, Stage 8, Stage 9, Stage 10, Stage 11, Stage 12, Stage 13, Stage 14, Stage 15, Stage 16, Stage 17, Stage 18, Stage 19, Stage 20

05/07/25 - London Spiral Stage 20 - Carpenders Park to Hayes and Harlington

Limited Interest - Decision Point Looming

Oh dear - the London Spiral Walk is starting to get a little stale. The last leg involved a lot of non-pavement, fast-traffic country lanes. It could not be described as wholly enjoyable. If anything, the stretch from Carpenders Park to Harlington Station is even worse.

There is nothing of any interest in 14 miles of walking. I have 6 photos on my phone. 2 of a too-early visit Good Beer Guide pub and one of an identikit 'Spoons that was the highlight of the day.

Early on, Oxhey Woods provides traffic-free countryside walking alongside the dog walkers of North London.

Woods.  Trees.

 

Then it's the outskirts of Pinner. Too early for the Good Beer Guide Woodman Pub and too many miles to walk to hang around for it's opening. Housing estate after housing estate. Admire the shed extensions on the rooflines. Find the house with the most cars parked on a repurposed front lawn. Dull, dreary walking. At least I get to tick off a couple of podcasts.

Wish I was at the Woodman End

At Ruislip, the OS Map switches from London North to Chilterns East and at least there's countryside again. The Hillingdon Trail takes me around Northolt Aerodrome along Yeading Brook. More or less all the way to the day's finale at Hayes and Harlington Station. Marshland, a babbling brook and mowed grass fields. You wouldn't think you were in London. It's so dull.

The Hillingdon Trail is a 20-mile (32 km) waymarked walking route through the London Borough of Hillingdon, running from Cranford Park near Heathrow to Springwell Lock in the Colne Valley. The trail offers a varied landscape of canals, ancient woodlands (Ruislip Woods NNR), rivers (Pinn and Colne), meadows, and historic landmarks like St Dunstan’s Church and Harefield’s ANZAC Memorial.

Refreshment desperately needed in Hayes, where there are near unlimited choice of takeaways.

One Good Beer Guide Tick available - the ubiquitous Wetherspoons Botwell Inn making the Bible for the 17th year running. Long may it continue when you can drink cask Jaipur for £2.29 a pint in London.  Best thing on the menu? Chicken in a basket.

Best a man can get (In Hayes)

I'll give the London Spiral until the next crossing of the Thames - although getting through Heathrow Airport doesn't promise great walking. Maybe I'll get some good photos.

Walk Information

Distance - 14 Miles

Start - Carpenders Park Station

Finish - Hayes and Harlington Station

Areas Walked - Pinner, Ruislip, Hillingdon

Geocaches - 11

Pubs - 1

Previous Walks - Stage 1, Stage 2, Stage 3, Stage 4, Stage 5, Stage 6, Stage 7, Stage 8, Stage 9, Stage 10, Stage 11, Stage 12, Stage 13, Stage 14, Stage 15, Stage 16, Stage 17, Stage 18, Stage 19

10/05/25 - London Spiral - Stage 19 - Hadley Wood to Carpenders Park

A Day-Saving Bushey Backstreet Boozer

Not sure what occupation the designers of the London Spiral have, but it's surely not route creation. This is a walk that I have to double-check to make sure I haven't plotted it incorrectly. But no, they really did want me to walk up Wagon Lane at the day's start. A country lane, with no pavements and the worst of Hertfordshire boy racers. I would say that at least 40% of the walk is similar.

If it wasn't for Bushey's Swan pub, I would be questioning what I am doing with my life.

Absolutely nothing of interest until reaching Elstree and Borehamwood, where I walk the high street expecting to find refreshment. I am not exaggerating when I say that barber shops outnumber pubs by more than a ten to one. The two pubs, Pick and Shovel and the Alfred Arms, both look too dull for even me. And my head was too sweaty to get a haircut. Instead, I get to learn about the British Film Industry though the many information boards dotted along.

