Cannot do Sundays? Sad to miss the Lavender on the Darent Valley walk? Don’t dispair, we’ve got your back!

Here is another lovely walk on a stone throw from London, and another chance to see and smell the Lavender fields. This walk passes parks, commons and the beautiful Banstead downs. We will pass Warren Farm, which is a Woodland Trust Reserve, a park with the intriguing name of Nonsuch Park and the old village jail at Ewell.

On top of that we will include a visit to the Lavender farm and gift shop.

Will you join us?

How to get there:

We meet up at 9.15 am at London Bridge train station to get the 9.30 train to Caulsdon South. From there we will hop on the Thameslink to Horsham, which should arrive at Caulsdon South at 9.52 am.

Both Caulsdon South and our return station Ewell West are within the Oyser and 60+ Freedom pass zone, so there is no need to buy tickets.

If you do get the train at a different station, please make sure you text me on 078 078 3456 4 to tell me you plan to do that, and then again once you are on it, and in which carriage you are, so we don’t get all worried that you are not there! 🙂
Please be aware that there will be no Overground trains between Surrey Quays to Clapham Junction on this day!

Terrain and length of the route:

The route is about 8 miles/ 12.5 kilometres, but might be slightly longer as we wander around the Lavender fields.

This walk is mostly on level ground, but it does have some stiles and kissing gates, as well as a flight of stairs.

Toilets, food/drinks & what to bring:

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 a few cafes and pubs along the way, and the visitor centre at the Lavender fields have some refreshments and some nice food too.

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 I am counting on sunny weather. So don’t forget to bring a sunhat/cap and sunscreen, as well as something to drink for on the way.

Who can join?

Anyone who can comfortably walk 8 miles/12.5 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: