Walking - Special walk on Friday night!

[Ian Bull]

Hullo everyone,

This coming Friday, 2nd August, there's a walk that includes many of the best parts of SE London's 'Green Chain' footpath network, and that means the best woodland and views in London. Its fairly long at 22 miles but will be at a leisurely pace. The difference is that it's overnight!

Some of you have done this before (this is the fourth year) and everyone has really enjoyed it.

If this takes your fancy, read the below.

All the best

Ian

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Dear ********,

I look forward to seeing you but please note that you join me entirely at you own risk, I take no responsibility for your safety and welfare.

*** The Midnight Megawalk will start from Crystal Palace railway station at 23.45 on Friday 2nd August. ***

Anyone doing this would experience complete darkness through dense woodland and literally stunning views over London at first light.
Typically, they could see a black sky to the left and a turquoise sky to the right with the City in-between. People who've done this before found the experience memorable and probably didn't forget it. The aim is to be at the top of Shooters Hill to see the sunrise at 05.24.

You can see the route I'll be taking at these two web addresses...

http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=3142264

http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=3095310

I'll be using the 'Green Chain Walk' throughout except in Crystal Palace Park and the Downham Woodland Walk which are closed overnight. I'll easily be able to walk around both.

If the entrance to Beckenham Place Park is open (exactly 4 miles on the first of the links above) I'll enter and walk through. This includes pitch black dense woodland. The gate at the far end will almost certainly be locked and I'll have to climb over a three foot high fence. This hasn't presented a problem over the past three years. The remainder of the walk will be unobstructed.

Up until Eltham Park South at 10.75 miles about half the route is 'road walking' but then I'll go off-road and stay off-road for almost the whole of the rest of the route.

It's *essential* to take supplies, particularly water, as the only shops that might be open are at 5.5 miles in Downham and 18.4 miles in Belvedere.

Much more about the route can be seen and read at these addresses...

http://greenchain.com/

http://www.walklondon.org.uk/route.asp?R=2

The only point where timing will be essential is to be at Shrewsbury Park on the North West side of Shooters Hill (13.7 miles) to see the Sun rise at 05.26. That gives very ample time from a midnight start so I may extend my walk around Shooters Hill by an additional 1.5 miles to see Severndroog Castle in half light, a remarkable sight.

This route is most enjoyable in all conditions, even mid Winter, but with a clear sky the nocturnal version is outstanding. I shall definitely take binoculars and may take a camera. If the weather conditions are ideal the vistas are literally unforgettable.

THIS IS WHAT I'M GOING TO DO TO MAKE SURE I FINISH COMFORTABLY.

I WON'T drink alcohol beforehand. I'll take a small torch. I'll take water, the amount depending on the temperature. I'll have a railway ticket to get me back from Erith the next morning. I'll wear socks and shoes that I know won't blister me. Depending on the temperature I might take a pullover as it's much cooler towards Erith than in central London. I will take a working mobile phone. I will let others know what I'm going to do.

Feel free to join me, at your own risk, and also feel free to tell your friends. All are welcome but I do stress that I take no responsibility for the safety or welfare of anyone who joins me.


All the best

Ian

[Ian Bull]

Success! After a 40 minute delay for rain we marched off to Erith and saw wonderful views (Yes, a black sky to the left and a turquoise sky to the right with the City in-between), and a terrific sunrise.

If you'd like to try this during the day just be at Crystal Palace station at 09.15 on Saturday 28th September. Even better, go to...

http://www.walklondon.org.uk/

...and click the contact us link on the top right. Send them an e-mail or call them up and they'll put you on the invitations list for hundreds of free guided walks every year.

All the best

Ian

[biscuitman1978]

It was a superb walk! Many thanks, Ian.

I highly recommend taking part in future walks if you enjoy a steady but relaxed walking pace and enjoy seeing some of London's less well know views and sights. Incidentally, people taking part last night ranged in age from twenty something to late sixties, so all are welcome!