u3a

Spelthorne K2

Exploring London

A drawing of the main sights of London
Status:Active, open to new members
Group leader:
Group leader:
When: Various

The group started in 2015 with the aim of enabling members to explore on foot the rich heritage of different areas of London using material that had been devised, written and walked by Joan Gardam.

At present there are a total of 26 different walk routes, the majority of which are about 4 to 5 miles in distance. The group has become a very popular part of K2’s activities, and those who have been involved have learnt a great deal more about the history of London by walking through areas they may previously have been unfamiliar with.

The group is open to all K2 members and is dependent upon some of those members volunteering to lead a small group of between 6 and 15 other members on one of the walks. The leaders choose the walk they would like to lead on a day and time suitable to them, and their travel expenses for conducting a “Recce” of the route prior to leading the walk are paid by the group. They then submit their offer to the Exploring London team for inclusion on the programme.

The group is led by Joan Gardam, Helen Beecham and Heather McIntrye. Walks are advertised on the website and it’s easy to follow the instructions below (Signing up for walks) to ask for a place on a walk.

Future developments include the addition of new routes, the updating of some of the Leader’s Notes, and trial afternoon/evening walks.

Click on the blue text above for more details

New members and membership renewals

You can become a new member and receive email updates on new walks by contacting the Exploring London Leaders (Helen Beecham and Heather McIntyre).

The best way to do this is to click on the blue text next to either of the "Group Leaders" above; a new screen opens that will allow you to write and send your message. Please provide your U3A number and ask to be put on the mailing list. The annual membership has been suspended for the time being (it is normally just £1).

Signing up for walks

If you become a member you will be able to sign up for walks on the website when they become available and have the chance to become a leader (a job which is far more fun than onerous).

The walks listed in the "Forthcoming Events" above can be booked by sending a message to the Trip Leader. To do this, click on the event and a new page will open up with details of the walk and the Trip Leader (shown in blue text). Clicking on the blue text opens a screen where you can write and send your message.  ***IMPORTANT, please include a contact phone number when emailing the leader***

Please note that if you have any issues associated with membership, or you have problems signing up for a walk, contact Helen Beecham or Heather McIntyre as described above.

Volunteer Walk Leaders

Volunteer leaders are given access to:

  1. An information sheet about the background to the walk and travel suggestions which is shared with those on the walk.
  2. Leaders’ Notes indicating Refreshment and toilet stops as well as information to be shared with the walkers at various points of interest along the route.
  3. A map of the route marked with the stopping points.

Whilst 1 is shared with the walkers, 2 and 3 remain the property of the Exploring London Group.

A Walk Leader can download a blank sign up sheet in Word format by clicking on this link: Exploring London sign up sheet - Word.
A pdf version can be found by clicking Exploring London sign up sheet - pdf

List of current Trip Leaders - to contact a leader, click on their name below. A window will open for you to write and send your message

Helen BeechamHeather McIntyre
Trip Leader Jean AbersonTrip Leader Caroline Amey
Trip Leader Mike DayTrip Leader Keith Donnelly

Group Leaders Heather and Helen

Links

Below you will see some pictures from the walks that have been completed recently.
Click on the pictures for more details

Collage of photos in London

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