u3a

Spelthorne K2

Walking

Status:Active, open to new members
Group leader:
When: On Wednesday mornings
normally 1st, 3rd & 4th in month

WHEN: We aim to have a walk programme covering the first, third and fourth Wednesdays of each month. Occasionally we walk on the second Wednesday and on other days of the week.

WHERE: We walk mainly in Surrey, Berkshire and London with occasional walks further afield. Some of our walks meet at a railway station.

AIMS: To maintain and improve fitness as we get older, enjoy the countryside and enjoy companionship.

WALKS: We do a variety of walks, mainly from 5 to 10 miles in length although we also have recently been incorporating shorter walks (circa 3 miles) as these are very popular. Most walks are circular but sometimes public transport is used to return to the start. For the more strenuous ones an indication will be given in our walking programme.

Picture of the walking group on a walk

A group of walkers

Walkers on some steps

A group of Walkers near Polesden Lacey

PREREQUISITES: To be able to walk at least 5 miles at a moderate pace for the longer walks. For the shorter walks, these are carried out at a more leisurely pace.

WHAT YOU NEED: As a minimum good country walking shoes. Walking boots are preferable for the wetter weather as are waterproofs or possibly an umbrella – we walk all year round.

CHARGES: To cover the cost of running the group, members are required to pay an annual subscription. This is currently £5.00 per person. Our expenditure is reviewed at the group AGM. Our membership year is the same as that of K2: from September to August.

CAR SHARE: Car share is encouraged and is arranged via a dedicated WhatsApp group. Each passenger is expected to pay a fuel contribution to the driver (currently 20p per mile one-way). The drivers and passengers agree mutually suitable pick-up points. To join the WhatsApp group, contact Gill and give her your mobile number, by clicking on this link: Gill T.
There are 2 optional car share locations where car parking is free and the passengers can meet up with their drivers. Click on Car Share Locations to see these.

EVENTS: We sometimes organise a lunch in February/March, a picnic in the summer and we also have an AGM in November at which all members are welcome to express their views.

GROUP: We are a large group with about 40 members. Typically 5 to 20 people attend each walk.

WALK PROGRAMME: We produce a programme with information on the proposed walks; this programme is updated regularly. Due to issues with emails, this programme is no longer emailed out to members. Up to date details are available on the website (see the links below).

WALK DETAILS and booking your place on a walk: You can see details for each individual walk by clicking on the blue text for that specific walk in the Programme below. In the description, there should be the name of the walk leader(s) in blue text. Clicking on the name will open up a message screen where you can then write and send an email to the leader to ask a question, or book yourself on the walk.

WALK LEADERS: We are always looking for new walk leaders as without these, we cannot put together a programme. Even if you have not led any walks before, if you fancy having a try at leading, you can jointly lead a few walks with an experienced leader until you have enough confidence to lead walks yourself. We are particularly keen to have people who are prepared to lead the short walks (these generally are quite easy to organise).

NB the contact details for the various walk leaders are not included on this public page to protect privacy, however they can be found in "Links" below and also in the Members Area.

VACANCIES: Yes.

Links

WALK DETAILS and booking your place on a walk: You can see details for each individual walk by clicking on the blue text for that specific walk in the list below. In the description, there should be the name of the walk leader(s) in blue text. Clicking on the name will open up a message screen where you can then write and send an email to the leader to ask a question, or book yourself on the walk.

NB the contact details for the various walk leaders are not included on this public page to protect privacy, however they can be found in "Links" above and also in the Members Area.

PROJECT WALK 2025.
This year we completed the St James' Way in 9 stages or "legs". The initial planning can be seen in the document at this link: 2025 Project Walk but for details of all the legs you can see the descriptions by clicking the "List of previous walks" button below.

There is also a lot of information about the background to St James' Way on the internet, see The Confraternity Of St James.

Most legs required a car share and shuttle arrangement. For details of how this worked, click on Car Share Principles..

29th October 2025
Group event

Polesden Lacey – 5 miles. Moderate.

Description A lovely varied walk, with beautiful views, in the rolling farmland and ancient woodland behind Polesden Valley.  The walk is undulating, on good tracks.  No stiles. Toilets, coffee shop and café at the start […]

5th November 2025
Group event

Datchet, Eton and Windsor, 5.5 miles

Overview: This flat walk starts from Horton Road Car Park, Datchet, goes alongside Datchet golf course, past Eton College, down Eton High Street, over Windsor Bridge and back to Datchet […]

8th November 2025
11:00 am - 12:30 pm
Group event

Walking Group AGM

The Annual General Meeting for the Walking Group will be held at St Hilda's Church Hall, Stanwell Rd, Ashford TW15 3QL, on November 8th, commencing at 11am. Everyone in the […]
Venue: St Hilda's Church Hall

19th November 2025
Group event

Twickenham to Richmond - about 5 miles

This is a lovely morning walk by the river from Twickenham to Richmond. We will stop for coffee and toilets at the Tide Tables cafe in Richmond, then walk back along the […]

26th November 2025
Group event

3rd December 2025
Group event

Future walk dates in the next few months where walks and walk leaders have not yet been allocated, are listed below:
3rd and 17th December

Click on any image below to see it as a full size picture. You can then scroll through the whole gallery.

A list of previous walks can be seen below:

22nd October 2025
Group event

Horsell Common and Area - 6.0 Miles

Description: Route: Heather Farm Café Car Park. Anthony’s, McLaren Technology Centre, Fairoaks Airport. Then back to start. This will be done at a MODERATE PACE. Mainly flat walk across common, […]

15th October 2025
Group event

Walton Cowey Sale, Desborough Island - 2.5 miles, leisurely pace.

A really lovely walk along the towpath from Cowey Sale to the second bridge onto Desborough Island, round the island and return via other bridge to Cowey Sale where walkers can have […]

1st October 2025
Group event

Richmond Park - 8 miles (Moderate)

Route: We will venture through Ham Common Woods to Ham Gate where one toilet is available (20p credit card payment required). We will then skirt the Isabella Plantation with an […]

24th September 2025
Group event

Richmond Park Circular - 5.5 miles (easy pace).

Route: From Richmond Station we walk across Richmond Green to the river. We follow the towpath passing under Richmond Bridge to some boatyards. Here we leave the river to the Terrace Gardens […]

21st September 2025
9:00 am
to 22nd September 2025
Group event

Project Walk legs 8 and 9 Winchester to Eastleigh (9 miles) then to Southampton (8.5 miles).

Overview:These 2 legs will use a combination of car share and public transport. There is an overnight stay (all pre-booked) in Eastleigh. The walk follows the Itchen for some of […]

3rd September 2025
Group event

Basingstoke Canal from Woking to Brookwood (repeat) – approx. 4½ miles.

A flat easy walk, at an easy pace, from Woking to Brookwood. The towpath may be muddy –poles will be useful if there has been recent rain. There is some road […]

27th August 2025
Group event

A walk in Berkshire - 5.5 miles

Description:   Route: The pretty Berkshire village of Hurley, a lovely open stretch of the Thames Path, fields, hedgerows and light woodland.  No stiles. There is one stretch of hedgerow which may have […]

20th August 2025
Group event

Project Walk leg 7 – New Alresford to Winchester - about 10.5 miles (moderate pace)

Overview:We need to car share for this leg as there are no viable public transport options to reach the start, however we do not need to shuttle the cars as […]

13th August 2025
Group event

Walking Group Annual Picnic and Short Walk

Picnic in Sylvia’s Garden with a short walk afterwards. Please bring your own picnic and drink.   12:00 for 12:30.   Sylvia has lots of chairs but if you have a couple of folding […]

6th August 2025
Group event

Chobham Common - 7 miles (moderate pace)

Description: Route: Chobham Common Roundabout Car park. Albury Bottom. Burrow Hill. This will be done at a MODERATE PACE. Mainly flat walk across common and woods and passageway under M3 […]

30th July 2025
Group event

Project Walk leg 6 – Preston Candover to New Alresford - about 9 miles (moderate pace)

Overview:We need to car share for this leg as there are no public transport options. This is one of the longer legs of the Project Walk, mostly on footpaths but […]

23rd July 2025
Group event

Syon Lane to Richmond - 3 miles (easy pace)

Note - there are 2 walks on the 23rd July, this shorter one and a longer one led by Margaret and Norman, details are here: Walk in Outwood. Route: Syon Lane […]

23rd July 2025
Group event

Walk in Outwood - 8.7 miles (moderate pace)

Note - there are 2 walks on the 23rd July, this longer one and the shorter one led by Neil, details are here: Sion Lane to Richmond Description: Route: Outwood […]

16th July 2025
Group event

Newlands Corner, St Martha's Hill and The Chantries - approx 6.75 miles (hilly)

Please note that we will be walking in the Surrey Hills, along sections of the North Downs Way.  Each section of the walk involves an ascent. A lovely circular walk from […]

2nd July 2025
Group event

Sunningdale and Wentworth. Approx 5 mile loop from Sunningdale station (easy pace)

An easy walk at a moderate pace taking 2 ½ - 3 hours. There are no steps or stiles. There is some road walking at the beginning and end but […]

25th June 2025
Group event

Project Walk leg 5 - Kempshott to Preston Candover - about 6.5 miles (moderate/easy pace)

Overview:We need to car share for this leg as there are no public transport options. This is the shortest leg of the Project Walk, there are no easy options to […]

18th June 2025
Group event

POSTPONED due to the hot weather - Devil’s Punch Bowl: High Road and Pine Valley - 6 miles (Moderate pace)

POSTPONED DUE TO THE HOT WEATHER Description:This is a Fancy Free walk so may be downloaded and printed (https://fancyfreewalks.org/Surrey/PunchBowlLane.pdf). Four of us went on this walk last year and it […]

4th June 2025
Group event

Windsor Great Park - 3.5 miles

Overview:This walk starts at Saville Garden Car Park and passes through the Valley Garden and  Heather Garden then retraces the path back to the car park.  The walk is undulating and will […]

28th May 2025
Group event

A Walk in The Park - Egham to Virginia Water via Windsor Park - 7.5 miles (Easy pace)

Route: Egham Station via Windsor Great Park to Virginia Water Station 7½ miles. A linear local walk with one steep hill taken at an EASY pace.  The start is outside Egham Railway Station […]

21st May 2025
Group event

Project Walk leg 4 - Pamber End to Kempshott, about 9 miles

Overview: We need to car share for this leg as there are no public transport options. The walking route starts in Pamber End at the car park of the Queens […]

7th May 2025
Group event

The Navigation, Coxes Lock and Wey Bridge  6 – 6.5 miles (flat, moderate pace)

Description:  This is a surprisingly shady, tranquil walk along the Wey Navigation and River Wey. There are 2 stiles on the walk. The footpaths may be muddy so good walking boots […]

30th April 2025
Group event

Twickenham to Isleworth (flat, easy pace)

This is a flat, moderate walk from Twickenham Station. We walk through the High Street, past the Green, to Kneller Gardens, for a coffee and toilet stop (about 40 minutes […]

23rd April 2025
9:00 am
Group event

Project Walk Leg 3 - Silchester to Pamber End - about 7.5 miles. (Moderate pace, likely to be some hilly parts)

Overview:We need to car share for this leg as there are no public transport options. The walking route starts in Silchester Roman Town - an English Heritage site that was […]

16th April 2025
10:00 am
Group event

Chiddingfold circular - about 7.5 miles (slightly hilly, moderate to brisk pace). NOTE CHANGE OF DATE.

A walk starting at the Crown Inn in Chiddingfold. We will have lunch at the Ramster tea house (eating a packed lunch outside is an option). The walk is based […]

2nd April 2025
Group event

Mole Gap - 8 miles (hilly, moderate pace)

Description: Route: Rykas Box Hill Car Park, Box Hill Station, Michael’s Chapel, Druids Grove, Leatherhead Station, Train to Dorking Station, Denbies and return to Rykas Box Hill Car Park.  Hilly and can be very muddy. This is a linear walk. This […]

26th March 2025
Group event

Project Walk Leg 2 - Sheffield Bottom Lock to Silchester - 9.4 miles (slight hills, moderate pace). Option for just 5.8 miles.

Overview:We start our journey at Theale Railway Station and walk 0.5 miles to pick up the St James’ Way at the Kennet and Avon Canal.  From there we head south on […]

19th March 2025
Group event

London Bridges Walk - Vauxhall Bridge to Tower Bridge - 5.7 or 7.1 miles (flat, easy pace)

Description:An easy paced moderate walk from Vauxhall railway station along the River Thames crossing either eight or ten bridges.  MAXIMUM NUMBER of participants: 15 Crossing Vauxhall bridge there is a […]

7th March 2025
Group event

POSTPONED. Richmond & Twickenham: Figure of eight - 8 miles (moderate/brisk pace) - NOTE THIS IS A FRIDAY

