Time for more LOOP (London Outer Orbital Path), a 150-mile walk around the outskirts of the London area, taking in woods, meadows, rivers, canals, and some suburban Odysseys!

We are finally moving away from the Grand Union Canal which has been our trusty companion for some time. So some more hills now! Pleasant rural Hertfordshire, far flung from our native Surrey! Ancient woodland from at least c.1650. Possible Bluebell woods in the afternoon, if they are blooming already, otherwise use your imagination. About 8-9 miles or so.

No tea shops, but two pubs along the way and a ‘Tim Martinspoon’ at the end, if wanted and if we get that far this time. Bring packed lunch, etc. Yellow tabard: if you have one you could bring it. There is a nasty road-crossing, but I may do a ‘Moses’. here and stop the traffic!

Early start, probably the longest journey to a start on the LOOP!

I shall be going ridiculously early on the 7.12am from Tattenham Corner, going via London Bridge, then by tube. This is because I am the ‘leader of the pack’ and this is my job. You can be a little more relaxed (please “do your own research”) BUT please be at Uxbridge in good time to catch the 10.35 U9 bus to Harefield West (getting off at the bus turning circle by Belfry Avenue). If this bus is missed the next is in one hour, or you can get the 331 bus but these are on the hour and half hour from Uxbridge and it requires a one mile walk from Harefield village down to the Harefield West Belfry Ave stop.

Buses that we need (U9 or 331) go from Stop L outside Uxbridge Tube Stn. After going through the barrier from the train, turn right through the side entrance of the station to get to the buses. (Do not go ahead out of the main entrance.) If you get to Uxbridge early there is a wetherspoons not far from the station (by exiting by main entrance and going towards the right.)

Back from Hatch End Rail Stn (assuming we get that far) – 3 trains per hour: Lioness Line to Willesden Junction, then Mildmay Line to Clapham Junction (then Copse Line home!).

I am open to suggestions that we don’t get to Hatch End this time, but come home from Moor Park. This is over half way to Hatch End (from where we start), about 5 miles or so in all, and would not mean a short section next time. We could linger longer in one or both pubs, and maybe even start an hour later. But this is for you to discuss amongst yourselves, and let me know. Otherwise, if I don’t hear from you, I shall do what I’m told and assume we are making for Hatch End.

Paul 07968 223589 (no emails on the day!)

A usual Final Call email much nearer the time will confirm the details, and notify of any change.