Exploring the Elizabeth Line: Brentwood to Harold Wood Walk

Today Gill and I tested out a walk in a new book "Exploring the Elizabeth Line" by Jeff Lock. The new Cross London East to West ("Lizzie") rail line from Shenfield to Reading has been a boom for commuters and travellers (but so far somewhat unreliable). 

This walking guide book lists 23 walks from "Lizzie" rail stations. Today we did walk 12 "Brentwood to Harold Wood via Tylers Common".  Only 5.5 miles (we also did do about a mile extra to avoid mud). A lovely walk. Went past the headquarters of Fords Cars UK (bottom left) and next door the Essex Regiment Church (top right).

We stopped off for lunch at the Upminster Garden Centre (recommended). Some road noise from M25 but mostly very quiet and peaceful. No rain!!!

Looking forward to the next 22 walks. 

When we got home, I went out for more walking around the mean streets of Forest Gate to train for my 26 Mile London Winter walk at the end of the month. Goggle fit and Zepp life estimate that I have walked 13 plus miles today, which is means that my walk preparation is so far going to plan. 

Walking along Bournemouth Beach

Last weekend Gill and I were in Bournemouth and the weather Gods were kind to us as we walked from the Pier to Boscombe, then as far as Port Man Ravine, before turning back. A little windy but largely blue skies and sunshine. The surfers were out in force chasing the waves, we passed the oldest Council built beach hut in the UK and enjoyed the winter peace and solitude. 

We did a figure of 8 walking route' alternating between the beach and the cliffs, there and back. My Zepp Life app recorded 10.48 miles (it is a little basic and I think it over estimates distance).Good training anyway for my 26 mile homeless charity walk in January. 

Check out further photos in my walking Facebook page. 
 

Capital Ring Walk 2: Falconwood to Grove Park

Today, Gill and I completed the 2nd "Capital Ring" walk around London. Officially only 3.5 miles but our Zepp Life walking app claimed 6 miles. This included walks from local railway stations to start and finish but also getting a little lost and exploring the gardens in Eltham Palace. 

It was more built up than last week (no sunshine and much colder) but still very pleasant, mostly walking through parks, green lanes and footpaths. 

The highlight was stopping off at Eltham Palace, childhood home of King Henry V111 and the country home of the English monarchy for over 250 years, run now by English Heritage. We did not have time to tour the inside of the Palace, and had a disappointing experience with a grumpy and rude cafe manager but the other staff and volunteers were most welcoming. Will return in summer to explore further. 

The Courtaulds family bought and restored the site in the 1930s, using I assume their wealth obtained from their textile mills. I was brought up in North Wales and the mills in Flint and Holywell were major employers but when they closed,  it contributed to massive unemployment at the time. There are also serious concerns about the safety of these mills and the impact on its workers. 

We passed the home of famous cricketer WG Grace and the theatre named after another famous local boy, the comedian Bob Hope, who emigrated to America aged 4.  British comedian, Frankie Howard was also brought up near here. We then walked past the home of "Farmer Brown" who at the turn of the 20th century, dressed in smock and tall hat, who lived to the age of 102 "on a diet of whiskey, ale, steak and cigars". 

It took about an hour to get there and back via train from Forest Gate. You can get a route for free form google maps but we used Ordnance Survey app (subscription) and the guide book "The Capital Ring" by Colin Saunders. 

Check out further pictures on my facebook page https://www.facebook.com/walksinandaroundlondon/

Exercise log since 2018 (and Roman Road Keto Brunch)

After a run yesterday I checked my watch app (currently called Zepp Life) and I found I had been for 1700 miles of walks and ran 1100 miles since 26/5/18 (also 1546 miles of Cycling). Celebrated with Keto brunch in Fiesta Café, Roman Road.