With Hope in their hearts

Some of the eleven walkers gathering at the The Hope in Carshalton on February 6 2023 had an extra pre-walk as the tiny pub car park was full. After finding spots in local roads they joined the rest on the group enjoying a pre-amble beer from the pub's fine selection of real and craft ales. The route was a reprise of the one  attempted on 15 November 2021 which involved a circular walk following the Wandle River downstream throughout. This seemingly impossible feat requires the use of public transport mid-way to gain altitude, but had been scuppered in 2021 by a broken down tram.

The hopeful eleven

With higher hopes the group set out northwards up the Wandle Trail, enjoying the oasis of tranquillity next to the river, yet still surrounded by urban South London. After 2.5 miles we left the river and followed the busy London Road to Mitcham, then skirted the cricket ground and followed a path across to the Windmill on Mitcham Common. With so many similar local hostelries closing, it was a delight to enjoy the hospitality, excellent beer and a couple of songs at this traditional old style pub. 

Alongside the Wandle near start of the walk

Refreshed, the return journey started with a mile to Mitcham Junction station and tram stop, taking in our stride the only steep section in the whole walk - namely the footbridge over the railway. A tram arrived promptly and the group were soon serenading surprised fellow passengers with a songs. Previously we had been turfed off at Therapia Lane due to a tram failure ahead, but this time we sailed on. The final strains of the Soldier's Farewell were timed to coincide the choir disembarking at Wandle Park.

Winter shadows beside the Wandle

We were soon back on the Wandle Trail heading towards Beddington where we stopped to deliver a morale-boosting visit to convalescing chorister Iain Muir-Nelson.  Iain looked well and cheerful as he greeted us at his front door and sang along to our rendition of Flower of Scotland. Some of his bonhomie might have been due to Scotland beating England at rugby that weekend.

We crossed Beddington Park, the site of some of the group's past football and cricket endeavours for the Carshalton and Beddington clubs, and then on past Westcroft Sports centre. In 2021 the transport difficulties meant that we completed the final stretch in the dark. This time we skirted the picturesque Carshalton ponds in daylight and were soon back at The Hope for more beer and their excellent pot meals. Further pleasure came when we were joined by former Hope barkeep Blake Gillman and his delightful partner Emma.