This walk has been postponed due to lack of participants. It will be rescheduled. Route:  A circular walk to Petersham Meadows, Richmond Bridge, Marble Hill Park, Richmond Lock, Richmond Hill, […]

5th March 2025
Group event

Walking Group Annual Lunch

The Walking Group Annual Lunch will be held at the Three Horseshoes (25 Shepperton Road, Laleham, Middlesex, TW18 1SE).  The meal will start at 1pm and will be preceded by […]

Booking Required

26th February 2025
Group event

Project Walk Leg 1 - Reading to Sheffield Bottom Lock - 7.2 miles (flat, moderate pace)

Overview: We start our journey at Reading Station and will then pop into Reading Museum (see Facilities below). From there we head to the Catholic Church of St James (it […]

19th February 2025
Group event

Basingstoke Canal from Woking to Brookwood – approx. 5 miles (flat, moderate pace)

A flat easy walk, at a moderate pace, from Woking to Brookwood. The towpath may be muddy –poles will be useful if there has been recent rain. There is some road […]

5th February 2025
Group event

Windsor Park - about 6.2 miles (flat, moderate pace)

Description: A pleasant walk around Windsor Park. 90% of the walk is on tarmac roads and paths, although there is generally a soft grassy verge to the side of the […]

29th January 2025
Group event

Bushy Park - about 6.5 miles (flat, brisk pace)

Description: Route: Bushy Park, Barge Walk, Home Park and return through Bushy Park.   This will be done at a BRISK PACE. Meet:   Meet at START Diana Car Park Bushy Park Post Code […]

22nd January 2025
Group event

Perimeter of Bushy Park - about 6 miles

Meet  at 10.15am in the Pheasantry Café car park Postcode: TW11 0EW Description: This is obviously a flat walk, with gates, no stiles and mainly on solid paths. A few paths were slightly […]

1st January 2025
Group event

4th December 2024
Group event

Basingstoke Canal from New Haw Lock to Woking - 5.5 miles

Description: A flat, easy walk at a moderate pace, from New Haw Lock to Woking - approximately 5½ miles. We follow the River Wey Navigation briefly then branch off at […]

27th November 2024
Group event

Capital Ring Walk - Stage 10, Earlsfield to Richmond, 7.5 miles

A delightful walk with few hills.  We go across Wimbledon Common and Richmond Park.   We get the train to Earlsfield and walk about mile to cafe “Mirror on the […]

20th November 2024
Group event

Bushy Park - 6.5 miles

Description: Route: Bushy Park, Barge Walk, Home Park and return through Bushy Park.   This will be done at a BRISK PACE. Meet:   Meet at START Diana Car Park Bushy Park Post Code […]

9th November 2024
11:00 am
Group event

Walking Group AGM

Walking Group AGM - NOTE the change from the original date. All walking Group members are welcome to attend. Refreshments will be provided. Start Time: 11am Venue: This will be […]

30th October 2024
Group event

Twickenham to Richmond - about 5 miles

This is a lovely morning walk by the river from Twickenham to Richmond. We will stop for coffee and toilets at the Tide Tables cafe in Richmond, then walk back along the […]

23rd October 2024
Group event

Capital Ring Walk - Stage 9, Crystal Palace to Earlsfield, 8.3 miles

Description: Route: Belvedere Road. Biggin Wood. Norwood Grove. Streatham Common. Wandsworth Prison. There are some hills on this walk, with good views. Bring your own lunch and snack/drinks. There are toilets […]

16th October 2024
Group event

Datchet, Eton and Windsor - 5.5 miles.

The walk starts from the Horton Road Car Park, Datchet, goes alongside Datchet golf course, past Eton College, down Eton High Street, over Windsor Bridge and back to Datchet through […]

2nd October 2024
Group event

Finchampstead and the Long Water - 7.5 miles

Overview: This is a pleasant walk starting near the lakes to the south of Finchampstead.  Getting there is relatively easy as it involves mainly the M3 and avoids the troublesome […]

25th September 2024
Group event

Capital Ring Walk - Stage 8, Grove Park to Crystal Palace, 8 miles

Description: Route: Takes in Downham Woodland Walk, Beckenham Place Park, Crystal Palace. Bring your own lunch and snack/drinks. There will be a coffee/toilet stop at a café at Grove Park station. […]

18th September 2024
Group event

Chess Valley Walk, Chorleywood Common to Chesham – 8.5 miles.