A frankly terrible picture of Elstree Studios

Haircut, not pints - and Elizabeth Taylor

Aldenham Country Park offers some relief. In an attempt to lure families, they have re-created it as 100 Aker Wood and setup a number of Winnie the Pooh artifacts to hunt for. Of course, someone has set up an Adventure Lab Cache, so I try my best not to look suspicious among the families and gathering the clues. I dread to think what I would react if I were out with grandchildren and I saw myself loitering around.

100 Aker Wood

If there is one place that the solo man of advancing years is welcome, it's the pub. I checked the opening hours on Google Maps. To be honest, I expected little from a back street pub emblazoned with "Sky Sports" banners. But there was nothing else in the Good Beer Guide anywhere near.

Of course, it was a gem. Along a terraced street, with some outdoor patio seating, I was unable to take an external photo. The beauty is inside.

Proper

The ubiquitous Timothy Taylor Landlord was in fine condition. Taken outside with an elderly gent who called me brother and moaned about the price of a pint. He could spot a target audience who was prepared to not only listen but to join in. 

£5.40.

Not long before I was whisked back to Euston, where I could have given him something to really moan about.

Walk Information

Distance - 13 Miles

Start - Hadley Wood Station

Finish - Carpenders Park Station

Areas Walked - Elstree, Borehamwood and Bushey

Geocaches - 10

Pubs - 1

Previous Walks - Stage 1, Stage 2, Stage 3, Stage 4, Stage 5, Stage 6, Stage 7, Stage 8, Stage 9, Stage 10, Stage 11, Stage 12, Stage 13, Stage 14, Stage 15, Stage 16, Stage 17, Stage 18  

01/03/25 - London Spiral Stage 18 - Woodford to Hadley Wood

15 Miles but only 3 Pubs

And one of those was a Harvester and doesn't count.

Who would have thought London at the edge of Epping Forest and Enfield would be so dry? 

Today's walk was meant to start at Roding Mill Tube Station but that's too much of a pain to get to. Some odd loop on the Central Line. It makes more sense to add half a mile to the route and hell, you never know what you are going to find.

A rather normal suburban house for a former Prime Minister. Clement Attlee was here

Not long till the South Western edge of Epping Forest at Queen Elizabeth Hunting Lodge. Mainly notable for the mud that has not stopped some sort of under 10s cross country run. Junior Mud Runners. There is no doubt I was wearing the wrong footwear.

A rare mud free section of Epping Forest 

Pole Hill Obelisk and Trig Point

Reservoirs in view

The twin reservoirs of William Girling and King George are dissected by a road. The urban streets of Enfield instantly forgettable. Simply nothing of interest.

The Albion kick off at 12:30 with a herculean task of facing the mighty Leeds. I hope to find a pub with wi-fi and power. Instead, I find a bench in the grounds of Forty Hall Farm. Already a goal down by the time I have logged on.

Forty Hall Farm - London's only vineyard

Move on but prayers are answered for the second half. The Rose and Crown, Clay Hill. 

Extend, Extend, Extend

It's got history. A pub is believed to have existed on this spot since 1572 and brace yourself, there is a Dick Turpin reference. Of course there is, although this sounds genuine. Owned by Dick's Grandfather.

Today, its atmospheric with low beamed ceilings and plenty of ancient wooded support beams to navigate. It might be "gastro" but I shall be forever grateful for the Chesterfield sofa and Timothy Taylor. Especially as the Baggies pulled it back for a credible and unexpected draw.

Onwards - 5 miles to go to Hadley Wood Station - sharing the route with the London Loop. I barely remember this section, despite it offering fine countryside walking.

Re-wilding on the London Loop

Nothing to tempt you to stop at Hadley Wood - unless you are a fan of huge gated properties. Tap in and hot foot it back to the City.

Where, as always, a cancelled Avanti train awaits. At least Delay Replay is getting more efficient. The refund was back in my account in less than 24 hours. 

Walk Information

Distance - 15 Miles

Start - Woodford Tube Station

Finish -Hadley Wood Station

Areas Walked - Epping Forest, Chingford, Enfield

Geocaches - 4

Pubs - 1

Previous Walks - Stage 1, Stage 2, Stage 3, Stage 4, Stage 5, Stage 6, Stage 7, Stage 8, Stage 9, Stage 10, Stage 11, Stage 12, Stage 13, Stage 14, Stage 15, Stage 16, Stage 17