Hullo everyone,
Do you enjoy walking? Would you like to participate in something out of the ordinary that starts in Sydenham?
I lead most of the walks on SE London's 'Green Chain Walk' long distance footpath network on behalf of 'Walk London' and the GCW itself. Literally thousands have taken part. Some of them have suggested something exceptional and possibly downright barmy.
At 11.30 PM (23.30) on Saturday 11th June we'll meet outside Crystal Palace railway station and walk the 22 miles to the Eastern extremity of the Green Chain at Erith. Yes, overnight. Just under half the route is 'off-road' and can be most rural.
Those who are mad enough to take part will benefit from a remarkable experience. Seeing the sun rise out of the North Sea and tackling steep paths in London's densest woodland to a tremendous morning chorus. You won't find that birdsong in the inner parts of London. You won't find the remarkable light of early dawn in woodland in the city centre either. This is the best and only chance.
There's no sign-up and this is wholly unofficial, not arranged by any body. It will be a wonderful experience but some matters must be clear before you partake...
I take absolutely no responsibility for your safety or welfare. Note that...
**IF YOU TAKE PART IN THIS WALK YOU DO SO ENTIRELY AT YOUR OWN RISK AND YOU WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR OWN WELL-BEING**
Is that clear and fully understood? If not, DO NOT TAKE PART.
If you do take part you'll have a wonderful night that you may never forget. Some serious suggestions...
* Bring plenty of water and something to eat.
* Don't drink alcohol beforehand, it will dehydrate you.
* Respect the time. Walk quietly through populated areas.
* You must bring a torch. It will be essential for about 40 minutes.
It could be the best walk of the year. I look forward to seeing you outside Crystal Palace railway station at 11.30pm (23.30) on Saturday 11th June.
Feel free to contact me for any further information you might require. My number on the night will be 077 998 101 78. NOTE, this does not receive texts or voicemail.
All the best
Ian Bull
020 7223 3572
Green Chain Walk - Sat 11th - DIFFERENT!
Re: Green Chain Walk - Sat 11th - DIFFERENT!
Sounds excellent Ian.
How do the participants get back from Erith ?
How do the participants get back from Erith ?
Re: Green Chain Walk - Sat 11th - DIFFERENT!
Hullo Alib,
No problem. Trains to from Erith to London Bridge start before 7am (it takes half an hour). Then change for a train direct to Crystal Palace or wherever. You could go by bus (99 from Erith to Woolwich, 122 from Woolwich to CP) but it would take a bit longer.
No problem. Trains to from Erith to London Bridge start before 7am (it takes half an hour). Then change for a train direct to Crystal Palace or wherever. You could go by bus (99 from Erith to Woolwich, 122 from Woolwich to CP) but it would take a bit longer.
Re: Green Chain Walk - Sat 11th - DIFFERENT!
Just to add to my reply to Alib,
There are several Night bus routes available if anyone gets worn out. First is at Downham, then Shooters Hill Road and then Plumstead and the remainder of the course. I'll have maps with the route No.s etc. tonight.
Best - Ian
There are several Night bus routes available if anyone gets worn out. First is at Downham, then Shooters Hill Road and then Plumstead and the remainder of the course. I'll have maps with the route No.s etc. tonight.
Best - Ian
Re: Green Chain Walk - Sat 11th - DIFFERENT!
Hullo everyone,
Some notes for participants in tonight's walk.
For the first 12.5 miles or so we'll *have* to walk at slightly over average walking pace. Three and a half miles per hour will do the job. This is so that we've arrived at the best possible vantage point by the time the sun rises.
If you need a Night bus we'll cross some routes. N36 & N47 at 5 miles. N21 at 10 miles. N89 at 12.5 miles. 53 at 14.5 miles.
The weather forecast is perfect!!
I look forward to seeing you later.
All the best - Ian
Some notes for participants in tonight's walk.
For the first 12.5 miles or so we'll *have* to walk at slightly over average walking pace. Three and a half miles per hour will do the job. This is so that we've arrived at the best possible vantage point by the time the sun rises.
If you need a Night bus we'll cross some routes. N36 & N47 at 5 miles. N21 at 10 miles. N89 at 12.5 miles. 53 at 14.5 miles.
The weather forecast is perfect!!
I look forward to seeing you later.
All the best - Ian
Re: Green Chain Walk - Sat 11th - DIFFERENT!
Ian, I appreciate your comments and the effort you are putting into this evening.
Unfortunately, I have been dissuaded by my wife and aching knee joints that I am a stubborn (middle-aged)male who believes his physical abilities have not depreciated in the last 20years.
I have walked sections of the Green Chain at various points this year and am now unconvinced in my own ability to complete the whole 22 miles.
Shame on me for woosing-out, but wish you the very best of luck and weather for this evening.
Unfortunately, I have been dissuaded by my wife and aching knee joints that I am a stubborn (middle-aged)male who believes his physical abilities have not depreciated in the last 20years.
I have walked sections of the Green Chain at various points this year and am now unconvinced in my own ability to complete the whole 22 miles.
Shame on me for woosing-out, but wish you the very best of luck and weather for this evening.
Re: Green Chain Walk - Sat 11th - DIFFERENT!
Thanks Alib,
Yes, this is a walk that one should only partake in if your sure of your abilities, the few 12.5 miles will be a bit of a march and there's very little transport available.
The daytime version on 24th September is designed for no more than average pace and there are plenty of chances to get home early if required. I'll let everyone know about it and you'd be very welcome to give it a go.
All the best - Ian
Yes, this is a walk that one should only partake in if your sure of your abilities, the few 12.5 miles will be a bit of a march and there's very little transport available.
The daytime version on 24th September is designed for no more than average pace and there are plenty of chances to get home early if required. I'll let everyone know about it and you'd be very welcome to give it a go.
All the best - Ian