Description: This is a pleasant walk through mostly open countryside alongside the River Chess from Chorleywood Common to Chesham town centre.  It is an unusual walk in that we walk 7.5 […]

1st September 2024
to 5th September 2024
Group event

Lake District Holiday

***Fully booked*** Theme: Rambling / Leisure. Hotel: Cumbria Grand Hotel, Grange-over-Sands. Duration: 4 Nights dinner, bed & breakfast. The hotel, built in 1880, is set in 20 acres of private […]

28th August 2024
Group event

Capital Ring Walk - Stage 7, Woolwich Arsenal to Grove Park, 10 miles

Route: An interesting and varied day, where we follow the Thames Path for a short distance before following part of the Green Chain Walk to Woolwich Common. We stay on […]

21st August 2024
10:30 am
Group event

Newlands Corner, St Martha’s Hill and The Chantries.  Approx. 5.5 miles.   A moderately challenging route.

A lovely circular walk from Newlands Corner on the North Downs Way (568 ft), across Albury Down with its open views of the Surrey Hills, up to St Matha’s Hill.   […]

14th August 2024
Group event

Capital Ring Walk - Stage 6, Hackney Wick/Stratford to Woolwich Arsenal, 9 miles

NOTE the new date Description:Route: Takes in Olympic Park, Greenway, City Airport and Foot Tunnel under the River Thames. This will be a long day as we start the walk […]

7th August 2024
Group event

Walking Group Annual picnic and short walk

Open to Walkers and Amblers.  Picnic in Sylvia’s Garden with a short walk afterwards. Please bring your own picnic and drink.   12:00 for 12:30.   Sylvia has lots of chairs but if you have […]

31st July 2024
Group event

A walk around Bushy/Home Park - 6.5 miles

Description: Route: Bushy Park, Barge Walk, Home Park and return through Bushy Park.  Could be Muddy after rain. Meet:   Meet at START Diana Car Park, Bushy Park, Post Code KT8 9BZ.  Start Time […]

24th July 2024
Group event

Capital Ring Walk - Stage 5, Crouch Hill to Hackney Wick/Stratford, 8.3 miles

Note the new date as the original walk had to be postponed (This walk has not been recced). An interesting walk via Finsbury Park alongside the New River and through […]

17th July 2024
Group event

Gracious Pond Loop - 6.5 miles

Description: This is a lovely varied walk and takes us over Chobham Common to the Fishpool (we have visited there recently on another walk). We then walk west and take a […]

3rd July 2024
Group event

Walking Group Coach Trip and walk - Stratford-upon-Avon. Sold out - Waiting list only

This is the annual coach trip walk for the Walking Group, but it is also open for those who would just like a nice day out in Stratford-upon-Avon.  If you don’t […]

19th June 2024
10:15 am
Group event

***REVISED** Fancy Free (group led) walk: Devil's Punch Bowl, 6 miles

This is a FANCY FREE WALK and as such has not been recced. Please download or print off a copy so we can follow it together. The walk chosen this […]

5th June 2024
Group event

A walk from Ranmore Common to Polesden Lacey, 6 miles

This is a Fancy Free Walk and will not be recced. The route includes the woodlands of Ranmore Common with great views from the North Downs Way and the Polesden Lacey Estate. The walk […]

29th May 2024
Group event

A walk around Chobham Common, 7.5 miles

This is a repeat of the walk first done on 21st February Description: Route takes in Burrow Hill Green, M3 tunnel, Memorial Cross, Ship Hill and return to start. There are a […]

22nd May 2024
Group event

Capital Ring Walk - Stage 4, 8 miles

This walk takes us through some nice parkland in Hendon, Hampstead and Highgate.  The walk is largely on paved or tarmac paths, but there are stretches through the parkland that will […]

15th May 2024
Group event

A walk in the Surrey Hills near Polesden Lacey, 5 miles

Description: A lovely varied walk, with beautiful views, in the rolling farmland and ancient woodland behind Polesden Valley. The walk is undulating, on good tracks, with two steady climbs. No stiles. […]

1st May 2024
Group event

Fancy-Free walk: Ripley and the River Wey, 5 miles

Fancy-Free walk: Ripley and the River Wey, 5 miles. This is a group-led walk (download a copy of the route from the Fancy Free Walks website). This is a “group […]